Mixing Patents (Class 215/DIG8)
  • Patent number: 6152296
    Abstract: An additive holder for a PET bottle includes a tubular member having an open top formed with a flange and an open bottom formed with a toothed neck, the tubular member being fitted in the externally threaded mouth with the flange resting on an upper edge of the mouth, the tubular member having an inner side formed with a circular protrusion, a container having an upwardly extending handle and fitted inside the tubular member and kept in place by the circular protrusion, with the handle extending upwardly out of the tubular member, a locking cap provided with internal threaded engageable with the externally threaded mouth and having an axial through hole receiving the handle of the container, and a cover engageable with a top of the locking cap, whereby an additive such as sugar, cream milk, or the like in the container will drop down to mix with a drink in the PET bottle as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Kuang-Sheng Shih
  • Patent number: 6148996
    Abstract: A package for keeping products separate until use comprises a container (1) provided with an upper mouth (2) inside which a capsule (3) is inserted; the capsule having a bottom (4) which is destined at the moment of use of the package to be broken by a cutting element (11). A cap (13) covers the capsule (3) and the cutting element (11), and is screwed on a sleeve (6) solidly constrained to the capsule (3). When a security strip (16) is removed the cap (13) can be screwed, placing a pressure on the cutting element (11) which causes the capsule (3) to be ruptured and a product contained therein to mix with a product contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Bormioli Rocco & Figlio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 6148995
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for combining at least two products. The device includes a container having at least one wall, the wall defining an interior of the container, and an opening for allowing access to the interior of the container. The device also includes a separating element movable with respect to the container from a first position to a second position. In the first position, at least a portion of the separating element is in the interior of the container and defines in the interior of the container a first region for a first product and a second region for a second product. In the second position, the separating element is at least substantially removed from the interior of the container so that the regions are placed in fluid communication with one another to permit mixing of the first and second products. In one aspect of the invention, the separating element moves from the first position to the second position without passing through the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6138821
    Abstract: A container device for separately enclosing two different substances is provided. A cap member having an air-tight closure assembly is received therein for air-tightly encapsulating a second substance removably mounted to a body. The body is integrally formed with a neck on which the cap member is removably mounted and has storage space for receiving a first substance. In order to prevent the first substance from leaking out of the body, the air-tight closure assembly is adapted to be compatible with the neck of the body which allows the storage space to be sealed air-tightly to prevent leakage. To release the second substance from the air-tight closure assembly, a cutting member is provided to cut open the air-tight closure assembly, which is accomplished by downwardly moving the cap member to bring the air-tight closure assembly to be in contact with the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Lily Hsu
  • Patent number: 6135275
    Abstract: A container system includes two closable containers for containing two substances, respectively, whereby the closable containers are joined together in their closed form with their respective closures facing each other. By moving the joined containers relative to one another, the closures between the containers can be opened in such a way that their contents can be brought together and mixed. After mixing, the mixture can then be dispensed from one of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Jan Kelders, Tilwin Lepsius, Erwin Boes
  • Patent number: 6113257
    Abstract: A container holding two separate components which are mixed prior to use is provided. The container comprises a housing with a dispensing opening and neck portion between said opening and the bottom end of housing. The container further comprises a displaceable member disposed within the housing and having a partition wall with an edge adapted for a sealing engagement with internal walls of the neck portion, thereby defining two compartments separated by said partition wall. A displaceable member is axially displaceable between two positions along an axis extending through the neck portion. These two positions comprise a first position where the edge of the partition wall sealingly engages the internal walls of the neck portion, and a second position where the edge of the partition wall and the internal walls are disengaged permitting flow communication between the two compartments. This flow communication allows mixing of the two components to form a formulation which is then ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Igal Sharon, Michael Inbar
  • Patent number: 6109431
    Abstract: A storage container for making mixtures is provided. The storage container includes a receptacle with a threaded neck and a threaded locking cap screwed on the neck for closing the receptacle, and a substance carrying element arranged in the neck for storing separately gas and/or liquid and/or solid substance(s) to be introduced into a medium stored in the receptacle. The substance carrying element is connected sealingly but releasably to the locking cap and adapted to be brought by turning the locking cap in a condition disengaged from the neck and the locking cap for translating downward into the receptacle. The locking cap is configured to move the substance carrying element between a locking and a dropping position. An outer face of the substance carrying element is provided with an oval flange sitting in locking position on inside lips in the neck of the receptacle and fits in dropping position in an opening between the inside lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Maria Palfine Ledniczky, Janos Samu
  • Patent number: 6092649
    Abstract: A cartridge for holding a first and a second fluid including an outer capsule containing the first fluid. An inner capsule is enclosed within the outer capsule and has a portion attached to a portion of an inner surface of the outer capsule. The inner capsule contains the second fluid. A self-sealing preferable section is disposed on the outer capsule and a perforatable section is disposed on the inner capsule and is generally aligned with the self-sealing perforatable section of the outer capsule. The concentration of the second fluid in the inner capsule increases the shelf life of the second fluid, relative to the shelf life of the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid, while the outer capsule and the first fluid act as a protective layer to cause the second fluid to be mixed with the first fluid to form a non-hazardous mixture in the event of an accidental rupture of the inner capsule, thus increasing the variety of fluids, and their associated shelf lives, that can be stored or transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sermed Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto M. Sergio, Winfield Wood, Jr., Peter O. Sildye
  • Patent number: 6092648
    Abstract: A storage, admixing, and dispensing system is shown. The storage, admixing, and dispensing system has a first vessel for retaining a first substance. A support structure is coupled to and seals the first vessel, and a second vessel is coupled to the support structure for containing a second substance. A release mechanism is coupled to the support structure for releasing the second vessel from the support structure for combining the first substance with the second substance. The second vessel is internal to and retained within the first vessel. The release mechanism comprises a resilient material pushbutton which also seals the second vessel. The second vessel is also an agitator for combining the first substance and the second substance. Additionally, the first vessel is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the admixture. Further included is a safety mechanism coupled to the resilient material pushbutton for preventing accidental operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Andy Sellars
  • Patent number: 6089389
    Abstract: A container holding two separate components, which are mixed prior to use is provided. The container comprises a housing defining a first compartment having a sealable opening and a neck portion between said first compartment and said opening. The container further comprises a displaceable member which is disposed within the housing which has a partition wall with an edge adapted for sealing engagement with the internal wall of the neck portion, thereby defining a second compartment sealed from the first compartment and being in flow communication with the opening. The displaceable member is axially displaceable between two positions along an axis extending through the neck portion. These two positions comprise a first position where the edge of the partition wall sealably engages the internal walls of the neck portion, and a second position where the edge of the partition wall and the internal walls of the neck portion are disengaged, permitting flow communication between the two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Igal Sharon, Michael Inbar
  • Patent number: 6074615
    Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the sub-units of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specificallysuited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel
  • Patent number: 6068396
    Abstract: A device (1) for the extemporaneous mixing of at least two products includes a pot (27) intended to receive a pulverulent or high viscosity product, and having a free edge (31) which delimits an opening (30) with a cross-section similar to that of the pot (27); an upper container (2) intended to contain a liquid product; an intermediate element (14) having a first end (22) which defines an opening with a cross-section similar to the opening (30) of the pot, and a second end (15) which is intended to be mounted on an open end (10) of the upper container (2). A part (21) detachably obturates an opening (20) situated between the upper container (2) and the intermediate element (14), and the intermediate element (14) defines together with the pot (27) a volume at least equal to the volume of the mixture. Further elements (36, 37) eject the obturating element (21) and obtain mixing in the space defined by both the pot (27) and the intermediate element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: 6059443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately storing a first substance and a second substance, and mixing the substances at the time of usage of a product comprising a mixture of the first substance and the second substance. A mixing container includes a main body that stores a first substance, the main body having a lip defining an upper opening. A storage repository stores a second substance. A removable seal is placed upon the top of the storage repository, preventing the exit of the second substance from the storage repository. When a user desires to mix the first and second substance, he removes the seal and secures a cap to the top of the mixing container. The cap, when secured to the top of the main body and covering the upper opening, provides a void above the lip of the mixing container for mixing of the two substances. When the user agitates the mixing container, the first and second substances are mixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Theodore Casey
  • Patent number: 6047818
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for separately storing and subsequently mixing two components of a substance to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: BESPAK plc
    Inventors: Richard John Warby, Miro Stan Cater
  • Patent number: 6045254
    Abstract: A container for storing two components separately and then mixing them prior to use includes a housing having an opening and a neck portion, a displaceable member, and a closure member. The housing is formed with a first compartment and a second compartment intercommunicating at the neck portion. The displaceable member has a partition wall for sealing the neck portion. The displaceable member is formed such that the partition wall moves from a non-sealing position in which the first and second compartments intercommunicate to a sealing position in which the neck portion is sealed. The displaceable member also may feature at least one conduit for allowing introduction of a component through the opening into the housing. The closure member seals the at least one conduit of the displaceable member and/or the opening of the housing. The displaceable member may be moved by rotating, pushing or pulling and may be moveable by a portion exterior to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Inbar, Sharon Igal
  • Patent number: 6041969
    Abstract: A container for concentrated powder or liquid substances to be put in solution within an enclosure at the time of use is made of three elements, essentially hollow and with cylindrical shape and arranged coaxially, assembled by mechanical engagement in correspondence with zones of different diameter. The elements define internally, in their intermediate space, a watertight chamber in the shape of a cylindrical crown in correspondence with their reciprocal precise axial positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Bernardino Parise
  • Patent number: 6036004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-compartment bag which provides for the separation of two substances until their desired intermixing. A specific application of this multi-compartment bag is for hot or cold chemical packs. The substances in the multi-compartment bag are separated by two breakable walls and a third compartment which together act as a barrier to migration of one substance into the second substance, which would reduce the shelf life and efficiency of the hot or cold chemical pack. The present invention's use of two breakable walls and a compartment, empty or containing an inert substance, separating two reactive substances, provides a longer shelf life, a high efficiency, more reliability and improved ease of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6036005
    Abstract: A package for storing, mixing and dispensing multi-component products in which the components must be maintained separate from one another until just prior to use, and then mixed together for use. The package includes an outer container for holding a first material, and an inner container within the first container for holding a second material. The inner and outer containers, and particularly the inner container, are flexible tubes with a flattened and sealed end. The other end of the inner tube is closed by a displaceable plug which may be displaced therefrom upon exertion of a predetermined compressive force caused, for example, by simultaneously squeezing the outer and inner containers. Displacement of the closure plug from the inner container enables the first and second materials to be mixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Arthur A. Krause, Walter K. Lim
  • Patent number: 6022134
    Abstract: A container comprises a flexible main chamber and a mixing chamber positioned above the main chamber and including a passage way into the main chamber. A removable plug selectively seals the passage way so that after the main chamber is filled with a first material, the plug can be inserted into the passage way and the mixing chamber filled with a second material. A cap closes the mixing chamber and selectively engages the plug so that after the cap has been placed on the mixing chamber, removal of the cap will also unseal the passageway causing the tow materials to be mixed in the main chamber. A dispensing chamber having an outlet spout is also provided in the container. A filling tube within the container connects the main chamber to the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: RXI Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Lee Andrews
  • Patent number: 6021892
    Abstract: A device (1) for the extemporaneous mixing of N constituents (A, B) has N compartments (2a, 2b), each having a first end (22a, 22b) and a second end (24a, 24b) on the opposite side to the first, each of the first and second ends being surmounted by a neck (22a, 24a; 22b, 24b) delimiting an opening (12). (N-1) intermediate obturators (14) separate each compartment in a detachable manner from the compartment or compartments which are adjacent thereto when the N compartments are placed on one another. An actuator (18) is provided for ejecting the (N-1) intermediate obturators (14) for effecting the mixing of N constituents, and first end obturators (8) and second end obturators (9) are provided for obturating the end openings of the first compartment (22a) and of the N.sup.th compartment (24b). One of the first or second end obturators has an opening (26) for the dispensing of the mixture. The first and second ends of any of the N compartments can receive any of the said obturators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: 6003728
    Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The dispensing structure includes a body for extending around the container opening and defining and access passage for access through the container opening. The body includes a chamber for receiving an additive product for adding to the container. The chamber has an initially closed upper end and has a bottom end defining a bottom end opening. A movable, bottom end closure is provided for releasably closing the chamber bottom end opening. A deformable cover is mounted to the body to accommodate deformation from an undeformed condition at which the bottom end closure closes the chamber bottom end opening to a deformed condition at which the bottom end closure is engaged and moved by the cover to a position that opens the chamber bottom end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: John Elliott
  • Patent number: 5992693
    Abstract: A device for separately packaging two components to be mixed together on first use, and for dispensing the resulting mixture, the device being of the type comprising two superposed containers suitable for communicating with each other via a passage and capable of rotating relative to each other about an axis of rotation without moving axially, a single shutter disposed in said passage to close it during separate storage of the components, one of the containers further including a guide mechanism for guiding displacement of the shutter in said passage and the other container including a drive mechanism for transforming relative rotation of the two containers into axial displacement of the shutter in the guide mechanism, thereby opening the passage. The shutter further includes a retaining mechanism suitable for limiting its displacement in the guide mechanism at the end of relative rotation of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5984141
    Abstract: A beverage device is provided for separately storing two beverages and for selectively dispensing the beverages sequentially or in combination. The beverage device includes a cap assembly attached to a conventional drink bottle, the cap assembly having an inner cylindrical housing rotatably nested within an outer cylindrical housing. The housings are generally hollow and present apertures which facilitate the dispensing or mixing of beverages when properly aligned. The inner housing includes a channel which allows a drink to be drawn through a spout from the bottle by a user upon alignment of apertures between the housings. The inner housing further includes a chamber for storing a beverage until apertures in the inner and outer housings are aligned to release the beverage into the bottle for mixing and dispensing. Alignment of appropriate housing apertures is accomplished by rotation of the inner housing within the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory A. Gibler
  • Patent number: 5971140
    Abstract: A first container (60) contains a first liquid. The first container includes an opening which is closed by a releasable closure (61) and a second container (20) located in the first container (60) adjacent the opening of the first container (60). The second container (20) contains a fluid (15,16) and the second container (20) is adapted to release the fluid (15,16) into the first container (60) and into contact with the first liquid on release of the closure (61) from the first container (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Rocep Lusol Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
  • Patent number: 5967309
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a container apparatus for substances soluble in fluid media, for the preparation of mixtures in a single container, and to a method for the preparation of mixtures thereof. The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by: threaded cover, an internal sleeve having a thread on the internal wall, and a recipient or container wall that in its external wall having a matching groove. The method comprising the steps of:operating the closure means together with the fluid media container means through the internal sleeve means, thus allowing communication between the soluble substances and the fluid media inside the closed container,shaking the fluid media with the soluble means; andremoving the closure means and pour the formulated mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Pablo Andres Robles-Gonzalez, Luis Miguel Hernandez-Zamorano
  • Patent number: 5960971
    Abstract: A nursing bottle for automatically rinsing a baby's teeth by independently dispensing first and second liquids, includes a nursing bottle having a nipple, a rinsing device having a dispensing end and a buoyant valve attached to the dispensing end for retaining the second liquid within the rinsing device while the nursing bottle receives the first liquid. The valve retains the second liquid within the rinsing device when the bottle is at least substantially inverted due to a buoyant force produced by the valve against the dispensing end. The buoyant force of the valve is greater than the force of gravity which acts on the valve until the first liquid is substantially dispensed from the bottle. After which, the force of gravity overcomes the buoyant force of the valve and the valve is pulled towards the nipple by the force of gravity. As a result, the valve automatically releases the second liquid from the rinsing device and into the nipple to rinse the baby's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Hooshang Bral
  • Patent number: 5950689
    Abstract: A baby feeding bottle has a body with a threaded neck onto which a tightening nut is screwed to keep a nipple in place. A removable receptacle carrying a fluidized mass to be mixed with liquid in the bottle body has a flange and open end, as well as a size and shape enabling it to be received in the bottle neck. While the receptacle is in the bottle, its flange rests on the bottle neck. The bottle carries a funnel-shaped cap that fits over the bottle neck to protect the bottle nipple or can be inverted to function as a funnel for facilitating pouring the fluidized mass into the baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: SIEP SA
    Inventor: Marc F. Varlet
  • Patent number: 5950819
    Abstract: A storage, admixing, and dispensing system is shown. The storage, admixing, and dispensing system has a first vessel for retaining a first substance. A support structure is coupled to and seals the first vessel, and a second vessel is coupled to the support structure for containing a second substance. A release mechanism is coupled to the support structure for releasing the second vessel from the support structure for combining the first substance with the second substance. The second vessel is internal to and retained within the first vessel. The release mechanism comprises a resilient material pushbutton which also seals the second vessel. The second vessel is also an agitator for combining the first substance and the second substance. Additionally, the first vessel is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the admixture. Further included is a safety mechanism coupled to the resilient material pushbutton for preventing accidental operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Andy Sellars
  • Patent number: 5944175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separate packaging of two components to be mixed on first use and for dispensing the resulting mixture, the device comprising two superposed containers capable of turning one relative to the other and suitable for communicating with each other, the components being separated during storage by a shutter having a plug connected to a holding member by at least one hinge-forming bridge of material, the device further including drive means for transforming relative rotation of the two containers into displacement of the plug causing the components to be mixed together. The two containers include sealing means independent of the shutter to provide sealing between them. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5927549
    Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for a container which has an opening to the container interior. The structure includes a body for extending around the container opening and a membrane for occluding the container opening. A cover is disposed over the membrane and is sealingly engaged with the body to accommodate axial sliding movement from an outer position to an inwardly displaced position. The cover defines a dispensing orifice and defines an edge for severing at least part of the membrane as the cover is moved from the outer position to the inwardly displaced position. An additive material may be initially stored in the dispensing structure above the membrane and can be combined with the product in the container after the membrane has been severed. A self-sealing, pressure-openable, slit-type valve may be mounted in the cover at the dispensing orifice to control flow through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5908107
    Abstract: Packaging, especially for the extemporaneous mixing of two products, includes two bottles separated by a connector (8) bearing a removable stopper. The connector means (8) includes two separate parts, a first part (80) bearing the top (88) of a central hollow shaft supporting the stopper (10) which can be screwed in leaktight fashion onto the base of the first bottle, a second part (82) fitted onto the first bottle, which forms a bottom of the central hollow shaft, bearing means (29) which assist in expelling the stopper so that the products can be mixed, and an anti-rotation device for preventing the second part (82) from rotating with respect to the first (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: 5893452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for the separate packaging and mixing of at least one base product and at least one secondary product in a single body. The container is provided with an internal stopper, a device for opening the internal stopper, and a membrane, and can be easily and economically manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Stanislas de Nervo
  • Patent number: 5875888
    Abstract: A device for separately packaging two components, for mixing them together, and for dispensing the resulting mixture includes a two-compartment receptacle, a removable plug for separating the compartments during storage of the components until first use, a dispenser endpiece defining an outlet channel for the mixture, closure suitable for closing the outlet channel during storage of the components, and a drive member that is axially displaceable to drive relative displacement of the endpiece and the closure so as to open the outlet channel. The drive member also displaces the plug so as to put the compartments into communication with each other. The plug is connected to the drive member by a coupling member enabling the plug to be entrained over at least a portion of the axial displacement of the drive member so as to establish communication between the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5875889
    Abstract: A device for separately packaging two components, for mixing them together, and for dispensing the resulting mixture, includes a receptacle having two compartments, a removable plug for separating the compartments prior to first use, a dispenser endpiece, a rotary drive member suitable, in an initial position, for preventing the endpiece being opened, and a coupling device for transforming rotation of the drive member into action on the plug for the purpose of putting the two compartments into communication with each other. The coupling device includes a coupling member that is axially movable relative both to the receptacle and to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5869329
    Abstract: The present invention describes a blood culture vial and bottle having an agitation paddle that enhances liquid agitation within the container, when the container is rotated on a turntable instrument. In particular, a flexible paddle is inserted into the container and is slightly oversized to be held in position within the container. In addition, the agitation paddle can have a variety of structures including a star shape or a helix shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Klaus W. Berndt
  • Patent number: 5866419
    Abstract: The invention is a roller bottle having a cross-section that is substantially a non-circular closed curve of constant width, wherein said curve is preferably a Reuleaux triangle or a Reuleaux triangle with rounded corners and the use of the roller bottle for cell culture. This provides several benefits: 1) a larger surface area per unit volume than a circular cross-section, promoting growth of anchorage dependant cells while maintaining an easily harvested and cleaned smooth wall. 2) a translational motion in addition to the usual circular motion, which is expected to enhance gas exchange, especially at the cap, which normally sits on an axis and has low angular velocity. 3) greater agitation of the growth medium inside the bottle, without the need for difficult to manufacture inserts or internal baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Martin G. Meder
  • Patent number: 5863126
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system is provided to permit rapid mixing of a prestored powdered substance such as powdered milk with a liquid in which, in one embodiment, baby bottles are stacked one atop the other in fluid communication, with an internally carried stemmed disk preventing powdered contents of the upper bottle from entering the liquid carried by the lower bottle until the stemmed disk is dislodged from the aperture between the bottles, the stemmed disk falling into the lower bottle such that the mixing can occur without opening or separating the two bottles. The invention thus allows the separate storage of two pre-measured fluent materials within the same container, and to facilitate the mixing and dispensing of those materials at a later time without opening the container. The benefits of this are that the user can prepare in advance mixtures of materials which, if stored in a combined state, will sour, harden, or otherwise become unusable without mixing the two ingredients until the time of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: William Guild
  • Patent number: 5839573
    Abstract: The assembly for keeping different substances separate up to the moment of use comprises a container (1) on which is inserted a deformable and internally hollow capsule (2), provided with a cap (3) which closes the capsule (2) and opens same following pressure thereon. The assembly further comprises a cover (4) connected to the container by means of a threaded coupling in such a way as to close the capsule (2). The cover (4), which interacts following screwing with the capsule (2) is constrained to the container (1) when the capsule (2) is closed, and to the capsule (2) when the capsule (2) is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bormioli Rocco & Figlio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 5833089
    Abstract: A connector for connecting two containers includes a first portion releasably secured to the neck of the first container and a second portion having an access opening. A closure member for sealing the access opening of the connector includes a cover for sealably closing the access opening, the cover being fixed to the connector so as to include a breakable point of attachment and a zone of weakness disposed on the periphery of the cover. The cover includes a tab disposed generally perpendicular to the cover and a strut angularly disposed between the tab and the cover such that the exertion of pressure substantially normal to the tab causes the cover to release from the connector at the zone of weakness and the rotation of the cover causes release of the cover from the connector at the breakable point of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Charles Manni, Jean Pierre Augier
  • Patent number: 5811060
    Abstract: A new flask for two products, includes a general flask body having a neck; a vessel housed inside the neck of the general flask body and having a weakened part; the neck of the flask body including a thread, and a flange at an upper part of the neck; a cap which screws onto an outside of the neck, the cap including a thread which is complementary to the thread on the neck, a flange which is complementary to the flange on the neck, a wall defining a hole, and a vertical projection which emerges from an inside of the cap, in the form of a short cylinder with extremely sharp edges, the length of the cylindrical vertical projection from the inside of the cap being such that the vertical projection facilitates cutting of the weakened part of the vessel, when the cap is screwed down; and a cover hinged to the cap and made from the same material as the cap, for fully sealing a top of the cap by pressure, the hinged cover of the cap having a central projection at a lower part thereof corresponding to the hole and of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Laboratorios Inibsa, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose M.sup.a Laguna Valderrama
  • Patent number: 5794802
    Abstract: A reusable insert designed for off-the-shelf covered containers, and more specifically for baby bottles. The insert forms a storage compartment and which keeps the ingredients separated in the container. It is designed to allow the ingredients to be mixed in the same container and dispensed without removing the cover from the container. The insert generally includes a dry chamber housing 30, a chamber seal 40, and a means to release the chamber seal such as a push rod 20. When used with a baby bottle, the insert slides into the bottle portion 50. A flange at the top of the dry chamber housing 30 prevents it from moving too far into the bottle and still allows the nipple assembly 10 to be attached directly to the bottle portion 50. When the nipple assembly 10 is screwed in place, the flange is pinched between the nipple assembly 10 and bottle portion 50, forming a leak-proof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph Caola
  • Patent number: 5788369
    Abstract: An infant nursing bottle includes a bottle body, a nipple and an affixing ring, in which the bottle body has an enlarged bottle opening and a stirring fin protruded inwardly form a surrounding wall or a bottle base thereof for enhancing the mixing between the drinkable water and milk powder by hand shaking of the infant nursing bottle in any and all directions. The infant nursing bottle further includes a mixing element mounted on the affixing ring for further enhancing the mixing effect. On the surface of the bottle body, a heat detecting figure is painted thereon which would change color at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the heat detecting figure would change color as soon as the milk or drinkable liquid in the infant nursing bottle has exceeded the temperature that is suitable for the infant to consume, so as to give a warning signal to the parents to prevent the infant from getting burned while consuming the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Tseng
  • Patent number: 5772017
    Abstract: A beverage mixing dispenser device (10) for a bottle (12) having a body (14) and a neck (16) for holding a beverage (18) therein. The device (10) comprises a container (20 ) for insertion into the neck (16) of the bottle (12). The container (20) is for retaining a separate ingredient (22) therein. A removable closure member (24) is connected to the container (20). The removable closure member (24) is adapted to close the neck (16) of the bottle (12). A structure (26) extends through the removable closure member (24) and the container (20), for opening the bottom of the container (20), so that the ingredient (22) can drop down and mix with the beverage (18) within the body (14) of the bottle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Heung Sun Kang
  • Patent number: 5692945
    Abstract: A toy is disclosed for producing a simulated eruption. The toy comprises a container having a first chamber for holding a predetermined quantity of a first reagent and a second chamber for holding a predetermined quantity of a second reagent. The second chamber communicates with an upstanding convergent nozzle terminating at its upper end in an orifice opening to the exterior of the container. When the sidewalls defining the first chamber are squeezed, a portion of the first reagent held therein is forced through a connecting tube into the second chamber, where the first regent reacts with the second reagent to produce gaseous products. The elevated pressure thereby created within the second chamber causes the reagent mixture to be ejected from the nozzle orifice at high velocity. The toy may additionally comprise a simulated volcano landscape having a eruption tube depending from the volcano crater which receives at its lower end the tip of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Educational Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb E. Crowell, George Hom, Laura Patterson
  • Patent number: 5692644
    Abstract: A container for separately storing at least two products, mixing those products and for dispensing the mixture includes a first reservoir for liquid and a second cylindrical reservoir for powder. The second reservoir has a mouth that is contiguous with the first reservoir. A movable wall blocks the mouth of the second reservoir. A cylindrical part is movable from a position outside the second reservoir through the second reservoir and into the first reservoir after penetrating the mouth of the first reservoir by displacing the movable wall to thereby displace the powder into the first reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5647481
    Abstract: A dispensing package system for a liquid product including first and second components which must be mixed together prior to use, includes a first container for containing the first component, and a second container for containing the second component prior to use. The first container includes a top dispensing nozzle sealed off by a cap when not in use, and a bottom port sealed by a removable plug from the interior thereof. To mix the components together a user unscrews a cap from the second container, and screws the neck of the second container into a threaded boss of a skirt secured to the bottom of the first container, for forcing a top portion of the neck of the second container into the bottom port of the first container for frictional engagement therewith, and for forcing the plug out of the port into the interior of the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Volker Hundertmark, Peter Funke, Dietholf Mehl
  • Patent number: 5638968
    Abstract: An extension assembly fits between a tubular container of a baby bottle and a nipple end cap. The assembly includes a container body attached to the nipple end cap and having an internal chamber and a lower attaching structure connected to an upper open end of the tubular container and a release mechanism to control access by water in the tubular container to food material in the container body. The mechanism has a lower annular funnel sloping from an annular outer edge to an annular inner edge which defines a central opening aligned with the upper end of the tubular container. A central stopper structure supported by a lower open end of the container body is movable toward and away from the annular funnel structure as the container body moves within a sleeve extending upwards from the annular funnel structure. This movement prevents and permits access by water in the tubular container to the food material in the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Moises S. Baron, Sharon Lerner-Baron
  • Patent number: 5634714
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system is provided to permit rapid mixing of a prestored powdered substance such as powdered milk with a liquid in which, in one embodiment, baby bottles are stacked one atop the other in fluid communication, with an internally carried stemmed disk preventing powdered contents of the upper bottle from entering the liquid carried by the lower bottle until the stemmed disk is dislodged from the aperture between the bottles, the stemmed disk falling into the lower bottle such that the mixing can occur without opening or separating the two bottles. The invention thus allows the separate storage of two pre-measured fluent materials within the same container, and to facilitate the mixing and dispensing of those materials at a later time without opening the container. The benefits of this are that the user can prepare in advance mixtures of materials which, if stored in a combined state, will sour, harden, or otherwise become usable without mixing the two ingredients until the time of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: William Guild
  • Patent number: 5593028
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical storage, mixing and dispensing vial (2, 3, 202, 250) is used to store first and second pharmaceuticals (58, 60), mix the pharmaceuticals, and then provide access to the mixed pharmaceutical (102) via a needle canula. The vial includes a container (12, 112) having an open end (14) covered by a convex septum (44, 140). A barrier (37, 204) within the container interior divides the interior into first and second interior regions (54, 56) housing the pharmaceuticals. The barrier has a plug (34, 206, 252) sealing a hole (30, 264), the plug having an extension (36, 208/210) extending to the septum. The plug is driven from the opening by the plug extension when the septum is deflected into the container interior. The septum then naturally returns to its undeflected state to eliminate pressurization of the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5564600
    Abstract: A device for keeping two products in respective containers separate from one another, and for mixing them when desired for use. A seal including a sealing plate is connected to one of the containers, and a closure partition equipped with a seat is connected to the other of the containers. In a closed position, the sealing plate seals against the seat, but a relative translational displacement of the two containers moves the plate away from the seat, opens the seal, increases an internal volume of the assembly of the two containers, and allows the products to mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Philippe Renault