Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 222/394)
  • Patent number: 6530501
    Abstract: A tapping head that is coupled to a disinfectant pump, the tapping head is for tapping beverages pressurized by gas. This tapping head comprises a housing, and a tapping tappet, disposed within the housing. This tapping tappet has at least one channel. There is also an actuating lever coupled to the housing. There is also a beverage closing valve disposed within the housing. Furthermore, there is also a fitting disposed at an end of the tapping tappet. When in operation, a disinfectant for disinfecting an area of the fitting is fed first via the actuating lever wherein the tapping tappet is subsequently moved against a CO2 connector of the fitting area whereby the beverage closing valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: IPE Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolph Till
  • Publication number: 20030035777
    Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a chamber adapted to contain a powder pharmaceutical formulation, a lid at least partially covering the chamber, at least one piercing element forcible through the lid to provide access to the powder pharmaceutical formulation, and a shapeable surface extending from the chamber, the shapeable surface being adapted to undergo a shape change to form a conduit. The powder pharmaceutical formulation may be extracted from the chamber by a user inhaling through the conduit. In another version, the lid is removable from the chamber without the need for a piercing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: John S. Patton, Michael T. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 6521304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to luminescent playthings such as candles, table lights, pen lights, illumination, illuminating playthings for camp, illuminating playthings for night fishing, fish-gathering lamps, safety candles, neon lights, luminescent inks, luminescent pens, luminescent coatings or luminescent writing implements, in which a soft light of an indescribable tone of color not obtainable from flames of conventional candles is emitted via seawater, lake and marsh water, river water, ground water, tap water or mineral drinking water by utilizing 3 components of luciferin, luciferase and ATP or 4 components of these components plus a metal salt, out of components necessary for bioluminescence in fireflies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kikkoman Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Kajiyama, Ayumi Arai, Eiichi Nakano, Hiroki Tatsumi, Teruo Watarai, Naoki Eisaki, Tatsuya Sakakibara, Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6520186
    Abstract: A reshapable hair styling composition comprising at least one silicon-containing polycondensate chosen from polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane-ureas, such as a polycondensate that is functionalized with at least one hydrolyzed or hydrolyzable silyl group, wherein said composition provides a reshapable effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Isabelle Rollat, Henri Samain
  • Patent number: 6516977
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement in a vacuum includes a container for mixing first and second components of a bone cement in a vacuum, the container having a sealed body defining an interior space and a selected quantity of the first component disposed in the interior space. The container is provided with an injection port for admitting the second component into the interior space vacuum source. A mixing paddle is disposed in the interior space and connected to a handle therefor extending out of the container. A plurality of indirect pathways extend between the interior space and the exhaust port which permit gas to pass therethrough out of the interior space, but prevent the bone cement first and second components from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 6494347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grease gun having an automatic continuous feeding device, including a gun body, a piston chamber, a piston, a spring, a barrel chamber, a plunger, a container, a switch valve, and a trigger. Thus, the piston may be moved reciprocally and automatically by pressing the trigger successively, so that the grease in the container may be ejected outward continuously without having to compress and loosen the trigger repeatedly, thereby facilitating the user operating the grease gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20020148851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the useful operating life of a low-pressure gas bottle for use in a semiconductor device manufacturing process. As the gas bottle is detected to be approaching an empty condition, the gas in the bottle is safely heated in a manner that causes gas molecules to be released from an absorbent material used in the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, a thermo-pressurizer, including a heating blanket that surrounds the gas bottle and a temperature controller coupled to the heating blanket, causes the pressure in the gas bottle to be elevated, thereby releasing gas molecules from the absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Toy, Baldwin B. Chiu
  • Patent number: 6446754
    Abstract: The tracks of a railroad yard system having an access track an a plurality of switches leading to a plurality of yard tracks are lubricated by a lubricating station positioned on the access track. The lubricating station has a positive displacement pump and dispenses a continues path of lubricant along a portion of track having a length equal to the circumference of a railroad car wheel such that the wheels will carry lubricant along the tracks of the system. Detectors are positioned on the yard tracks to determine the speed of the cars as they roll down track and into the yard tracks. A microprocessor receives information from the detectors and regulates the amount of lubricant dispensed through by the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin Kostelny-Vogts, Carlton L. Leslie
  • Patent number: 6415992
    Abstract: The invention concerns a new personal spray device pressurized by a gas mixture comprising nitrogen and carbon dioxide for the fine spray dispersion of, for example, liquids or atomizable compositions. The spray device prevents the formation of liquid jet or ion precipitates. Preferably, the spray device contains mineralized waters and controls the pH and the microbial content of the mineralized waters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Gilles Blondeel, Nicole Le Calvez
  • Publication number: 20020074364
    Abstract: A liquid sucking and dispensing device includes a body having a passage and an air inlet and an air outlet are respectively located one two ends of the body. A first valve is engaged with the passage at a mediate section of the passage and a second valve is engaged with the passage at a second end of the body. An opening is defined radially through the body and communicates with the passage and an interior of a container. When the second valve closes the passage, pressurized air enters the container to push liquid in the container out from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Chuang Chia-Chiung Chlang
  • Patent number: 6394320
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging device which allows for expulsion or delivery of its contents by means of the user's breath. The contents to be expelled are either pre-packaged, or else loaded from the front end (i.e., chewing gum, sugar sprinkles and other candy, confetti, beads, as well as fine powdered incense/fragrances and the like). The objects or contents may be launched into the air by blowing into the back of the tube, much like a pea-shooter. There are three primary features that distinguish it from a traditional pea-shooter. First, the objects are loaded from the front. Second, there is a barrier built in that prevents the contents from going the wrong way. Third, perforated sections are created at the “mouth” end, whereby the used end piece can be easily torn away by the previous user in order to create a fresh mouthpiece for the next user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Vladimir Feiman
  • Patent number: 6390340
    Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser for dispensing liquid soap. The liquid soap dispenser includes a housing with a soap reservoir and a pressurized gas reservoir disposed in the housing. The pressurized gas reservoir is in fluid communication with the soap reservoir. A dispensing valve is provided between the pressurized gas reservoir and the soap reservoir for selectively opening and closing passage of gas from the pressurized gas reservoir to the soap reservoir. The dispensing valve has an actuator extending from the housing. An elongate flexible dispensing tube in fluid communication with the soap reservoir outwardly extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Lynch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6386403
    Abstract: An object sensor (18) detects an object such as a hand (20) and operates a valve (52) that permits liquid soap (86) to flow from a disposable soap container (12). The liquid soap is typically quite viscous but tends to be expelled because of pressure applied from a carbon-dioxide cartridge (32). A pressure-regulator assembly (40) permits gas from the carbon dioxide cartridge (32) to enter the soap container (28) only so long as the soap container's internal pressure is less than a predetermined maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Emanuel C. Ebner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6386402
    Abstract: An aqueous quick dry sprayable drywall texture material in the form of a sprayable composition includes an aqueous base, a filler and a polymer. The aqueous quick dry sprayable drywall texture is storable and dispensable from a pressurized dispenser having a delivery nozzle or other spray dispensing device. An aerosol system with a spray nozzle is included on the container for selective discharge of the textured material onto a prepared patch area or other substrate so as to match and blend with the surrounding drywall area in order to provide a continuous and unbroken coextensive surface texture of mechanically and visually matched material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Spraytex, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Woods
  • Patent number: 6375047
    Abstract: A container for storing pasty or fluidic compositions and apportioned dispensing of the same. The container includes a container body with parallel inner walls; and a movable plunger element, which divides the container body into a compressed-air portion and a storage portion, intended for receiving the pasty or fluidic composition. The plunger can be displaced into the storage portion by introducing compressed air into the compressed-air portion. A compressed-air feed opening is provided, via which compressed air can be blown in from a supply element. A container cover is provided on the body. A dispensing opening is provided in the storage portion, from which the composition emerges, controlled by the amount of compressed air fed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Herda, Albrecht Konietzko
  • Patent number: 6371331
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of a liquid has a container holding a quantity of liquid to be measured and dispensed and a conduit with an inlet end, an outlet end and a measuring section having a known volume. A sensor determines when the measuring section contains liquid. A passage with a first valve is provided for delivering liquid from the container to the conduit inlet end and air under pressure urges liquid from the container to the conduit. A source of air under pressure is connected to the conduit and a second valve controls delivery of air to the conduit from the source. A control connected to the sensor and to the first and second valves sequentially closes the second valve and opens the first valve to cause flow of liquid from the container to the conduit until the sensor determines that the measuring section contains liquid, and then closes the first valve and opens the second valve to admit air to the conduit, thereby expelling a measured quantity of liquid from the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Partec Partikelzahlgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Göhde, Armin Akbari
  • Patent number: 6352184
    Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing accoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle to diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6343722
    Abstract: A fixing element (10) for fixing a dispenser member (20), such as a pump or a valve, to the neck (31) of a container (30) containing a substance to be dispensed, with a neck gasket (1) being interposed, the neck gasket having an inner edge (2) and an outer edge (3) for providing sealing at the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) including a dispenser member receiving portion (11) for receiving the dispenser member (20) and a fixing portion (12) for fixing to the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) being characterized in that it further includes a holding portion (13) for receiving and holding the neck gasket (1), the annular gasket (1) being held in the holding portion (13) of the fixing element (10) at its inner edge (2) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Di Giovanni
  • Publication number: 20020000450
    Abstract: A dispensing tool according to the present invention includes a dispensing outlet and at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet. The tool also includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube and adapted to dispense material from the first material storage tube through the dispensing outlet. A valve assembly allows the material storage tube to be automatically reloaded when the tool is placed in a reloading station. A clamp may be used to hold the tool at the station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffery E. Brown, Aaron D. Marshall, William C. Schiltz, Brent R. Kaiser, John R. Scopelite
  • Publication number: 20010048005
    Abstract: A spray dispenser, includes a valve disk for attachment of a valve, with the valve disk including a valve dome and a collar in concentric surrounding relationship to the valve dome. A cap extends over the collar and is secured against axial displacement, for covering the valve, wherein the cap is connected to the collar by way of a form-fitting engagement so as to inhibit rotation of the cap relative to the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Horst Griemla, Adalberto Geier
  • Patent number: 6311876
    Abstract: A grease atomizing nozzle comprises a jet tube with a concave ring shaped depression at a middle section thereof. Two tapered holes with large openings facing outwards are formed at the ring. A jet opening penetrates through a top side of the jet tube. A lower end of the opening is perpendicular to the tapered holes. A lower end of the jet tube is formed with a tapered surface which applies a pressure to a resilient spring tberebelow. A seat below the jet tube is a cylindrical body with a cavity formed therein. A plurality of concave trenches radially spaced are formed in the cavity. These trenches are perpendicular to an inner surface of the cavity; and a gas inlet being formed at an upper side of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hung-Yang Liu
  • Publication number: 20010032863
    Abstract: Flow-regulation means for improving the operation of a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispensers incorporating the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the flow-regulation means includes a conduit for receiving a pressurized fluid, wherein a flow restriction restricts the flow of the pressurized fluid into the conduit. The flow restriction has a smaller flow area than the outlet of the dispensing valve. As a result, fluid is re-supplied to the conduit more slowly than it is dispensed through the dispensing valve. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit is elastic. A dynamic pressure sensor is used to sense pressure in the elastic region. In an additional embodiment, the flow-regulation means includes a resilience-adjustment means operable to adjust the resilience or elasticity of an elastic portion of the conduit. Such adjustable resilience provides an additional measure of control over the dispensing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ilya Feygin
  • Patent number: 6305619
    Abstract: A portable gun for discharging highly pressurized fluid material such as tear gas or capsicum spray comprises an elongate refillable pressure vessel (8) for storing under pressure fluid material to be discharged. A discharge barrel (4) is coupled to the pressure vessel via a valve assembly (6) and through which the material is discharged when the valve assembly is opened by actuation of a trigger (38). The axis of the barrel is orientated in the same direction as the axis of the pressure vessel, and the gun is supported from the body of a user by a sling so that the gun can be supported with the axes of the pressure vessel and barrel generally horizontally directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Westfire Developments PTY LTD
    Inventor: Philip Patrick Thurn
  • Publication number: 20010030200
    Abstract: An automatic device for dispensing flowable products at half and low temperatures, the device comprising cylindrical tubes fixed obliquely and each tube including shaking helical screw for feeding the product under pressure towards a bottom end of the cylinder and dispensing the same through a dispensing valve actuated by a pneumatic actuator, an upper end of each cylinder including an air intake valve for feeding pressurized air into the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Carlos Angel Nicosia
  • Patent number: 6296156
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a valve on a container and a dispenser containing a product under pressure fitted with such a mounting device are both provided. The mounting device includes: a first fastening device configured to fasten the mounting device to an open edge of the container; a second fastening device configured to fasten the dispensing valve on the mounting device; a first groove formed between the first and second fastening devices; and a locking device intended to be positioned in the first groove so as to allow the first fastening device to be clamped onto the open edge, wherein the action of clamping is a result of radial enlargement of a bottom of the first groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Pierre-Andre Lasserre, Marcel Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6279623
    Abstract: An actuator for facilitating filling of an aerosol contain by a button-on-filling process, the actuator comprising an exterior housing having an outer wall with a product discharge outlet formed therein. The exterior housing further having central post supporting an internal bore which establishes fluid communication between a product inlet and the product discharge outlet to facilitate dispensing an aerosol product via the actuator. At least two spaced apart reinforcement ribs are provided for interconnecting the exterior housing with the central post and thereby define at least two compartments where any remaining filling component may collect. A base of the exterior housing has an annular skirt portion which facilitates sealing engagement with a pedestal portion of a mounting cup during a filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6273960
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning soiled contact lenses are disclosed. The methods involve contacting the soiled lens with a cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents. The cleaning compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Rajkumar Bhatia, Alok K. Kulshreshtha, Geoffrey R. Owen, Yusuf Ali
  • Patent number: 6253965
    Abstract: Improvements in valve heads for soft drink bottles and the like, of the kind which may be coupled to the neck of a bottle containing carbonated liquid, including a valve body crossed by a liquid circulation channel communicating an outer spout with the inner outlet of a dip tube which ends inside the bottle; a check valve which, mounted in the circulation channel, has a normally closed valve blocker the stem of which has a sliding guide in the upper portion of the valve body; the improvements comprising a covering hood having substantially a frustoconical shape, a command element constituting a second genus lever, a removable band constituting a folding strap for the foldable articulated arm, a mouth constituting a passage for the outer spout, and connecting element between the hood and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sides S.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Jose Pitocco
  • Patent number: 6250512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous-based coating composition for forming strippable, protective coating for protecting surfaces, such as glass, metal, ceramic, plastic or other materials of construction. More specifically, the compositions and coatings formed therefrom of this invention are particularly useful in connection with protecting precision surfaces, such as optical lenses, including but not limited to ophthalmic lenses, telescopic lenses, microscopic lenses, and the like, which protection is desirably only of a temporary nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Peter A. Salamon
  • Patent number: 6230943
    Abstract: An aerosol product comprising a double-chamber container separated by a movable partition capable of dividing contents therewith, one spatial portion thereof being loaded with contents to be discharged and the other spatial portion being loaded with compressed gas for pressurizing. The compressed gas is a mixed compressed gas of at least two types of mixed gas, at least a part of the partition presents permeability of the compressed gas, and the mixed compressed gas selectively permeates the partition to be dissolved in the contents to be ready for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Osaka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Miyamoto, Satoshi Mekata
  • Patent number: 6202900
    Abstract: A gas injection valve comprises a valve casing fitted to a gas bottle, a valve pin slidably received in the valve casing, first and second seal rings fitted to the inner peripheral wall of the valve casing, and a fixed-quantity chamber defined between the first and second seal rings for capturing therein a fixed amount of gas before injection. The valve pin has a gas passage bore for intercommunicating a first port formed in the upper face of the tip of the valve pin and a second port formed in the outer peripheral wall of the valve pin. The second port is located to open into the substantially cylindrical hollow of the casing above the second seal ring with the valve pin kept in a lifted-up position and to open into the fixed-quantity chamber below the second seal ring during one-step pushing action and two-step pushing action of the valve pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Dott Limited Company
    Inventors: Tatsuo Tsutsui, Akira Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 6189735
    Abstract: The polymeric substance delivery method and device, in which the outflow is determined from a first container (5) of a monomeric substance able to polymerize autonomously upon air contact, and eventually, the outflow from a second container (7) is determined of a hardening substance able to accelerate the polymerization of the monomeric substance, by sending the same hardening substance towards a mixing zone of the hardening substance with the same monomeric substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cheming S.A. Luxembourg
    Inventor: Maria Teresa Plasmati-Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6164492
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment pressure pouch for use in a container pressure generation system. The outer sheets of the pressure pouch are formed from a relatively highly deformable material, so that the pressure pouch may conform to the interior of a container having virtually any shape. The highly deformable material may be chosen such that its yield strength is greater than the force required to open each pouch compartment. In this manner, it is ensured that all of the compartments will open before the highly deformable material begins plastic deformation. The pressure pouch may further include one or more flow channels formed therewith to ensure fluid communication between all parts of the dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Quoin Industrial, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lane, Lowell T. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6161726
    Abstract: An automatic soap dispenser (10) includes a disposable soap container including a dispensing mechanism (20) in which walls of an interior chamber (56) cooperate with a diaphragm (62) and a plunger (66) to form a transit chamber (64), which is resiliently expandable against the force of a spring (80). When a solenoid (58) permits the diaphragm (62) to move away from the outlet of a passage (50) in a flow path from the interior of a pressurized reservoir (18) to the expandable transit chamber (64), travel of the plunger (66) permits the transit chamber (64)'s pressure-relieving outlet opening to expand so that the pressure within the transit chamber (64) is determined predominantly by the force of the spring (80) rather than by the pressure within the reservoir (18). The velocity of the liquid dispensed from the transit chamber (64) through the dispensing mechanism's spout (16) is therefore relatively independent of the pressure within the reservoir (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Emanuel C. Ebner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6161599
    Abstract: An actuator for facilitating filling of an aerosol contain by a button-on-filling process, the actuator comprising an exterior housing having an outer wall with a product discharge outlet formed therein. The exterior housing further having central post supporting an internal bore which establishes fluid communication between a product inlet and the product discharge outlet to facilitate dispensing an aerosol product via the actuator. At least two spaced apart reinforcement ribs are provided for interconnecting the exterior housing with the central post and thereby define at least two compartments where any remaining filling component may collect. A base of the exterior housing has an annular skirt portion which facilitates sealing engagement with a pedestal portion of a mounting cup during a filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc,
    Inventor: Jeremy P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6152335
    Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing accoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6152190
    Abstract: An actuator comprising an exterior housing having an outer wall with a product discharge outlet formed therein. The exterior housing also has a central post supporting a bore which communicates with both a product inlet and the product discharge outlet to facilitate the dispensing of product via the actuator. A base of the exterior housing has an annular skirt portion provided for engagement with a mounting cup during a button-on-filling process. At least a base of the skirt portion, provided for engaging with a mounting cup during a button-on-filling process, is formed from a softer material than a remainder of the actuator to facilitate sufficient deformation of the base of the skirt portion, during the button-on-filling process, to provide an adequate seal with a top surface of the mounting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6117396
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid dispensing device for delivering defined volumes comprising (a) a reagent fill channel, (b) one or more metering capillaries connected to the reagent fill channel and having an exit, and (c) one or more sources of gas connected to the reagent fill channel, wherein after filing the one or more metering capillaries the reagent fill channel can be drained of liquid while liquid is retained in the one or more metering capillaries, and the source of gas can be operated to eject the liquid in the metering capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Richard Demers
  • Patent number: 6085940
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system for the direct delivery of a chemical from a drum to a process area comprising a pressurized tank having a pressure/vacuum lock closure, a drum containing a chemical to be dispensed housed within the pressurized tank, and a closed loop electronic feed back system for the controlled dispensing of the chemical from the drum to a process area without the use of a pumping system. The closed loop electronic feed back system monitors and controls the flow of chemical from the drum by regulating the pressure within the pressurized tank. In an alternative embodiment, a closed loop electro-pneumatic fluid control system is provided which controls or modulates a pneumatic output valve disposed between the drum and the process in order to regulate the chemical flow from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Edward T. Ferri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6082247
    Abstract: An apparatus for consecutively dispensing an equal volume of a liquid from a storage tank. The system includes a hermetically sealed metering chamber at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid contained in a storage tank. The metering chamber has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the tank. A one-way valve accommodates an inflow of liquid into the metering chamber from the tank via the inlet port, and blocks an outflow of liquid from the chamber to the tank. A discharge conduit protrudes into the interior of the chamber. A pump pneumatically pressurizes the metering chamber to exhaust a predetermined volume of liquid via the discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Keurig, Inc.
    Inventor: Roderick H. Beaulicu
  • Patent number: 6067936
    Abstract: A fish resuscitating apparatus includes a container of pressurized oxygen-rich fluid medium such as a gas or liquid. A valve controllably couples the fluid medium to a dispensing tip which is dimensioned to fit within the mouth of the fish. The dispensing tip is porous or perforated to allow the fluid to enter the mouth of the fish for aiding the fish in recovering from being caught. A kit of parts includes a container, a valve, and a plurality of tips of different dimensions, for use with different types of fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: David J. Margulis
  • Patent number: 6054157
    Abstract: A reusable cookie dough storage container for storing and refrigerating cookie dough comprising a generally tubular, hollow member having a self-sustaining shape and a substantially uniform cross-section substantially along its entire length is provided with a piston slidably received in the tubular member and axially movable therein along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The tubular member has at least a first end cap releasably received on a longitudinal end of the tubular member, such that the first end cap and the piston form a cookie dough storage chamber within the tubular member when spaced apart. The piston is adapted to substantially seal the storage chamber containing the cookie dough, when used in combination with the first end cap, and to apply a positive pressure on the cookie dough stored within the storage chamber for extruding said cookie dough from the storage chamber when the first end cap is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Nancy B. Shapiro, Joseph H. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 6045010
    Abstract: A hand-powered apparatus and method for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid. A predetermined volume of liquid is selected using a control knob on the apparatus and a valve is moved to a fill position. The handle on an attached hand pump is then moved alternately up and down causing fluid to be drawn into a measuring vessel. Further upward movement of the handle is prevented upon the fluid level in the vessel reaching the selected volume. Thereupon, the valve is moved to a dispense position whereby continued pumping of the handle is again possible. The handle is alternately pumped up and down causing the fluid to exit the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Murray Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6039222
    Abstract: A vapor permeable pressurized package is disclosed. The package includes a container defining an interior space and a partition dividing the interior space of the container into a first compartment for storing a product to be dispensed from the container and a second compartment for storing a propellant employed to selectively force the product through the outlet of the container. The partition includes pores selectively permitting propellent vapor to pass from the second compartment to the first compartment. The propellant vapor stored in the second compartment moves into the first compartment when the container is actuated for the release of the product stored in the first compartment, causing the product to be expelled through the outlet of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventor: Scott E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6032830
    Abstract: A dispensing gun for fluent products such as viscous adhesives and sealants. The gun includes a removably mounted nozzle and fittings for attachment to a product source such as a can or a hose. A valve body has product inlet and outlet passages with flow being controlled therethrough by a valve that includes a nose portion seated in the valve body, and a rod that extends through the nose portion of the valve and seats on tapered surfaces inside the end of the nozzle. The valve contains a shrouded internal spring biasing the valve to a closed position. A trigger engages the yoke carrying the valve and the valving rod and moves the yoke so that the rod and valve move between open, closed and intermediate positions. In one preferred form, the valving rod may be adjusted between positions wherein more or less product is dispensed in response to full trigger movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Flexible Products Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Patent number: 6030682
    Abstract: A container for aerosols which contains 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, or a mixture thereof as a propellant, wherein the container has at least one elastomeric sealing member comprising a thermoplastic copolymer of about 80 to about 95 mole percent ethylene and a total of about 5 to about 20 mole percent of one or more comonomers which may be 1-butene, 2-hexene, and 1-octene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Marecki
  • Patent number: 6024925
    Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined and controlled volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface. The substrates surfaces can be flat or geometrically altered to include wells of receiving material. In one embodiment, the invention provides a tool that allows the parallel development of a sample array. To this end, the tool can be understood as an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, wherein each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding manual liter volumes of fluid. Each of the pins can fit inside a housing that forms an interior chamber. The interior chamber can be connected to a pressure source that will control the pressure within the interior chamber to regulate the flow of fluid within the interior chamber of the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Sequenom, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Little, Hubert Koster
  • Patent number: 6021921
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid dispensing system and a method for dispensing liquid that includes two hermetically sealed tanks each having a liquid container with a conduit pipe connecting the two containers. A differential pressure exists between the two tanks such that a process liquid can be fed from the second container into a dispensing nozzle under the differential pressure and the gravity of the liquid without the need of a pumping system. The problems of gel formation normally observed in conventional dispensing systems can be eliminated. A high viscosity, short shelf life liquid can be most suitably dispensed by the present invention novel dispensing system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Ku Lan, Chen-Cheng Kuo, Hung-Chih Chen, Shih-Shiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6010036
    Abstract: The invention provides a dispenser of substance in liquid or paste form, the dispenser being of the type comprising, in particular, a cylinder (1) of substance surmounted firstly by an endpiece (2) provided with an internal evacuation duct (2a) and fitted, secondly with a substance-taking system provided with an exhaust valve, the dispenser being characterized in that the substance-taking system comprises a piston (3) received in the cylinder (1) and having an axial duct (30) passing therethrough and connected to an outlet tube (4) whose bottom end (4a) cooperates with the axial duct (30) to define an admission orifice (40) and whose top end (4b) is secured to the endpiece (2) forming a pushbutton which bears directly or indirectly on the outside face (3a) of the piston (3) to put the cylinder (1) under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: SOFAB
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Pierre Dumont, Pierre Amiel
  • Patent number: 6006955
    Abstract: A dispensing system is provided which assists in preventing oxidation of a product having an oxygen labile component. The system comprises a container having an internal chamber and a neck providing access to the internal chamber. A pump is attached to the neck of the container. The pump projects into the internal chamber. A gas producing structure is attached to a portion of the pump that projects into the container. By one or more mechanisms, the gas producing structure gradually releases a gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or any other gas that is substantially unreactive with the labile component of the product. The released gas provides two advantages. First, the gas serves to keep internal pressure of the system at a constant level. Second, the gas released is one which will not degrade labile components of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Color Access, Inc.
    Inventor: Herve F. Bouix