Single Discharge Passage Forming Trap Patents (Class 222/456)
  • Patent number: 11584583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for metering and dispensing a predetermined number of multiparticulates from a container. The dispensing device comprises a chamber which includes an inlet through which multiparticulates can enter the chamber and an overflow through which multiparticulates can leave the chamber. There is also an outlet through which multiparticulates can be dispensed from the chamber. The chamber comprises a metering surface which includes at least one retaining portion. The, or each, of the retaining portions is configured to be able to releasably retain a single multiparticulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Phillips-Medisize A/S
    Inventors: Sabine Desset-Brethes, Regis Frelon, Stefan Hirsch, Hans Jensen, Esben Johansen, Peter Mathiasen, Jan Olesen
  • Patent number: 10758079
    Abstract: Coffee bean package provided with an inner space for holding a collection of coffee beans for multiple portions of coffee beverage, which inner space is surrounded by at least one wall, a coffee bean outlet for dispensing coffee beans from the inner space, and a dosing device which is arranged for dispensing coffee beans from the inner space in a predetermined dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Ivo Van Os, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Philippe Jacques van Camp
  • Patent number: 10327581
    Abstract: In order to provide simple and safe handling of cleaning agents in a drink dispensing device with an integrated cleaning system, a cleaning agent container is disclosed which is designed as a container (1) that is closed on all sides and comprises a connection terminal (4) arranged laterally on the container. This connection terminal (4) includes a first piercing region (7a) that is provided with a pierceable closure (13, 8a) and fluidically communicates with the base region of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Franke Kaffeemaschinen AG
    Inventors: Heinz Vetterli, Mariano Turi
  • Patent number: 10209001
    Abstract: A domestic refrigerator includes a housing surrounding a receiving area for food and a dispensing unit disposed in the housing. The dispensing unit is constructed to dispense refrigerated pourable goods and has a container for receiving the refrigerated goods and a discharge channel coupled to the container for discharging the refrigerated goods from the container to the exterior of the housing. A first closure element is provided for closing the discharge channel. A second closure element, which is separate from the first closure element, is also provided for closing the discharge channel. The second closure element lies closer to the container than the first closure element when viewed along the discharge channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 10172765
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a metered dose container. The container may comprise a body; a first barrier in contact with a base of the container and extending partially along the vertical axis of the body; a second barrier in contact with a top of the container and extending partially along with vertical axis of the body. The space between the first barrier and the second barrier preferably defines a loading chamber, the space between the second barrier and a front wall of the container preferably defines a dispensing chamber, and the space between a rear wall of the container and the first barrier preferably defines a storage chamber. The base preferably also comprises a depressible portion that can convert the container from a transit mode to a dispensing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline, LLC
    Inventors: Amit Sabharwal, Sukhdev Singh Saini
  • Patent number: 9494456
    Abstract: A container with an internal partition within its cavity has multiple compartments for dispensing multiple dry products. The partition comprises a first elongated portion, which forms a product-dispensing chute in the cavity, and an inclined portion slanting away from the chute. The inclined portion has a surrounding perimeter edge that meets with adjacent inner walls of the container except at a bottom perimeter edge, along which dry products pass from the top of the inclined portion. A second elongated portion extends from the top of the inclined portion and across its bottom perimeter edge, dividing the remaining cavity into first and second product storage areas. Additional elongated portions may form additional product storage areas. Flipping of the dispenser from its upright position dispenses products below the inclined portion through the chute. An adjustable bottom can be used to vary doses of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Thomas Branton Watson
  • Patent number: 9377232
    Abstract: An ice dispenser is disclosed herein. The ice dispenser may include an ice chute and an ice gate mechanism positioned about the ice chute. The ice gate mechanism may include a downwardly opening ice gate operated by a pivoting lever system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Franchot Chang, David Joseph Harvey, Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 9132440
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing a predetermined amount of product from a dispensing system to a given surface area is disclosed. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a main chamber (106) to hold product and a dosing chamber (108) having an opening (110) in communication with the main chamber (106). The dosing chamber (108) is configured to hold a metered amount of product (112) received from the main chamber (106). A spray head (128) when connected to the container (102) is brought into operable and fluid communication with a dip tube (114), optionally cut to a selected length, which is positioned within the dosing chamber (108) for dispensing by activation of a trigger (136) product (112) to a given surface area or air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Chernik, Brian Philip Carlson, Richard J. Mehus
  • 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: 8757448
    Abstract: A dispensing device for a fluid container, which includes a container cap, a switching nozzle, a securing mechanism and a dispensing compartment. The container cap has apertures, and the switching nozzle has a closing and an opening state. In the closing state the switching nozzle hermetically seals the apertures. An oval skirt is attached to the switching nozzle embracing the container cap, having protrusions for fixing the skirt to the container cap. Pressing the skirt releases the fixing and allows switching to an opening state. A setting mechanism determines the limited volume of the dispensing compartment and secures the volume from undesired variation. An annular portion has clefts and quantity markings. The setting mechanism encompasses the annular portion and has setting bumps bulging proximate to the annular portion, and barrel apertures. Upon mating the setting bumps with a cleft, a marking is exposed through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Yaniv Aviram
  • Patent number: 8579136
    Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Reliant Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Burke, Richard M. Davis, Gerald Melsky, David Porat, Jerry Porter
  • Patent number: 8499968
    Abstract: It is provided a dispensing device for a fluid container, which includes a container cap, a switching nozzle, a securing mechanism and a dispensing compartment. The container cap has apertures, and the switching nozzle has a closing state and an opening state, wherein in the closing state the switching nozzle hermetically sealing the apertures. An oval skirt is attached to the switching nozzle embracing the container cap, having protrusions for fixing the skirt to the container cap. Pressing the skirt releases the fixing and allows switching to an opening state. The dispensing compartment includes an annular portion, a setting mechanism, and a cover mechanism. The setting mechanism determines the limited volume of the dispensing compartment and secures the limited volume from undesired variation. The annular portion has a plurality of clefts and an associated plurality of quantity markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Yaniv Aviram
  • Patent number: 8366027
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A control plug is provided within the metering cup to adjust the controlled volume to be received within the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser. The control plug is removable from the cup to vary the charge of material to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Antal, James E. Johanson, Scott Peterson
  • Patent number: 8256647
    Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a plurality of flowable materials, such as viscous fluids or powders, comprising a valve member having a plurality of inlets for the plurality of flowable materials and dispense outlets communicating with the inlets and a closure having one or more openings in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of at least some of the outlets. The valve member and the closure are movable relative to each other between a closed position in which the outlets are closed and at least one dispensing position in which one or more openings in the closure are at least partially in register with the dispense outlets thus clearing the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Engels, Marcus Johannes Voskuil, Goran Aleksijovski, Rob van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 8251256
    Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a controlled quantity of a granular material. The method employs a dispenser including a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. The dispenser is first positioned in a loading orientation for the outflow of material from the reservoir through a nozzle to a metering cup. A baffle positioned proximate the opening of the metering cup stabilizes the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted. Then, the volume of material is directed from the cup through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser, through which the material is spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120160798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap that can be used in conjunction with the packaging of food products such as salad dressing sauces, condiments or other ingredients such as oils or vinegars, and more particularly to a healthy pour serving size cap that will hold the same amount of product as indicated as a “serving size” on the product's label. The serving size cap contains a top chamber, a floor, and a bottom chamber. The cap also has a lid to open or seal the top chamber. After the user squeezes the product into the top chamber, the lid can then be opened to allow the correct serving sized portion to pour out. The membrane at the floor would keep additional product from dispensing when the bottle is tipped to pour. The entire cap can be screwed off in the event that the user wants to open the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Merlyn Acklam
  • Publication number: 20120037669
    Abstract: A dispenser in which an outlet opening is provided in the container lid which is opened by tearing open a sealing membrane in order to open the container. A removal tube is connected to the outlet opening and extends to the container base in order to dispense a portion of goods at the outlet opening when the dispenser is tilted and the removal opening of a rotary slide lid is aligned with the outlet opening in the lid. The rotary slide lid may be rotated into a position in which the outlet opening in the lid is hermetically sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Hermann Goetz, Dieter Folland, Bruno Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20110163118
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a container having an opening, and a doser coupled with the container about the container opening. The doser includes a housing forming a chamber with an interior wall, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet is diametrically offset from the outlet, and substantially aligned with the opening of the container. The doser also includes a covering member to alternatively cover and open the inlet and the outlet. The covering member is movable about a range of positions to substantially completely cover at least one of the inlet and outlet at all positions in the range. The covering member covers no more than a portion of the chamber interior wall when the covering member completely opens the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: UNION STREET BRAND PACKAGING LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Gieda, David Honan, Nathan Rollins, Shane Yellin, Andrew Simon
  • Patent number: 7942292
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container having a closed bottom, a mouth opening and a side wall. The device includes a discharge tube and a measuring reservoir pivotably attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position in which the reservoir is substantially parallel to the discharge tube to a second position in which the discharge tube and the reservoir are substantially perpendicular to one another. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Metcon Plastics International Inc.
    Inventors: Loreto Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Publication number: 20110036934
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A control plug is provided within the metering cup to adjust the controlled volume to be received within the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser. The control plug is removable from the cup to vary the charge of material to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Keith E. Antal, James E. Johanson, Scott Peterson
  • Patent number: 7870974
    Abstract: An ice bucket is provided that includes an ice chamber, a dispensing tube, a base, and a sliding dispenser. The ice chamber has a chamber opening in a bottom wall. The dispensing tube is fixed to the bottom wall in communication with the chamber opening. The base has a base opening and a stabilizing bar. The sliding dispenser has a front lip, a depressed tray section, and a slider opening. The sliding dispenser is positioned through the base opening on the stabilizing bar so that an appendage of the dispensing tube is received in the depressed tray section. The sliding dispenser is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The slider opening, in the retracted position, is blocked by the stabilizing portion. However, the slider opening, in the extended position, is unblocked by the stabilizing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: 32 and Dropping, LLC
    Inventor: Lisa Miller
  • Publication number: 20100327018
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing liquids and/or mixtures of liquids without contamination of starting liquids during the pouring operation, the apparatus comprising a mixing reservoir comprising a drain-back baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paulus Antonius Augustinus Höfte
  • Patent number: 7854342
    Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Reliant Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Burke, Richard M. Davis, Gerald Melsky, David Porat, Jerry Porter
  • Patent number: 7819347
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A baffle is provided within the metering cup to stabilize the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100230445
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container having a closed bottom, a mouth opening and a side wall. The device includes a discharge tube and a measuring reservoir pivotably attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position in which the reservoir is substantially parallel to the discharge tube to a second position in which the discharge tube and the reservoir are substantially perpendicular to one another. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Loreto Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Publication number: 20100224650
    Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a controlled quantity of a granular material. The method employs a dispenser including a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. The dispenser is first positioned in a loading orientation for the outflow of material from the reservoir through a nozzle to a metering cup. A baffle positioned proximate the opening of the metering cup stabilizes the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted. Then, the volume of material is directed from the cup through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser, through which the material is spread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, SR.
  • Patent number: 7726523
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container includes a discharge tube, connecting mechanism for connecting an upper end of the discharge tube to the mouth opening of the container, a measuring reservoir attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material, and a pivot mechanism pivotably connecting the reservoir to the discharge tube. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position to a second position. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Metcon Plastics International Inc.
    Inventors: Loreto Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Publication number: 20090159620
    Abstract: A dispensing device (1) for dispensing a liquid product from a container is disclosed. The dispensing device (1) comprises a first chamber (12) and a second chamber (13), an inlet passage (4) establishing a fluid connection between the first chamber (12) and an interior part of a container having the dispensing device (1) mounted thereon, and an outlet passage (8) adapted to deliver liquid product being dispensed by means of the dispensing device (1), via the second chamber (13). An intermediate wall (11) divides an interior part of the dispensing device (1) into the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (13), the intermediate wall (11) being curved or inclined in such a manner that an intermediate passage (14) between the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (13) is defined at the position of an edge (15) of the intermediate wall (11), and in such a manner that the edge (15) protrudes in a direction towards the first chamber (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Logidos ApS
    Inventor: Keld Krogh Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080257917
    Abstract: A container (1) having an interior (5) to receive particulate material (7), said container (1) having: a passage (10) extending between said interior (5) to an opening (15) by which said material (7) is dispensed from said container (1); means located along said passage (10) and operable to limit a measured amount of said material (7) to be dispensed from said container (1) at one time; said means including surfaces (17a-d) offset from each other to alter a direction of said passage (10) to thereby define said measured amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Adam E. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080210714
    Abstract: A bulk dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of a flowable material. The bulk dispenser may include a carton enclosed by a top assembly. An internal chimney extends into the carton and connects to the top assembly. The chimney is sized and positioned to dispense the predetermined amount of the flowable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Atlantic Industries
    Inventors: Umit Altun, Emre Ergene
  • Publication number: 20080185403
    Abstract: A dispensing container for flowable product in a basic polyhedronorm having at least an edge, or as a three-part can including a container sidewall, a container bottom and a container cover. The container includes, in its interior, a discharging device for dispensing portions of product. The dispensing container can be sealingly closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Hermann Goetz, Bruno Ackermann, Dieter Folland
  • Patent number: 7350673
    Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve at the bottom of the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: GlynnTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Patent number: 7331489
    Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve at the bottom of the dip tube. There is an inlet leg that freely rotates around the bottom of the dip tube and a drive mechanism, such as a counterweight or a float, to assure that the leg extends into an air pocket when the container is tilted for liquid squeeze dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GlynnTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Publication number: 20070262097
    Abstract: A dispenser for granular or pellet material is provided having a lid covering a chamber. The lid moves between a closed position, a measured dispensing position and a non-measured pouring position. In the measured dispensing position, an opening in the lid is aligned with a dispensing channel formed in the chamber and structured to receive a limited amount of material from the chamber when the dispenser is vertical, and to move this measured material when the dispenser is tilted. The non-measured dispensing position aligns the lid opening in direct communication with the storage chamber of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal,
  • Patent number: 7293679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and pouring liquids, which comprises an internal volume and a pouring opening (8). The interior volume is subdivided into a storage volume (3) and a withdrawal volume (4) which communicate with each other (10), said withdrawal volume (4) leading to the pouring opening (8) in such a manner that the pouring opening (8), when the container (1) is tilted between the critical angle and the overend position of the container (1), invariably is the bottom-most point of the withdrawal volume (4). The container has a ventilation pipe (17) that extends from the pouring opening (8) and leads to the storage volume (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kai Yip Lo
  • Patent number: 7290684
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a fluid outlet and an ambient inlet. The dispenser includes a container having a cavity, and a regulator device within the container cavity for regulating liquid flow out of the fluid outlet. The regulator device has a cavity in fluid communication with the ambient inlet, and an air transfer orifice for placing the device cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. The air transfer orifice is spaced apart from the ambient inlet. The regulator device also has a fluid inlet. Location of the air transfer orifice with respect to the fluid inlet is such that flow of liquid from the container cavity into the device cavity stops when the liquid in the device cavity reaches the air transfer orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: M. Edmund Ellion
  • Publication number: 20070235476
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a fluid outlet and an ambient inlet. The dispenser includes a container having a cavity, and a regulator device within the container cavity for regulating liquid flow out of the fluid outlet. The regulator device has a cavity in fluid communication with the ambient inlet, and an air transfer orifice for placing the device cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. The air transfer orifice is spaced apart from the ambient inlet. The regulator device also has a fluid inlet. Location of the air transfer orifice with respect to the fluid inlet is such that flow of liquid from the container cavity into the device cavity stops when the liquid in the device cavity reaches the air transfer orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: M. Edmund Ellion
  • Patent number: 7143909
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a container assembly, a diffuser and a metering cup. The container includes a reservoir which supports a disposable cartridge of granular material. The cartridge is supported in the reservoir so as to define a passageway therebetween. A nozzle is defined for the outflow of material from the cartridge. The diffuser is disposed on one end of the container and includes a plurality of apertures. The metering cup is disposed on the opposite end of the container and has an open end adapted to receive granular material. Adjustment of the axial spacing between the nozzle and metering cup varies the quantity of granular material collected in the cup. The granular material is dispensed by inverting the container to a second orientation, such that material flows out of the metering cup, through the passageway and out of the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Peterson, Michael Tucker, Peter Elliot, James E. Johanson, Fedor Baranov, Innesa Baranov, Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7093738
    Abstract: The present invention is a narrow neck dosage device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of product. An insert is installed in a narrow neck of a container with a bottom disk protruding into the body of the container and a top device within the neck of the container. The bottom disk initially hangs within the container body, while the top device rests on a divider that separates the neck from the container body. The top device can be upward angled blades, angled blades or a circular disc. A shaft connects the top devices and the bottom disk. The shaft also can have multiple configurations, such as spiral, flat helix, or random kinks. The shaft spins, rocks or oscillates and passes through a hole in the center of the divider. The divider has pre-sized holes that allow product to pass through. When the container is tipped into a dispensing position, fluid pressure moves the insert up the neck of the container until the bottom disk reaches the divider and seals the neck off from the body of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Union Street Brand Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Christopher Gieda
  • Patent number: 7032788
    Abstract: A container with a metering apparatus and a process for metering liquid from the container where the metering apparatus includes an upper chamber and a coaxial lower metering chamber. Inverting the container dispenses liquid in the metering chamber and simultaneously introduces liquid from the container into the upper chamber. When the container is returned to an upright position, a portion of the liquid in the upper chamber flows to and fills the metering chamber; however, a surplus portion of the liquid remains in the upper chamber even when the container is again inverted. The surplus portion of the liquid never returns to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabrice Moreau, Patrick Pioffet, Pierre Locoge
  • Patent number: 6948641
    Abstract: A measuring dispenser for dispensing a dry material from its storage container in accurate, predetermined amounts comprises a housing with a partition wall dividing the housing into top and bottom portions. A plurality of radial walls defines a plurality of cavities in the top portion. Each of the cavities has top and bottom openings. A cover member is rotatably coupled to the housing and selectively covers each of the top openings. The cover member has a dispensing hole that extends therethrough. A disc is rotationally coupled to the housing and has a filling hole extending therethrough. A collar is attached to the disk and is designed for releasably attaching the dispenser to the open top end of the container. Material enters the cavities and is selectively dispensed through the dispensing hole in the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Williams
  • Patent number: 6929159
    Abstract: A quantitative measuring dispenser is provided for attachment to a container of a freely flowing material. The dispenser is composed of three segments. The first segment consists of a disc with a shaft attached to the center of the bottom surface. There are two opposing openings through the disc. The second segment is in the form of a barrel with a central bore and two opposing axial chambers. The third segment is cylindrical with a cover having two opposing openings. The shaft is passed through the central bore of the barrel and attached to the top surface of the third segment so the first and third segments function as a single unit. The openings in the disc and the openings in the third segment must be at right angles to each other when the connection is made to properly sequence the dispenser. The barrel is rotatable with respect to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Voy Haig
  • Patent number: 6837402
    Abstract: A device (4) for the controlled delivery of a product (P), such as liquids and/or creamy substances and/or flowable substances within a container (1), in such a way that in the delivery position the product (P) column to be delivered is in a raised position with respect to the device (4), said container (1) being comprised of a material, deformable by squeezing and able to energetically returning to its original shape, once the squeezing action is interrupted, and being provided with a neck (15), and optionally a cap element (2), coupled with the neck (15), and provided with an outlet opening (3) for the product to be delivered toward said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ennio Cardia
  • Patent number: 6763964
    Abstract: A leak proof lid for a beverage container has a rocker arm which may be moved between open and closed positions by one hand. The lid is provided with drinking and venting apertures and respective basins within the lid. The rocker arm includes venting and drinking seals for sealing the respective aperture when the rocker arm is in the closed position. The rocker arm is easily removable from an upper side of the lid to facilitate cleaning the venting and drinking aperture and seals on the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Market, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Hurlbut, Tami L. Fujii, Sara E. Hill, B. Cameron Smith, Scott C. Thielman
  • Patent number: 6755318
    Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Reliant Medicals Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Burke, Richard M. Davis, Gerald Melsky, David Porat, Jerry Porter
  • Patent number: 6695178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack comprising a storage compartment (1) and a dispensing compartment (2), the dispensing compartment (2) comprising a metering space (6) and an outlet space (13), in which there is an outlet opening (4), there being between the storage compartment (1) and the dispensing compartment (2) a dividing wall (3) that, in an area (12) of the dividing wall (3) that—compared with other areas of the dividing wall (3)—is at the greatest distance from the pack base (7), is penetrated by a connecting piece (5), which projects into the dispensing compartment (2) and ends flush on the side of the storage compartment (1) and through which the contents can pass from the storage compartment (1) into the dispensing compartment (2), that end of the connecting piece (5) which faces the dispensing compartment (2) sloping in the direction of the metering space (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bestfoods
    Inventor: Wolfgang Eppler
  • Publication number: 20030209571
    Abstract: A container has a lid connected to a spout. The lid has an inner door which allows communication between the container and the spout. The spout has an outer door. To remove material from the container, one opens the inner door, while maintaining the outer door closed, and transfers material from the container to the spout. One then closes the inner door, and then opens the outer door, allowing material to exit the spout. At all times, material in the container is sealed from the outside by at least one of the inner door and the outer door. The invention helps to maintain the freshness of the material in the container, by virtually eliminating direct contact between such material and the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Charles K. Smith
  • Patent number: 6520386
    Abstract: A spout for a liquid container, such as a gasoline container, as well as a container equipped with the spout. The spout comprises a fluid passage and a vent passage fluidically parallel with the fluid passage. The fluid passage has an inlet, an outlet, and an S-shaped portion between the inlet and outlet. The vent passage has an inlet adjacent the outlet of the fluid passage. The S-shaped portion of the fluid passage is configured to entrap a liquid therein, causing a liquid lock to form, when a liquid is dispensed through the spout and air is prevented from flowing through the vent passage. In this manner, the spout is capable of preventing the overfilling of a receptacle tank being filled with fluid dispensed from a container equipped with the spout when the fluid level in the receptacle tank blocks the flow of air into the inlet of the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: David G. Harbaugh, James P. McGee
  • Patent number: 6494350
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-measuring container that dispenses only a specific amount of fluid each time fluid is poured from the container. This container has a storage chamber where the fluid initially resides and a measuring/dispensing chamber, below the storage chamber, where the specific amount of the fluid that will be dispensed during the next pouring operation resides. An aperture at one end of the container connects the storage and dispensing chambers. This aperture permits the fluid in the storage chamber to flow into the dispensing chamber. The container dispenses the fluid through an exit channel that extends from the dispensing chamber to the top of the container. The storage chamber bottom serves to separate the storage and dispensing chambers and acts as a barrier during a pouring operation to prevent fluid from flowing from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber until desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Kelley
  • Patent number: 6467656
    Abstract: A constant-quantity powder dispenser including a main body accommodating a powdered material and having an outlet opening, a valve seat in which the outlet opening is open, a closure ball movable to be seated on the valve seat to close the outlet opening at a position within the main body, and a coil spring disposed within the main body, so as to extend from the valve seat, the coil spring having a coil accommodating the closure ball therein such that the closure ball is movable within the coil between first and second positions in a vertical direction while the main body is oriented downwards with the outlet opening being open downwards outwardly of the main body. The ball is seated on the valve seat at the first position, and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position to permit dispensing of the powdered material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Yanagiya Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Nagayanagi