Sight Openings Patents (Class 222/156)
  • Patent number: 11425849
    Abstract: A loose component supply device including a stage configured to support scattered components; a holding tool configured to hold a component scattered on the stage; and a component reception member in which is formed a component reception recess in accordance with the component, the device supplying components in a state with the component held by the holding tool loaded in the component reception recess of the component reception member. With the loose component supply device, a setting section is provided for setting any of multiple of the component reception members. An identification plate is provided on the component reception member and a 2D code for identifying the type of the component that is able to be loaded in the component reception recess is provided on the identification plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toru Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10975514
    Abstract: A washing machine (100) has a slide-in compartment (102) for the insertion of at least one detergent container (104, 106), which is translucent at least in sections, at least one light source arranged in the slide-in compartment (102) for illuminating the detergent container (104, 106), and a control device configured to control the light source according to a fill level of the detergent container (104, 106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Markus Behr, Viktor Wiens, Jan Niclas Laumann
  • Patent number: 10926277
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus may be used to dispense a paint fluid from a paint container that is under pressure and that has a pierceable membrane. The fluid dispensing apparatus may include a valve body having a bore, an adaptor having a bore and a piercing member, and a nozzle having a bore. The fluid dispensing apparatus may be operable to pierce the pierceable membrane to communicate the paint within the paint container with the adaptor bore and with the valve body bore. The nozzle may be operable to permit the paint to flow under the pressure out of the paint container, through the adaptor bore, through the valve body bore and through the nozzle bore to ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Patent number: 10194774
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container within which a material is contained and an actuation device movably supported with respect to the container. The actuation device is movable between a first position and a second position. The dispensing system includes a control system. The control system includes an engagement portion in movable engagement with the actuation device. The control system includes a control portion. As the actuation device is moved from the first position to the second position a first time, the control portion does not restrain movement of either the engagement portion or the actuation device. As the actuation device is moved between the first position and the second position a second time within a predetermined time period after the first time, the control portion restrains movement of at least one of the engagement portion or the actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelby Jay Buell, Richard E. Corney
  • Patent number: 10167106
    Abstract: A storage box having a fill viewer created when the negative space of the box flaps are combined when the flaps are folded to close the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Valvoline Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A Kasper, Steven B Ruble
  • Patent number: 10106315
    Abstract: A flexible and inflatable tank for the supply of potable water that is made of a strong, rigid and flexible material and is designed to incorporate a thin, flexible inner bag that is made of materials that comply with standards for the storage of potable water. The tank is made of a rectangular sheet, a pair of walls, and one or more openings and is shaped in general like a closed, round, oblate cylinder with two side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventors: Alex Harel, Shalom Green, Ohad Zecharia
  • Patent number: 9987645
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an atomizer for dispensing cleaning solution from a capsule is provided. The atomizer comprises a handle, a base, and a pipette extending from the base to the nozzle. The handle comprises a nozzle, a trigger, and a capsule receiving portion. The base comprises a reservoir portion configured for receiving cleaning solution from the capsule. The handle is configured to be secured to the base. When the capsule is positioned within the capsule receiving portion and the handle is secured to the base the cleaning solution is provided to the reservoir portion. When the capsule is positioned within the capsule receiving portion, the handle is secured to the base, and the trigger is activated, the cleaning solution is dispensed from the reservoir portion through the pipette and out of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Butler's Brand, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Richman, David N. Youdovin
  • Patent number: 9759594
    Abstract: A container and overcap assembly includes an open mouth container and an overcap with a built-in spout that is hinged to the overcap. The spout snaps shut inside the overcap when in a fully closed position and snaps into a fully open position as well. The spout accommodates a metered dose of product. In the fully open position, the spout seals the opening in the overcap to prevent product from exiting the container while a metered dose is dispensed from the open spout. The container assembly is particularly useful for containing and providing metered dispenses of dry products such as powders and granulated materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Robert Carpenter, Kurt Ziegenfelder
  • Patent number: 9038860
    Abstract: A food dispenser for attaching underneath a cupboard, wherein the dispenser has a bin member having four side walls and a dispensing hatch at a bottom portion thereof, and bin channels formed in top portions of two opposite of the side walls, and a support bracket adapted to be securely attached underneath the cupboard having four side edges, wherein two opposite side edges have support channels adapted to engage respective bin channels of the bin member opposite side walls, such that the bin member can slide on and off the support bracket. The dispensing hatch is pivotally attached to one of the four side walls of the bin member, such that the hatch can be pivotally opened and closed such that food can be extracted from the bin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Dany Goulet
  • Publication number: 20150060482
    Abstract: An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges mounted on a carrier respectively containing said items, having a dispensing means with relative movement capable between said dispensing means and said cartridges. A look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete dispensing programs is provided for operation of the dispensing means to dispense a particular variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges. When a spice blend and associated dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense a particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, the mix of spices, herbs, condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge adapted for use in said automated dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Tastetro Inc.
    Inventors: James Bruce MURRAY, Carlos Eduardo SALAZAR, Francis James GIUNTA, Kenneth Scott HANNA
  • Patent number: 8944288
    Abstract: A container collapsible during dispensing of the contents therein includes a front wall, a rear wall, right and left side walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall defining a container volume holding product. A first right side wall fold line is provided in the right side wall, and a first left side wall fold line is provided in the left side wall. A rear wall fold line separates the rear wall into a first facet and a second facet. The container is sealed such that the removal of the product from the container causes the container volume to decrease, and the container folds along the first right side wall fold line, first left side wall fold line and rear wall fold line such that the first facet folds down toward the second facet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Aaron R. Reynolds, Stephanie Killion Schneider, Anthony R. Marchetta
  • Patent number: 8936176
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Audubon Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Philippe Roe
  • Publication number: 20140339256
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a beverage includes a conical inner sleeve configured to receive a mixture of beverage components, a first blade, and a blade arm. An outer shell receives the first blade, blade arm, and the inner sleeve. A top couples the inner sleeve and outer shell in a fixed position. A tap module includes a tap handle and a tap control. The tap handle restricts and allows beverage flow through a beverage port. The tap control detects whether the tap handle is in a first position or a second position. The tap control prevents a motor from operation while the tap handle is in the first position and engages the motor while the tap handle is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: COOLERITA, INC
    Inventors: Malcolm Lunn, Larry Killszewski, Brett Triola
  • Patent number: 8887960
    Abstract: A dispensing cabinet for dispensing bulk materials such as laundry detergent, fabric softener and bleach is disclosed. The cabinet has an upstanding housing having a base and defining an enclosure for receiving a plurality of liquid containers. The cabinet also includes a face panel pivotably mounted to the housing adjacent the base and including a shelf extending into the hollow enclosure. The face panel defines apertures through which lateral dispensing nozzles unitary with each container, are inserted. The containers are mounted for pivotal movement together with the face panel for ready servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Hardman
  • Publication number: 20140158710
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a beverage includes a conical inner sleeve configured to receive a mixture of beverage components, a first blade, and a blade arm. An outer shell receives the first blade, blade arm, and the inner sleeve. A top couples the inner sleeve and outer shell in a fixed position. A tap module includes a tap handle and a tap control. The tap handle restricts and allows beverage flow through a beverage port. The tap control detects whether the tap handle is in a first position or a second position. The tap control prevents a motor from operation while the tap handle is in the first position and engages the motor while the tap handle is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Coolerita, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Lunn, Larry Kiliszewski, Brett Triola
  • Patent number: 8746510
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Carolyn C. Byl, Matthew T. Wilcox, Alan P. Paal, Gregory D. Budz, Robert W. Cornell
  • Patent number: 8727181
    Abstract: Trash receptacles are rarely cleaned. These containers can contain germs and disease in them in many situations. This liquid dispensing device will spray a liquid of choice with in the interior of the trash receptacle automatically every time it is emptied and replaced onto the support surface. These liquids may drastically reduce the amount of bacteria, germs, insects, and disease with in the container. This device will provide this sanitation service automatically. This liquid dispensing device may be attached to industrial dumpsters as well as to residential trash containers. This device does not require a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Stephen Larabee
  • Publication number: 20140061242
    Abstract: A grease gun with an observation window is provided with a metal outer barrel, a plastic transparent inner barrel received in the outer barrel, and an operating end cover and a piston end cover screwed at two ends of the outer barrel. The observation window is formed on the outer barrel, and the two end covers define an oil storage space with respect to the inner barrel, and the interior of the oil storage space can be seen through the observation window of the outer barrel and the transparent inner barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Sandra KUO
  • Patent number: 8657159
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a that is longitudinally movable in a second chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber. An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. The intermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at least one flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the first chamber is moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow of the liquid product when the first chamber is moved in an opposite second longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mezureware, LLC
    Inventor: Keld Krogh Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140027470
    Abstract: A collapsible container has a front face and a collapsible backing, wherein the container volume decreases as product is removed, and the collapsible backing collapses by vacuum as the container volume decreases. The front face may be flexible and thus susceptible to losing its original shape as the container volume decreases, but is nevertheless designed to retain its shape by having a frame around at least a portion of its perimeter. The front face may instead be adapted to retain its shape as the collapsible backing collapses upon a decrease in the container volume. The collapsible container is of particular beneficial use in a dispenser housing having a sight window in a front wall thereof, the sight window being aligned with the front face of the collapsible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Keith A. Pelfrey
  • Publication number: 20140001211
    Abstract: The invention provides a wall mounted dispenser configured for use with mouthwash and oral rinses, providing consumers with a neat and efficient means of dispensing measured doses of mouthwash in a container that is easily accessible. The Mouthwash Dispenser is comprised of an ample reservoir with an internally contained drainage pump and external spout or nozzle through which mouthwash is dispensed into a disposable cup or water glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Thomas, Alexander Taddeo
  • Patent number: 8579163
    Abstract: A dental rack and dispenser. The dental rack and dispenser can include a toothpaste compartment, the toothpaste compartment further having an openable cover and receiving a toothpaste canister through the openable cover, a toothpaste dispensing mechanism disposed inside the toothpaste compartment and operably coupling to the toothpaste canister, a plurality of openable toothbrush containers, each toothbrush container further having an interior for receiving a toothbrush therein, the interior of each toothbrush container being isolated from the interiors of the other toothbrush containers, and a wall-mountable structure coupled to the toothpaste compartment and the toothbrush containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Charmine Ellis
  • Publication number: 20130214005
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a that is longitudinally movable in a second chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber. An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. The intermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at least one flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the first chamber is moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow of the liquid product when the first chamber is moved in an opposite second longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Keld Krogh Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20130181009
    Abstract: A coffee bean hopper having a bottom funnel terminating in a discharge duct; a top wall; at least one top fill opening; a lateral wall having at least one transparent portion and connecting the top wall to the funnel; and an inner partition extending from the top wall towards the funnel and dividing an inner chamber of the hopper into a first and second half-chamber communicating through a passage between the partition and the funnel; the first half-chamber being bounded laterally by the partition and by part of the lateral wall containing the transparent portion; and the second half-chamber communicating with the discharge duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: N&W GLOBAL VENDING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Simone COLNAGO
  • Publication number: 20130126554
    Abstract: In combination with a collapsible container with a dimension that varies as the container collapses from a full position to an empty position, the bottle cover with a sight opening for viewing of indicia on the bottle to provide an indication as to the extent the bottle is full or empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GOTOHTI.COMINC
    Inventor: GOTOHTI.COMINC
  • Publication number: 20130048677
    Abstract: A food dispenser for attaching underneath a cupboard, wherein the dispenser has a bin member having four side walls and a dispensing hatch at a bottom portion thereof, and bin channels formed in top portions of two opposite of the side walls, and a support bracket adapted to be securely attached underneath the cupboard having four side edges, wherein two opposite side edges have support channels adapted to engage respective bin channels of the bin member opposite side walls, such that the bin member can slide on and off the support bracket. The dispensing hatch is pivotally attached to one of the four side walls of the bin member, such that the hatch can be pivotally opened and closed such that food can be extracted from the bin member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Dany Goulet
  • Patent number: 8261950
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Carolyn C. Byl, Matthew T. Wilcox, Alan P. Paal, Gregory D. Budz, Robert W. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20120066911
    Abstract: An infant feeding device, including a reservoir section, including a viewing window and a cylindrical gear ratchet for metering delivery of a food product into an infant's mouth; a rubber piston mounted on a handle configured to engage with the reservoir section so that when operated the rubber piston and the reservoir section operate to take in or expel the food product via an opening in an attachment end of the reservoir section; and an attachment arm removably coupled to the attachment end of the reservoir section for removably securing a plurality of attachment ends thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Edward Hicks
  • Patent number: 7954666
    Abstract: An airpot or dispenser liquid level float, provided for vertically shifting upon the air tubes of an airpot or other dispenser, the float incorporate a pivotally mounted indicator, for viewing through a view window of the dispenser, for furnishing and indication as to the level and amount of liquid remaining within the dispenser, during its usage and application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, Dahyabhai Patel
  • Publication number: 20110095051
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic foam soap dispenser used for single soap reservoir which is pressed from top to down. The automatic foam soap dispenser includes a covering housing opened downwardly for accommodating a pressing-typed soap reservoir, a control circuit board, a motor, and a sensor. The soap reservoir has a pressing head at the top thereof, the pressing head is communicated with a connecting head, and the connecting head has an extension pipe to communicate with a foam nozzle, which is mounted at the bottom of the covering housing. Moreover, an extension fixing board is extended inside the covering housing for mounting a transmission gear set, which is driven by the motor to turn, and a swinging pressing board, wherein the transmission gear set has a cam, and a first end of the swinging pressing board is pivotally connected to the cam and the transmission gear set, and a second end of the swinging pressing board is leaned on the pressing head or the connecting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Wei-Ta LIAO, Huang Tsai, Kuo-Chou Lee, Tsan-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 7882987
    Abstract: A kitchen dispenser for storing and dispensing dry goods is provided. The dispenser includes a canister having a front portion, a back portion and a lid repeatably and releasably coupled together. An open space is defined between the front portion, rear portion and lid. The dispenser includes an aperture in a bottom side of the front portion and a movable dispensing mechanism coupled to the bottom portion of the canister. The dispensing mechanism includes a variable measurement device corresponding to the aperture in the bottom side of the front portion, the dispensing mechanism moveable between a dispensing position and a filling position. The kitchen dispenser further includes a scraper plate coupled to the bottom side of the front portion, the scraper plate in contact with a top side of the dispensing mechanism during movement between filling and dispensing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Sholem
  • Publication number: 20110011891
    Abstract: A method and device which provides visual means to confirm the level of liquid in an opaque container, by operating an adjacent transparent gauge tube which is in correspondence with the liquid on the inside of container, notwithstanding the pressurized condition of the liquid, while maintaining the pressure above the liquid in the gauge tube at the same level as the pressure above the liquid in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jaring M. Hettinga
  • Patent number: 7798363
    Abstract: A caulk product is provided. The product comprises an amount of caulk that is formulated so as to be white in color prior to curing and clear after curing. A cylindrical cartridge contains the amount of caulk, wherein the cartridges comprises a dispensing tip, a substantially cylindrical body, a removable and replaceable endcap, and a breakable seal located between the tip and the body. A transparent area is disposed within a wall of the cartridge so as to allow the color of the caulk to be viewed, wherein the area defined by the cartridge body is adapted to accommodate the insertion of colorant and a mixing tool without overflow. A related method for coloring caulk is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Red Devil, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Brandon
  • Patent number: 7708167
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid dispenser and a towel dispenser. The liquid dispenser further comprises a container member and an expelling member. The towel dispenser is disposed adjacent to and in contact with a portion of the container member of the liquid dispenser. Liquid is dispensed, through the expelling member of the liquid dispenser, in a substantially downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Design Society, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Krengel, Joseph T. Hudson, Paul D Hatch, Toshihiro Fujimura
  • Patent number: 7645085
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with an edible food dispenser has a nozzle, a spreader surface associated with the nozzle, and a cap for entirely covering the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mack-Ray, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Liberatore
  • Publication number: 20090308893
    Abstract: A method and device which provides visual means to confirm the level of liquid in an opaque container, by operating an adjacent transparent gauge tube which is in correspondence with the liquid on the inside of container, notwithstanding the pressurized condition of the liquid, while maintaining the pressure above the liquid in the gauge tube at the same level as the pressure above the liquid in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jaring M. Hettinga
  • Publication number: 20090279986
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a binding tape, binding tape dispenser, and a binding system. The binding tape is continuously formed with a flexible substrate and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the substrate. The binding tape dispenser can hold the binding tape and can be used by the binding system to bind objects using the binding tape held by the binding tape dispenser. The binding system pulls the binding tape from the binding tape dispenser and cuts the binding tape to size based on the size of the objects to be bound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene A. Rogalski, JR., Timothy Kelley
  • Publication number: 20090173756
    Abstract: A dispensing system (2) for a grease degrading enzyme fluid includes a container (20) for fluid to be dispensed, a fluid flow tube (30) for allowing fluid to flow from the container to an outlet (36), and an electrically operated valve (32) for controlling the flow of fluid through the tube. The system also includes a control circuit (42) for actuating the valve (32) to dispense fluid at predetermined intervals and a battery (44) for supplying power to the valve and the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Sage-Passant
  • Publication number: 20090127284
    Abstract: An airpot or dispenser liquid level float, provided for vertically shifting upon the air tubes of an airpot or other dispenser, the float incorporate a pivotally mounted indicator, for viewing through a view window of the dispenser, for furnishing and indication as to the level and amount of liquid remaining within the dispenser, during its usage and application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, Dahyabhai Patel
  • Publication number: 20090114679
    Abstract: In combination with a collapsible container with a dimension that varies as the container collapses from a full position to an empty position, the bottle cover with a sight opening for viewing of indicia on the bottle to provide an indication as to the extent the bottle is full or empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Patent number: 7188754
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device. The purpose of the device is to store and dose material, kept inside a container part, and to make it possible for an operator to refill the container with material. The automatic dosing device therefore comprises a refilling container (1), a dosing screw (5), a control system, a driving motor and a guiding mechanism (14–16, 19). The container (1) stores the material, the screw (5) doses it out of the container (1), the system controls the dosing and the mechanism (14–16, 19) guides the container between an inner position where the device can dose material and an outer position where an operator is allowed to refill it with material. The automatic dosing device could preferably be used with a laundry washing machine but there is also possibilities to use the automatic dosing device in another machine that requires an easy handle automatic dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Hakan Miefalk, Linda Menrik
  • Patent number: 7163125
    Abstract: An inexpensive, readily visible indicator for liquid levels in a vacuum bottle that includes a coating of reflective material to minimize radiation heat transfer from the interior of the vacuum bottle to the exterior of the assembly. The vacuum bottle assembly includes a container receiving the vacuum bottle and a transparent or translucent window is located in the side wall of the container and in alignment with an interruption in the reflective coating. An indicator is located within the vacuum bottle and is aligned with both the windows and the interruption so as to be visible therethrough to provide an indication of the level of the liquid contained within the inner liner of the vacuum bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Murakami, Masato Hirose
  • Patent number: 7086567
    Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The bottle may include a security collar fixed to the neck with a rib geometry on its periphery for mating with a complemental geometry on the bracket to fix the bottle in place on the back plate. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David Hayes, John P. Cichello, II
  • Patent number: 7066357
    Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto, a pump actuator carried on the back plate, and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes, John P. Cichello, II
  • Patent number: 7032787
    Abstract: A dispenser for powdered, granular or related fluent materials. The dispenser includes a reservoir and an actuation mechanism that together define a housing, or enclosure. The reservoir sealingly contains a fluent material such that the contents are not easily contaminated or tampered with. User-imparted relative movement between cooperating parts of the actuation mechanism and reservoir enables a predetermined and repeatable quantity of the fluent contents to be discharged from the dispenser and onto a desired area, such as a food product. The dispenser is configured as a disposable device such that, after depletion of the fluent material contents arising out of a multiplicity of uses, it can be thrown away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: William M. Sherk, Jr., Edwin Chan, Marco Perry, Richard C. Shonfeld
  • Patent number: 7015427
    Abstract: An apparatus including a tank having at least one side wall for receiving solid or semi-solid thermoplastic material and a base member supporting the side wall(s) for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. The base member has a heated upper surface sloped downwardly towards the side wall(s) for directing the flow of melted material, and is configured to provide a collection trough for receiving the melted material. A strainer is positioned above the collection trough to filter the melted material. The strainer is adapted to support the remaining solid or partially solidified thermoplastic material above a portion of the heated upper surface to provide a less restricted flow path for the melted material to the collection trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Jeter
  • Patent number: 6932242
    Abstract: The syringe pump comprises a housing (10). The operating panel (32) is situated on a swiveling lid (30) on the front side of the housing (10). The lid (30) further comprises a window (34) with a magnifying device (35) through which the user can view the syringe. The invention allows for a miniaturization of the syringe pump in a highly densified modular system. The lid (30) may further include a lighting means for illuminating the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Joseph Gerlach, Martin Sippel
  • Patent number: 6880726
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing apparatus for dispensing toothpaste from a tube. The toothpaste dispensing apparatus includes a housing comprising a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space of the housing. The housing is designed for engaging a support surface whereby the support surface supports the housing. A dispensing assembly extends through the perimeter wall of the housing from the interior space of the housing. The dispensing assembly is designed for engaging the tube whereby the dispensing assembly squeezes toothpaste from the tube onto the toothbrush when the dispensing assembly is actuated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Victor G. Perez
  • Publication number: 20040232168
    Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto, a pump actuator carried on the back plate, and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes, John P. Cichello
  • Patent number: 6814261
    Abstract: A mouthwash dispenser comprising a housing having an inner cavity able to retain a liquid therein and an opening providing access to said inner cavity, a lid for selectively sealing said opening and thereby enclosing the liquid in said inner cavity of said housing, control means extending from said housing for selectively dispensing said liquid from said inner cavity, and a spout connected to said inner cavity for dispensing liquid from said inner cavity, wherein said control means is moveable between a first position preventing a flow of liquid from said inner cavity to said spout and a second position for allowing a flow of liquid from said inner cavity to said spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Nehme Gebrayel