Wall Deflecting Means Patents (Class 222/214)
  • Patent number: 8640926
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a backplate and a flexible cover fixedly secured to the backplate. A refill unit including a product reservoir and a pump is positioned within the dispenser and is carried by the backplate. The flexible cover is adapted to flex or deform when pressed by a user to actuate the pump, thereby alleviating the need for separate actuating members or pivoting of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John James McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, David James Smith
  • Publication number: 20140027473
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a liquid container is arranged in liquid communication with an outlet mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to translate a user force applied to a user operated portion into a transfer force applied from a user lever to an actuation part. A relationship between a first length and a second length forms a lever ratio. The first length extends from a first pivot axis to a user operated portion and the second length extends from the first pivot axis to a point of action of the transfer force on the actuation part. The lever ratio is adapted to increase from a non-actuated position over at least the first 50% of a dispensing stroke of the actuation part such that the transfer force increases over the at least first 50% of the dispensing stroke when a constant force is applied to the user operated portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Joonas JOKITALO, Marcus KULLMAN, Erik HJORT
  • Publication number: 20140021223
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a liquid container includes a hollow flexible dispensing portion and a dispenser. The dispensing mechanism includes a first lever arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis and a second lever arranged to pivot about a second pivot axis and includes a user operated portion. The first lever includes a first sliding surface and the second lever includes a second sliding surface. The first and second sliding surfaces bear in sliding abutment against each other at an abutment point. The first and second pivot axes are substantially parallel to each other, and a first plane extends through the first and second pivot axes. In a non-actuated position of the dispensing mechanism, the user operated portion of the second lever and the abutment point are arranged on a first side of the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Joonas JOKITALO, Erik HJORT
  • Patent number: 8602267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharge of liquid or substantially liquid products (2), preferably foodstuffs, e.g. mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup or dressing, from a compressible container (3) made of flexible material, preferably of plastic bag type. The container (3) is placed in an outer container (7) and is compressible by a compression device (4) in order to feed product (2) out therefrom through a nozzle (6). The invention is characterised in that a compression means (9) which forms part of the compression device (4) is disposed on a piston (17) adapted to being subjected to movements in a portioning direction (P3) so that the movable compression means (9) squeezes the container (3) in the outer container (7), and that the piston with its compression means (9) can perform a return movement in a return direction (P4) which is opposite to the portioning direction (P3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Asept International AB
    Inventors: Sten Drennow, Stefan Cedergren
  • Patent number: 8550131
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device, system and method are disclosed. The liquid dispensing device includes a one-way liquid metering device, comprising a bellows, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve; and a housing, comprising a cavity. The outlet valve is recessed within the cavity and liquid is dispensed from the one-way metering device into the cavity when a proximal portion of a receptacle is inserted into the cavity. Liquid within the bellows is dispensed from the outlet valve when the bellows is compressed, and liquid is drawn into the bellows through the inlet valve when the bellows returns to an expanded state. The system can include a receptacle with a neck extending from a shoulder at the proximal end of the receptacle. The shoulder engages with the at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Liquid Squeeze, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Shenkman, David J. Carson, Michael C. Romeo, Carole Shenkman, Kenneth Shenkman
  • Patent number: 8550310
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly and system that facilitates reliable and efficient engagement and removal of a flexible tube. A stator is pivotally retained on a structure and cooperatively operated by a lever arm and cam to engage and disengage the stator from the tube and a corresponding rotor. The stator pivots at a point distal from a point of rotation of the rotor and the lever arm moves about a fixed rotation axis to engage and disengage the stator with the tube relative to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Knute Alstad, Todd James Bakken, Jesse Charles Darley, Jeffery W. Kadyk, Jason Ray Lieving
  • Patent number: 8544695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support member and dispensing container assembly designed for a “squeeze to use” dispensing container. A support member 31 which rigidly attaches to a support structure like a wall, has a releasable attachment means 34 into which a free standing “squeeze to use” dispensing container for gels or liquids 1 can be inserted to releasably hold the container 1 to form a rigid connection whereby the dispensing aperture 3 of the dispensing container 1 faces downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Michael John Gordon
  • Patent number: 8523021
    Abstract: A feeding device, particularly for feeding powdered materials into a device processing the same, in particular an extruder, the feeding device including a housing with a receiving region for receiving the material, which is movable laterally over at least one flexible wall, which is movable by at least one moving mechanical element acting thereon, wherein the element is movable along the wall. The wall exterior has bumps, is moved via the element, and/or the element is non-round in its motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Leistritz Extrusionstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Walter, Robert Rein
  • Patent number: 8496136
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a fluid to a location includes a mechanism for supplying fluid connected to a reservoir. The reservoir has a variable volume and includes an outlet via which fluid may be delivered to the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Stewart Jones, Sergio Malorni, Michael Alexander Pratt
  • Patent number: 8490830
    Abstract: An amusement device for collecting and storing a quantity of air/gas from a selected source and expelling the stored air/gas as desired includes a collapsible bladder having an enclosed interior volume. The bladder being biased against collapse such that the bladder is expanded until being squeezed and such that the bladder once again expands when no longer being squeezed. The bladder including first and second openings into the enclosed interior volume. A first one-way valve is disposed across the first opening and configured to permit the flow of air into the enclosed interior volume through the first opening. A second one-way valve is disposed across second opening and configured to permit the flow of air out of the enclosed interior volume through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Buttercup Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross K. Magers
  • Publication number: 20130175296
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a decomposition chamber having a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide and a foaming soap are provided in separate first and second chambers of a product reservoir portion of a refill unit. Decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide produces oxygen gas and water, that may be used as a propellant for the creation of the foamed product, or may be used to power a pump. Additionally, the oxygen gas may be used to power a scavenger for the creation of electricity for charging a battery within the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Robert L. Gray, Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Publication number: 20130175302
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a dispenser for a container. The dispenser includes a base portion couplable to the container. The base portion has a port in it through which fluid exiting the container passes when the base portion is coupled to the container. The base portion also includes an external flexible fluid conduit that is fluidly coupled to the port. The external fluid conduit is located outside of the container when the base portion is coupled to the container. A squeezing element also forms part of the dispenser. The squeezing element is coupled to the base portion and movable between a closed position in which the squeezing element squeezes the external fluid conduit shut to prevent the fluid from flowing through it and an opened position in which the squeezing element is positioned such that the fluid can flow through the external fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBOINVENT INC.
    Inventor: Costin Sariu
  • Patent number: 8464913
    Abstract: A detergent container cradle including a seating surface for supporting a detergent container having an outlet for discharging detergent therefrom, and sidewalls provided at opposite edges of the seating surface to apply pressure to an outside circumferential surface of the detergent container having no outlet provided thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Sun Yoon
  • Patent number: 8453885
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes an operable peristaltic pump. The pump supports a rigid container which includes an aggressive fluid which is to be dispensed from the container. A vent tube and a dispensing tube extends from the container through the pump. Operation of the pump causes fluid to be pumped out from the container through the dispensing tube while air is pumped into the container through the vent tube. This equalizes pressure in the container and allows fluid to be dispensed from a rigid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Breault, Steven J. Hemsen
  • Patent number: 8448824
    Abstract: A novel enhanced flow metering device is disclosed, as well as related methods, that safely controls and meters the flow of a flow material. A pump fills a flow metering device with a flow material, which then dispenses the flow material to a target. The flow material charges the device by moving into at least one chamber when an actuation shaft is in a charging position. Flow materials are dispensed from the chambers of the flow metering device when the actuation shaft is moved into at least one dispensing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. DiPerna
  • Patent number: 8444022
    Abstract: A pouring device includes a container, a stiffening member with first and second stiffening portions having respective terminating ends spaced from each other. The first and second stiffening portions are coupled to the container with a deformable region of the container being positioned between the terminating ends of the first and second stiffening portions. The deformable region can be more resilient than the stiffening member to form a pour spout at least in part from the deformable region upon application of a force to the container toward opposing sides of the deformable region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Chef'n Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Holcomb, David Hull
  • Publication number: 20130112705
    Abstract: Individual portions of ice cream are dispensed from a bulk container. A motor drives a lead screw, to expand a scissor linkage and drive a dispensing head against the bulk container. Pressure applied to the container causes it to collapse and discharge ice cream from an outlet. The lead screw is orthogonal with the movement of the dispensing head and the axis of collapse of the container. The container, motor and lead screw are carried on a drawer which is slidably mounted in a refrigerated housing. Pressure is monitored to regulate operation of the motor. An encoder controls the motor for a specific portion size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MCGILL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shane Robert McGill, Martin White
  • Publication number: 20130112704
    Abstract: Individual portions of ice cream are dispensed from a bulk container. A motor drives a lead screw, to expand a scissor linkage and drive a dispensing head against the bulk container. Pressure applied to the container causes it to collapse and discharge ice cream from an outlet. The lead screw is orthogonal with the movement of the dispensing head and the axis of collapse of the container. The container, motor and lead screw are carried on a drawer which is slidably mounted in a refrigerated housing. Pressure is monitored to regulate operation of the motor. An encoder controls the motor for a specific portion size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MCGILL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shane Robert McGill, Martin White
  • Publication number: 20130105521
    Abstract: A method and a device for dispensing multiple portions of a fluid, the fluid being stored in a container comprising a port and a flexible dispensing tube having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being integrally sealed to the port and visco-elastic valve is mounted in the outlet. The method comprising a compression step and a step of terminating compression wherein the method comprises a further step implemented at the end of the compression step of releasing the pressure in the tube portion between the first tube portion and the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Balakrishna Reddy, David J. Harrison, James Tuot
  • Publication number: 20130092704
    Abstract: System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Tincher, Sean Lafferty, Jason McDaniel, Bryan Andersen
  • Patent number: 8403178
    Abstract: A container assembly has a first container that operably houses a second container. The first container is configured to hold a first flowable substance, and the second container is configured to hold a second flowable substance. The second container is rupturable, preferably by manipulation through the first container, wherein the second flowable substance can mix with the first flowable substance to form a mixture. The first container is also rupturable to dispense the mixture therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: James Alexander Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. May, David G. Robinson, Francesca Fazzolari, Alexander T. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130056497
    Abstract: Foam dispensers and pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a foam dispenser system includes a liquid container for holding a foamable liquid. A flexible and resilient liquid delivery compressible member connects the liquid container to a mixing chamber. A flexible and resilient air delivery compressible member connects a source of air to the mixing chamber. A compression member compresses the compressible members to move liquid and air into the mixing chamber to become a foam. The liquid container and the liquid delivery compressible member may both be disposed in a removable and replaceable refill unit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, Todd A. Spiegelberg
  • Patent number: 8387832
    Abstract: A dispenser including a housing with a backplate, an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate, and a cover pivotally connected to the intermediary member. The intermediary member is pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to a first end of the housing, and the cover is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to a second end of the housing. The dispenser also includes a refill unit including a pump and a product reservoir. The product reservoir is flexible and resilient so that it can be compressed repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Zlatic
  • Publication number: 20130032067
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a collapsible bellows (12) for storing the fluid to be dispensed, a housing (14) for receiving the collapsible bellows and means (30) for compressing the collapsible bellows on actuation of the fluid dispensing apparatus (10) so as to eject the fluid through an outlet (22) of the bellows (12), wherein the housing (14) is configured to guide the bellows (12) so as to impede lateral deformation of the bellows (12) during compression thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: SPINNAKER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicholas Tripp, Philip Hammond, Martin Wastell
  • Patent number: 8360285
    Abstract: A dosing apparatus for fluid, in particular pasty, substances such as toothpaste, liquid soap, mustard, etc., comprises a pump which has a filling nozzle which forms a suction opening of the pump in order to pump the pasty substance out of a container. An adapter has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for connecting a neck or an opening of the container to the filling nozzle of the pump. The outlet opening can be connected to the suction opening. The apparatus includes a two-part adapter housing where the upper part can be substituted for using different sized and shaped containers. The connection between the suction opening of the pump and the outlet opening of the adapter is designed to be releasable. The filling nozzle is formed coaxially to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Grbesic
  • Patent number: 8360287
    Abstract: A foam pump for pumping a foamable liquid from a foamable liquid source includes a premix chamber having an interior volume receiving the foamable liquid from the foamable liquid source. The foam pump also include a premix chamber air inlet valve, and a collapsible air chamber surrounds the premix chamber and fluidly communicates with the interior volume of the premix chamber through said premix chamber air inlet valve. The collapsible air chamber has an expanded volume and a compressed volume, and, when the collapsible air chamber is moved from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, air within the collapsible air chamber is forced into the premix chamber through the premix chamber air inlet valve and mixes with the foamable liquid received in the premix chamber. An outlet communicates with the premix chamber and, upon compression of the collapsible air chamber from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, foamable liquid and air are advanced from the premix chamber into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Daniel M. Willis
  • Patent number: 8356733
    Abstract: A method for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid uses a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber; a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, and an elastic valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening; a manually engageable actuator; and a pump including a compressible member defining a compression chamber coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Multiple portions of the stored fluid are hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber. The actuator is manually engageable and movable between (i) a first position wherein the compression chamber defines a first volume, and (ii) a second position wherein the compression chamber defines a second volume less than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Brian Tulley, Jeff Willey, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Julian Chan
  • Publication number: 20130015209
    Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: DAVID J. SMITH, John J. McNulty, Robert Quinlan, Christopher J. Mann, James M. Yates
  • Publication number: 20130015210
    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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan, Benoit Adamo, Nathaniel Houle
  • Patent number: 8353427
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing hand-sanitizer lotion, which is powered using a rechargeable battery pack rechargeable via solar cells, which battery pack is pivotally mounted in the upper interior section of the main frame of the dispenser, above the liquid-storage bag, whereby as the liquid storage bag is depleted after continual use, the weight of the battery pack serves to compress the storage bag to thereby increase the pressure therein, so that the delay of the dispensing of the liquid does not increase over time as the bag becomes depleted. Also provided is a lower, pivotal tray located below the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing apparatus by which drippings and excess dispensed amounts are caught by the tray and do not fall upon the floor therebelow. A front cover is rotatable to an upper position such that it does not rotate back down by itself in order to allow unencumbered access to the interior of the apparatus for changing storage bags and batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Konrad Landauer
  • Patent number: 8348104
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid has a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber; a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, and an elastic valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening; a manually engageable actuator; and a pump including a compressible member defining a compression chamber coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Multiple portions of the stored fluid are hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber. The actuator is manually engageable and movable between (i) a first position wherein the compression chamber defines a first volume, and (ii) a second position wherein the compression chamber defines a second volume less than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Brian Tulley, Jeff Willey, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Julian Chan, Bing He
  • Publication number: 20130001256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharge of liquid or substantially liquid products (2), preferably foodstuffs, e.g. mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup or dressing, from a compressible container (3) made of flexible material, preferably of plastic bag type. The container (3) is placed in an outer container (7) and is compressible by a compression device (4) in order to feed product (2) out therefrom through a nozzle (6). The invention is characterised in that a compression means (9) which forms part of the compression device (4) is disposed on a piston (17) adapted to being subjected to movements in a portioning direction (P3) so that the movable compression means (9) squeezes the container (3) in the outer container (7), and that the piston with its compression means (9) can perform a return movement in a return direction (P4) which is opposite to the portioning direction (P3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ASEPT INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Sten Drennow, Stefan Cedergren
  • Patent number: 8342368
    Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material adapted for engagement and for dispensing fluid from either a replaceable piston pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a piston pump or a replaceable peristaltic pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a deformable tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20120325859
    Abstract: A two-piece pinch valve is disclosed. A first piece or part of the valve is fixedly installed into a dispensing cabinet. A second piece or part having a movable pinch bar that pinches and un-pinches a tube is installable into and removable from the first piece by hand. Removal of the second piece from the first pieces allows a tube to be directly installed into the pinch valve. Installation of the second piece into the first piece configures the valve for operation. The second piece is installed into slots in the first piece. The slots and engaging protuberances on the second piece enable the second piece to be locked in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Joel Otto Malin, Jerry Tauer, Loren Veltrop
  • Publication number: 20120325846
    Abstract: A method and a device for dispensing multiple portions of a fluid, the fluid being stored in a container comprising a port and a flexible dispensing tube having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being integrally sealed to the port and viscoelastic valve is mounted in the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Balakrishna Reddy, James Tuot
  • Publication number: 20120325860
    Abstract: A pinch valve for use with a liquid dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tube pinching device configured to translate between an open position and a closed position and an electrically powered linear actuator configured to provide a valve opening force to the tube pinching device, The pinching device is coupled to a spring device configured to apply a valve closing force to the tube pinching device. The pinch valve is additionally comprised of an operator handle facilitating manual opening of the tube pinching device. The pinching device is rotatable in the valve body. The valve body has a front surface heat sink against which a tube pinching force is applied by a tube pinching device and a rear surface with a concavity configured to receive a tube carrying a heat transferring fluid. The tube pinching device can be operated electrically or manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Christopher Lyons
  • Patent number: 8333303
    Abstract: Metering devices, particularly for adhesives and sealants, that can be placed on a flexible container by means of an adapted ring, a lever being connected to the ring, and pressing against the container, are known. The invention relates to a metering device whereon the lever is connected to the ring via a deformable spring plate. A push button is formed onto the lever as an extension. Thus, the one-piece metering device is inexpensive and can be produced without needing to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kisling AG
    Inventor: Werner F. Dubach
  • Patent number: 8316545
    Abstract: A hair removing apparatus has a hair removing device for at least partially removing hair projecting from a skin, a liquid channel leading to a liquid outlet, a pump for causing liquid displacement through the liquid channel to the liquid outlet, a motor coupled to the hair removing device; a transmission coupled to the motor and to the pump; and a control structure operable between at least a first and a second operating condition for dispensing liquid at different rates. The control structure is arranged for controlling amounts of movement transmitted by the transmission to the pump such that, in the first and second operating conditions, different amounts of movement are transmitted by the transmission to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jeroen Alexander Gross
  • Patent number: 8302812
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a pump that, upon actuation, progresses through a discrete dispense cycle to dispense a discrete dose of product. The dispenser further includes an actuating mechanism serving to actuate the pump, and a dispenser controller that controls operation of the actuation mechanism. The discrete dose is less than a desired dose. When the dispenser controller receives a single dispense request, the dispenser controller causes the actuating mechanism to actuate the pump through multiple discrete dispense cycles so as to dispense multiple discrete doses to achieve a dispensing of the desired dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron R. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20120248149
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is disclosed in the present application. In one exemplary embodiment, a liquid dispenser is configured to dispense foam. The liquid dispenser includes a frame portion, a pump portion, a refill portion, and a guide portion. The pump portion includes one or more compression members coupled to a rotatable member. The rotatable member is configured to rotate relative to the frame portion. The refill portion includes a liquid container, a tube, and a foaming nozzle. The tube is fluidly coupled to the liquid container and the foaming nozzle. The tube is positioned between the compression members and the guide portion. The tube is compressed by the one or more compression members as the rotatable member rotates to move liquid material from the liquid container to the foaming nozzle. The foaming nozzle is configured to covert the liquid material to foam, which is dispensed by the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 8261941
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid from a container. A roller is dimensioned to engage and roll along a portion of the container when the roller moves in a first direction from a first container-engaging position to a second container-engaging position. A sensor for sensing an object in a predetermined area is disposed near the housing. A light source is operable to emit a beam of visible light therefrom. The beam of light intersects the predetermined area. A controller is programmed such that when the sensor senses an object in the predetermined area, the controller energizes the light source to illuminate a target location where the fluid from the container is to be dispensed and the controller causes the roller to move in the first direction from the first container-engaging position to the second container-engaging position, thereby dispensing the fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Ji Sung Woo, Chan Chung Yin, Liu Wan Bao, Kenneth L. Kramer, Lam Yau Ming, Peng Zhi Gang
  • Publication number: 20120193376
    Abstract: An apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a compressible metering chamber including a first end coupled to the fluid reservoir and a second end. The apparatus further including a valve coupled to the second end of the metering chamber and a nozzle coupled to the valve. A system including linearly translatable cartridge mounting assembly having a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations and a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridges mounted to respective fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations. The system further including a plurality of compression assemblies coupled to respective fluid dispensing cartridges and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly. A method includes positioning a fluid dispensing cartridge comprising a fluid reservoir and a metering chamber over a sample retaining member, applying a compressive force to the metering chamber to eject a predetermined amount of fluid and removing the compressive force to refill the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Evans, Wolfgang Mueller, Toshiyuki Fujimaki, Shinji Tokudaiji, Yoshitake Okabe, Yoshitada Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8206136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system of bellows and co-acting part, including a co-acting part which comprises a stiff outer wall, and a bellows co-acting therewith which comprises a flexible wall of a predetermined shape and thickness, wherein the flexible wall of the bellows is movable along the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part, wherein the bellows includes at least two separately deformable flexible wall parts' which each co-act with a different part of the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Markus Franciscus Brouwer, Jeroen Daniel De Regt
  • Patent number: 8196781
    Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump for use with a liquid reservoir, with the actuating solenoid mounted in the dispenser. The pump has a body with flexible walls, a top-cap, a seal-base and a nozzle, with a seal-rod extending from the top-cap to the nozzle, stretching the flexible walls of the body and creating a net restoring force on the seal-base. A seal-head on the seal-rod seals a central opening in the seal-head when pressed against a side of the seal-head by the net restoring force. Reciprocally moving the seal-head parallel to an axis of the pump body operates the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Coffee Company, LLC
    Inventors: Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20120111895
    Abstract: The liquid dispenser comprises a ratchet assembly, a rotor assembly, a reservoir assembly, and a drive mechanism. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a reservoir tube; and the rotor assembly includes a drive gear and at least one compression element. The ratchet assembly includes a pawl configured to engage the drive gear when the drive mechanism is actuated. Optionally, the liquid dispenser includes a venting assembly and/or a dose control assembly. The venting assembly automatically vents the reservoir when the reservoir is mounted in the liquid dispenser. The dose control assembly allows the user to control the distance the drive mechanism may be actuated and thereby control the amount of liquid that is dispensed. The liquid dispenser of the invention provides accurate control over the amount of liquid that is dispensed as well as ease in replacing the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: KEVIN THOMAS FITZPATRICK, BRYAN SCOTT RITCHIE, MATTHEW SCOTT KEPNER
  • Publication number: 20120111891
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a backplate and a flexible cover fixedly secured to the backplate. A refill unit including a product reservoir and a pump is positioned within the dispenser and is carried by the backplate. The flexible cover is adapted to flex or deform when pressed by a user to actuate the pump, thereby alleviating the need for separate actuating members or pivoting of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: John James McNulty, Robert L. Quinlan, David James Smith
  • Patent number: 8127969
    Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 8118194
    Abstract: A cartridge for an appliance for personal care, such as skin, dental or hair treatment includes a main body, a dispensing structure for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid, a paste or a gel, and a cartridge detachably connected to the main body. The cartridge bounds a reservoir space for holding the substance to be dispensed and includes a flexible wall part bounding the reservoir space for allowing reservoir space volume to accommodate to a volume of the substance filled therein and volumes of the substance dispensed therefrom; a rigid wall part also bounding the reservoir space, and a rigid housing. The flexible wall part is connected to the rigid housing along a contour of the rigid wall part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Molema, Wilko Westerhof, Anke Sinnema, Johannes Josephus Blaak
  • Patent number: 8100294
    Abstract: A container assembly has a first container that operably houses a second container. The first container is configured to hold a first flowable substance, and the second container is configured to hold a second flowable substance. The second container is rupturable, preferably by manipulation through the first container, wherein the second flowable substance can mix with the first flowable substance to form a mixture. The first container is also rupturable to dispense the mixture therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: James Alexander Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. May, David G. Robinson, Francesca Fazzolari, Alexander T. Davidson, Ronald M. Douros
  • 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