With Discharge Volume Varying Means Patents (Class 222/434)
  • Patent number: 11832705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic container capable of adjusting the amount of content dispensed. A cosmetic container according to one aspect of the invention comprises: an outer container that holds a content; a handle that is rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the outer container; an adjustment member that is coupled to an upper portion of the handle to rotate as an integrated body with the handle and is provided with a downwardly protruding pressure protrusion; and a pump that is configured to suction and dispense the content held in the outer container and is configured such that a pressing on a portion thereof by the pressure protrusion changes an amount of content dispensed, where rotating the adjustment member adjusts a discharging amount of the pump by adjusting the extent to which the pressure protrusion presses the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SAMHWA CO., LTD
    Inventor: Kyungchang Lee
  • Patent number: 11471906
    Abstract: A cosmetic container is disclosed with which the dispensing amount of the content can be varied. A cosmetic container according to one aspect of the invention can include: a storage part that stores a content; a pump that is coupled to the storage part to dispense the content and includes a valve configured to move downward when pressed; a handle that is rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the storage part; a transfer member that is interlocked with the handle and configured to transfer the rotation of the handle to a valve guide; and the valve guide configured to move upward or downward along an exterior of the valve when rotated by the transfer member, where rotating the handle can adjust the relative position of the valve guide with respect to the valve to allow a varying of the dispensing amount of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SAMHWA, CO., LTD
    Inventor: Kyungchang Lee
  • Publication number: 20150102068
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing container is provided having a telescoping reservoir where compressing the reservoir drives fluid from the container and through a tube, where it empties into another reservoir. The other reservoir is moveable where the opening at the top of the tube can be moved relative to the bottom of the other reservoir. When the compression is removed, fluid is pulled back down through the tube and stops when the fluid level in the other reservoir reaches the top of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: GREAT MEASURES, LLC
    Inventor: John Andrew Wegener
  • Publication number: 20150083758
    Abstract: Spill and contaminant resistant dispensers and measuring cap devices and methods for measuring and dispensing a desired amount of a bulk particulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from a storage container through a cap or a dispenser are provided. A dispenser and measuring cap is attached to a storage container or comprises an integral storage container. The dispenser and measuring cap has one or more measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume. The measuring chamber ducts are selectively and separately operationally aligned with an internal funnel stem and a dispensing spout. A selected measuring chamber duct is filled with the substance by inverting the cap and attached container. A measured amount of the substance is captured and dispensed, and the unused portion of the substance retained in the storage container without exposure to outside contaminants or implements, by rotating the duct into operational alignment with the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Muhammad Sami Ismail
  • Publication number: 20150041500
    Abstract: A spill and contaminant resistant dispenser and measuring cap device and method for measuring and dispensing a desired amount of a bulk particulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from a storage container through a cap. A dispenser and measuring cap is attached to a storage container. The cap has one or more measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume. The measuring chamber ducts are selectively and separately operationally aligned with an internal funnel stem and a dispensing spout. A selected measuring chamber duct is filled with the substance by inverting the cap and attached container. A measured amount of the substance is captured and dispensed, and the unused portion of the substance retained in the storage container without exposure to outside contaminants or implements, by rotating the duct into operational alignment with the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Muhammad Sami Ismail
  • Patent number: 8925768
    Abstract: Spill and contaminant resistant dispensers and measuring cap devices and methods for measuring and dispensing a desired amount of a bulk particulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from a storage container through a cap or a dispenser are provided. A dispenser and measuring cap is attached to a storage container or comprises an integral storage container. The dispenser and measuring cap has one or more measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume. The measuring chamber ducts are selectively and separately operationally aligned with an internal funnel stem and a dispensing spout. A selected measuring chamber duct is filled with the substance by inverting the cap and attached container. A measured amount of the substance is captured and dispensed, and the unused portion of the substance retained in the storage container without exposure to outside contaminants or implements, by rotating the duct into operational alignment with the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Muhammad Sami Ismail
  • Patent number: 8851333
    Abstract: A dispenser cap (10) for a liquid container having an opening, the cap (10) comprising a means for attachment (30) to the container, a housing (12) inserted into the opening and comprising a liquid inlet (14), a channel and a liquid outlet (16), the channel comprising a moveable seal (18) defining an outlet-side liquid volume (24) and an inlet-side liquid volume (26), the moveable seal (18) is moveable from a first position to a second position towards the liquid outlet (16) by increasing the inlet-side liquid pressure, thereby causing a dispensable volume of liquid flow out of the outlet (16), the moveable seal (18) also comprising a liquid outlet seal means (22) to seal the liquid outlet when the moveable seal (18) is in its second position, thereby preventing further flow of liquid out of the outlet (16), the cap (10) also comprising a dispensable liquid volume adjustment means (32,34) to adjust the fixed volume of dispensable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonkheer Theodoor Hendrik van de Poll
  • Patent number: 8827120
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus that provides for selectively controlling discharge quantity. The dispensing apparatus may include a pump and a housing. The pump includes a first portion and a second portion linearly movable relative to the first portion, and the housing is for securing the portion of the pump. A distance of movement of the second portion toward the first portion is the pump stroke, and the pump stroke may be selectively varied. A dispensing module may include a pump, a rotatably mounted stroke selector including a plurality of arms that allow movement of a stop member associated with a moveable portion of the pump for predetermined and different distances depending on which arm of the stroke selector, if any, engages the stop member, with the distance of allowed movement of the stop member being variable depending on the angular position of the stroke selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Sylvia Boshuizen, Maria Levina Weststrate
  • Patent number: 8511519
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Michael S. Mahle, Craig Rubino
  • Publication number: 20130168418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid wherein the container comprises: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a nonconcentric liquid withdrawal chamber having a open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a liquid stabilization chamber surrounding the liquid withdrawal chamber, and a base cap having a nonconcentric cavity in axial alignment with the liquid stabilization chamber and in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Eugene Druyan
  • Patent number: 8157129
    Abstract: A volumetric feeder made of a plurality of independent feeder elements 20a, 20b. Each of the feeder elements is provided with a stationary portion 21 and a movable volumetric measure 22 that moves back and forth in the stationary portion 21. Each movable volumetric measure is provided with a measure portion 23 for accommodating a predetermined volume of powdery or granular material. The movable volumetric measure in the feeder elements are capable of moving independently of one another between a charging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with charging apertures 24 of the stationary portion 21, and a discharging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with discharging apertures 26 of the stationary portion 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shozo Kawanishi, Kazuo Usui
  • Publication number: 20120006846
    Abstract: An ice supply system includes an ice transport system, a volumetric feeder coupled with the ice transport system and adapted to deliver a preset volume of ice to an ice output system, and an ice delivery controller coupled with the ice transport system, the volumetric feeder, and the ice output system. The ice delivery controller receives ice requests from the ice output system, controls the delivery of ice from the ice transport system to the volumetric feeder in response to ice requests, controls the volumetric feeder to receive the preset volume of ice therein, and controls the delivery of the preset volume of ice from the volumetric feeder to the ice output system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: J. Eric Berge, Brandon D. Berge, Mark A. McClure, Glenn S. Seamark
  • Publication number: 20110278329
    Abstract: A storage and measurement container for retaining a quantity of particulate food product and dispensing a measured serving thereof. The container comprises a rectangular storage volume with a removable lid, wherein food stuffs such as flour, spices and other products may be preserved for extended periods of time and likewise dispensed therefrom. The lid is attachable to the container, and comprises an interior volume and a closure blade. Within the lid is a means to adjust its interior volume by method of inserting or retracting a graduated piston, which changes a desired serving. The blade is first used to retract the piston prior to the assembly being rotated and food contents transferred from the container to the lid interior volume. The blade is then used to separate the container volume from the lid volume after the container has been rotated and prior to dispensing the lid contents. A lid door provides a means to dispense the product after the blade has been inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Linda Enns
  • Publication number: 20100301072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring actuator (30), a measuring cap (20), a protective cover (60), a measuring unit, and a device for fixed and variable measuring and discharging of fluid from a container. The actuator (30) being configured for detachable and movable connection to the cap and adapted for sealing off fluid when in a non-actuated state and to discharge fluid when in an actuated state, the actuator comprising at least two openings, a discharge opening (31) and a fluid inflow opening (32); the cap-comprising at least three openings, a discharge opening and an actuator receiving opening and a fluid inflow opening; the measuring unit comprising the cap,’ the actuator, and a spring (50); the cover (60) for protecting the measuring unit being configured for attachment to the cap (20) and/or the measuring unit; and the measuring device comprising the cover (60), the cap (20), the actuator (30), the spring (50), and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ANTULA HEALTHCARE AB
    Inventor: Hans Borje Hammarin
  • Publication number: 20090301231
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Dong Wang, Kun Zou, Jing Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090235963
    Abstract: A water-conducting appliance, including a compartment for receiving items therein for washing; and a cleaning agent dosing system having a dosing device for dosing at least one cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, into the washing compartment, the dosing device including a dosing chamber for holding a cleaning agent, an outlet, a gate for opening and closing the dosing chamber, and an actuator system for actuating the gate to move between an opening position and a closing position, the actuator system including transfer means operably connected to the gate such that a predetermined movement of the transfer means moves the gate, opening means for moving the transfer means in a first direction operable to open the gate, and return means for moving the transfer means in a second direction to close the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Publication number: 20090235962
    Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving area for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent, the detergent dosing system having the capability to store a quantity of detergent greater than a quantity needed for a single washing cycle and the detergent dosing system having an apparatus for detecting a fill level in at least one of the detergent dispenser and the at least one cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Publication number: 20080302825
    Abstract: A coffee dispenser includes a storage container (CS) provided with an outlet nozzle (UC) closed by a sliding shutter (G1), as well as a dispensing chamber (CE) arranged under the storage container (CS), connected thereto through the outlet nozzle (UC) and provided at the bottom with a dispensing nozzle (UE) closed by a sliding shutter (G2), both the storage container (CS) and the dispensing chamber (CE) being airtight. For a greater effectiveness, the dispenser can also include a vacuum circuit (PV, CV, TV, TV, TV?, EV, V PS) and/or a circuit for supplying inert gas and/or means to reduce the volume of the container (CS) as the coffee contained therein is dispensed. Such a dispenser assures an optimal storage of the coffee in the coffee machine, even for a long time and regardless of the frequency of usage of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: PETERVIN SA
    Inventor: Francesco Illy
  • Patent number: 7299947
    Abstract: A metering device for flowable products, in particular, dairy products, is provided with a metering cylinder, a valve cylinder connected to the reservoir, a metering piston that is movable between an upper intake end position and a lower dispensing end position, and also has a mouthpiece closing the bottom of the metering chamber and having a coaxial cylindrical dispensing opening, and a central valve piston. The valve cylinder and the valve piston form a rotary control unit which, in a first rotary position, connects the metering chamber with a supply channel in the valve cylinder and, in a second rotary position, connects the metering chamber to an outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Finnah Engineering u. Packaging GmbH
    Inventor: Berthold Lingenhoff
  • Publication number: 20040206785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaker for sprinkling granules, preferably salt. The shaker (1) comprises a screen-like member (7) which is mounted movable in vertical direction relative to such lower parts (5) of the shaker (1) which define a lower space (8) in which granules (2) are collected or vice versa, for being able to set the screen-like member (7) such that downwardly directed portions (7a) thereof can be set at different distances (e.g. A or B) from the bottom (9) of the lower space (8). Thereby, it is achieved that the lower space (8) can be brought to contain different amounts of granules (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Leif Einar Stern
  • Patent number: 6758374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and dispensing device for applying a cosmetic and/or care product, in particular to the hair and/or the scalp, the device comprising a receptacle including a bellows having first and second regions that are moved towards each other when the bellows is compressed. On being compressed, the bellows enables a quantity of substance to be dispensed. The device also has an adjustment member for modifying the compression stroke of the bellows, and thus the quantity of substance that is dispensed. The device is arranged in such a manner that the bellows is compressed by thrust exerted by the user substantially on the axis of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Publication number: 20040124208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of dosing pre-set quantities of gas, wherein the addition of known quantities of gas is required. The apparatus is designed to dosify gases in variable quantities, with temperature correction. The apparatus and the method of the present invention is mainly applied on the gasification of containers used to transport foodstuffs, which must be kept at a controlled environment in order to better preserve them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: YT INGENIERIA LTDA.
    Inventors: Tomas I. Yakasovic S., Gonzalo L. Tomasello R.
  • Patent number: 6446843
    Abstract: A metering machine for pasta is described comprising a channel for the finishing of pasta, a shovel for the support of the pasta that flows in said finishing channel, a shovel for the metering of the pasta. The supporting shovel and the metering shovel are transversally insertable in the finishing channel and disinsertable from it in alternate way. The metering shovel and the supporting shovel are mechanically connected with each other so that a single driving device provides to their simultaneous and alternate transversal insertion and disinsertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Studio Tecnico Per. Ind. Giuseppe Vezzani
    Inventor: Paolo Vezzani
  • Patent number: 6419130
    Abstract: A container that can dispense a small amount of the contents has a body (10), a dispenser (20), a tube (30) and a cover (40). A baffle (24) is integrally formed in the dispenser (20) to close the opening between two ends of the dispenser (20). A tubular protrusion (25) integrally protrudes from the baffle (24) to form a passage between the two ends of dispenser (20). The tube (30) is adjustably inserted into the tubular protrusion (25) to define a first passage between the tube (25) and the cover (40). The cover (40) has an outlet (43) defined in the cover (40). A wall (42) extends downward from the cover (40) to define a U-shaped second passage between the first passage with the outlet (43). Consequently, a small amount of the contents can be poured out of the container, and the dispensed quantity of the contents is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Antony Chen
  • Publication number: 20010027983
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises setting means (10) for varying the discharge stroke (9) or discharge volume. The setting means (10) act on a valve (20). The associated valve face (24) of valve (20) can be linearly shifted to thus ensure very safe function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Stadelhofer
  • Patent number: 6041979
    Abstract: A cap for dispensing material from a container defining an interior portion, including a housing capable of attachment to the container and including a translucent region, and defining an aperture, a first opening, and a second opening, and a spout member disposed through the aperture and defining a transfer compartment, having a first end and a second end and defining an inlet orifice at the first end and an outlet orifice at the second end, the spout member rotatably movable with respect to the housing between a first position where the inlet orifice is disposed to generally align with the first opening and communicate with the interior portion and the outlet orifice is disposed within and closed by the housing whereby material within the container may be transferred from the interior portion into the transfer compartment through the inlet orifice but material may not be dispensed from the container, and a second position where the inlet orifice is disposed within and closed by the housing and the outlet or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Edward S. Robbins, III
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Don B. Walker, II, Harry L. Raney, Joseph B. Swann
  • Patent number: 6010038
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the volumetric metering of fluid, pasty and/or powdery substances, in particular for separating small amounts of substance from a delivery flow, by means of an adjustable-volume measurement chamber which is connected to a feed conduit and which is provided with an outlet, a capillary measurement conduit (22) is connected as the measurement chamber to a vacuum conduit (33). In particular cases the measurement conduit can be acted upon by conveyor air, but in the normal case it is provided with a metering needle which is displaceable therein and whose free needle end (19) delimits the measurement chamber at one end. In addition a movable sealing body (56) is to be associated as a closure element with the mouth opening (23) of the measurement conduit (22), that serves as the outlet, which sealing body can be connected to a closure device (50) which is limitedly rotatable about a pivot means (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Transpowder Ltd.
    Inventor: Frederic Dietrich
  • Patent number: 5957343
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a selectively adjustable material control device and a sealing device within a dispensing device. The sealing device is in communication with a switching device to move the sealing device between a first position and a second position. The first position of the sealing device allows the material control device to draw a volume of material into the dispensing device and the second position of the sealing device allows the material control device to force the volume of material to dispense from the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William Cavallaro
  • Patent number: 5927564
    Abstract: Apparatus to pre-set and regulate from the outside the volumetric capacity of the metering cylinders of a filler, equipped with a metering free-hanging device without venting tube and equipped with a set of incorporated permanent magnets, the axial positioning of which, inside the volumetric chamber of the metering cylinder, is pre-set and regulated without contact by the axial excursions actuated by a corresponding set of permanent magnets incorporated in a cursor sliding from the outside of the metering cylinder. The apparatus is without O-rings and during its sanitation the cleaning liquid does not flow through critical interstices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Alsim SRL
    Inventor: Olivia Simonazzi
  • Patent number: 5842599
    Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid detergent product which may be caustic, is described. In particular, a predetermined volume of water is dosed into a container using a flow meter, a valve means, and, optionally, a water supply pump means. A pump means is activated to deliver the liquid detergent product into the container until it is completely filled as controlled by a level sensor located in the container. The contents of the container are then delivered. A device for carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Bennie Douma, Leendert Los
  • Patent number: 5749495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing two liquid products. The dispenser permits feed-out of the viscous products either separately or together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Aspect International AB
    Inventor: Leif Einar Stern
  • Patent number: 5477895
    Abstract: An assembly or a container including such an assembly which allows powder contents to be dispensed into a cap prior to the removal of the cap, the position of the thread engaged cap relative to the body of the container determining, to some extent, the volume of the materials being dispensed, the container otherwise being closable prior to the removal of the cap with the dispensed contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Carter Holt Harvey Plastic Products Group Limited
    Inventor: George L. Willard
  • Patent number: 5392966
    Abstract: A device is provided for controlled dispensing of a variable measured quantity of fluid from a container. The device has a dosage cup chamber adapted to hold a measured quantity of fluid when the container is inverted and righted. This fluid is then dispensed from the chamber through a valved conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Bunin
  • Patent number: 5386930
    Abstract: A storing and dispensing device for dogfood and the like comprises a bin having a funnel-shaped bottom portion which terminates in a vertical channel with an open bottom end. A feeding mechanism is vertically movable in the channel, either manually of automatically, allowing a given amount of food to be emitted at each operation. The mechanism includes an upper valve which normally closes the bin, and a lower valve which normally keeps the channel bottom open, the two valves being connected by a shaft which permits their relative distance to be changed for different food portions. Lifting the upper valve opens the bin and lets food flow into the channel which is now closed by the lower valve, the food portion being defined by the space enclosed between the valves. After the space has been filled, the mechanism is lowered whereby the upper valve closes the bin and the lower valve lets the food run into a feeding bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: David Shani
  • Patent number: 5213237
    Abstract: A low profile, lock-gate type of valve for handling dry particulate material forms a conduit therethrough, and a pair of curved flow control blades are mounted on arms and are pivoted with respect to the conduit, to define therebetween a flow measuring chamber, in which the blades are supplied with the convex surface facing the direction of flow in the conduit. The conduit is dog-legged within the valve to provide a low valve profile, and the blades are fully enclosed within the blade housing. A part of the enclosure walls form surfaces on which air cylinders are mounted for controlling the movement of the valve blades. The valve blade seals are accessible from an exterior wall of the valve and are replaceable by extraction through wall openings, and the valve seals are mounted on external brackets on the valve side walls so that they may be easily withdrawn and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: George W. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5205304
    Abstract: An adjustable rinse additive dispenser is provided for a dishwasher having a washing compartment and a door pivotal between a horizontal open position and a vertical closed position. The dispenser includes a rinse additive reservoir mounted on the door. A conduit provides a fill opening for adding rinse additive to the reservoir. A knob assembly includes a shaft extending into the conduit so as to substantially seal the opposite ends of the conduit, and defines an annular chamber within the conduit. A trough is provided in the reservoir for holding a fixed quantity of rinse additive. A passageway provides communication between the trough and the annular chamber, and is normally closed by a plunger assembly. During the last rinse cycle of the dishwasher, the plunger assembly is moved to an open position so as to allow rinse additive to flow from the trough into the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Randall L. Cooper, Thomas M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5092497
    Abstract: A dosing apparatus for the decanting of exactly measured liquid volumes is equipped with a measuring or dosing spout. The spout is connectable to the liquid container. The spout has a through-bore in the form of a cylindrical bore in which a double piston is slidably received for a back and forth movement. Inlet flow passages and outlet flow passages are provided in the walls of the spout. A venting bore extends along the entire length of the spout and a venting hose connected to the venting bore reaches into the container for assuring a pressure equalization. The volume to be measured is determined by the diameter of the bore and by the spacing between two sections of the double piston less the volume of a piston rod interconnecting the two piston sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Manfred Toedter
  • Patent number: 5085351
    Abstract: A liquid dispensed in adjustable, predetermined quantities from a pressurized reservoir upon each actuation of a metering and dispensing valve incorporated in the dispenser. A flexible sleeve is disposed between the reservoir chamber and a selected one of a plurality of differently sized metering chambers to expel the contents of the selected metering chamber when the metering and dispensing valve is actuated. The metering chambers are carried by a rotatably adjustable member which is mounted to the stem of the metering and dispensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: James H. Martin
  • Patent number: 4969585
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing measured doses of liquid during each dispensing cycle. A fluid-tight bottle is provided with a well at its bottom. A hollow shell fits in the well and includes an opening permitting flow of material from the bottle into the shell. A tubular stem extends from the shell through the top of the bottle and terminates in a dispensing spout. A vent tube exceeds from the interior of the bottle adjacent to the shell and terminates in an upper end located outside of the bottle. The vent tube is apertured inside of the bottle, and a shutter is provided to control the aperture exposure to adjust the level at which the liquid can rise in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hester
  • Patent number: 4875600
    Abstract: A device for dosing and dispensing a fluid product to be deposited freely in the mobile enclosure of a machine, the device comprising a hollow recipient adapted to contain a dose of product and being integral with a plunger tube provided for both filling and dispensing the dose, wherein the device is provided with a coupling for mounting the plunger tube on a container such as a bottle, can or the like, the plunger tube presenting at least one opening for filling and dispensing, the edge of the opening being positioned to determine the dose stored in the recipient to be dispensed when the recipient is placed in a washing machine or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Union Generale De Savonnerie
    Inventors: Martial D'Hoogue, Claude Perrette, Pierre Goffinet
  • Patent number: 4763813
    Abstract: An oil metering apparatus is disclosed which will provide a ready supply of oil to a vehicle whenever necessary. The apparatus includes an oil reservoir and adjustable outlet structure which is positionable in the reservoir to release oil from the reservoir. Metering structure is preferably provided to measure the amount of oil that is released. Tube structure transfers oil released through the outlet structure directly to the engine. Locking structure can be provided to retain the outlet at a selected position within the reservoir. Structure can also be provided to suspend the apparatus from the hood of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Charles R. Ross
  • Patent number: 4635829
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing discrete measured amounts of fluent material. A dispenser body includes a horizontal tubular chamber having an upper inlet port and a lower outlet port in communication with the tubular chamber. A reservoir communicates with the inlet port. A piston having a plurality of vertical and horizontal measuring holes is disposed within the horizontal tubular chamber and configured for rotational and reciprocal linear sliding engagement with the tubular chamber and each of the measuring holes can alternatively communicate with the inlet port and the outlet port when so aligned. The amount of fluent material dispensed is determined by the volume of the measuring hole. Another embodiment involves measuring holes open at one end only, with the piston rotatable to alternatively communicate the measuring hole with the inlet port and the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Louis W. Brittingham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4569463
    Abstract: A measuring and dispensing apparatus is provided for securing a container of granular, powdered, or other fluidic material thereto, and dispensing pre-determined quantities of the contained material. A dispensing barrel having a known volume is implemented to alternatively receive and dispense the contained material. A volumetric reduction insert is removably insertable into the dispensing barrel to alter the amount of contained material being received and dispensed. The open-ended construction of the dispensing barrel facilitates the removal and insertion of the volume reduction insert therein. A variety of inserts may be provided to increase the gradations of material to be dispensed. A pair of rings are provided for supporting the dispensing barrel for stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Raymond W. Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 4386640
    Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Carr, John J. Symons
  • Patent number: 4226269
    Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Carr, John J. Symons
  • Patent number: 4170252
    Abstract: Presented is a funnel construction adapted to fit various size containers which have openings of different sizes. The funnel is constructed in such a way that adjustment of various inserts may be made to vary the flow of liquids through the funnel in accordance with the size of the opening in which the funnel is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Inventor: Gary J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4066186
    Abstract: A dispenser for use in the home, office, or the like, that includes housing means including a pair of storage chambers for containing coffee or the like in one chamber, and sugar, powdered milk or the like in the other chamber, each chamber provided with a discharge funnel terminating in an opening. A stand is coupled to the housing means for retaining the dispenser on a support surface and maintaining each opening elevated above the support surface so that a cup may be placed beneath the openings. Valve means is operatively associated with each of the openings for communicating with and dispensing a selected amount from each of the chambers. The valve means includes a valve member individually and rotatably mounted with respect to each opening and having a spherically curved depression for receiving therein a measured amount of material which is dispensed from the opening upon rotation of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Inventor: Michael J. Agey
  • Patent number: RE33083
    Abstract: A measuring and dispensing apparatus is provided for securing a container of granular, powdered, or other fluidic material thereto, and dispensing pre-determined quantities of the contained material. A dispensing barrel having a known volume is implemented to alternatively receive and dispense the contained material. A volumetric reduction insert is removably insertable into the dispensing barrel to alter the amount of contained material being received and dispensed. The open-ended construction of the dispensing barrel facilitates the removal and insertion of the volume reduction insert therein. A variety of inserts may be provided to increase the gradations of material to be dispensed. A pair of rings are provided for supporting the dispensing barrel for stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Raymond W. Pellegrino