With Pressure-responsive Valve Patents (Class 215/260)
  • Patent number: 8714379
    Abstract: A closure including a shell having a base wall with an axial outer surface and an undersurface, an annular skirt around a periphery of the base wall, and circumferentially spaced securement elements extending radially inwardly from the skirt. A gasket is carried by the shell, and has a base surface in contact with the undersurface of the base wall of the shell and an oppositely disposed sealing surface. An elongated flexible member extends between the sealing surface of the gasket and the axial outer surface of the shell and around a portion of the skirt circumferentially between the securement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Grant
  • Patent number: 8701910
    Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: James Michalopoulos
  • Patent number: 8701909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (2) for closing and/or opening an opening (1.1) of a container (1), wherein the opening (1.1) of the container (1) is closed in a first position (I) of the closure device (2) and the opening (1.1) of the container (1) is open in a second position (II) of the closure device (2), and wherein the opening (1.1) of the container (1) has an opening periphery (1.2) which comprises an inner wall (1.3) and outer wall (1.4), and wherein the closure device (2) has a sealing element (4) by means of which the opening (1.1) of the container (1) can be closed with sealing action in the first position (I), and wherein the closure device (2), in the first position (I), is fastened on the container (1) by a closure element (3) and, when the container (1) is opened, can be transferred from the first position (I) into the second position (II) by means of at least one actuating element (3.2) wherein the container opening (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Guido Endert
  • Patent number: 8662334
    Abstract: A vacuum storage container having a container body, a check valve and a lid with an outer rim surrounding a diaphragm. A vacuum pump is engagable with the check valve to remove air from the interior of the container to create a vacuum in the container. The diaphragm is pushed inward by atmospheric forces upon removal of the air until the diaphragm touches and conforms to at least upper exposed surfaces of the contents of the container. The storage container aids in preventing degradation of the contents of the container by maintaining the contents free from the degrading effects of air and by substantially immobilizing the contents during movement of the container to protect the contents from breakage and bruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais
  • Patent number: 8640746
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the sealing of a container are disclosed. The devices and methods include stoppers that allow for removal of air from the container with a vacuum source. Various embodiments comprise a high-volume valve allowing for expeditious evacuation of the air. The stopper may also comprise a low vacuum indicator to indicate to the user whether the vacuum internal to the container is at or above a desired amount. The stopper may also comprise other indicators, such as a day of the week or month indicator. A rotating bezel may be used to identify temporal or other types of events, such as when the container was first opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Armando Luis
  • Publication number: 20130319969
    Abstract: An apparatus that vents atmosphere air and allows for the pressurization of a sealed beverage container with carbon dioxide for the purpose of reducing oxidation and preserving or re-introducing effervescence to the beverage housed within the container. The previously mentioned apparatus can be integrated and/or retrofitted to accommodate the various sizes and shapes of current and future portable beverage containers. For the purpose of this apparatus, “portable beverage container” is defined as having a volume less than or equal to 5 gallons and the apparatus uses external or internally integrated pressure regulated gas sources to pressurize the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Bennett Snead
  • Patent number: 8480981
    Abstract: A controlled release and self-resealing pressure-maintaining lid for reaction vessels in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The lid includes a rigid perimeter, a rigid center load-bearing portion, and a flexible portion connecting the rigid perimeter to the center load-bearing portion so that the center portion can move when said flexing portion flexes. The lid can be used in conjunction with a vessel assembly. The vessel assembly can include a microwave-transparent, heat expandable reaction vessel having at least two cylindrical portions axially adjacent one another with one of the portions having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other portion, a transition portion between the two cylindrical portions, a vessel mouth in the larger-diameter portion, and a cylindrical retaining sleeve around the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130112647
    Abstract: A cap that is suitable for use on conventional liquid containers, particularly water bottles for recreational use. The cap includes a release mechanism for dispensing liquids. The release mechanism is at an angle from the vertical axis of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Danelski
  • Patent number: 8430259
    Abstract: A closure with a flexible diaphragm that equalizes the internal pressure of a container to the external pressure. The closure may include an inner member having a generally cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may include internal threads capable of engaging with external threads of the container. The closure may also include an outer member including a generally circular cap body and an annular ring extending downward from the edges of the cap body. The annular ring shrouds at least a portion of the cylindrical wall. A flexible diaphragm may be operatively attached to the top of the cylindrical wall and spaced apart from the cap body. The flexible diaphragm deflects in response to the internal pressure of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Martinez, Neil Enciso
  • Publication number: 20120199207
    Abstract: A self-contained breathing closure for flasks and other containers that require gas exchange. An illustrative embodiment of the closure is comprised of a splashguard, an adaptor for attaching the closure to the container, a bellows element and a gas-permeable barrier element. The splashguard is intended to keep liquid contents under vigorous agitation in the container without wetting the gas-permeable barrier. The adaptor couples the closure to the container in a secure fashion. The bellows element allows for repeated changes in the internal volume of the container-closure system. The gas-permeable barrier allows desired gases to enter and leave the container while excluding small particles and/or microorganisms. The technology may be used with existing glass flask technology, or coupled to a plastic flask that may be configured for either single-use, or multiple-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Todd A. McAdams, Harold W. Howe, Jeffrey E. Draper, Lawrence C. Farrar
  • Patent number: 8141730
    Abstract: A closure for a multiple component container includes an insert (12), a piston (20) and a cap (10). The insert (12) and the piston (20) define a reservoir and the insert (12) comprises a fixed cylindrical wall (26) and a movable wall (32) connected thereto and movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. The movable wall (32) has a discharge aperture (36) formed therein. The cap (10) comprises a closure plate (14), integral with whose outer edge is a depending skirt (16), by means of which the cap may be secured to a container. The closure plate (14) cooperates with the piston (20) such that movement of the closure plate towards the insert (12) results in movement of the piston also in the same direction. The piston (20) forms a sliding seal with the internal surface of the fixed cylindrical wall (26). A valve member (22) is integral with, the piston (20) and is slidably received in and seals the discharge aperture (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Carbonite Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Eric Smith, Karl Mondszein
  • Patent number: 8123028
    Abstract: A contact lens storage and cleaning case is described. The case compromises (a) two contact lens chambers that are closed via a chamber cap for each contact lens; and (b) fluid reservoir and integrated pump. The contact lens chamber can be closed using removable chamber caps each of which has a flexible compressible cavity in whose center is mounted a flexible cap membrane that faces and isolates the chamber. Air can escape from the cavity via an opening in the chamber cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Cornelius Doniga
  • Patent number: 8113246
    Abstract: A vacuum fresh-keeping cover includes an upper cover, a top of which is connected with an air suction-ventilation device, a lower rim of which is connected with a soft gasket that can be suppressed on any horizontal surface, and an interior of which is formed with a container space. When a barometric value of the container space gets larger, the air suction-ventilation device is activated to expel out air in the container space continuously, to keep the container space at a near vacuum condition for preserving objects or food. When pulling up a touching element of the air suction-ventilation device, the air in the container space is drained out by the air suction-ventilation device to quickly remove the upper cover, to facilitate consumers for use, and to conveniently separate the air suction-ventilation device from the upper cover, for easily washing the upper cover with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kuo Chin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8016146
    Abstract: A spill resistant cap for a container, such as a commercially available water or other beverage bottle, includes a cap body that forms a mating fit with the container and a spout having liquid dispense holes that allow fluid to flow out of the container. A removable valve is sized to fit within the cap body. The valve includes a valve mechanism that opens in response to a pressure differential applied across the valve face, such as the mouth suction applied to the spout when a person attempts to drink from the container, allowing fluid to flow through the valve and through the liquid dispense holes in the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen S. Rekstad
  • Publication number: 20110139744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (2) for closing and/or opening an opening (1.1) of a container (1), wherein the opening (1.1) of the container (1) is closed in a first position (I) of the closure device (2) and the opening (1.1) of the container (1) is open in a second position (II) of the closure device (2), and wherein the opening (1.1) of the container (1) has an opening periphery (1.2) which comprises an inner wall (1.3) and outer wall (1.4), and wherein the closure device (2) has a sealing element (4) by means of which the opening (1.1) of the container (1) can be closed with sealing action in the first position (1), and wherein the closure device (2), in the first position (I), is fastened on the container (1) by a closure element (3) and, when the container (1) is opened, can be transferred from the first position (I) into the second position (II) by means of at least one actuating element (3.2) wherein the container opening (1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Guido Endert
  • Patent number: 7900788
    Abstract: A closure 10 for a container, comprises a substantially circular base 20, a skirt 30 extending from the periphery thereof, a bore seal 50 in the form of an annulus and a rib 70 lying on the surface of the base 20 in a substantially radial direction and in contact with the radially inner surface of the bore seal 50 at one end for transferring any movement of the center of the base 20, relative to the skirt 30, to the bore seal 50 such that the bore seal 50 is pulled radially inward to allow venting of excess pressure within the container, wherein the end of the rib 70 in contact with the radially inner surface of the bore seal 50 is substantially thinner, in a plane parallel to the base 20, than the other end of the rib 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Maxime Pierre Gaillot, Sebastien Cedric Widmer, Philippe Gerard Odet
  • Patent number: 7861900
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin A. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090065465
    Abstract: A reaction bottle comprising: a container, with a container top and a container interior; a bottle cap removeably attachable to the container top, the bottle cap having a cap top and a cap cavity; a septa attached to the bottle cap and configured to releasably seal the container when the bottle cap is attached to the container top; a needle holder attached to the cap top; a hollow needle attached to the needle holder and located in the cap cavity; a needle conduit in fluid communication with the hollow needle; wherein the septa is configured to deform from an at rest state into a punctured state when pressure within the container interior reaches a first threshold value and the septa deforms into the cavity and is punctured by the hollow needle, and the septa is further configured to return to the at rest state when the pressure within the container reaches a second threshold value and the septa reseals upon being no longer punctured by the hollow needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Weimin Qian
  • Publication number: 20090032487
    Abstract: A spill resistant cap for a container, such as a commercially available water or other beverage bottle, includes a cap body that forms a mating fit with the container and a spout having liquid dispense holes that allow fluid to flow out of the container. A removable valve is sized to fit within the cap body. The valve includes a valve mechanism that opens in response to a pressure differential applied across the valve face, such as the mouth suction applied to the spout when a person attempts to drink from the container, allowing fluid to flow through the valve and through the liquid dispense holes in the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Rekstad
  • Publication number: 20090001041
    Abstract: A cap device for capping an open wine bottle includes a base with a lower cylindrical portion that defines an interior space. The lower cylindrical portion engages the interior of the wine bottle. A pumping element engages an upper cylindrical portion of the base to define an interior portion in communication with the interior space. A first valve assembly is disposed in the lower cylindrical portion and is in communication with the interior space and the interior of the wine bottle. The first valve assembly is movable between an open and closed position for pulling air from the wine bottle. A second valve assembly is disposed in the upper cylindrical portion of the base and is in communication with the interior portion and the atmosphere. The second valve assembly is movable between an open and closed position for pushing air from the interior portion to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Publication number: 20080173612
    Abstract: A vent valve, and a vent valve assembly, for a liquid dispensing container, employ a vent disc having small open vent holes in cooperation with an overlying thin flexible flap that covers and closes the vent holes to limit liquid pressure on the holes when the container is upright, yet require little suction pressure to move the flap to draw liquid or vent through the holes. The vent valve can be used in a bottom cap that is attachable to the bottom open end of the container. The vent valve assembly includes such a bottom cap, a sealing member for sealing the bottom cap to the container, and a vent valve. The vent valve and/or bottom cap have an elevated vent disc and a top portion having the thin flexible flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Renz
  • Patent number: 7395942
    Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: James Michalopoulos
  • Patent number: 7381453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging film for use in packaging of food products which may be heated whilst still packaged. In particular, the invention relates to packaging which may be hermetically sealed and, during heating, is able to allow a build up of pressure within the packaging, without the packaging exploding or bursting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Trex, Ltd
    Inventor: Abdul Aziz Okhai
  • Patent number: 7163113
    Abstract: A member that positions a vent disc in an end of a container is provided. The member has at least one projection extending from the vent disc virtually solely for positioning the vent disc in its secured position in the end of a container. The at least one projection is located in the center portion of the vent disc and can be one projection, which extends from the vent disc at the center point of the vent disc. The projection can be of a geometrical shape that facilitates gripping and the handling of the vent disc, including rectangular, ellipsoidal or cylindrical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis X. Manganiello, Charles John Renz, Joshua S. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7131550
    Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Montserrat Vilalta, Jose Millan, Juan Carlos Coronado, Mariano Penaranda, Antonio Rebordosa, Sergi Gili, Robert Rafols
  • Patent number: 7048154
    Abstract: A rupturable closure for use with a flexible container that is especially suited for pouring viscous fluids such as motor oil. The closure is secured to the pouring spout or other dispensing opening of the container and retains the viscous fluid in the container as the container is brought into inverted position for pouring. Notwithstanding the ability of the closure to hold in the viscous fluid, the closure also allows the closure to breathe when the cap is removed so as to relieve small variations in pressure as the flexible container is first grasped for pouring and thereby prevent premature rupture of the closure before or as the container is inverted for pouring. Such a closure includes a membrane secured over the dispensing opening of the container. The membrane has a small primary vent orifice in the region over the dispensing opening that is sized to permit the membrane to breathe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Edward W. Phillips, William E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7048136
    Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Tilia International, Inc., Unimark Plastics
    Inventors: Paul W. Havens, Glynn Clements
  • Patent number: 6994227
    Abstract: A vacuum container for preserving food is disclosed herein that includes a cover member for covering an upper part of a container member in which food is filled, a piston member equipped with the cover member and ascending and descending movable, and first and second valve members that alternately operate by a pumping operation using ascending and descending operation of the piston member to make a suction aperture and an exhaust aperture alternately open and close, thus discharging air from within the container member. Such operation allows the interior of the container member to become a vacuum state, thereby allowing food within the container member to be preserved for a longer time period, in a more sanitary manner, and a simple manufacture and a low manufacturing cost to provide users with convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Man-Hyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 6976669
    Abstract: Shut-off valve, composed of a container (3) provided with valve seat (4), and also a valve body (2, 22, 42) that can be moved through the opening bounded by the valve seat (4), in order to provide a seal. The valve body (2, 22, 42) is provided with a conical or spherical shut-off edge and is connected to the container (3) by way of a flexible connecting part (5). This makes it possible to move the valve body (2, 22, 42) laterally, in other words perpendicular to the direction of closing, and in this way achieve an opening of the shut-off valve. The container (3) can comprise any construction known in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Vacu Vin Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaco Matthijs Van Zijll Langhout, Arnoldus Willem Zweekhorst
  • Patent number: 6945389
    Abstract: A contact lens container (1) includes a container (2) for receiving a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, as well as a cap (3), which can be screwed onto the container (2) by a thread (20,30). In the cap (3) a sealing washer (4) made of a water-tight and gas-tight material is provided, which is arranged on the inside of the cap (3) on the bottom (33) of the cap and extends to the side wall (32) of the cap (3), so that when the cap (3) is screwed on to the container (2), the sealing washer (4) is enclosed between the container edge (23) and the bottom (33) of the cap and the inside of the container has a water-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Anton Scherer, Klaus Oswald
  • Patent number: 6789690
    Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Luther T. Nieh, Michael H. Tsao, Djabbar Moustafaev, Landen M. Higer
  • Patent number: 6726047
    Abstract: A resilient vacuum relief valve 52 is urged tightly on the lid stem 44 engaging the lid bottom 42 while encircling the vent 46 preventing air passage through the vent 46. The vacuum relief valve 52 is also formed of a pliable, resilient thermoplastic such as silicon and is in an inverted hat shape or dish shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a circumferential outwardly extending rim 54 on top that has sufficient resilience to deform when exposed to negative pressure. This arrangement provides an air tight seal when the lid 38 is inserted into the canister body 22 and while it remains stationary, however, when the lid 38 is pulled upwardly, negative pressure within the canister 20 is created, forcing the valve 52 to break its seal and relieve the newly created vacuum within the canister 20 allowing it to be easier to dislodge the lid 38 and preventing dispersal of powdered contents out of the canister 20 during lid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 6651834
    Abstract: A stopper for a bottle includes a resilient outer body having an axial bore, a rigid inner body disposed within the bore, and a valve actuator moveably disposed within an axial opening of the inner body. A lower flange portion of the outer body extends radially across the bore to an axial aperture having a sealing surface. The valve actuator has an upper operator portion connected to a lower valve body portion by a longitudinally extending shaft portion. The valve body portion is sealingly engageable with the sealing surface of the orifice to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hometec Limited
    Inventor: Chung Lun Wong
  • Patent number: 6644489
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a cover cap mounted detachably and sealingly on a container. The cover cap has a pump-mounting wall portion defining a pump-receiving chamber, an inlet formed in the pump-mounting wall portion and in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and a storing space of the container, and a valve-mounting wall portion defining an opening which is in fluid communication with the storing space and the atmosphere. A pump member is disposed movably and sealingly in the pump-receiving chamber, and has an outlet in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and the atmosphere. An urging member urges the pump member away from the inlet. First and second check valves are respectively mounted on the cover cap and the pump member for closing the inlet and the outlet of the pump-receiving chamber, respectively. An air-inlet valve is mounted on the pump member for closing the opening in the cover cap, and is operable to uncover the opening in the cover cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tai-In Chang
  • Publication number: 20030194352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device 51 for closing a plurality of digestion vessels 1 the openings of which are in each case covered by a cover 3, comprising a plurality of positioning spaces 53 for the digestion vessels, the positioning spaces 53 being able to be distributed in a circumferential row R1 and being accessible from outside, and a plurality of closing devices 73 for pressing the covers 3 against the vessels. In order to improve the capacity of the device 51 with regard to the number of digestion vessels 1 further inner positioning spaces 53 are arranged to be offset inwardly with respect to said positioning spaces 53.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: MILESTONE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20030189023
    Abstract: A closure cap adapted to be removably retained on a container can include a cap portion and a film portion. The cap portion can include an opening adapted to permit flow from an interior of the container to an exterior of the container when the closure cap is retained on the container. The film portion can be adapted to prohibit flow through the opening and can be positionable to permit flow through at least a portion of the opening when the closure cap is retained on the container. A drinking straw can be introduced into the opening to permit flow from the interior to the exterior of the closure cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Gilberto Robles Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20030183631
    Abstract: The package is closed by a lid and it is fitted with a valve fixed over an opening zone of section greater than 10 mm2, and preferably lying in the range 30 mm2 to 50 mm2, leading to the inside of the package and formed through said lid. This opening zone is either an orifice formed through a flat lid, or else a hollow chamber itself pierced by a vent orifice of small size. The valve comprises solely a flexible sheet extending over the opening zone together with a sealing compound disposed between the flexible sheet and the lid. The sealing compound is solid at ambient temperature and it passes to a non-sticky liquid state when its temperature is raised. During heat treatment, the valve opens and closes in a succession of venting sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: PROPLAST
    Inventors: Anthony Bernard Cross, Didier Guitton
  • Publication number: 20030047531
    Abstract: A stopper for a bottle includes a resilient outer body having an axial bore, a rigid inner body disposed within the bore, and a valve actuator moveably disposed within an axial opening of the inner body. A lower flange portion of the outer body extends radially across the bore to an axial aperture having a sealing surface. The valve actuator has an upper operator portion connected to a lower valve body portion by a longitudinally extending shaft portion. The valve body portion is sealingly engageable with the sealing surface of the orifice to close the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Chung Lun Wong
  • Patent number: 6520071
    Abstract: A hand-held suction pump for creating a vacuum in a container (2) provided with a suction valve (3), comprising an elongated outer casing in which an electric motor (7) and a piston pump (14, 15) driven by the motor (7) are accommodated, wherein the pump chamber (14) of the piston pump is connected by an inlet valve and a suction duct (28) to a hollow tip (34) at the free end of the casing for direct coupling with the suction valve of the container, the pump chamber being further connected by an outlet valve to an exhaust duct (29) having a duct opening on the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing for porting an exhaust flow to the exterior of the outer casing. In order to reduce noise caused by the exhaust flow, the duct opening of the exhaust duct (29) is overlapped by a baffle (38) which is separated by a gapped distance from the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing so as to deflect the exhaust flow exiting the duct opening by a substantial angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Aracaria B. .
    Inventor: Fabrizio Lanza
  • Patent number: 6508379
    Abstract: A leak-free drinking beaker comprises a container as well as a lid closing the container, a drink opening which opens into the interior of the container, and a valve extending over the drink opening, which valve is held in the closed position under a certain pretension and can be released against said pretension under the influence of a pressure difference. The valve is a double-acting non-return valve and comprises a flexible valve element and two separate valve seats, the valve element and one of the valve seats has a blocking action in a direction opposed to the direction in which the valve element has a blocking action with the other valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Henriette Hermine Titia Van De Pol-Klein Nagelvoort, Jan Albert Henri Klein Nagelvoort, Alberthe Joan Klein Nagelvoort, Henri Jan Albert Klein Nagelvoort
  • Patent number: 6375024
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for easily forming a vacuum in any bottle, container or the like and for providing a stable sealing. A lower cylindrical member together with a disc member forms a space portion in which a vacuum or an atmospheric pressure is applied, and the lower portion of an upper cylindrical member is inserted in the space portion and divides the space portion into upper and lower spaces. With a downward movement of the upper cylindrical member, the upper space expands and draws air inside of a bottle, and with an upward movement thereof, the air introduced into the upper space is vented outside. At this time, a check valve is selectively opened and closed and is operated by a pressure difference applied thereon. By repetitive reciprocating movement of the upper cylindrical member, a high vacuum is formed in the bottle and is sealed by the check valve. The apparatus is adaptable in a vacuum bottle, a medical suction instrument or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yoon Sik Park
  • Patent number: 6131753
    Abstract: A vacuum jar apparatus is provided, including a jar having a jar wall terminating at a jar upper end in a jar opening surrounded and defined by a jar upper rim; and a jar lid structure including a sealing panel for resting against the jar upper rim and thereby closing and sealing the jar, and including a mechanism for evacuating air from within the jar, the mechanism for evacuating air including a chamber within the lid structure having an internal volume which is enlargeable and reducible, a first air passing port between the chamber and the jar, a first check valve in the first air passing port oriented to permit air to pass from the jar into the chamber and to prevent air from passing from the chamber into the jar through the first air passing port, a second air passing port between the chamber and the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar, a second check valve in the second air passing port oriented to pass air from the chamber into the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar and to prevent air fr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: John Berrien Lynch
  • Patent number: 6050435
    Abstract: A self-sealing, tamper-evident closure including a cap body and an integrally-formed gasket valve is provided for use on a container. The cap body includes a tab integrally molded onto a removable frangible portion which breaks away from the cap body and exposes a self-sealing, flexible gasket valve. The gasket valve is molded in place on an inner surface of the cap body and includes a longitudinal slit to provide a dispensing orifice. A method for making a closure of the present invention is also disclosed, wherein an integral cap body is formed by injection molding, a quantity of liquid gasket material is deposited within a pocket formed on the cap body, a flexible gasket valve is formed by the liquid gasket valve material curing in place within the pocket and a longitudinal slit is imposed through the gasket valve to provide a dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Bush, Kent A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6021912
    Abstract: A closure for a bottle, comprising a cap-shaped closure component; a projection directed inwardly from an edge of the cap-shaped closure component to grip behind an outwardly directed projection at a neck of a bottle; a substantially cylindrical sealing element extending axially from a bottom of the closure component, the sealing element being disposed within the closure component; and a radial projection formed outside of the sealing element and disposed away from the bottom and having a diameter larger than the inside diameter of the neck of the bottle to be sealed by the closure means in such a way that a sealing surface formed by the radial projection tightly rests against an inside surface of the neck in a closed mode. The bottom comprises a cross-sectional slimming disposed radially beyond the cylindrical sealing element, the slimming having a thickness less than the thickness of an adjacent portion of the bottom such that the slimming functions as a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Safety Cap Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Hertrampf
  • Patent number: 5465857
    Abstract: A vacuum cap for liquor bottles comprising a lower cap body combined on a cylindrical body fixed around a top end of a bottle, an air valve disposed in an annular upper recess of the lower cap body and blocking air holes in the recess and having two upwardly and outwardly extending projections protruding through two slots in an upper cap body fitted in the recess and located over the air valve, an independent air pump being placed on the lower cap body for pumping out the air in the bottle through the air holes and a gap between the air valve and the recess and through the two slots in the upper cap body so as to establish a vacuum in the bottle for preserving liquor contained in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Heng-Te Yang
  • Patent number: 5460282
    Abstract: A closure accommodating internal pressure build-up in a container. The closure includes a cover, the top wall of which which is provided with a small orifice. A flexible plastic film lid or patch is sealed over the orifice by sealant such as adhesive or heat-seal. The patch may also be sealed by welding. The sealant may be pressure sensitive. When pressure within the container reaches a predetermined level, a small channel will form in the patch and gases will be released. The orifice may include pre-formed V-shaped venting notches in its top edge to direct gas-pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Giblin, Dominic Marazita
  • Patent number: 5454489
    Abstract: A self-sealing closure device for a container comprising an insert (1) adapted to be secured within a container neck (2) and comprising a pouring opening as well as a cap (11) adapted to be fastened on the container neck (2). The insert (1) comprises an inwardly extending resilient conically shaped sealing device (8), which at its inner end is provided with an upwardly facing sealing face (10) adapted to sealingly co-operate with a downwardly facing sealing face (18) on the cap (11). The sealing engagement of the two sealing faces (10, 18) being released at a predetermined internal overpressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Steen Vesborg
  • Patent number: 5439038
    Abstract: An apparatus for repressurizing a partially emptied carbonated beverage bottle, comprises a stationary pumping station mountable against a wall or under a kitchen cabinet, and a set of bottle caps adapted for use on the pumping station. The station includes a pump operated by pushing a movable front panel section, a filling slot equipped with a air-supplying cannula, and a slot for holding the set of caps. Each cap has a resiliently self-sealing opening designed to be penetrated by the cannula when the bottle is inserted into the filling slot, and a pouring orifice closed by a thumb-activated and spring-biased stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Consumer Product Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett W. Lewis, Jeffrey M. Jablon, James L. Labelle
  • Patent number: 5431290
    Abstract: A one-way air valve that is mounted removably at one end of a baby bottle housing having two threaded open ends, with the opposite end receiving a conventional nipple, the one-way air valve includes a central diverging passage defined by opposed converging side walls which has a tiny slit elongated along the apex portion of the converging side walls and an annular base sized for attachment to the open end of said baby bottle, the valve being concavely mounted into the bottle to avoid breakage and to prevent leakage of the contents, while preventing colic in the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Mark T. Vinciguerra
  • Patent number: H2027
    Abstract: A dispensing valve is provided for being sealingly disposed with respect to, and dispensing a product from, a discharge opening of a container. The preferred form of the valve includes a generally annular marginal portion adapted to be sealingly engaged when the valve is sealingly disposed with respect to the container discharge opening. The valve also includes a central head portion extending from the marginal portion. The head portion has an exterior side with a generally concave shape when viewed from outside the container and has an interior side with (1) a planar central area, and (2) a generally curved, radially outer portion which tapers toward the planar central area such that the exterior and interior sides converge toward the planar central area to provide a tapered construction with reduced thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Brown, Timothy R. Socier