For Bottom Discharge Patents (Class 222/181.1)
  • Patent number: 11079022
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing, an inverted container disposed in the housing, a outlet nozzle, a pump, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The container holds a fluid. The pump is disposed between the container and the outlet nozzle. The pump includes a pump inlet in fluid communication with the container, a pump outlet in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle, and a pump chamber in fluid communication with the pump inlet and the pump outlet. The pump chamber is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The first check valve is disposed between the pump and the outlet nozzle, and the first check valve has a first cracking pressure. The second check valve is disposed between the first check valve and the outlet nozzle, and the second check valve has a second cracking pressure. The second cracking pressure of the second check valve is greater than the first cracking pressure of the first check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Donald R. Harris, Nick E. Ciavarella, Daniel M. Willis, Aaron D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10799057
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a dual-chamber container with an inner container for holding a food item to be cooked and an outer container for maintaining contact between a temperature-controlled heat transfer liquid and the inner container while the food is being cooked. The dual-chamber container includes an inlet fluid port and outflow fluid port which may be coupled directly to corresponding fluid port connectors on a temperature control unit, or an intervening fluid coupling assembly may convey heat transfer liquid between the control unit and the dual-chamber container. Some control units are adapted to simultaneously control cooking temperature for more than one dual-chamber container. Some dual-chamber containers have a flexible inner container that is separable from an outer container which may be a rigid container or a flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Unovo, LLC.
    Inventors: Ehsan Alipour, Joseph Benjamin Strecker, Farshad Moinzadeh
  • Patent number: 10150128
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing flowable fluids by dispensing the flowable fluid through a passageway leading to a discharge outlet in one stroke of a piston pump and, in a second opposite stroke of the piston pump, discharging air into the passageway to displace the fluid from the passageway through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones, Zhenchun Shi
  • Patent number: 10123648
    Abstract: A system and method for cooking. The system includes a sealable bag and a bag seal located on the sealable bag. Coupled to the sealable bag is a snorkel which has a top end and a bottom end. The snorkel also has a cap. The snorkel is coupled to the sealable bag such that when the sealable bag is immersed in a fluid, the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid causes the air to be purged from the sealable bag. The resulting purged bag is then cooked in the bath of fluid for a desired time and temperature. The removal of air provides several benefits including more uniform cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Godfroid
  • Patent number: 9872572
    Abstract: A gravity-feed bin includes a generally hollow main bin having an open end, a storage reservoir and a dispensing chute. The dispensing chute has an opening disposed near a distal end. The bin also includes a gate seal and a dispensing gate movable between open and closed positions. When the dispensing gate is in the closed position the dispensing gate blocks the opening of the dispensing chute and the gate seal forms a seal between the opening and the dispensing gate. A first generally hollow extension section may be selectably coupled to the open end of the main bin. A resilient seal element may be intermediate the open end of the main bin and the first extension section. In some embodiments a gasket lid having a sealing gasket is selectably coupled to the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: TRADE FIXTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Brundick, Scott Johnson, John Clayton Odom
  • Patent number: 9791104
    Abstract: A float type drain trap in which an inlet, a valve chamber, and an outlet are formed in a valve casing, a valve seat member, a discharge passage, a float, an operation member, a valve member that communicates between the periphery anterior to and the periphery posterior to the middle portion of the operation member when the operation member is in the advanced position and that blocks the periphery anterior to and the periphery posterior to the middle portion of the operation member from one another when the operation member is in the most retracted position is provided to the middle portion of the operation member, and a blow passage formed to communicate the periphery posterior to the valve member of the operation member with the outside distinct from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 9730543
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a dual-chamber container with an inner container for holding a food item to be cooked and an outer container for maintaining contact between a temperature-controlled heat transfer liquid and the inner container while the food is being cooked. The dual-chamber container includes an inlet fluid port and outflow fluid port which may be coupled directly to corresponding fluid port connectors on a temperature control unit, or an intervening fluid coupling assembly may convey heat transfer liquid between the control unit and the dual-chamber container. Some control units are adapted to simultaneously control cooking temperature for more than one dual-chamber container. Some dual-chamber containers have a flexible inner container that is separable from an outer container which may be a rigid container or a flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Unovo, LLC.
    Inventors: Ehsan Alipour, Joseph Benjamin Strecker, Farshad Moinzadeh
  • Patent number: 9642501
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product, the dispenser comprising a base unit (2) into which a refill (1) containing the product is removably insertable in a fixed position. The refill has a taggant ink (12) on part of its external surface. The base has a light source (13) to illuminate the ink. The light source has a first wavelength and the ink is arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength. A sensor (14) receives light emitted by the ink upon illumination by the light source. A control circuit receives signal indicative of the wavelength of the detected light from the sensor, compares it with stored data, and prevents operation of a dispensing mechanism unless the refill is authentic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Sun Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Atkins, Mohammad S. Farahat, Wu Jin, Jackie Tsang, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 9603494
    Abstract: A foamed soap dispensing structure comprises a container, a cover set, a faucet, and a foaming unit. The foaming unit has a foaming member and an outer ring. The foaming member has two inlets and a foam material. The outer ring has an assembling end corresponding to a connection end of a soap providing portion of the faucet. When the foaming unit is clogged, the foaming unit may be pulled out by an user so that the assembling end may be separated from the connection end of the soap providing portion to easily replace the foaming member and then to achieve the effect of easy construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hsiang-Hung Wang, Yu-Chang Lin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9038862
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for holding a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump housing to the container. The pump housing includes an air chamber and a vent valve located at least partially within the air chamber. One or more air passageways are provided in the collar for providing air to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump chamber is also located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment includes a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve located downstream of the pump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Nick E. Ciavarella, Robert L. Quinlan, Cory J. Tederous
  • Patent number: 9027797
    Abstract: A shield for a fluid dispenser includes a mount structure and a fluid-deflecting structure defining an interior flow passage. The mount structure is configured to be attached to an actuator of a fluid dispenser. Fluid dispensers and fluid dispenser systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Shelby Jay Buell, Touby Khamphilapanyo, Robert L. Quinlan, Richard E. Corney
  • Patent number: 9027795
    Abstract: A portable dispenser assembly for dispensing disinfectant to a user. The assembly includes a main housing defining a cavity for receiving a container in an inverted position. The main housing defines an opening into the cavity through which the container is inserted in the inverted position so that a stem of the container is directed downwardly in the main housing. The main housing including a bottom wall, a side wall, and a nozzle fixed with respect to the walls. The nozzle defines an inlet opposite the opening for receiving the stem of the container in the inverted position and the nozzle defines a discharge aperture configured to direct the disinfectant fluid from the container toward the user when the user depresses the container relative to the main housing to dispense the disinfectant fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sterilogy, LLC
    Inventors: Harold H. Zaima, Bradley D. Ahlgren
  • Patent number: 9027792
    Abstract: The present invention provides an easy to use, convenient, compact, energy efficient, labor efficient, cost-effective, fast, safe, neat, electricity-independent, self-contained, portable beer dispensing device and system that uses CO2 or other acceptable gas to maintain the freshness of beer, presents a ready height and arrangement for dispensing chilled fresh beer, and can be used in a variety of professional, casual, indoor and/or outdoor settings. The present invention chills beer before it is dispensed but after it has been removed from the keg. The present invention incorporates use of a gas tank to propel beer from the keg, through the beer dispensing device and system so that the beer inside the keg will not go flat. The present invention offers a convenient arrangement of its components that simplifies its use, transport, set up, and break down. The present invention also provides a space efficient arrangement for dispensing chilled, draft beer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Larz Watts
  • Patent number: 8991655
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a dispense mechanism that provides for increased mechanical advantage. The dispense mechanism includes a lever member and an actuator. The lever member includes a first lever section that receives application of an input force and a second lever section that applies an output force to the actuator. The lever member and/or the actuator are configured to provide at least two contact points between the actuator and the second lever section during the course of a dispensing stroke such that the mechanical advantage provided at a first one of the at least two contact points is greater than the mechanical advantage provided at a second one of the at least two contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Pelkey
  • Patent number: 8985932
    Abstract: In a multi-silo distribution and storage system, the regions between the stationary and transport batchers, and between transport batcher and storage bin are isolated during asphalt discharge with a bellows automatically deployed when clamshell gates of the stationary and transport batchers are opened. The storage bin is provided with a sealing door that lifts vertically for unsealing and slides horizontally to permit access to the bin interior for receiving asphalt discharged from the transport batcher. After registry above the top bin opening, the sealing door is forced downwardly to create a tight seal. For prolonged storage, a fluid seal isolates the lower discharge gate of the storage bin. Steam is delivered to the stored asphalt and bin interior to displace atmospheric oxygen vented through a valve in the bin top. An oxygen sensor linked to a process controller monitors the oxygen level within the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Michael R Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20150048118
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a reservoir which can be used on its own or inside of an insulated cooler to dispense liquids. The reservoir generally comprises a lid for retention of liquid and at least one opening in one vertical wall which is used to connect to a conduit which connects to a horizontally, non-gravity mounted coupling. The coupling connects to another conduit which connects to a spigot. The reservoir has a flat bottom surface, which allows for it to stand alone, outside of the insulated cooler if desired. The reservoir may also be placed inside the insulated cooler and in that case, the conduit connected to the spigot threads through one of the insulated cooler's walls to connect to the spigot to allow the flow of liquid to the exterior of the cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Edward A. ENGLISH, Mark A. ENGLISH
  • Publication number: 20150048098
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflatable object adapted to be inserted into a beverage container, and a mechanism adapted to inject air into the inflatable object in response to a decrease in pressure within the beverage container. The beverage container may hold a carbonated beverage, for example. In one embodiment, the mechanism is adapted to maintain an equilibrium between a first partial pressure within the carbonated beverage and a second partial pressure of an air pocket within the beverage container. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cap adapted to fit onto the beverage container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled to the cap. The cap may comprise a tube connecting the cap and the inflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channel adapted to transmit air to the inflatable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Wai T. Lam, Wayne Lam, Jonathan A. Tyler
  • Patent number: 8936179
    Abstract: An anti-leakage liquid soap valve structure includes a liquid soap conduit, an air conduit and a foam discharging tube. The liquid soap conduit includes a soap entering tube for receiving liquid soap, a soap discharging tube communicating with the soap entering tube and having a liquid soap chamber, a liquid soap exit, and a soap discharging valve. The soap discharging valve includes an elastic washer disposed at the liquid soap exit, and a pressing member to press against the elastic washer. The air conduit includes an outer housing forming an air chamber with the liquid soap conduit, an air exit located at one side of the air chamber, and an air supply valve linking with the soap discharging tube. The foam discharging tube includes a gas-liquid mixing chamber located at the liquid soap exit and the air exit, and a foam exit communicating with the gas-liquid mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chin Hsu, Kuo-Chou Lee, Tsan-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 8919619
    Abstract: A portable liquid applicator system and a method for applying liquid directly from an original package container, e.g., a five-gallon bucket, to a surface. The system includes a wheeled platform onto which the container is positioned such that fluid within the container flows toward a pour opening. A extended actuating handle engages a valve at the pour opening and allows the valve to be opened and closed by a user in an upright position, rather than having to bend to operate the valve. A method includes positioning the container on the platform, opening the valve, and then moving the platform to disperse the liquid onto a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fas-Trak Industries
    Inventor: Mark Scott Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 8893932
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing flowable fluids, particularly those which are high viscosity by passing a stream of fluid through an elongate discharge passageway and injecting air into the fluid stream to initiate severing of the stream between an inner portion inward of the injected air and an outer portion outward of the injected air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Patent number: 8875749
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of samples by means of a dosage-dispensing device, a weighing system with a load receiver, a processor unit, a memory unit, and an exchangeable dosage-dispensing unit. A target container is set on the load receiver. The dosage-dispensing unit and/or the target container includes electrically insulating material. The dosage-dispensing unit has the capability to change positions relative to the load receiver. While the dosage-dispensing unit is in a first position and a target container is on the load receiver, a starting weight value is determined, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into a second position, a dosage-dispensing cycle delivers a dosage material in a predefined amount from the dosage-dispensing unit into the target container by means of the processor unit, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into the first position, and while the dosage-dispensing unit is at rest in the first position, an ending weight value is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Gluvakov
  • Patent number: 8870031
    Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid or pasty media contains a replaceable container at a bottom of which a pump is mounted, and a holder for the container. The dispenser further contains a holding element having a part formed from a transparent plastic material which at least partially encloses the upper region of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 8844766
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing disinfectant to a user and associated monitoring systems and methods. The dispenser assembly includes a main housing defining a cavity and a container disposed within the cavity and releasably secured to the main housing. The container contains a fluid therewithin. An electronics unit is coupled to the main housing and includes a sensor for detecting an activation signal. The electronics unit includes a controller for producing a reminder signal in response to the detection of the activation signal to remind the user to dispense fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sterilogy, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Zaima, Bradley Ahlgren
  • Publication number: 20140263442
    Abstract: A container for insertion of a carton containing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The container may include a base surface and a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces that may extend from the base surface. The surfaces may define a cavity sized to receive the carton. A method for inserting the carton containing the beverage ingredient into the beverage dispenser is disclosed. The method includes inserting the carton into the container, partially inserting the container into the beverage dispenser, and causing a fitment to engage the beverage dispenser. The fitment protruding from the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bryan Connerat, Mark Friedlein, Carlos J. Ayala-Diaz
  • Publication number: 20140263454
    Abstract: An example system for installing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser includes: a container for insertion of a carton containing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser, the container including a base surface, and a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces extending from the base surface and defining a cavity sized to receive the carton; wherein the two side surfaces extend from the front surface at an angle and form a horizontal landing portion that extends to the back surface; and a carton positioned within the container and containing the beverage ingredient, the carton comprising a fitment extending from a carton surface, the fitment sized to allow fluid communication between the carton and the beverage dispenser, and the carton defining a tear away portion defining an angled surface extending from a front surface of the carton to a side surface of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bryan Connerat, Mark Friedlein, Carlos J. Ayala-Diaz
  • Patent number: 8827119
    Abstract: Dispensers, refill units and pumps are disclosed herein. The refill units include a container secured to a pump. Some exemplary refill units for dispensers include a container for holding a liquid and a post seal pump. As the post seal pump operates, a piston moves up and down over the pump seal. When the piston shaft is in a first position, fluid flows into the pump chamber and one or more apertures through the piston shaft are sealed off by the post seal. When the piston shaft is in a second position, the piston engages a wall of the pump chamber and the one or more apertures are away from the post seal to provide a fluid path from the pump chamber to the interior of the hollow piston shaft and is dispensed through an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan E. Fawcett, Aaron D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8820585
    Abstract: A foaming assembly includes a porous foaming element, a liquid chamber and an air chamber. The porous foaming element has an air inlet, a liquid inlet and an outlet. The porous foaming element has at least two zones of different pore sizes. The liquid chamber is in flow communication with the porous foaming element. The liquid chamber has a volume that is movable between an at rest postion to an activation position. The air chamber is in flow communication with the porous foaming element. The air chamber has a volume that is movable between an at rest position to an activation position. Liquid and air are forced into the porous foaming element under pressure wherein they mix to form foam which exits through the outlet. A dispenser may include a foaming assembly and a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Pibed Limited
    Inventors: Stewart Banks, Christopher James Lang, Dean Philip Limbert
  • Patent number: 8807400
    Abstract: The liquid material discharge device and method discharges a liquid droplet even under a condition where discharge of a small amount of liquid material is required. The apparatus has a liquid chamber having the discharge opening through which the liquid material is discharged, an extrusion member having a plunger and a contact portion, the plunger being thinner than the liquid chamber not to contact a side wall of the liquid chamber and having a forward end portion which advances and retracts within the liquid chamber, and a collision member disposed adjacent to the extrusion member on the side opposite to the plunger and having a piston and a collision portion facing the contact portion. The collision portion collides against the contact portion such that the extrusion member is advanced at a high speed to discharge the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8783520
    Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid or pasty media contains an exchangeable container which is arranged upside down on a holder. A dosing pump is provided on the bottom of the container in an especially non-detachable manner, and an actuating element for the dosing pump is provided on the holder retainer. A first return valve is provided at an upper inlet to the dosing pump and a second return valve at its lower dispensing opening which second return valve can be lifted, thereby reducing the delivery space. The actuating element is displaceably mounted in the retainer and has a ramp displacing a catch guided upwards by the retainer, the catch being associated with the lower return valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Publication number: 20140182744
    Abstract: A bottom fill, fluid dispensing system is provided having a dispenser capable of being mounted to a countertop and a container. The container may be placed onto the dispenser and the dispenser may be moved to a first position, to allow the dispenser to fill the container with a fluid. The container may be filled through a one way valve in the container wall. Once the container is filled to a desired level, the dispenser may be moved to a second position and the container may be removed from the dispenser without the fluid leaking from the one way valve in the container wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • 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: 8739455
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Wildlife Research Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Burgeson
  • Patent number: 8733588
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing flowable fluids, particularly those which are high viscosity by passing a stream of fluid through an elongate discharge passageway and injecting air into the fluid stream to initiate severing of the stream between an inner portion inward of the injected air and an outer portion outward of the injected air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Patent number: 8708198
    Abstract: A dispenser housing that receives a refill unit including a container and pump associated with the container to pump contents from the container. The dispenser housing includes an actuator carriage moveable between a rest position and an actuated position. The dispenser housing also includes a lockout device moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lockout device is in the open position, the actuator carriage is movable, and, when the lockout device is in the closed position, movement of the actuator carriage is blocked by the lockout device such that the actuator carriage cannot be moved from the rest position to the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Scott T Proper, Kenneth Corby
  • Patent number: 8690018
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted for mounting to a surface is disclosed, and includes a bracket to which a container of material to be dispensed is connected. The bracket can have at least one arm to support the container and to which the container is releasably and rotatably connected. The container can be lifted by a user and squeezed to dispense material from the container. Alternatively, the container can be pressed by a user against the bracket to dispense the material. In some embodiments, the container is provided with a cover substantially covering a front surface of the container. The cover can be coupled to the bracket via the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambertus van der Heijden, Arnoud Gengler, Bekie Riley
  • Patent number: 8662355
    Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system is also disclosed herein. The foam dispenser has an air compressor secured thereto and the air compressor is not disposed of with the refill unit. The refill unit includes a liquid pump and a container for holding a foamable liquid that is connected to the liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a pump housing and a mixing chamber having an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. The mixing chamber has an extended position with a first volume and a contracted position with a second volume. The pump housing includes an aperture therethrough configured to receive air from an air compressor that does not form part of the refill unit. One or more one-way sealing members are located within the pump housing between the aperture and the mixing chamber for preventing liquid from passing through the aperture in the pump housing for receiving air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Spiegelberg, John J. McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, Nick E. Ciavarella, Stephen P. Casteel
  • Patent number: 8622243
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20130334255
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER, INC.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Burgeson
  • Patent number: 8596501
    Abstract: A refilling unit for a dispenser containing a liquid or pasty media has a container which can be ventilated. A dosing pump is placed on the neck of the container. A first valve is provided in a transition from the neck to the dosing pump and a second valve on a discharge opening of the dosing pump. The dosing pump contains an elastic part having the first non-return valve. The elastic part encircles a lower peripheral collar of the neck and an annular lip thereof resting on the interior of the neck. The dosing pump further has a second elastic part containing the second non-return valve and encloses a delivery space. The second elastic part extends over the first part and encircles at least one upper peripheral collar of the neck. Recesses in the peripheral collars and at the front of the neck leave an airway into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 8585341
    Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
  • Publication number: 20130292493
    Abstract: A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, at least one wall surrounding a buffer chamber configured to separate the interior volume of the container from the exterior environment, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container, and at least one check valve coupled to either conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FINISHING BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Marsalek, Marvin D. Burns
  • Patent number: 8550378
    Abstract: An automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a shower enclosure with a liquid cleanser dispenses the cleanser using a pumping system and rotatable spray head. The sprayer has a showerhead mountable housing with an adjustable hanger. There is a portion of the housing for supporting a bottle of cleanser in an inverted fashion. The bottle is vented through a piercing post. A single motor both drives the pump and rotates the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Amber N. Mazooji, Terry M. Kovara, Peter M. Neumann, Michael W. Allen, Stephen D. Beverley, Paul M. Blankenship, Mark K. Romandy
  • Patent number: 8550297
    Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a flexible containing includes a dispensing device having a support, a linkage pivotally attached to the support, a dispensing mechanism attached to the linkage, and a pump. The dispensing mechanism has at least two squeeze members that coact to engage a flexible container and is configured to dispense fluid from a flexible container. The pump is configured to coact with the dispensing device and is configured to remove fluid from a flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jason Baker, Charles Henry Schnorr, Ward T. Powell, Willliam T. Urmson
  • 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: 8528787
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, William R. Mathias, Alan P. Paal
  • Patent number: 8522842
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing vials during a contents transfer, the apparatus having a flat base from which vertical arms rise from each end, and having a stabilizer band segment above and parallel to each side of the flat base to provide stabilizing support to at least one fluid vial when the fluid vial is up-ended over a base vial during a contents transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Heather R. Sharkey, Jason E. Sharkey
  • Publication number: 20130221031
    Abstract: Improved ice luge trays and methods for use and assembly thereof. The ice luge trays include a trough and a lid that fits above the trough. The trough, with the lid disposed thereon, is configured to be filled with water and placed in a freezer to form an ice block. The lid includes features that forms a channel extending along or through the ice block. The tray is mounted on a support structure to enable a beverage to be chilled as it flows down the channel under gravity, and delivered to a drinking vessel or directly into the mouth of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Guido
  • Publication number: 20130214010
    Abstract: A portable, insulated ice dispenser stores ice in a closed container and dispenses it into a glass or cup without contact with the hands or utensils that could cause contamination. The ice dispenser can be manually operated to dispense ice. An ice storage compartment can include holes to drain water from the ice, slowing the melting of the ice and preventing the water from being dispensed. The ice dispenser is sanitary and simple in its design, making it low maintenance, inexpensive, and very appealing for home use as well as commercially. Since it is portable, the ice dispenser can be transported to anywhere its user would like to dispense ice and can be used outdoors at events, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Erliene Launetta McCoy
  • Patent number: 8510984
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Wildlife Research Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Burgeson