Filling Dispensers Patents (Class 141/2)
  • Publication number: 20140261862
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a vest with integrated bulk product storage. The vest may be configured to be worn about a person's neck, with a front portion and a back portion. Each of the front and back portions includes one or more integrated bulk product storage compartments. Bulk product is poured into the compartment via a recloseable filling opening at or near the top of the vest, while bulk product is dispensed from the compartment via a recloseable dispensing opening at or near the bottom of the vest. The vest may also function as a safety vest by exhibiting a safety color and/or pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rick Atkinson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140261861
    Abstract: A system includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the needle hub has a connection portion configured to receive a first container. The system further includes a cannula received by the needle hub with the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and a cannula seal having a resilient sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the cannula. The system also includes a vial adapter configured to be attached to a second container with the vial adapter having a vial seal that is configured to engage the cannula seal. The cannula seal has a first position where the cannula seal encloses the distal end of the cannula and a second position where the cannula seal is retracted to expose the distal end of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Milan Ivosevic, Erik Witt, Paul Paia Marici, Brandon W. Craft
  • Publication number: 20140276637
    Abstract: A syringe device that includes a stem, container, and a plunger, the plunger having tubes with a soluble substance that maintain a seal on compounds within the container's chamber, and/or a parabolic cover held in position by a soluble substance, thus allowing a multi-cycle usage to dispense medication to patients, even while preventing further use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Leonard Allen Massey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140252126
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device for a trash container spray system may be provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the liquid dispensing device is activated upon the trash receptacle being lifted and placed back on the ground, moving a piston and actuator component of the liquid dispensing device from a first to second position, back to the first position, and providing the force needed to spray the liquid compound into the interior of the trash receptacle. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a manually activated pump feature may be provided for spraying a liquid compound into the interior of a trash receptacle via the liquid dispensing device. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a float valve feature may be provided for spraying the liquid compound into the interior of the trash receptacle via the liquid dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Stephen Larabee
  • Patent number: 8820365
    Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kiro Robotics, S.L.
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Aguerre, Borja Lizari Illarramendi, Susana Soto Iglesias, Naiara Telleria Garay, Gerardo Cajaraville Ordoñana, Maria José Tamés Alonso
  • Publication number: 20140238532
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the regulator assembly includes a flexible member configured to expand and contract in accordance with changes in the volume of the medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the flexible member is substantially free to expand and contract. In some embodiments, the flexible member is not partly or completely located in a rigid enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20140230952
    Abstract: A drug transferring needle includes a needle base portion, a first needle portion having therein an air passage, and a second needle portion longer than the first needle portion and arranged parallel to the first needle portion. In the first needle portion, a first air vent being one end of the air passage is provided on a distal end side of the second needle portion from a second air vent being the other end of the air passage. In the second needle portion, one end of a liquid passage is connected to the inside of the needle base portion, and the other end thereof is a liquid pass opening of the second needle portion. The second needle portion has a distal end having the liquid pass opening, a base portion connected to the needle base portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the distal end and the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Akira Higuchi, Akinobu Okuda, Akihiro Ohta, Yuki Takenaka, Tohru Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140230953
    Abstract: An adapter assembly (10) and a process for supplying a sterilant to a packaging system for cleaning and filling of packages. Specifically, an adapter assembly (10) for directly supplying from a packaging container, such as a blow-molded tight-head plastic packaging container, a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the packaging system without using any intermediate carrier, such as a carboy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SOLVAY SA
    Inventor: Matthew Hearon
  • Publication number: 20140231458
    Abstract: A liquid-dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a container associated with a base, the container and base being mounted within an enclosure (e.g., a cabinet) or on a ground surface, the container having an inlet and an outlet and being movable relative to the base from a first position to a second, different position to present the inlet for refilling of the container with a liquid. The container is also fluidly connected with a dispenser through its outlet so that liquid can be dispensed to a user. Methods of refilling the container are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Keith A. Barclay
  • Publication number: 20140224378
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Dahlquist, Ian Kovacevich, Gonzalo Almada, Thomas Philpott
  • Publication number: 20140224835
    Abstract: A dispensing tool is disclosed which includes an exchangeable container having a main component A, a container having a minor component B, a mixer for the components A and B, and an expelling device for at least one of the containers, the expulsion into the mixer of at least one of the components being controllable independently of the other components. In addition, a method is disclosed for refilling the container of the minor component B of a dispensing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: David Tobler, Michael Schlumpf, Manuel Buck, Dana Maiwald
  • Patent number: 8800608
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Health Robotics, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarrini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 8805592
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for fluid identification and tracking. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining that a vehicle is discharging a fluid, determining an ingredient of the fluid, and determining a first vehicle location. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ingredient, whether discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is allowable and in response to determining that discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is not allowable, performing, by a computing device, a first preventative measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cascades Coal Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W Booth, Tony Anderson
  • Patent number: 8800556
    Abstract: A respiratory system and method includes a filling unit for filling a portable bottle of respiratory gas and a conserver for mounting on such a bottle. A battery on the conserver may be recharged when the bottle is placed on the filing unit. The conserver may include electric timing circuitry operative to control the timing of pulsed flow of respiratory gas from the conserver, and an external electrical coupler to enable adjustment of the timing of the pulsed flow. The conserver may include at least one sensor operative to sense the reversal of flow between exhalation and inhalation, the conserver being operative to commence a respiratory gas delivery pulse in response to the sensing of the reversal of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Richey, II, Thomas Strothmann
  • Publication number: 20140221970
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for performing injections with lowered likelihood of infection include needles and other injection means with protective sleeves or sheaths. The protective sleeve can protect the needle before, during, or before and during an injection. The force needed to administer an injection or penetrate an insertion site using an injection device or system with a protective sleeve can be about the same to up to 50% more than the force needed for a system or device without a protective sleeve. The force needed to collapse the protective sleeve can be less than 100 gram-force. The material, the thickness, or both the material and the thickness of the protective sleeve may differ when comparing the portion of the sleeve near the needle tip and the portion near the base of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Itech JV Development Company
    Inventors: Alexander M. Eaton, Dyson Hickingbotham, David Booth, Gabriel Gordon
  • Patent number: 8794276
    Abstract: Method and machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products according to which a container containing a liquid phase and a gaseous phase is connected to an aspiration circuit of a given amount of the liquid phase; a flow sensor being provided for detecting the passage of the liquid phase and of the gaseous phase along the aspiration circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Health Robotics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
  • Publication number: 20140214000
    Abstract: A device for moving a piston inside a cartridge having a cartridge body and the piston displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge body is presented. The device comprises a first portion having first coupler for coupling the cartridge body to the first portion such that in both directions of the longitudinal axis, a connection exists between the cartridge body and the first portion; and a second portion having second coupler for coupling the piston to the second portion such that in both directions of the longitudinal axis, a connection exists between the piston and the second portion. The first and second portions move relative to each other to effect at least a forward displacement of the piston coupled to the second portion inside the cartridge body coupled to the first portion along the longitudinal axis. The second coupler establishes and releases the connection with the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Franco Moia, Marcel Mueller, Maurice Ducret
  • Publication number: 20140213966
    Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated body including an outer surface having a plurality of barbs extending therefrom and an inner surface defining a lumen therethrough. The elongated body includes at least one channel extending through the inner surface and the outer surface, the channel defined between an inner surface of one of the plurality of barbs and a cut outer surface of the elongated body. A wound treatment material is disposed within the lumen of the elongated body. The barb is configured to move between a first position to close the channel and retain the wound treatment material within the lumen and a second position to open the channel and permit the release of the wound treatment material therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roland Ostapoff, Timothy Sargeant
  • Publication number: 20140202582
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include: (a) a dosing head comprising a support body with a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port; (b) a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head; and (c) at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal, wherein, when the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Meckstroth, Anthony James Hickey
  • Patent number: 8783303
    Abstract: Disclosed is a simple, analytical method that can be utilized by hydrogen filling stations for directly and accurately calculating the end-of-fill temperature in a hydrogen tank that, in turn, allows for improvements in the fill quantity while tending to reduce refueling time. The calculations involve calculation of a composite heat capacity value, MC, from a set of thermodynamic parameters drawn from both the tank system receiving the gas and the station supplying the gas. These thermodynamic parameters are utilized in a series of simple analytical equations to define a multi-step process by which target fill times, final temperatures and final pressures can be determined. The parameters can be communicated to the station directly from the vehicle or retrieved from a database accessible by the station. Because the method is based on direct measurements of actual thermodynamic conditions and quantified thermodynamic behavior, significantly improved tank filling results can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan Harty, Steve Mathison
  • Publication number: 20140196811
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for dispensing a beverage are disclosed. For example, the method receives an indication that a customer desires to dispense a beverage, scans a barcode associated with a beverage container being used by the customer, dispenses the beverage in accordance with information obtained from scanning the barcode and stores one or more dispensing details associated with the dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: ROBERTO RAMOS, III, Eliud Robles Flores
  • Publication number: 20140182741
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to spectrometry systems and for apparatus and methods for delivering dopants to same. In one example, there is provided a dopant delivery device configured to supply dopants to a spectrometry system comprising a tube including a first chamber 5 and a second chamber, a first dopant source included in the first chamber, and a second dopant source included in the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: DSA DETECTION LLC
    Inventors: Timothy B. Burton, Stephen Scott Milt
  • Patent number: 8763655
    Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly and methods of fluid transfer is described. In one aspect, the fluid transfer assembly includes a fluid container having an opening in a bottom, a coupling device attached to the fluid container at the opening, and a filling device. The coupling device may include a valve biasing the coupling device in a closed fluid-tight position via magnetic attraction of opposing first and second components, each of the opposing first and second components including a magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GrinOn Industries
    Inventor: Joshua Springer
  • Publication number: 20140174591
    Abstract: A dopant funnel for loading dopant pellets into a dispenser tube of a dopant dispenser is disclosed. The dopant funnel has a cup connected through a restrictor to a shaft. The cup holds random oriented dopant pellets. The restrictor meters the amount and orientation of dopant pellets being removed from the cup. The shaft is in alignment with the restrictor for delivering dopant pellets from the cup to the dispenser tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: John David Hilker, Steven L. Kimbel
  • Patent number: 8757217
    Abstract: A method for delivering liquid color directly into the screw barrel of a plastic resin process machine including weighing a container of liquid color; pumping liquid color from the container into the plastic resin process machine screw barrel; and continuously comparing actual readings from the scale to expected readings based on a desired predetermined liquid color usage rate and continuously regulating speed of pumping in response to such comparison to supply liquid color directly into the to the plastic resin process machine screw barrel according to a selected recipe of resin material to produce plastic parts having desired color characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 8757220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for fine grained powder (1), in particular for medicinal powder (1) for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating the metering device. The metering device comprises a powder pump and a metering mechanism (3), wherein the metering mechanism (3) comprises a continuous powder passage (4) and at least one metering chamber (5) with an outlet valve (6). The metering chamber (5) branches off from the powder passage (4) at an angle. The metering chamber (5) has a larger cross section than the powder passage (4). The powder (1) is conveyed through the powder passage (4) by means of the powder pump, the at least one metering chamber (5) being filled with the powder (1) in a self-levelling manner. The conveying by means of the powder pump is then interrupted, and at least one target container is filled from the metering chamber (5) with the outlet valve (6) being opened and a residual quantity of powder (1) remaining in the metering chamber (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Scharger
  • Publication number: 20140166154
    Abstract: Condiment containers that can be refilled from the bottom are disclosed. Spouts for dispensing condiments, which have mechanisms to open and close them, are also disclosed. A method of refilling condiment containers includes the steps of connecting a spout to a bulk condiment bag and to a conduit in the bottom of a condiment container. Once the spout is connected to the bag and the condiment container, the spout is activated by moving it from a closed to an open position. When the spout is in the open position, the condiment can travel from the bulk condiment bag, through the spout, and into the condiment container. Condiment container crates and condiment container caps are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Christal Steen
  • Patent number: 8752731
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a dispensing device (1). The method includes mounting a valve (4) into a dispensing opening (7) of an internal reservoir (3) with a variable volume, sealingly attaching an attachment sleeve (22) made of thermoplastic polymer to the internal reservoir (3), disposing the internal reservoir (3) and the valve (4) inside an external container (5) made of thermoplastic polymer, placing the attachment sleeve (22) opposite to and at a distance from a mounting opening (16) of the external container (5), inserting through the mounting opening (16) a pressurized gas between the internal reservoir (3) and the external container (5), and closing off the mounting opening (16) with the attachment sleeve (22) and welding the attachment sleeve (22) and the external container (5) to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Power Container Corp.
    Inventors: Chris Nimmo, Olivier Bertaud
  • Publication number: 20140157731
    Abstract: A fully-automated system suitable for use in a hospital setting for filling patient-specific liquid prescriptions to be administered by oral syringes on a just-in-time basis. The system enables hospital pharmacists to simplify and streamline their task, increasing the number of prescriptions that can be filled in a day, improving patient safety and care by minimizing medication errors and the consequences that ensue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Perazzo, Robert A. Rosen, John G. Grosskopf, JR., Mark Bennett, John M. Chopper
  • Patent number: 8739838
    Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one filling or needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of filling or needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of containers or vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one filling or needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the filling or needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of containers or vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy
  • Publication number: 20140148764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for a drug delivery device, comprising a barrel of substantially cylindrical shape and at least one piston arrangement displaceably arranged in the barrel, wherein the piston arrangement occupies at least 20% of the volume confined by the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Axel Teucher, Michael Jugl
  • Patent number: 8726945
    Abstract: Removable chemical reservoirs are translucent and have filling marks on a front, hollow handle where chemical concentrate fill levels are visible and measurable. The reservoirs are filled with new concentrate from a current fill level mark to a full level mark and the volume of concentrate filled between the marks is calculated for filling and inventory purposes. The front handle is narrower than the reservoir sides and flanges at the upper end of the reservoir to facilitate in and out sliding of the reservoir for billing and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cintas Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Sand, Matthew S. Hayas
  • Publication number: 20140135684
    Abstract: This invention is related to the use of polyurethane based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs. The drug delivery device for releasing one or more drugs at controlled rates for an extended period of time to produce local or systemic pharmacological effects comprises: 1. a reservoir, said reservoir comprising; 2. at least one active ingredient; and, optionally, 3. at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; a polyurethane based polymer completely surrounding the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Endo Pharmaceuticals Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-hung Kuo, Petr Kuzma
  • Publication number: 20140130936
    Abstract: Tissue collection systems and methods are provided. More particular, a modular system including one or more manifold elements is provided. Each manifold element includes a manifold barrel and a coupler to which a syringe body can be connected. An inlet of a first manifold element is connected to a first manifold cap having an inlet orifice. A second manifold cap having an outlet orifice is connected to the outlet of the first manifold element or to the outlet of a second manifold element. The manifold barrel can include a barrel inlet that is offset from a barrel outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shippert
  • Publication number: 20140131389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for receiving or dispensing a fluid (39), preferably containing a pharmaceutical, comprising a container that can be collapsed at least in some regions and a closure piece (2). The closure piece (2) comprises a dispensing channel (18) that fluidically connects a dispensing opening (2.1) to a removal opening (21), wherein a dispensing section (18.1) of the dispensing channel (18) communicates with the dispensing opening (2.1) and a removal section (18.2) of the dispensing channel (18) communicates with the removal opening (21). The dispensing channel (18) comprises a valve device (23) having two valve openings (22, 25), which are arranged next to one another on a valve surface (6.1). A first valve opening (25) of said valve device communicates with the dispensing opening (2.1) via the dispensing section (18.1) of the dispensing channel (18) and a second valve opening (22) communicates with the removal opening (21) via the removal section (18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ludwig Daniel Weibel
  • Patent number: 8720493
    Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Steffen Dose, Jean-Michel Christophe Marchon
  • Publication number: 20140124535
    Abstract: Rechargeable containers and dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including structures such as strips, pouches, pills, capsules and the like for providing concentrates of chemical agents for charging or recharging the spray bottle dispenser, preferably, individual chemical refill charges containing chemical concentrate are deployed within the spray bottle dispenser to fully contain any inadvertent spillage of chemicals, and to insure a high degree of safety against accidental spills or ingestion. The device is specifically designed for reuse, having a wider opening which is easier to fill, clean and refill without spills, readily accommodates concentrate inserts in any format, minimizes trigger failure, and has a wide base for stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Albert R. Kelly, George H. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140126604
    Abstract: In a charging hopper system of an electric arc furnace with a closure member which can be opened, a hopper-like containment with a discharge opening and at least one suction opening, the closure member closes the precharging chamber, the precharging chamber is separated from the hopper-like containment by a separating wall which can be opened and, in addition, a movable push shield is arranged in the precharging chamber for moving scrap metal from the precharging chamber into the hopper-like containment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: INTECO SPECIAL MELTING TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: INTECO SPECIAL MELTING TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • Publication number: 20140124087
    Abstract: A fluid delivery assembly is provided for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid transfer device configured for receiving the biomaterial fluid from the vial and for subsequently dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device. The fluid control device includes a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port coupled with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid control device further includes a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Anderson, Huadong Lou
  • Patent number: 8714210
    Abstract: A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kevin M. Chase, Brian P. Janke, Shreecharan Kanchanavally, Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Patent number: 8714208
    Abstract: A container is provided comprising a receiving vessel (12) and an outlet part (14), wherein the outlet part (14) comprises a one-way valve (24) and at least one bypass passage (32) bypassing the one-way valve (24), wherein the outlet part (14) is at least partly movable with respect to the receiving vessel (12) between a closed position and an opened position, wherein in the closed position the receiving vessel (12) seals the bypass passage (32) and in the opened position the receiving vessels (12) unseals the bypass passage (32). Due to the one-way valve (24) of the alternative container (10) the filling is facilitated without complicating emptying, since it is prevented that the content (42) of the container (10) flows back accidently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kao Germany
    Inventor: Günther Niepoth
  • Patent number: 8708006
    Abstract: A system for and method of refilling a liquid in a container. The system includes a one-way valve attachable to a liquid storage container. In a particular embodiment, the system is operable to refill a container for a liquid soap dispenser via the one-way valve and a hose connected to a refilling reservoir, through the operation of a pump. A method of refilling a liquid storage container using the inventive system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Gary A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8708002
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the volumetric metering and depositing of a food product comprising a plurality of particles or flowable particles. The plurality of food particles are transported upon a discharge conveyor having a first rate of speed, the plurality of particles arranged uniformly from passing beneath a product leveling device. When the plurality of particles reach the end of the discharge conveyor, the particles fall from the end of the conveyor under the operation of gravity and are deposited in a shuttle while the shuttle travels at a second rate of speed from a position at least partially below the conveyor to collect the falling particles in cells or receiving receptacles. The relationship between the first rate of speed of the conveyor and the second rate of speed of the shuttle define a metered amount of particles collected in each of the receiving receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Malenke, Charles Robert Sample, Brian Charles Adamski, Brian Wayne Tomac, David Hess, Tod Wesley Heleniak
  • Publication number: 20140110289
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ready-to-use syringe containing a mixture of air and a heavy gas in a predetermined mixing ratio. The syringe is for use as a gas tamponade system for medical applications. The tamponade is used to fill a natural cavity resulting e.g. from the shrinkage of a vitreous humour due to ageing, or an artificial cavity resulting e.g. from a vitrectomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Volker Geuder
  • Publication number: 20140114275
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, kits and systems are disclosed that allow a transfer of medication from a manufacturer's vial, ampoule or other container through a closed system transfer to an intravenous apparatus and into a patient, while reducing additional steps, procedures, components required for the same transfer procedure to reduce sources of human error and medical administered errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. Creaturo
  • Patent number: 8701933
    Abstract: A method of employing a bag-in-box container system in a dispensing machine includes placing a box in a first orientation, inserting a bag in the box, and closing the box with a portion of a dispensing end of the bag protruding through an opening in a first wall of the box. The first wall is a top surface of the box in the first orientation. The method further includes securing the portion of the dispensing end outside of the box and inverting the box to a second orientation, such that the first wall is a bottom surface of the box in the second orientation. The method also includes inserting the dispensing end of the bag into a holder of a dispensing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sunless, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Thomason
  • Patent number: 8701718
    Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency air system and method of a marine vessel. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a marine vessel includes affixing an emergency support system to the marine vessel. In addition, the method includes pressurizing the emergency support system of the marine vessel to facilitate an air extraction process through the marine vessel. The method also includes expediting the air extraction process from the emergency support system by including a rapid fill fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Rescue Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Turiello
  • Publication number: 20140102579
    Abstract: Needle guides are disclosed. An example needle guide includes a base; a housing configured to hold a container, the housing disposed on the base such that a longitudinal axis of the container is held at a first angle to vertical; and a syringe holder configured to guide insertion of a needle of a syringe into the container, the syringe holder disposed on the housing such that the syringe is inserted into the container at a second angle to the longitudinal axis of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Mudd
  • Publication number: 20140094431
    Abstract: Hair-like shaped crosslinked hydrogels and methods for preparing such crosslinked hydrogels and are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitrios Stroumpoulis, Karina H. Guillen
  • Publication number: 20140090743
    Abstract: A transport holder vertically aligns a caulking cartridge, nozzle-down. The holder includes (i) a substantially solid lower plug portion, having a lead face and a bottom face and an center passageway that is at least partially inverted frustum-shaped that forms a side contact face that tapers from a wider lead face opening to a narrower bottom face opening; and or to a tubular sleeve from the side contact face to the bottom face opening; and (ii) an upper sleeve, shaped to receive the caulking cartridge in a desired vertical alignment to the lower plug portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.