Associated With Vent Passage Patents (Class 222/189.09)
  • Patent number: 11759797
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser having a liquid reservoir and a discharge head secured thereto, an outlet valve with a pressure chamber and an opposite valve chamber. The liquid reservoir and the valve chamber are each connected at least in phases to a surrounding atmosphere by a ventilation channel. The two channels provided for this purpose, the reservoir ventilation channel and the valve ventilation channel, are separate channels with separate inlets on an outer face of the discharge head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBH
    Inventor: Jürgen Greiner-Perth
  • Patent number: 11745196
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 11738988
    Abstract: Containers are provided and include a container body having an opening extending into a hollow interior, and a cap extending across the opening. The cap has an inlet port with an inlet valve configured to couple to a fluid source such that fluid can be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurized the hollow interior of the container body. The cap also has an outlet port with an outlet valve having a cracking pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior, and a closing pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The cracking pressure is greater than the closing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Joshua David Anthony, Ethan T. Brown, Nathan Bollen, Brandon J. Suleski, Kyle Janko
  • Patent number: 11534078
    Abstract: A guiding sheath has a braided layer for improved deflection characteristics and ring electrodes for electrical sensing, mapping and visualization, wherein lead wires for the ring electrodes are passed through lumened tubing position under the braided layer in a proximal portion of the guiding sheath shaft and above the braided layer in a distal portion of the guiding sheath shaft. Moreover, the hemostatic valve includes an improved friction ring with air vents to reduce the risk of air being introduced into the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Raymond Yue-Sing Tang, Brian Raze, Mark Griffin, Eric Gratz, Cortney Young, Eric E. Bielefeld
  • Patent number: 11260410
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser, having a large ring, a connecting cover, and a hollow pump frame, the pump frame is movably clamped to the interior of the large ring, the top of the pump frame extends to the outer side of the top of the large circle, a bottom protruding portion of the connecting cover extends into a top groove of the pump frame so as to be movably clamped thereto, a first air outlet is provided on both sides of the bottom of the connecting cover, and a second air outlet in communication with the first air outlet is provided to penetrate through the pump frame. The first air outlet, the second air outlet, the first liquid outlet, and the second liquid outlet can be opened and closed by rotating the connecting cover to change a position relationship between the connecting cover and the pump frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Rulong Xu
  • Patent number: 10993835
    Abstract: Device for packaging and dispensing drops of a substance for ophthalmic use, generally fluid, semi-fluid or in suspension, emulsion or oily solution including a dispensing accessory with a first valve made of an elastomer material that allows the substance to pass through when the dispensing accessory is stressed, without allowing outside air to pass through in the opposite direction when the dispensing accessory is relaxed, characterized in that the first valve is covered by a layer of Parylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Martine Claret, Pierre Roy
  • Patent number: 10751214
    Abstract: The current invention discloses a fluid dispenser especially suitable for ophthalmic treatments and delivering of ophthalmic agents such as eye drops. The fluid dispenser incorporates a tube made from compliant materials as the key dosing component. A first point and a second point on the tube may be acted upon by folding the tube or by external elements, making the segment between the first point and the second point a squeezing section that houses a dosing chamber. The squeezing section may be pressed by an anvil or other structures, pressurizing the fluid contained in the dosing chamber so that once the tube is released on one point, the fluid in the dosing chamber is discharged. With each dosing process, a single dose of the fluid is discharged. In addition, the fluid dispenser is capable of delivering a series of doses of the fluid by repeating the dosing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Nigel Kelly
  • Patent number: 10618719
    Abstract: A container (100) for isolating first and second fluids, such as beverage concentrate components, until dispensing is provided, as well as methods of assembly and dispensing. The container can have first (111) and second (113) enclosed bodies for containing the first and second fluids to be dispensed and an insert (130) directing fluid from the enclosed bodies, such as toward one or more valves or separate discharge paths (148a, 148b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventor: Piaras Valdis De Cleir
  • Patent number: 10556247
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 10022266
    Abstract: Device for packaging and dispensing drops of a substance for ophthalmic use, generally fluid, semi-fluid or in suspension, emulsion or oily solution, including a dispensing accessory with a first valve made of an elastomer material that allows the substance to pass through when the dispensing accessory is stressed, without allowing outside air to pass through in the opposite direction when the dispensing accessory is relaxed, characterized in that the first valve is covered by a layer of Parylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Horus Pharma
    Inventors: Martine Claret, Pierre Roy
  • Patent number: 10016568
    Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed which includes an insertable container and a securing mechanism for holding the container in the nebulizer such that the container can move back and forth but can not be separated. The securing mechanism is formed by a metal unitary part. The securing mechanism forms a transportation lock for holding the container unmovable in the housing in a delivery state of the nebulizer. The securing mechanism forms a ring with flexible holding fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Bach, Jens Besseler, Holger Holakovsky, Manuel Daelman, Gilbert Wuttke, Udo Frenkel
  • Patent number: 9938128
    Abstract: A flexible pouch and valve assembly is provided for aseptically storing a substance, dispensing multiple portions of the stored substance therefrom, and maintaining substance remaining in the pouch in an aseptic condition sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The flexible pouch and valve assembly are receivable within a relatively rigid housing, and are adapted to cooperate with a pump for pumping discrete portions of substance from the pouch and through the one-way valve to dispense the substance therefrom. The assembly comprises a flexible pouch defining therein a variable-volume storage chamber sealed with respect to the ambient atmosphere for aseptically storing therein multiple portions of the substance. A one-way valve of the assembly includes a valve body defining an axially-extending valve seat and at least one flow aperture extending through the valve body and/or the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MEDINSTILL DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan, Benoit Adamo, Nathaniel Houle
  • Patent number: 9914124
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a housing and a deformable member that define a metering chamber that is configured to receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir. The deformable member is deformed from a rest position to an eject position and the deformation causes the volume of the metering chamber to change which results in a change in fluid pressure within the metering chamber. An increase in the fluid pressure within metering chamber causes a predetermined volume of fluid within the metering chamber to be ejected and a decrease in the fluid pressure within the metering chamber causes fluid to be drawn into the metering chamber from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SAKURA FINETEK U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Xuan S. Bui
  • Patent number: 9834345
    Abstract: A closure for a drinking bottle includes a closure cap for fixing the closure to a drinking bottle. The closure cap has a through hole and at least one ventilation opening, and a seal arranged in the closure cap. Either the seal or the closure cap has a web, by which the seal and the closure cap are at least in contact section-wise. The seal is of such a configuration that, upon the occurrence of an increased or reduced pressure in the bottle and/or by axial displacement of the seal in the closure cap, at least a section of the seal that is between the web and an inside wall of the closure cap lifts off the inside wall of the closure cap and thus opens a gap for ventilation of the drinking bottle by the at least one ventilation opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Manuel Wieder
  • Patent number: 9649648
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: London & General Packaging Limited
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 9579671
    Abstract: A tip for dispensing liquid for mounting on a container. A valve includes at least two elements that are mobile in relation to one another, each mobile element including a bearing zone against the other mobile element. One of the mobile elements bears anti-microbial material on or in the immediate proximity of a part of its bearing zone forming a blocking barrier and all surfaces of the dispensing tip in contact with the inside are free of anti-microbial material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nemera La Verpillière S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thierry Decock, Guillaume Grevin, Xavier Julia, Gaëtan Painchaud, Thierry Rimlinger
  • Patent number: 9381531
    Abstract: Liquid dispensers with a housing, a reservoir for receiving liquid prior to discharge, a discharge opening, and a conveyor device for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the discharge opening. The conveyor device includes a metering chamber with a cylindrical wall, and a piston adapted to the cylindrical wall to allow a sliding movement thereon. The metering chamber and the piston displaced relative to each other between starting and end positions. An outlet side of the metering chamber is adjoined by an outlet chamber, and an inlet side of the metering chamber is adjoined by an inlet chamber. The piston is arranged in the inlet chamber when in the starting position and in the outlet chamber when in the end position. During the transition from the starting position to the end position, the liquid in the metering chamber is pressurized for discharge through the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBH
    Inventors: Judith Auerbach, Juergen Greiner-Perth
  • Patent number: 9296531
    Abstract: A bulk feed adapter cap for a collection container comprises: (a) a housing defining both at least one fluid-communication opening and one or more air-release openings and (b) a membrane defining an annular, self-sealing fluid-valve for sealing said fluid-communication opening, where the fluid-valve defines at least one aperture. The bulk feed adapter cap may further comprise at least one fluid-communication cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Mark A. Luzbetak, Timothy D. Killinger, Ryan Bauer, Brian H. Silver
  • Patent number: 9211557
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: London & General Packaging Limited
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 9149823
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) and a dispenser member (2), the reservoir (1) comprising a slide cylinder (11) that is cylindrical, and a follower-piston (14) that includes at least one lip (16) that is in sliding contact with the cylinder (11), the slide cylinder (11) being provided with a bottom (12), an equalizing space (E) being formed between the follower-piston (14) and the bottom (12), this space (E) communicating with the outside so as to keep the space (E) at atmospheric pressure, such that, each time fluid is dispensed, outside air penetrates into the space (E), which increases as the follower-piston (14) moves away from the bottom (12); the dispenser being characterized in that a bacterial filter (F1) filters outside air coming into contact with the lip (16) of the follower-piston (11) through the equalizing space (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Decottignies, Antoine Lamuré
  • Patent number: 9096124
    Abstract: Fuel cap apparatus for use with fuel venting systems are described. An example fuel cap apparatus includes a body having a central cavity and a flange. A membrane is coupled to the body to form a passageway therethrough and coated with a material to substantially prevent the flow of liquid and permit the flow of gas through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean Whelan, Steven E. Hovinga
  • Patent number: 9004317
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a flowable product comprises a casing comprising a nozzle for dispensing the product and a container designed to contain the product to be packaged. The casing comprises a rigid bottom, an air renewal and filtration assembly, a filter element, and an air inlet passage located in said rigid bottom. The nozzle comprises a tapered portion that defines a free end of the nozzle, an actuating portion resiliently movable between an engagement position and a rest position. A dose-defining chamber may be isolated from the air contained in the container and may have a determined volume in the rest position. The engagement position may be obtained by engaging the actuating portion against a stationary wall portion, so as to empty the chamber and expel a dose exactly corresponding to the determined volume of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sivel
    Inventor: Jacques Pozzi
  • Patent number: 8939321
    Abstract: It is presented an electronics module (10) for use in a fuel dispensing unit (6a, 6b, 6c). The electronics module (10) comprises electronics circuitry (28) and a conductor (18) for connecting the electronic circuitry (28) to the fuel dispensing unit (6a, 6b, 6c). Further, the electronics module (10) has a channel means (14) extending from a first (15) to a second side (16) of the electronics module (10) defining a ventilation channel for the conductor (18) to provide venting thereof in order to reduce fuel vapors at the electronic circuitry (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bengt I Larsson, Hanna Helgesson, Kevin Burnett, Scott Negley, Neil Thomas, Paul De La Port, Annika Birkler
  • Patent number: 8839991
    Abstract: The dispensing bottle includes a dispensing head with an air inlet allowing ambient air to enter an opening of a reservoir portion of the bottle, and a filter member that fits over and seals the opening of the reservoir portion of the bottle for filtering the ambient air entering the bottle to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir portion of the bottle along with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald B. Smernoff
  • Publication number: 20140197207
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a flowable product comprises a casing comprising a nozzle for dispensing the product and a container designed to contain the product to be packaged. The casing comprises a rigid bottom, an air renewal and filtration assembly, a filter element, and an air inlet passage located in said rigid bottom. The nozzle comprises a tapered portion that defines a free end of the nozzle, an actuating portion resiliently movable between an engagement position and a rest position. A dose-defining chamber may be isolated from the air contained in the container and may have a determined volume in the rest position. The engagement position may be obtained by engaging the actuating portion against a stationary wall portion, so as to empty the chamber and expel a dose exactly corresponding to the determined volume of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SIVEL
    Inventor: Jacques Pozzi
  • Patent number: 8728330
    Abstract: A chemical liquid supply device has a pump provided with a pump chamber which is expanded and contracted by an elastically deformable bellows, and chemical liquid in a chemical liquid container flows into the pump chamber through a suction channel. The chemical liquid in the pump chamber is discharged through a discharge channel to a discharge nozzle. A looped circulation channel for returning the chemical liquid supplied from the pump chamber to the pump chamber is connected to the pump, and provided with an expanding and contracting portion. A filter for filtering the chemical liquid which is returned to the pump chamber is provided to the circulation channel. Since flow resistance of the filter is not applied to the pump when the chemical liquid is discharged from a discharge nozzle, it's possible to discharge a specific amount of chemical liquid from the discharge nozzle with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Takeishi
  • Patent number: 8651306
    Abstract: A flip guide plug structure for a bottle includes a lower main body, an upper main body, a lower plug, a guide pipe, an upper plug, a connection unit and two magnetic members. The upper main body can be opened relative to the lower main body through the connection unit, and then positioned by the attraction of the two magnetic members to prevent an unexpected closing. The flip guide plug structure of the present invention is very convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: G. Esmond International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Mu Pai
  • Patent number: 8561849
    Abstract: A foam spray head assembly includes a push head, a mounting member, a netted member, an air valve, a main plunge, a piston unit, a rod unit, a resilient member, a cylinder unit and a valve. The netted member has a first net and a second net. The air valve has a first groove and a second groove. The main plunge has a first plunge and a second plunge. The first plunge is located in the second groove and defines a first chamber. The piston unit has a first piston and a second piston. The rod unit extends through the main plunge. The resilient member is mounted to the second plunge. The cylinder unit has a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The first piston is movable in the first cylinder and forms a second chamber. The second piston is movable in the second cylinder and forms a third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ya-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 8561919
    Abstract: A foam spray head assembly includes a head, a first piston unit, a valve unit, a link, a second piston unit, a cylinder, a resilient member and a resilient valve. The valve unit is directly connected to the head to allow the valve unit to receive the pressing force of the head to quickly respond in the form of reciprocating motion. The parts made of metal such as the spring is isolated from the liquid to ensure that the liquid is not affected by the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Derxin (Shanghai) Cosmetics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ya-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 8540692
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20130193166
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) and a dispenser member (2), the reservoir (1) comprising a slide cylinder (11) that is cylindrical, and a follower-piston (14) that includes at least one lip (16) that is in sliding contact with the cylinder (11), the slide cylinder (11) being provided with a bottom (12), an equalizing space (E) being formed between the follower-piston (14) and the bottom (12), this space (E) communicating with the outside so as to keep the space (E) at atmospheric pressure, such that, each time fluid is dispensed, outside air penetrates into the space (E), which increases as the follower-piston (14) moves away from the bottom (12); the dispenser being characterized in that a bacterial filter (F1) filters outside air coming into contact with the lip (16) of the follower-piston (11) through the equalizing space (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Decottignies, Antoine Lamuré
  • Patent number: 8454828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for a liquid medium, having a medium reservoir for accommodating the medium, having a dispensing opening for dispensing the medium from the medium reservoir, and having a pressure-equalizing channel which opens out into the medium reservoir and has a microbiologically active filter arrangement inserted therein. According to the invention, the filter arrangement has a liquid filter oriented in the direction of the medium reservoir and a bacteria filter oriented away from the medium reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Wochele, Juergen Greiner-Perth
  • Publication number: 20130008923
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: London & General Packaging Limited
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 8261947
    Abstract: An emissions device for use with a portable fuel container assembly is provided. The emissions device includes an emissions housing configured to be mounted to the portable fuel container. The emissions housing defines at least one device opening. A membrane is supported by the emissions housing and allows the passage of the vapor and prevents the passage of a liquid. An emissions filter is also located within the emissions housing and is located such that vapor exiting through the device opening must pass the emissions filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8235311
    Abstract: A venting device for a trigger sprayer closure, comprising a venting ring (2) provided with apertures (14) for allowing the passage of fluid, a gasket (4) provided with an aperture (10) covered by a material (12) for allowing the passage of gas but which prevents liquid from passing therethrough, wherein the venting ring (2) is provided with a concentric channel (18) arranged to maintain fluid communication between the one or more apertures (14) of the venting ring (2) and the at least one aperture (10) of the gasket (4) if the relative positions of the respective apertures are changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Global One-Pak Limited
    Inventor: Clive Broadbent
  • Patent number: 8123086
    Abstract: A bottle stopper is provided having a cylindrical body formed of a resilient, flexible, elastic material that includes a first cylindrical section adapted to be inserted into an opening of a bottle in sealing engagement with the bottle and a second cylindrical section disposed adjacent the first cylindrical section for extending above the opening of the bottle when the first cylindrical section is inserted in sealing engagement with the bottle. An air passageway is disposed adjacent and extends longitudinally along substantially at least the length of the first cylindrical section and along the internal periphery of the cylindrical body. A visual indicator, preferably a spout, is disposed on an outer surface of the second cylindrical section for identifying the relative location of the air passageway with respect to the visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Vinum Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Haley
  • Patent number: 8083107
    Abstract: A closed loop dispensing system including a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 8083823
    Abstract: An air filtration device for the vent of a body of a pump used to fit a liquid or semi-liquid product distributor, the device including a filter membrane through which the product may be discharged from opening. The free edge of the membrane is connected to a support element which is tightly fixed on the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems S.A.S.
    Inventor: Bernard Clerget
  • Patent number: 8056766
    Abstract: This assembly is of the type including: a container (4) for containing the liquid; a liquid dispensing device (6), including: a spout (20) through which liquid can pass out and air can come in; and elements (28) for filtering liquid and air passing through the spout (20); and a cap (14) for closing the container (4). One feature of the invention is that the assembly includes elements (38, 41, 39) for encouraging the entrance of air and/or the return of a residual quantity of liquid trapped in the spout (20) after dispensing some liquid, through the filtering elements (28), into the container (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rexam Pharma
    Inventor: Guillaume Grevin
  • Patent number: 8047405
    Abstract: A volumetric fluid dispensing device can include a fluid reservoir having at least one flexible wall and a dispensing reservoir oriented above the fluid reservoir. The dispensing reservoir can have an overflow return fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir such that the dispensing reservoir holds a measured volume of fluid. A reservoir conduit can be fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir and the dispensing reservoir to allow excess fluid to return from the overflow to the fluid reservoir. A dispensing conduit can also be fluidly connected to the dispensing reservoir to allow fluid to exit the dispensing reservoir. A mechanical wall actuator can be operatively associated with the walls for controllably flexing at least a portion of the walls sufficient to force fluid from the fluid reservoir to the dispensing reservoir via the reservoir conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L. P.
    Inventors: David R. Otis, Jr., Gerald F. Meehan, Christopher Vitello, Casey Timon Miller, N K Peter Samuel, Joseph W. Dody
  • Patent number: 8038036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge device for discharging liquid medium, with a pump device with a variable volume pump chamber, a discharge opening for the liquid medium, a feed path between the pump device and the discharge opening, and an outlet valve which is designed to open the discharge opening as a function of the pressure in the feed path, and to a discharge head provided for this purpose. The discharge device or the discharge head has a gas-permeable and liquid-tight air outlet which connects the pump chamber or the feed path to an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bruder, Andi Herz, Gerald Krampen
  • Patent number: 7997420
    Abstract: A filter apparatus capable of releasing air from a filter body, comprising a filter body held by a holder. The filter body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter body is disposed in the holder so as to rotate around an axis of rotation that passes through the fluid inlet. The holder includes a front panel. The front panel comprises engaging portions, for temporarily engaging the fluid outlet at either an air releasing position or at a filtering position, and a fixing means for fixing the filter body at each position. The filter apparatus further includes means for rotating the filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 7971755
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container for packaging a liquid (1) to be dispensed in drops. The container is reversibly deformable by air input and is equipped with a head (3) for dispensing liquid through a nozzle (5). The dispensing head (3) comprises a recessed body (4) which is nested inside a neck (10) of the container and which holds a hydrophobic microporous pad (8) arranged upstream of a chamber (9). Chamber (9) is provided with an air reservoir for preventing the liquid from passing through the microporous pad (8) between two liquid dispensing operations, when the nozzle (5) is sealingly obstructed with a cap (6), and for drying a partly hydrophilic and hydrophobic filtering membrane (7) arranged in the dispensing head (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Laboratories Thea
    Inventor: Michel Faurie
  • Patent number: 7967983
    Abstract: This end-piece is of the type including two filtering membranes and support portions for supporting the membranes and channelling the fluid through the membranes. According to one aspect of the invention, it includes a connection portion which is moulded over the support portions in order to fix them together and the support portions include an upper support portion, a lower support portion and an intermediate support portion which is arranged between the upper support portion and the lower support portion, a membrane is retained between the upper support portion and the intermediate support portion and a membrane is retained between the intermediate support portion and the lower support portion and the membranes are overmoulded by the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Rexam Pharma
    Inventor: Guillaume Grevin
  • Patent number: 7959035
    Abstract: A fluid product dispensing device that has a container that contains a fluid product, a pump, and a dispensing head that serves as the actuator for the pump. The container is a single molded piece with a neck. The neck of the container has either an opening to accommodate an air filter or has a neck joint that is molded onto the neck of the container, or both. In at least one embodiment, the container also has a shoulder to assist retaining the dispensing head, and a second shoulder to form a maximum amount of actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Samuel Pruvot, Christophe Fagot
  • Patent number: 7950388
    Abstract: A nebuliser and a container in each case with an aeration device are proposed, the aeration device being designed for the direct aeration of a liquid space in the container. The container comprises a rigid, gas-tight outer case and a closure, which is opened by connecting or inserting a delivery element. A long storage life and long service life with low loss of fluid or solvent are thereby provided in the form of a simple and inexpensive construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Kunze, Matthias Hausmann, Jens Besseler, Carsten Henning, Heinrich Kladders, Florian Witte, Johannes Geser, Markus Mast, Antonino Lanci, Christoph Dworzak, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 7861900
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7775406
    Abstract: A trigger sprayer is provided with a passive venting system of simplified and inexpensive construction. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane is positioned over a vent opening in the trigger sprayer housing and prevents the leakage of liquid from a container attached to the trigger sprayer, while allowing the venting of air from the exterior of the trigger sprayer to the container interior. The membrane is secured to a vent opening surface of the sprayer housing that is surrounded by a vent side wall that protects the vent membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Calmar, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Jeffrey P. Stark
  • Publication number: 20100108712
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly to be coupled to a resilient-walled vessel includes a tip defining an unobstructed bore positioned to be in direct communication with the vessel when coupled to the vessel. The tip includes a valve structured to allow drop-wise liquid dispensing when sufficient pressure is applied to the resilient wall of the vessel, and to prevent liquid back flow at zero as well as near zero pressure differentials across the valve. The assembly also includes at least one vent opening structured to allow air into and out of the vessel, and at least one filtration element extending across the vent opening. A cap having an antibacterial liner is also provided. The combination of the filtration element, the antibacterial liner in the cap, and the ability of the valve to prevent back flow enables the solution in the vessel to remain sterile, with no need for preservatives. Also included are methods for dispensing a preservative-free solution using a dispensing assembly of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Nick J. Manesis
  • Patent number: 7708165
    Abstract: A vent for a liquid dispenser includes a vent flange comprising a flange body. The vent body includes a vent wall on which the membrane is applied. The vent wall extends parallel to the geometric axis of the device so as to have a sufficiently large area available for applying the transpiratory membrane and at the same time to limit the space occupied radially by the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Guala Dispensing S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Bistolfi