Drip, Leakage Or Waste Catching Or Disposal Patents (Class 222/108)
  • Publication number: 20140027471
    Abstract: A kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream is provided with a liquid-topping dispenser assembly having liquid-dispensing faucets which are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confections. The dispenser assembly may be configured to allow people to operate faucets from both sides of the dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly extends outwardly of the kiosk in a dispensing orientation and is movable to a stored orientation. The dispenser assembly may also be movable between several dispensing positions. The kiosk may be stationary or mobile. The kiosk may be provided with more than one dispenser assembly and may use a dispenser assembly mounted on a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Tikiz Development Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Tollefson, David S. Tollefson
  • Publication number: 20130341355
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kerry Lloyd WEAVER, Kyle Vincent Zink
  • Patent number: 8602246
    Abstract: A dual-chamber container with independent or combined access includes two individual chambers made of a breach-able material such as, but not limited to, a paper product. The container can be made from a unitary blank that is foldable to create a substantially triangular body. The triangular body includes a first and a second superimposed triangular chamber, each chamber having a distinct interior space for holding a dispensable substance. A first and a second access fin are positioned at each of a respective first and a second corner of the body, each access fin contiguous with a respective one of the first and the second chamber. The interior space of each chamber is individually accessible by removing a respective one of the access fins, thereby breaching it's respective chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel M. Frohwein
  • Patent number: 8590559
    Abstract: A leak detector assembly uses fluid collected from a leaking conduit to automatically prohibit flow. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom, a top and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom and the top. A basin is coupled to the top of the housing. A drain opening is positioned in the basin. A collection pan is positioned below the drain opening to collect fluids passed through the drain opening from the basin. An electrical circuit is coupled to the collection pan. A sponge is coupled to the collection pan positioned over and contacting spaced contacts whereby the sponge completes the electrical circuit when the sponge becomes wet. A stop valve is coupled to a fluid conduit providing fluid to a position over the basin. The stop valve is operationally coupled to the electrical circuit whereby the stop valve closes upon the electrical circuit being completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ezequiel Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8590748
    Abstract: The cosmetic product device comprises a container presenting an orifice for dispensing a product; and a cap presenting an internal portion in relief, such as a lip, arranged to pass over the orifice while closing the container with the cap, and to lie at a distance from the orifice when the cap closes the container. The cap is arranged in such a manner that while it is keeping the container closed it bears against the orifice and closes it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chanel Parfums Beaute
    Inventors: Jean-Eudes Pouchain, Nicolas Mathieu
  • Patent number: 8534507
    Abstract: A granule dispenser for dispensing granules into a receiving cup, the granule dispenser including a dispenser and a base. The dispenser includes a collector rotatably mounted to the dispenser and configured to receive a predetermined volume of granules. The collector defines a cavity defining a dispensing volume and a port providing access to the cavity. The base supports the dispenser from underneath the dispenser and includes a chute, a support, and a catch plate. The support is configured to releasably mount the receiving cup beneath the chute in a position to receive granules from the chute. The catch plate is spaced beneath the support in a position below the receiving cup when the receiving cup is mounted to the support to catch granules that are not transferred to the receiving cup. In some examples, the collector rotates between a receiving position where the port is positioned to receive granules and a dispensing position where the port is positioned above the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mike Gronholm
  • Patent number: 8534503
    Abstract: A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toeca International Company B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Martinus Jacobus Johannes Boekhoorn, Maarten Arns, Harry Schippers
  • Patent number: 8505595
    Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Bragg, Harry Wing, Nicholas M. Patterson, Roberto Nevarez, Paul Hanniffy
  • Patent number: 8496032
    Abstract: A manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the sidewall and a distal end coupled to a push plate. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a spring-biased seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and slidably coupled the sidewall by a pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Miller, Scott J. Bratthauer
  • Patent number: 8490833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, in particular in the form of a foam, at least comprising a liquid container and a dispensing assembly, the dispensing assembly comprising a liquid pump (4) and an actuating head (10). The actuating head comprises a discharge duct (12) and a dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid, and a circular protective cap (14), which protective cap can be guided into a space which is formed between a protective inner wall (29)and a protective outer wall (30) the dispensing assembly. One or more discharge openings (31) are provided near the bottom of the space which discharge to the outside. According to a first aspect of the invention, the one or more discharge openings discharge over a section (30A) of at most 180 degrees, preferably at most 90 degrees, of the periphery of the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Airspray N.V.
    Inventor: Edgar Ivo Maria van der Heijden
  • Patent number: 8485392
    Abstract: A system for dispensing solvents removes the need for storing solvents in multitudes of small containers or containers which are not suitable for storing the solvents for a long duration. The system minimizes laboratory space requirements for the storage and handling of solvents. The system minimizes waste generation. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly and are able to be dispensed in small quantities for use as needed. The system for dispensing solvents also includes leak detection, a spill tray, a fume hood and other precautionary measures to ensure a safe handling environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wilson Tarter
  • Patent number: 8474656
    Abstract: A syringe has a dripless feature by using an O-ring located between a conical disc and a flat plunger disc in an annular groove on a moving plunger. The flat plunger disc has a series of projections that offset the o-ring off the flat plunger disc surface when the plunger is not actuated. When the plunger is actuated, the o-ring distorts to rest on the projections and also on the surface of the flat plunger disc. When the plunger is released, the o-ring's resiliency pulls the o-ring back to its original shape which sucks back the fluid being dispensed so that no or less drips occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideto Kunishi, Yasujiro Ohara, Katsuhito Kuwahara, Toru Toma, Satoshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8474646
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Danks, John Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8453561
    Abstract: A support to hold a beverage receiving container in a machine for the preparation of beverages designed to position the container at two different heights with respect to a dispensing spout of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Luca Ferraris
  • Patent number: 8448821
    Abstract: A sanitary collection device for a beverage dispenser that provides an improved and larger collection area as compared to a cylindrical holster; and separation between the dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser and collection surfaces of the sanitary collection device such that the dispensing nozzle is prevented from contacting a possibly contaminated surface of the sanitary collection device. The present invention also provides for easy cleaning of the sanitary collection device and its drip cup, since the drip cup can be easily removed without the use of tools to facilitate cleaning and/or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hecht
  • Patent number: 8430136
    Abstract: A tank for a load tap changer includes opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall joined to define a box-like structure. A door structure is removably coupled to one of the walls. An oil catch tray is coupled to the tank and is movable between a retracted, storage position generally adjacent to the bottom of the tank, and an operative position extending outwardly from the one wall to which the door structure is coupled and generally under a portion of the door structure. In the operative position, the oil catch tray is constructed and arranged to collect oil that drips from the door structure and the one wall when the door structure is removed from the one wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Jon C. Brasher
  • Publication number: 20130075424
    Abstract: Provided is a dispenser of a refrigerator. A body of the dispenser can move back and forth. Only when a water or ice dispensing command is input, the body is moved to form a container receiving space. Thus, it is difficult to discriminate the dispenser from a refrigerator door when the dispenser is not operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jungyeon Hwang, Jinwon Kang, Myungdong You, Woonkyu Seo, Hanjin Jung
  • Publication number: 20130068793
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a refrigerator door, comprising an inner door material and an outer door material, wherein a portion of the outer door material of the refrigerator is formed into a shape of a dispenser recess. The apparatus also includes a support structure, wherein the support structure is situated behind the dispenser recess of the outer door material and in front of the inner door material, and wherein the support structure facilitates implementation of one or more dispenser features. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Krause, Justin Berger, Christopher Bissig, David Calvert, Bernhard Klaus, Robert Lewis, Vinayak Reddy, Edward Strauss, Jarvis Ward, Joseph Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 8393351
    Abstract: The Dual Automatic Dryer and Washing Machine Protective Basin is a drip pan sized to fit both a washer and dryer, and to contain leakage from both appliances. The position of the washer and dryer can safely be swapped, and the pan can optionally be provided with an opening directly over a floor drain, which now need not be located under the washing machine. The front wall of the basin can be sized to clear a door or pedestal drawer; alternatively, the basin can have raised spots supporting the feet of the appliance or pedestal, so as to lift doors or drawers above the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Driptite, Inc.
    Inventors: Frankie Lee Carter, Paul Rahmes
  • Patent number: 8372506
    Abstract: A mat for collecting water from under cabinet leaks. The mat is an elastomeric material sized to fit within the cabinet space and has ribs defining inclined channels which direct water to a forward collection area which is viewable when the cabinet is opened. The ribs and webs on the underside of the mat provide support for items that may be placed on the mat. In an alternate embodiment, a wireless alarm signal is provided to a wireless device user. The alarm having conductivity probes which are insertable in a reservoir in the fluid collection area to emit an alarm when a leak occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Leonid Vainshtein
  • Publication number: 20130026184
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly configured to dispense liquids or solids from an appliance. In one embodiment, the dispenser assembly includes a tray, a plunger located above the tray, and a discharge opening. The plunger has a front surface and is moveable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position. The discharge opening is concealed behind the plunger and free of the path of the plunger from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Alan Joseph MITCHELL
  • Patent number: 8353427
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing hand-sanitizer lotion, which is powered using a rechargeable battery pack rechargeable via solar cells, which battery pack is pivotally mounted in the upper interior section of the main frame of the dispenser, above the liquid-storage bag, whereby as the liquid storage bag is depleted after continual use, the weight of the battery pack serves to compress the storage bag to thereby increase the pressure therein, so that the delay of the dispensing of the liquid does not increase over time as the bag becomes depleted. Also provided is a lower, pivotal tray located below the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing apparatus by which drippings and excess dispensed amounts are caught by the tray and do not fall upon the floor therebelow. A front cover is rotatable to an upper position such that it does not rotate back down by itself in order to allow unencumbered access to the interior of the apparatus for changing storage bags and batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Konrad Landauer
  • Publication number: 20120305595
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage pouch or bladder supporting container having a plurality of elements for the purposes of efficiently dispensing, storing and preserving the beverage contained within the pouch, all while presenting an outward appearance that is tasteful and decorative. The container comprises an enclosure having an internal volume and a base, wherein the volume is actively cooled using a refrigeration system or alternatively is insulated for retaining a plurality of freezable blocks or a quantity of ice therein. Along the forward face of the enclosure is an aperture adapted to accept the spout of the beverage pouch, while an attachable or pull-out drip tray is positioned therebelow. Within the interior of the enclosure may further be provided a bladder support element, comprising a means to suspend, compress or elevate the bag for more efficient and constant-flow dispensing of its contents through the externally-mounted spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Cathy Braun, Holly Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8320752
    Abstract: An attachment tool for draining water from a water heater during replacement of the heating element includes an annular mounting member that has an elongate channel attached thereto. The channel has a pair of aligned notches formed proximate a distal end of channel for supporting a bucket or other container. The mounting member is disposed peripherally about the tapping of a heating element receptacle. When the heating element is removed from the receptacle, water drains from the receptacle and through the channel into the bucket supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael G. Bergau
  • Patent number: 8313007
    Abstract: The portable multipurpose food and beverage insulated container and water dispensing alternative consists of the cooler body, a press fit top lid, a content support assemblage, a cup support assemblage, a nozzle access door and rubber skid strips. The cooler body is a rigid plastic multilayer housing with thermal insulator foam deposited between the general plainer outer shell and inner shell for reducing heat transfer through the cooler body. The press fit lid covers the top of the cooler body. The plastic content support assemblage supports the weight of the unit's contents in one of two possible orientations and collects condensate from the ice pack and or content defrosting. The cup support assemblage seats cups on a level surface and captures spills during water dispensing. The nozzle access door positioned on the frontal face of the cooler body opens to allow access to the water container's nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Kolaco Kpabar
  • Patent number: 8293350
    Abstract: A mold barrier eliminates the establishment and continued resurgence of microbial colonies on product dispenser components routinely exposed to fluids and food products. The mold barrier may be utilized in a product dispenser to prevent the establishment of mold colonies on the product dispenser. The mold barrier adheres to potentially exposed surfaces to create an impenetrable boundary layer, thereby preventing the errant product from permeating into porous materials not suitable for product contact. Upon contacting the mold barrier, the errant product moves downward. Residues left from the errant product may be removed when the product dispenser and mold barrier are sanitized during routine cleansing operations. Upon sanitization, the product dispenser may be restored to a sanitized condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd
    Inventor: Jarrell L. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20120241473
    Abstract: Improvements in an aerosol can liquid dispenser to provide a method to dispense a limited amount of fluid from within an aerosol can and to hold the fluid in a reservoir so it can be intermittently used. An operator may only dispense a few drops of liquid and use only a fraction of the dispensed quantity. The collection reservoir is located in a semi protected enclosure to minimize air flow over the fluid thereby reducing evaporation. A secures mechanism allows the dispenser to be quickly and easily mounted and removed from the top of an aerosol can. A removable cap closure to reduce evaporation of any dispensed fluid held in a reservoir. An overflow reservoir collects any excess fluid where it is held in a separate chamber and can be reclaimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Alan M. Paine
  • Patent number: 8267274
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Danks, John Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20120228326
    Abstract: A utility panel for a dispenser that is mounted to a support structure by a backplate includes opposed lateral legs that extend from a main section to form a receiving channel therebetween. The main section is configured to display any desired physical indicia, such as advertising messages, for viewing by the user of the dispenser, while the lateral sections include retention tabs that are received within guide channels formed between the backplate and the support structure. As the utility panel is attached to the dispenser, the blackplate is received within the receiving channel of the utility panel until the retention tabs are snap-fit into corresponding lock channels provided by the backplate of the dispenser. As such, the utility panel is easily retrofit to a previously-installed dispenser without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: NICK CIAVARELLA, Dean DeCarlo, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8250880
    Abstract: A dispenser has a dispenser cover having an accommodating space with an open front surface, a tray slidably retracted in the dispenser cover, and a protrusion elastically contacted with one of the dispenser cover and the tray to thusly be relatively moved. Accordingly, the sliding of the tray can smoothly be performed, and an unexpected tray separation due to a small external force applied thereto upon opening/closing the refrigerator door can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gi-Yong Moon
  • Publication number: 20120187149
    Abstract: The cosmetic product device comprises a container presenting an orifice for dispensing a product; and a cap presenting an internal portion in relief, such as a lip, arranged to pass over the orifice while closing the container with the cap, and to lie at a distance from the orifice when the cap closes the container. The cap is arranged in such a manner that while it is keeping the container closed it bears against the orifice and closes it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE
    Inventors: Jean-Eudes Pouchain, Nicolas Mathieu
  • Patent number: 8201715
    Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a driving unit is configured to move the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position and is configured to move the dispensing unit from the dispensing position to the received position. The refrigerator also includes a state return unit that is configured to detect a force applied to a cover unit when the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position and that is configured to, in response to detecting the force applied to the cover unit, cause the driving unit to move the dispensing unit from the dispensing position to the received position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joo-Won Park, Il-Wook Joung, Byeong-Gyu Kang
  • Publication number: 20120132673
    Abstract: A keg dispenser for dispensing and housing a beverage contained within a keg. The dispenser reduces temperature-induced foam by permitting tap-lines to be properly cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Leyva
  • Publication number: 20120111885
    Abstract: A sanitary liquid dispenser having a spherical housing with a discharge port and a fluid reservoir positioned within the dispenser. The fluid reservoir includes a disposable deformable bag with a nozzle projecting downwardly from the bag. The dispenser includes a proximity detector for activating a discharge mechanism when detecting the proximity of an object beneath the dispenser. The discharge mechanism includes a valve within the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Horst Binderbauer, Renato S. Franchetto, Drew S. Abejon
  • Patent number: 8171965
    Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. The system and method disclosed has application to any liquids that are to be dispensed, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas oil, gas, liquid petroleum gas, av-gas, chemicals, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Strictly Green, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Y. Burris, David Michael Strickland, Wilson A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8172111
    Abstract: The liquid capture device has a horizontal support resting upon a support surface having a front edge in close proximity to the edge of a table. A vertical support member has a second connecting top edge. The first and second connecting devices are complementary to each other. On the lower portion of the vertical support member is a liquid receiving means. The liquid receiving means is located under a spigot so any dripping liquid is captured. The liquid receiving means may also include a corrugated floor. In one embodiment, the vertical support member can be removed from the horizontal support member to empty excess liquid. The connecting means may be a hooking member over a pin; or a magnet. In another embodiment, the connecting means may be a hinge and pin or a flexible hinge. This allows the vertical member to rotate for liquid to flow out through an exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Janice K. Fowler, Bonnie Young
  • Publication number: 20120091168
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a fluid reservoir (1) provided with an opening (13), a dispenser member (2) provided with a fluid outlet (24), a fastener ring (3) for fastening the dispenser member (2) on the opening (13) of the reservoir (1), and a dispenser head (4) mounted on the outlet (24) of the dispenser member (2). The head includes a dispenser orifice (43) and a pressing surface (44) to actuate the dispenser member (2). The head (4) also includes a fluid-collection dish (45) in which the fluid from the dispenser orifice (43) is collected before being taken by the user, and a peripheral skirt (46) secured to the ring (3) and/or to the reservoir (1). The skirt (46) is connected to the dish (45), to the pressing surface (44), and to the orifice (43) via a deformable flexible zone (47). The deformable zone (47) surrounds the dish (45), the pressing surface (44), and the dispenser orifice (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Airlessystems
    Inventor: Laurent Decottignies
  • Patent number: 8157136
    Abstract: The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: EGR Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Lamb, Tony M. Guard
  • Patent number: 8152024
    Abstract: A drip tray is attached to a beverage dispenser below a splash panel of the dispenser by a releasable latching mechanism that permits the drip tray to be removed from and replaced on the dispenser while the splash panel remains in place on the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Njaastad, Wieslaw Tomzyk
  • Patent number: 8136699
    Abstract: A device for recycling bar soap by passing the drippings, pieces and slivers of soap in the soap dish into a reservoir to form a reusable liquid. The soap dish is mounted on the top of a reservoir, and is provided with an opening communicating with the reservoir. Water or liquid soap can be placed in the reservoir to combine with the soap drippings, slivers and pieces. A dispensing valve or pump communicates with the liquid in the reservoir to provide a way for the user to access the recycled soap mixture. The opening in the soap dish can be closed by a plug to allow the reservoir alternatively to be used to dispense other liquids such as hand lotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Giovanni Bianchini
  • Publication number: 20120048890
    Abstract: A chilled drink dispenser includes: a drink container for containing a drink, the drink container having an ice chamber at its center, the ice chamber having an opening on its top for filling ice cubes; a strainer member having a reception sink for engaging with a bottom section of the drink container, a drain structure being formed in reception sink in alignment with the ice chamber, whereby melted iced water can be drained out through the drain structure; and a bottom basin, a top end of the bottom basin being engaged with an outer periphery of the strainer member. The bottom basin has a reservoir. After drained out through the drain structure, the melted iced water will fall into the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: JUNIOR JULIAN HSU
  • Patent number: 8123079
    Abstract: A bar gun holster assembly for receiving a bar gun. Bar guns are used to dispense beverages, typically soda and/or water therefrom. A holster assembly is a device that provides a place for a user to put the bar gun, nozzle first when it is not being used. Applicant's bar gun includes three components: a mounting plate, a holster portion, and a drain portion. The mounting plate is designed to attach to a support surface, such as the underside of a table or bar. The holster portion includes a cylindrical bar gun nozzle receiving member for receiving the nozzle of a bar gun slideably therein. The drain body is adapted to receive fluids dripping from the end of a nozzle and passing them to a drain line. Applicant's device includes walls that releasably couple the three members one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 8109412
    Abstract: A dispenser head (1) for associating with a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, so as to form a fluid dispenser, the head including a connection sleeve (11) for connecting to an outlet (31) of the dispenser member, the sleeve (11) being connected to a fluid dispenser orifice (13, 13?) via an internal channel (12), the head being characterized in that it further includes a fluid collection dish (14) for collecting the fluid at the outlet from the dispenser orifice, the dish defining a bottom (141) that is situated below the dispenser orifice under normal conditions of use of the head, such that the fluid drops by gravity into the dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Airlessystems
    Inventors: Laurent Decottignies, Myriam Bourdon
  • Patent number: 8091469
    Abstract: A beverage machine comprising a drip tray device that can accommodate recipients of different heights. The drip tray device is formed of a collect tank and has a first drip support grid removably mounted on the tank for holding short recipients and has a second drip support for longer recipients such as a glass. The whole device is removable for ease of emptying and rinsing. In a possible mode, the first removable grid is provided with a gutter to evacuate liquid in a main collect reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Michael Stieger
  • Publication number: 20120000933
    Abstract: A beverage machine comprising a drip tray device that can accommodate recipients of different heights. The drip tray device is formed of a collect tank and has a first drip support grid removably mounted on the tank for holding short recipients and has a second drip support for longer recipients such as a glass. The whole device is removable for ease of emptying and rinsing. In a possible mode, the first removable grid is provided with a gutter to evacuate liquid in a main collect reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Michael Stieger
  • Patent number: 8074837
    Abstract: An ice portion control module includes an ice bin for storing ice. A base in the ice bin has one or more portion control compartments. The one or more portion control compartments has an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice. An actuator moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, William E. Smith, Jan Claesson
  • Publication number: 20110290822
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drip guard which is securable to a container and which functions to inhibit or absorb condensation and/or liquid droplets formed on an outer surface of a liquid container. The drip guard has a flexible body which is securable to a liquid container and, in one embodiment, the body functions to inhibit the formation of liquid droplets when the liquid is poured from the container or restrain already formed liquid droplets. In another embodiment the body absorbs condensation or droplets forming on the liquid container in which case the body may be absorbent or it may include an absorbent layer. The body may bear indicia such as, for example, advertising material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gustav Bouwer
  • Patent number: 8065953
    Abstract: Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with a suction device, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapor and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Bravilor Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Ramon Eduard Verhoeven, Johannes Jacobus Van Steenderen de Kok, Carlos Nicolaas Jozef Maria Koopman
  • Publication number: 20110284580
    Abstract: A Stand for Elevating a Dispenser Type Container for elevating a container having a product dispensing valve, such as a laundry detergent container, includes a box for elevating the container in an orientation that permits dispensing of a product from the container without manipulation of the container itself. The product dispensing valve sits in an orientation that also permits dispensing of a product from the container over a drip tray that is an integrated part of the Stand for Elevating a Dispenser Type Container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Lorraine Marie Boettcher
  • Publication number: 20110278323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a generally liquid or viscous product, including a container for containing the product to be packaged and dispensed in the form of clean or sterile calibrated doses or drops using a dispensing accessory including a tip, wherein the assembly of the container and the accessory includes an additional flexible and deformable chamber actuated simultaneously with the accessory and capable of either sucking the residual drop at the end of said accessory after dispensing a calibrated dose or drop, or of blowing said calibrated dose or drop without permitting the formation of a residual drop. The invention can be used for packaging and dispensing clean or sterile products, in particular doses or drops in the field of ophthalmology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Sivel
    Inventors: Jacques Pozzi, Pierre Roy