Plural And/or Single For Plural Openings Patents (Class 222/482)
  • Patent number: 8166969
    Abstract: A hydration system for providing fluid to a user. The system comprises a bladder configured to hold a fluid, wherein comprises an outer layer of a fluorinated rubber composite. A spout is connected to the bladder and in communication with the inside of the bladder, wherein the spout comprises an output port and an fill port for filling the bladder with fluid. A cap adapted to engage and close the fill port is included. Also, a tube having a first end is connected to the output port of the spout and having a second end and having a second end connected to a fluid delivery fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Research International, Inc.
    Inventors: Peyton W. Hall, Frank T. Zeller, John Werner Bulluck, Michael L. Dingus
  • Publication number: 20120048895
    Abstract: A safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism connected thereto. The valve mechanism can include a body, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, and a trigger assembly. The body can include a fill port and a separate pour port. The fill cover assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the fill port and an open position to allow the receptacle to be filled. The pour valve assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the pour port and an open position to allow fluid to be poured from the receptacle through the pour port. The trigger assembly can be operated to move the pour valve assembly. The pour valve and the pour port can be disposed along a longitudinal pour axis. The fill port can be disposed in offset relationship to the longitudinal pour axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: JUSTRITE MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: GLEN A. CARTER, MARK T. GODDARD
  • Patent number: 8122917
    Abstract: A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Harman, David Dakin Iowerth Wright, Jam Wilem Marinus Mijers, Stuart Brian William Kay, Christopher John Hurlstone, Julina Richard Dixon, Andrew Gordon Pocock, Brendan Hogan
  • Patent number: 8113239
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: David S. Smith America, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Loren L. Brelje
  • Patent number: 8100080
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying fluids such as adhesive, in particular hot melt adhesive, to a substrate. The apparatus includes a main body which can be connected to a fluid source, an application valve for selectively interrupting or enabling a flow of fluid, and a nozzle arrangement arranged on the main body for applying the fluid. The nozzle includes a distributor passage communicating with the fluid source, and the nozzle arrangement has at least one outlet opening for delivery of the fluid, which communicates with the distributor passage, and a closure body arranged movably in the distributor passage for varying the length, which can be acted upon with fluid, of the distributor passage. The distributor passage is provided in a one-piece portion of the nozzle arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jorg-Olaf Bagung, Kai Luebbecke
  • Patent number: 8091746
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container with pour-out container fitment for frictional engagement within the cylindrical neck of a container to control and meter the flow of liquids out of the container. The fitment includes a top flange sufficient to cover the mouth of the container and a coaxial cylindrical insert extending from the top flange into the neck. The fitment is held into the neck by friction and a ring extends from the insert for enhanced frictional engagement. Apertures are provided in the insert to allow fluid to pass into the interior of the insert, and channels are provided along the walls of the interior from the apertures to the top flange to guide the liquid from the apertures to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: David Gotler
  • Patent number: 8052016
    Abstract: A dual tube container with one way valves comprises an outer tube and a cap, wherein, the tube head of the outer tube is provided with a base plate; the base plate is provided with a left through hole and a right through hole connecting the outer tube and the inner tube; a connector extends downwards from the right through hole, and the inner tube body in the outer tube body is connected to the connector to form the inner tube; a pair of one way valves are fixed in the tube head; an applicator with a orifice is inserted into the tube head; when the cap is put on to close the tube head, the pintle or elastic gasket in the cap sealing the orifice on the daub part of the applicator to prevent the leaking of liquid contents. It is provided with a pair of one way valves, and the inner tube is fixed in the outer tube; via the opening or closing of the pair of one way valves, the contents of the outer tube and the inner tube are permitted or forbidden to flow out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: UDN Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: Ming Yuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20110198372
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes an inner tubular member having a closed end and an opposed open end for receiving a fluid from a source, at least one outlet extending radially through the inner tubular member proximate the closed end, wherein the closed end is configured for insertion into a bore defined by a sidewall in a work piece. The nozzle assembly further includes a slidably movable outer sleeve, having a distal end, disposed around the inner tubular member, wherein the distal end is configured for contact with an exterior edge portion of the bore. The outer sleeve is normally biased to a first position sealing the at least one outlet from the exterior, and slidably movable to a second position unsealing the at least one outlet upon contact with the edge portion of the bore as the closed end of the inner tubular member is inserted into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Robert W. White, Paul Gertner
  • Patent number: 7980843
    Abstract: A concrete dispensing apparatus is used in a manufacturing process for producing pre-cast concrete structures, which are conventionally used to form a foundation for a residential or commercial building. The dispensing apparatus includes a hopper that funnels to a discharge opening extending along the entire transverse length of the dispensing apparatus. A plurality of individually controlled gates cover the entire discharge opening for selectively controlling the length and location of the discharge opening through which concrete is dispensed. The dispensing apparatus also includes a finishing mechanism including a vibratory screed and a rotational finishing roller. The form can be moved relative to the dispensing apparatus or vice versa. A form vibrator induces a vibratory motion into the form to remove air from the dispensed concrete mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: SWA Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin M. Zimmerman, Carl S. Martin, Matthew S. Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 7861900
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7770529
    Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material by gravity, includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve for opening or restricting a flow between the inlet and outlet and having open and closed positions, and an actuator disposed downstream of the inlet for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions, wherein the actuator is operated by a container to be filled with a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: J. Andrew Phillips, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7732717
    Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a dispersion unit, a plurality of weighing hoppers, and a combination unit. The dispersion unit circumferentially disperses articles that drop from above. The weighing hoppers are arranged generally circumferentially below the dispersion unit. The combination unit combines weight results obtained from each of the weighing hoppers. In addition, a state of a drop position of the articles in the dispersion unit changes during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaya Fujii
  • Patent number: 7708172
    Abstract: A drink supply container for a machine which dispenses beverages. The drink supply container includes an end member having a side wall and a support connected to the side wall. The support is substantially positionable in a plane. The drink supply container also has a gas inlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support. The drink supply container has a drink supply outlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Roger Tanner
  • Patent number: 7690537
    Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser includes a blow molded housing defining a cavity within the entire interior thereof. A centralized walled aperture is provided to receive an appropriate dispensing pump, the pump being configured to extend outwardly in a usable position and to lock in an inwardly position where the dispensing nozzle of the pump does not extend beyond the sidewalls of the dispenser itself. A fill and relief valve is provided to accommodate rapid filling of the dispenser during a manufacturing process, and to accommodate breathing of the container during the dispensing operation such that the unvented pump does not result in any distortion of the dispenser as the liquid therein is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Yates, Andrew R. Spriegel, Robert L. Quinlan
  • Publication number: 20090294486
    Abstract: A bulk container for storing and offloading materials comprises a portable tank including a sloped bottom wall with a first discharge outlet at a lowest level of the sloped bottom wall and a second discharge outlet at a higher level of the sloped bottom wall. A first outlet valve is connected to the first discharge outlet. A second outlet valve is connected to the second discharge outlet so that material above the higher level can be drained from the bulk container through the second outlet valve and residual material in the bulk container can be drained through the first outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jacob T. McKnight, Scott T. Meints
  • Patent number: 7461761
    Abstract: A harness for suspending a container having a product dispensing valve, such as a laundry detergent container, generally includes a sling for holding the container therein in an orientation that permits dispensing of a product from the container and at least one strap attached to the sling for suspending the sling from above. The sling further has a valve opening for allowing the product dispensing valve of the container to protrude out of the sling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hallmont, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Hildreth
  • Patent number: 7416097
    Abstract: A drink supply container valve assembly connectable to a drink supply container for a beverage dispensing apparatus of a refrigeration device. The drink supply container valve assembly has a support connectable to an end of the container, a gas inlet valve mounted to the support, and a drink supply outlet valve mounted to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Roger Tanner
  • Patent number: 7389895
    Abstract: A drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of the drink supply canisters, and a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Patent number: 7367480
    Abstract: A drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of the drink supply canisters, and a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Publication number: 20080029546
    Abstract: A bin for storing and dispensing dry flowable material comprises a main body portion defining a chamber for receiving the flowable material, a top portion enclosing the top of the body portion and having an inlet through which the material can pass to fill the bin, a bottom portion enclosing the bottom of the body portion and having at least one outlet, the bottom portion being inclined to direct the material toward the at least one outlet, a wall extending upwardly from the at least one outlet to an elevation in the body portion for dividing at least a lower part of the chamber into adjacent sections and a valve mechanism for selectively controlling the dispensing of the material from each section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest R. Schuld
  • Patent number: 7299946
    Abstract: A pour spout used in bottles containing liquid substances with different degrees of viscosity. The pour spout comprises a pouring opening, which is defined by at least a first and a second pouring orifice for the liquid substances, being the pouring area of the first orifice bigger than or equal to the area of the pouring area of the second orifice. The use of the pour spout allows to obtain different flows of the contained liquid, according to the user's choice. Each orifice presents its respective lids, which are proportional to the orifice the cover. Alternatively, each orifice defines air inlet paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Alusud Argentina S.R.L.
    Inventor: Juan Domingo Migliore
  • Patent number: 7296761
    Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for precisely controlling the metering of a liquid chemical into the water passing through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7168589
    Abstract: A spill-resistant container is disclosed including a cup and a cap. The cup includes a cap-engaging portion adjacent a lip surrounding an opening, and an inwardly projecting ledge adjacent the cap-engaging portion that includes multiple spaced apart recesses. The cap includes a cup-engaging portion and a cover portion. The cap has multiple spaced apart openings extending through the cover portion, wherein each of the openings corresponds to a different one of the recesses in the ledge of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Patent number: 7165732
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter assembly includes an outer lid for the fluid supply assembly and an adapter. The adapter assembly provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7156266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for packaging and distribution of a liquid product comprising a receptacle intended to contain the product, a distribution head fitted to the receptacle, the head comprising at least one nipple with a distribution orifice able to communicate with the interior of the receptacle, a capsule comprising at least one window delimited by an edge extending at least in part in a plane, the capsule being movable in relation to the nipple between a closed position in which the distribution orifice is at least partly opposite a portion of the capsule extending away from the window and an open position in which the distribution orifice is located externally to the capsule, and/or emerges via a flexible membrane fitted to the window via at least one slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-François Delage
  • Patent number: 7121437
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly is configured to enclose a container opening. The closure assembly has a fluid supply tube with an opening and a shut-off valve threadedly coupled to the supply tube. The shut-off valve has a valve member configured to close the opening in the supply tube upon rotating the shut-off valve in a first direction and to open the opening in the supply tube upon rotating the shut-off valve in a second direction. A cap assembly is coupled to the closure assembly. The cap assembly has a connector member with a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the supply tube. The cap assembly is coupled to the shut-off valve to rotate the shut-off valve in the first direction and the second direction. The configuration of the system eliminates the need for spring based valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kasting
  • Patent number: 7086565
    Abstract: A reusable or disposable adhesive dispensing cartridge including a housing for containing a quantity of adhesive, an adhesive delivery element connected to the housing and having a plurality teeth spaced apart by recesses and a plate movably mounted in the housing to force adhesive from the housing and through flow passages that extend between the interior of the housing and the recesses. An adhesive applicator includes a cartridge holder for retaining the cartridge and a movable drive element coupled to the cartridge plate to move the plate in a direction to force adhesive out of the housing and through the flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 7083071
    Abstract: A drink supply canister for a beverage dispensing apparatus. The drink supply canister includes a removable valve assembly member having a drink supply outlet valve and a gas inlet valve. The beverage dispensing apparatus pressurizes the drink supply canister by supplying gas to the gas inlet valve. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of such drink supply canisters. The beverage dispensing apparatus directs a supply of water and gas to the drink supply canister holder for producing carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Roger Tanner
  • Patent number: 7077294
    Abstract: A device for stoppering a container and drawing off a fluid includes a fixed piece, fixed to the container, with a lateral fluid output opening and a passage that allows air to enter. Another, movable piece includes a tube with a lateral fluid output opening. This tube can move in rotation inside the fixed piece and also in axial translation between a maximum “pushed-in” position and an extracted position so that lateral openings can be brought into coincidence through rotating the movable piece. The movable piece has an internal skirt enabling the channeling of fluid toward the output opening to prevent leakage through the passage for the entry of air. The fixed piece includes a guide for displacing the movable piece with respect to the fixed piece from the maximum “pushed-in” position to the extracted position that displays a coincidence of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BERICAP
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Frédéric Granier, Antonio Jubany Claret, Oriol Aran Garcia
  • Patent number: 7070065
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a water bottle, having a cap including a mouthpiece that has a first aperture through which water in the bottle can flow out upon the application of suction at the mouthpiece. A support inside the mouthpiece has at least one second aperture that, together with the first aperture, defines a path for water. Also included is a valve member that has a diaphragm located between the mouthpiece and the support. The diaphragm has an aperture in the path and bears resiliently against the support when no suction is applied to the mouthpiece, so its aperture is closed, blocking the path. Upon the application of suction at the mouthpiece, the diaphragm is deformed and moves away from the support so the aperture in the diaphragm is opened to permit the flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Fu Hong Industries Limited
    Inventor: Chung Lun Wong
  • Patent number: 7044342
    Abstract: A portable hand held fuel container includes a pour tube, a fill tube spaced from the pour tube, a removable closure cap to close the inlet end to the fill tube, a vent arrangement in the closure cap that permits and prevents exterior air to enter to fill tube to enhance pouring and during pouring inhibits fluid flow through the fill tube in case of overturning of the container, and a vapor seal member connected to the pour tube that is adapted during pouring to simultaneously seal about the fuel inlet to a fuel receiving tank and axially compress to permit deep insertion of the discharge end of the pour tube into the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas C. Carlton
  • Patent number: 7040515
    Abstract: A bottle cap is resealable by a valve housed therein. The valve controls flow through both a liquid flow passage and an air supply passage, while maintaining the passages separate. The valve can be actuated by a feed tube spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Cactrus Drink Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron A. Cote
  • Patent number: 7021506
    Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Patent number: 7014074
    Abstract: A container has a first and a second opening formed in a lid that releasably closes the container. A first base surrounds the first opening and a second base surrounds the second opening. The narrow end of a retractable, self-deploying funnel engages the first opening and the wide end of a retractable, self-deploying pour spout engages the second opening. Both funnel and pour spout are retracted when the first and second caps engage the first and second bases, respectively. The funnel facilitates charging of a liquid into the container and the pour spout facilitates pouring of a liquid from the container. Each cap includes a vent opening formed in a top wall and a nipple formed in depending relation to an interior surface of the top wall. The nipple plugs the narrow end of the pour spout when the pour spout is in its fully retracted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Rinaldi
  • Patent number: 6962432
    Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Albert John Hofeldt
  • Patent number: 6948642
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluids into an air line comprises a container having a valve so as to selectively open the container to allow flow of fluids therefrom, the container being configured with a circumferential channel and with a circumferential groove about its perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cap having a ring configured to engage the groove so as to rotatably mount the cap onto the container, the cap being further configured with a post formed so as to selectively engage the channel and selectively allow the cap to move axially along the container to actuate the valve. A nozzle extends longitudinally from the cap and is configured with multiple apertures and a spiral thread thereabout so as to be threadably inserted into the air line and dispense fluids therein upon actuation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Adam Awad
  • Patent number: 6948639
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing of a cosmetic product which includes a container to hold the product, with the container being delineated by a body. A movable element moves relative to the container body and is capable, in response to an action exerted manually on a surface of an actuating element, of moving from a first position to a second position. The movable element incorporates a first lip intended to engage with an inner wall of the body, during at least part of its movement, thereby isolating a dose of product inside the container in a manner to cause its expulsion through at least one dispensing aperture. The movable element also includes an upper lip capable of being applied in a leaktight manner against the inner wall during at least part of its movement from the first position to the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Nicolas Albisetti, Mathilde Winckels, Daniel Crosnier
  • Patent number: 6945429
    Abstract: A novel fluid supply cup comprises a flexible liner integral with a container having an opening and a vent. A novel method of manufacturing a lined container comprises the steps of molding a container having a vented thick-walled portion and an integral flexible thin-walled liner, and folding the thin-walled liner into the thick-walled portion. Finally, a novel method of applying a fluid comprises the steps of providing a flexible liner integral with a container having an opening and a vent, loading fluid into the liner, engaging the container with a fluid applicator, flowing the fluid out of the liner into the fluid applicator, collapsing the liner, and flowing the fluid of the fluid applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Mark D. Bauer, Marvin D. Burns, Mark E. Charpie, Robert G. Kobetsky, Michael J. Kosmyna, Jan Toczycki, G. Michael Velan
  • Patent number: 6932246
    Abstract: An assembly for packaging and dispensing a product, especially a cosmetic product. The assembly includes a container containing the product and delimited by a body, one end of which is closed by a bottom. A movable component is movable relative to the body of the container and is capable, in response to an action exerted manually on a surface of an actuation component, of passing from a first position in which the volume delimited between the movable component and the bottom of the container is a maximum, to a second position in which the volume is a minimum, so as to pressurize the product contained in the volume and deliver the product through at least one dispensing orifice. When the movable component returns from the second position towards the first, air passes into the volume through at least one passage formed between the movable component and an internal surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Florent Duqueroie, Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 6896155
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a standard shower curtain 12 that has a plurality of individual dispensers 14 affixed to the inner side 16 thereof. These dispensers 14 provide means to contain and dispense shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and other amenities thus avoiding clutter and soiling around the bathtub 18 or shower stall 20. One embodiment of the present invention 10 discloses a dispenser pocket 14 providing means to close 24 and seal the liquid contents 25 within the pocket and discloses an interlocking seal channel 24 type closing mechanism at the top 30 of the pocket. Once the pocket 14 is filled with desired liquid 25, the pocket is sealed by pressing a seal channel 24 on each side of the pocket together. A release button 26 attached to the spout 28 at the bottom of the pocket 14 provides means to dispense the liquid contents 25 from the pocket. The button 26 is depressed to allow the liquid contents 25 to be dispensed from the pocket 14 and released to stop the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Warren Jones, Jerri Challis
  • Patent number: 6868991
    Abstract: A squeeze dispenser for liquids, preferably relatively highly viscous liquids, is provided with a flexible holder (1) with an outflow opening (2) via which a liquid can be pressed out of the holder, and with a sealing element (3) arranged over this outflow opening. In this sealing element, a first valve (12) is arranged via which, when the holder is squeezed, liquid can be pressed out of the holder, as well as a second valve (18) for admitting air into the holder when the holder is no longer squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Henricus A. N. Kuhn, Wander Herman Colenbrander
  • Patent number: 6863193
    Abstract: A closing cap (1) for two-chamber containers (2), which can be connected to an outlet opening (3) of the container (2). The container (2) is divided by a separating element (4), which extends up to outlet opening (3), so that the contents of the first chamber (5) are supplied separately from the contents of the second chamber (6) to the outlet opening (3). According to the invention, a detent connection is provided for joining the closing cap (1) to the container (2), whereby a separating wall (12) divides the closing cap (1) into two separate areas. A separately closeable withdrawal opening (8, 8?) is arranged in each area, and the separating wall (12) interacts with the separating element (4) as to connect each of the chambers (5,6) of the container (2) only to the area of the closing cap (1), in which the assigned withdrawal opening (8, 8?) is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding SA
    Inventor: Pierre Grossenbacher
  • Patent number: 6857541
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of the drink supply canisters, and a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Patent number: 6832706
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly includes an outer closure body having an upper tubular portion which can function as a mouthpiece for users. The closure assembly includes a flexible valve member mounted within the tubular portion of the closure body for dispensing of liquids or like contents by either the application of suction by a consumer, or by squeezing the associated container. By the provision of a liquid seal lip which coacts with an inside surface of the flexible valve member, the closure assembly can be configured to facilitate convenient use by consumers, while avoiding undesirable leakage attendant to normal handling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Coy Hearld, Lawrence Smeyak, Hassan Najdawi, David Babcock, Ramesh Kamath, Mark Powell, Zinovy Royzen
  • Publication number: 20040232162
    Abstract: Multi-channel metering apparatus with automatic calibration, where the individual dispensing channels 1, the micro-valves 4 of which are connected with the outlets of a distributor 8, 13 or 15 whose inlet is filled with fluid by a vessel 9, 14 or 17 thus connected, are able to be calibrated in relation to each other in that between the vessel 9, 14 or 17 and the inlet of the distributor 8, 13 or 15 a flow sensor 10 is arranged which for calibration during delivery of the fluid via a respective nozzle 2 of a respective dispensing channel 1 records the flow and generates signals which are respectively assigned to a defined opening time of a micro-valve 4 and a specific dispensing channel 1 and thus stored allows for individual control of the micro-valves 4 in order to equalize the tolerances of the dispensing channels 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: CyBio AG
    Inventors: Peter Zimmermann, Torsten Rausch, Gerd Heibe, Hartmut Koberich, Simon Renard, Thomas Moore, Wolfgang Kramer
  • Patent number: 6814264
    Abstract: A liquid pumping device includes a base, a liquid container, a cover, a cylinder, a piston, an air guide pipe, and an operation handle. When the piston is moved upward, the fluid can only flow downward through the anti-reverse valves of the piston in a single direction, and the upward movement of the liquid is stopped by the anti-reverse valves of the piston. When the air guide pipe is moved downward, the fluid can only flow upward through the anti-reverse valves of the air guide pipe in a single direction, and the downward movement of the liquid is stopped by the anti-reverse valves of the air guide pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chi-Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20040178229
    Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway providing a means for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Rivard, Zhendong Liu, Fan Kun
  • Patent number: 6758375
    Abstract: The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Publication number: 20040112920
    Abstract: A valve system for facilitating the discharge of a substance from a container. The valve system includes a first valve adapted for: (a) preventing discharge of the substance when a pressure difference between the container's interior and the container's exterior is below a first predetermined limit value; and (b) allowing discharge of the substance when the pressure difference between the container's interior and the container's exterior is larger than the first predetermined limit value. The valve system also includes a second valve adapted for: (a) allowing the readmission of air into the container when the pressure difference between the container's interior the container's exterior is smaller than a second predetermined limit value; and (b) preventing the readmission of air into the container when the pressure difference between the container's interior and the container's exterior is larger than the second predetermined limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Felten, Holger Pries
  • Patent number: 6742678
    Abstract: A pour spout assembly for providing a pour spout attachable to a bottle and including a cap securable to the pour spout between uses. The pour spout assembly includes a spout member having an attachment portion adapted for coupling to various sizes of bottle openings. The spout member further includes exterior threading on an outer perimeter of a spout portion extending from the bottle when the spout member is attached to the bottle. A cap member is provided for covering the spout portion of the spout member. The cap member has threading on an interior surface complimentary to the threading on the spout portion of the spout member to permit securing of the cap member to the spout member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Krystopik, Jr.