Variable Number Exposed And/or Variably Opened Patents (Class 222/486)
  • Patent number: 11330889
    Abstract: Devices for treating a subject's skin or lips and more particularly to device that enhances absorption of treatment media into tissue for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hermes Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 11147278
    Abstract: A dusting powder sprinkling apparatus comprises a frame body, a hinge, a hook, and a toggle latch. The frame body presses the entire circumference of a mesh body, excluding the portion provided with through-holes, along the outer peripheral surface side of the mesh body to fix the mesh body to the hopper. The hinge rotatably fixes a first frame side extending along the rotation axis direction of the brush to the outlet of the hopper. The hook is fixed to a second frame side extending along the rotation axis direction of a brush in the frame body. A tip portion of the hook projects from the outer periphery of the frame body. The toggle latch is fixed to the outlet of the hopper facing the hook and is capable of engaging with the tip of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: YUTAKA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayasu Kurachi, Atsushi Takahara
  • Patent number: 11099182
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detection apparatus that transfers magnetic particles through a plurality of chambers in a cartridge which includes the plurality of chambers and a channel connecting between the plurality of chambers, and that causes the magnetic particles to carry a complex of a test substance and a labelling substance, to detect the test substance on the basis of the labelling substance in the complex. The detection apparatus includes: a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the cartridge about a rotation shaft; a magnet configured to collect the magnetic particles in the chambers; a movement mechanism configured to move the magnet in a direction different from a circumferential direction of a circle in which the rotation shaft is centered; a detector configured to detect the test substance; and a controller programmed to control the rotation mechanism and the movement mechanism so as to transfer the magnetic particles from one of the chambers to another one of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Horii, Tomoyuki Nose, Takao Fujiwara, Sayuri Tomoda, Yusuke Miida, Yasunori Maekawa, Noriaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10568446
    Abstract: Improved dispenser-applicator that includes a container and a closing element, wherein the closing element comprises a sphere and a cap. When placing the sphere on the spout of a container, it closes the container and upon rolling, allows for the outlet of certain quantities of the product to be dispensed. The sphere presents a tread, preferably projected towards the interior of the sphere, and forming zchannels which preferably form ducts, and the cap presents a number of undulations that connect the inner and the outer parts, whilst also allowing for the product to exit through them. The cap that retains the sphere is made of an elastic, deformable material, such that, by exerting a given pressure, it is possible to remove the sphere from the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Alberto Arza Moncunill, Roberto Cortes Tanco, Eva Garcia Robles
  • Patent number: 10555905
    Abstract: A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Quam, Matthew R. Theisen, Parker J. Haffley
  • Patent number: 10088059
    Abstract: A dual gate control assembly for a spreader includes a rotary plate pivotable between fully open and fully closed positions with respect to openings formed in the hopper. A spreader gate is provided at the outermost openings of the hopper and rotary plate with each spreader gate being independently movable between fully opened and fully closed positions allowing for a plurality of variable operational modes affecting both material drop amount and spread direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dubiel, Edward Horeth
  • Publication number: 20140374442
    Abstract: A multi-user toothpaste dispenser is disclosed. The multi-user toothpaste dispenser allows a plurality of user's their individual dispensing nozzle from a commonly shared toothpaste tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Massoud Nazarian
  • Patent number: 8915406
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dosing unit for a powder dispenser comprising two dosing chambers (2,3) each chamber comprising: one upstream inlet (21, 31) and one downstream outlet (22, 32), an upstream means (23, 33) for opening and closing the inlet, a downstream means (24, 34) for opening and closing the outlet, the upstream means (23, 33) closing the inlet (21, 31) when the downstream means (24, 34) opens the outlet (22, 32) and reciprocally, wherein the upstream means (23) of the first chamber closes the first chamber (2) when the upstream means (33) of the second chamber opens the second chamber (3) and reciprocally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ruguo Hu, Rong Chen, Smith Yang
  • Patent number: 8616390
    Abstract: A bottle including a body portion having a plurality of dividing walls extending from a base portion to a plurality of connection regions; a first chamber for holding a first liquid; a second chamber for holding a second liquid; a third chamber for holding a third liquid; and a removable cap; wherein a height of the plurality of dividing walls is less than an overall height of the body portion and the plurality of connection regions are configured to be a maximum height of the plurality of dividing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Theodosios Kountotsis
  • Patent number: 8387516
    Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: D. Michael Reynolds
  • 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: 7814943
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The apparatus includes a source of foam and a dispensing device which has an inlet in communication with the source of foam, a usable foam outlet, and a waste bleed outlet. The waste bleed outlet communicates with the inlet and with the useable foam outlet, and has a higher resistance to flow of foam than that of the usable foam outlet. The useable foam outlet may be blocked off such that foam may flow through the high resistance waste bleed outlet, and the usable foam outlet may be opened such that foam may flow through the usable foam outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Harman, David Dakin Iowerth Wright, Jam Willem Marinus Mijers, Stuart Brian William Kay, Christopher John Hurlstone, Julian Richard Dixon, Andrew Gordon Pocock, Brendan Hogan
  • Patent number: 7438204
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container includes a first lid having a dispensing surface and a skirt depending from a periphery thereof. The dispensing surface is formed from at least one of a substantially transparent and translucent material and includes several apertures. A second lid has a second dispensing surface and a second skirt depending from a periphery thereof that is adapted to be inserted into and releasably held within the first lid. The second dispensing surface includes several orifices. The first and second lids are rotatable a full 360° relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Kristopher W. Gerulski, Kenneth V. Bakken, Joseph Paul Kirchberg, David Wayne Lease
  • Patent number: 6966468
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable flow rate dispenser comprising a dispenser body having a closed end, a flanged open end, at least one relatively large laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, at least one relatively small laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, and a retaining ring; and a cap having an open end, a closed end, a laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, and a snap bead, wherein when the cap is placed on the body, the snap bead engages the retaining ring providing a twistingly engaged cap and body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson (China) Ltd.
    Inventors: Annalisa McKay, Joice Wang, Jun Lu, Christine Andrea Ruhotas, Xiaohai Lu, Min Xu, Anthony Gallo
  • Patent number: 6796465
    Abstract: A conventional keg coupler and hand pump assembly is improved with a new multiple output coupler fitting which allows an increase in output flow. No physical change is made to said coupler and pump assembly just a replacement of fittings. In addition the length of elastomeric tubing which connects to the multiple output coupler fitting ends and the faucets is shortened to a length of less than 24 inches to decrease foaming but keep adequate pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Ubaldo Rafael Chavez
  • Patent number: 6769573
    Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings which are in fluid communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) with a bore (14) therethrough for receiving a singular fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) interfaces with the upper gasket, thus permitting fluid communication between the outer housing and the fluid container. A molded spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with pins (48) protruding externally that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the outer housing (12) and the detent ring (50) are rotated, the pins (48) are urged into radial grooves (54) and (55) thereby causing the housing to remain at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Randal N. Kazarian, David P. Mills
  • Publication number: 20040045979
    Abstract: A particle dispenser and method of regulating the rate of dispensing of particles is disclosed in which particles are dispensed through a plurality of apertures having a variable effective area defined as the total area of apertures through which particles can be dispensed at any given time. The effective area is varied so as to provide a high dispense rate initially and a lower dispense rate later on in the dispense cycle. In this way, relatively larger quantities of particles can be dispensed accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Macmichael
  • Patent number: 6382476
    Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for a container that has an opening from which a product can be dispensed. The structure includes a body for extending around the container opening. The body defines a first dispensing aperture communicating with the container opening. An intermediate member defines at least one second dispensing aperture that is smaller than the first dispensing aperture. The intermediate member is pivotable about an axis between a closed position and an open position. A lid is pivotable on the closure body about the same axis as the intermediate member, and the lid is pivotable between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Randall, Kelly A. Smith, Susan De Groot
  • Patent number: 6299033
    Abstract: A snap-on closure prevents flaps from coming unsnapped or popping open during assembly of the closure onto the neck of a container. The snap-on connection between the container and the closure includes a circular groove and a circular rib projecting into the groove. The closure includes dispensing ports such as sifter holes, a pouring hole, and/or a spooning hole which are closed by hinged flaps which snap-on the horizontal platform of the closure. The flaps may include plugs which project into their respective dispensing openings and provide a seal against the wall of the opening. The closure also includes a resilient crush seal which engages the neck of the container to provide a seal between the closure and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon E. VerWeyst, Alfred I. Gray
  • Patent number: 6196417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Paul S. Johnson, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6177126
    Abstract: A process for producing a material for sealing and/or healing wounds fills a liquid composition into a container having two or more plates. At least two of the plates are perforated with one or more flow-through holes. At least one of the perforated plates is movable relative to another of the perforated plates. A suitable carrier is transported below the container in transport direction. The perforated plates are then continuously moved relative to each other so as to allow the liquid composition to drip onto the carrier being transported below the container. The liquid composition can thus be substantially evenly applied to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Nycomed Arzneimittel GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Hagedorn, Ulrich Schiele
  • Patent number: 6116465
    Abstract: The container stopper comprises a cylindrical part to be engaged in the neck of a container and has a groove which extends peripherally on at least one part of the cylindrical part circumference. Two channels separated from each other, extend in the cylindrical part of the stopper and open into the groove through orifices respectively spaced from each other in the groove peripheral direction. A diaphragm of elastomeric material closely matches the shape of the cylindrical part and the groove surface covering the orifices of the two channels. The diaphragm forms a shut-off valve that by its elastic deformation, allows a fluid substance contained in the container to flow from inside the container outwards, as well as from outside into the said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Gabriel Bouzaglo
  • Patent number: 5967374
    Abstract: A paperboard container for the containment and dispensing of small objects such as candies, including a back wall, a front wall, a pair of opposed side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall defining an inner chamber. In one preferred embodiment, the inner chamber is divided into three cells by a baffle. The front wall includes at least three openings, one each of the openings positioned to cooperate with one of each of the inner cells. A dial wheel is rotatably positioned between the inner cells and the front wall. The dial wheel includes a plurality of openings which are positioned in the dial wheel so that the dial wheel can be rotated to allow dispensing from any one of the cells or any combination of the cells, through aligned openings in the dial wheel and front wall. The dial wheel can be rotated to close the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.)
    Inventor: Mark Phillip Baker
  • Patent number: 5942278
    Abstract: A process for the production of a material for sealing and healing wounds comprises the even application of a suspension to a collagen carrier. An elongated container, into which the suspension is filled, is provided with a base frame (1) and a set of two perforated plates (2,3) as its bottom. The upper plate (3) is movable and is continuously moved back and forth during the process at a right angle to the transport direction of the collagen carrier, which allows the suspension to drip on the collagen carrier which is transported underneath the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Nycomed Arzneimittel GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Hagedorn, Ulrich Schiele
  • Patent number: 5901886
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing particulate material, such as bird seed, employs a dispensing valve having a first disk fixedly mounted in a housing and a second disk rotatably mounted in the housing. The first disk has circumferentially spaced first apertures and the second disk has circumferentially spaced second apertures. The boundaries of the first apertures intersect the periphery of the first disk, and the boundaries of the second apertures intersect the periphery of the second disk. The second disk can be rotated to select a desired position, such as a closed position in which the first and second apertures are completely unaligned, a fully open position in which the first and second apertures are completely aligned, or a partially open position in which the first and second apertures are partially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: M. Boyd Grindstaff, Debbie S. Grindstaff
  • Patent number: 5887768
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid through a plurality of tubes. A valve is provided to interrupt flow of the liquid to the plurality of tubes which tubes thereafter retain any undispensed liquid contained therein due to capillarity caused by surface tension between any retained liquid and the internal walls of the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Price, Richard Q. Poynter
  • Patent number: 5881922
    Abstract: A coupler for a dispensing apparatus and method of use thereof includes a first member having a first, a second, and a third aperture. A second member is mountable on and rotatable about the first member to selectively communicate the first and second apertures with the third aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: John T. Hawkins, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Michael J. Riley
  • Patent number: 5730329
    Abstract: A drop former comprises a drum assembly including a stationary inner drum and a rotatable outer drum mounted coaxially around the inner drum. The outer drum has holes which periodically become aligned with holes in the inner drum to allow a flowable substance to flow from the inner drum onto a cooling belt traveling beneath the outer drum. In order to redirect into the outer drum, residual portions of the substance which have not fallen off the outer drum, a directing device is disposed around a portion of the circumference of the outer drum. The directing device is mounted on a frame which pivots toward and away from the outer drum. In order to secure the directing device to the drum assembly, a ring is mounted on an end of the inner drum which projects beyond a respective end of the outer drum. The ring, which is rotatable and movable axially relative to the inner drum, carries a radial projection which is received in a recess of the frame when the frame is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Santrade Ltd.
    Inventor: Reinhard Froeschke
  • Patent number: 5699941
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flowpath defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventors: Paul S. Johnson, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5647948
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying tracks of an adhesive substance on strip-shaped material, in particular to the back of bottom support strips that consist of strips of carpet. A guiding and transporting device transports the material in its longitudinal direction and a device for applying the adhesive substance is arranged vertically on top of an approximately horizontal area of movement of the material. A nozzle arrangement, consisting of several outlet nozzles for the adhesive substance, is distributed over the width of the material, and the number of active outlet nozzles that apply the adhesive substance may be altered so as to adapt the device to different material widths. Each outlet nozzle may be activated or deactivated individually as well as independently of the other outlet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Georgios Paridis
  • Patent number: 5632314
    Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials includes a plurality of dispense valves arranged in two concentric circles. An actuator arm mounted for rotation about the center of the circles glides over the tops of the valves. A pair of channel-like passageways are formed in the arm, one for the valves arranged in the outer circle, the other for the valves arranged in the inner circle. The valves of the inner and outer circles are radially offset from one another, and accordingly a valve from only one of the two circles is engaged at any given time. The arm is mounted for lifting and lowering movements to accomplish a dispense operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Koppe, Michael Krapalis
  • Patent number: 5617974
    Abstract: A packaging, storage and dispensing container particularly useful for agricultural products. The container is constructed of a flexible material such as multi-wall paper or a flexible plastic material. The invention is a flattened tubular bell shaped design having a bottom closed terminal portion. A two part plastic strip with a multiplicity of evenly spaced discharge openings is just above this seam and generally across the same. By adjusting the discharge openings in the two part strip to become partially to fully aligned a variety of different size aperture openings can be achieved in which to dispense the product in the container. If all the product is not used, then the two strips can be manipulated to fully mis-align the discharge openings, thus re-sealing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas K. Sawyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5472120
    Abstract: A cap for a container has three distinct positions, including a closed position, an intermediate spray position and a fully open pour position. The cap provides a fluid tight seal when in the closed position and provides a fluid tight seal from pouring when in the spray position. The cap includes a shell defining a fluid passage to the container and a tip with pouring and spraying apertures axially movably secured to the shell. The tip is pulled up to select a dispensing position, which causes a stem disposed in the shell to engage or disengage with an aperture in the tip, depending on the selected dispensing option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Erie Plastics
    Inventors: Matthew E. Stebick, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5398849
    Abstract: A toner cartridge dispenses toner for a printing apparatus. The cartridge comprises a housing having an internal cavity and a series of openings through a sidewall of the housing. An axially reciprocating slide includes a series of openings that are selectively aligned with the housing openings to discharge toner from the cavity. An agitating mechanism operates within the cavity and in response to paper advancement through the printing apparatus to facilitate discharge of toner from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nu-Kote International
    Inventors: Bren R. Smith, Donald E. Snyder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5385086
    Abstract: According to the invention an apparatus for uniformly distributing a powdered or granular food material for application to a solid food product is provided. A dry ingredient distributor is provided which includes an auger surrounded by a distribution tube having a plurality of openings. Mounted to the distribution tube and vertically spaced therefrom at a preselected distance, is an electrostatic field generation means for generation of a substantially uniform electrostatic field horizontally along substantially the entire length of the distribution tube to generate an electrostatic field in the path of the food material exiting the outlets of the distribution tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Par-Way Group
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Darren L. Duggan
  • Patent number: 5171367
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a flowable material, such as a pizza sauce, onto an object, such as a pizza shell, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of the flowable material having a source outlet port and a chamber having an chamber inlet port and a chamber outlet port. The apparatus further includes a piston and cylinder for moving the flowable material from the source to the chamber and a flow control gate disposed at the chamber outlet port. The apparatus further includes an arm responsive to actuation of the piston for opening the flow control gate, thereby permitting a substantially uniform application of the flowable material onto the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Clifford E. Fitch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5156306
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use, for example, in an ink jet printing head, comprises a switching device, preferably a bistable fluidic device, which switches fluid under pressure between a path in which the fluid circulates back to the fluid source and a second path in which it issues from a jet. The fluidic device is preferably formed by micro-machining cavities in a silicon substrate, or in two substrates which are then bonded together face to face. A printing head may be formed by locating a number of the dispensers in side-by-side relation with spacers therebetween, the spacers being used to provide feed paths for the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The General Electric Company, p.l.c.
    Inventor: Guruge E. L. Perera
  • Patent number: 5118142
    Abstract: An apparatus including a container directing a sand mixture through a plurality of conduits, a conduit associated with each drive wheel of an automobile through an intermediate valve body operatively opened by a cable mechanism. The organization is typically mounted within an engine compartment of an automobile. Further, the organization utilizes a nozzle head mounted at a terminal end of each conduit adjacent each wheel, with each nozzle head utilizing an apertured dispersion plate, wherein each aperture is selectively closed to define a selective width of path of sand directed adjacent each drive wheel of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Stephen L. Bish
  • Patent number: 5054663
    Abstract: A side dispensing container closure cap is provided with a hinged lid extending to a side periphery of the cap and which is pivotable from a closed position to an opened position and which has depending side walls along the length of the pivotable portion forming a chute passage to the periphery of the cap, the chute passage has dividing walls between the side walls to define a plurality of chute-like passages. Stops are provided to allow partial opening of the pivoted portion and a reinforcing web interconnects the lower portion of the side walls and dividing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Groya, Richard W. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 4984720
    Abstract: A side dispensing container closure cap is provided with a hinged lid portion extending to a side periphery of the cap which is pivotable from a closed position to an opened position and which has depending sidewalls along the length of the pivotable portion forming a chute opened to the periphery of the cap. The sidewalls preferably are formed as conical sections to enhance sealing along the edge of the hinged portion. Detents may be provided at a spherical front surface of the hinged portion defining the dispensing opening allowing partial opening of the pivoted portion. Extra sealing areas are also provided to permit the closure to be used with liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Groya, Richard W. Hofman
  • Patent number: 4930431
    Abstract: An implement for agricultural field work is primarily useful for preparing a field for no-till planting and comprises a wheel carried frame for carrying a massive fertilizer hopper which has apertures in its bottom portion through which fertilizer flows at a metered rate into feed tubes which carry the fertilizer to furrows formed by double-disc ground openers mounted on the frame. The openers aerate the soil and chop crop residues remaining on the ground surface from the previous crop. Hoes attached to the openers draw a portion of the soil displaced from the furrows back into the furrows after the fertilizer is deposited therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Malcolm H. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4903870
    Abstract: A dispensing closure characterized by a cap base member adapted to be associated with a container, and a cap lid member mounted on the cap base member for rotation with respect to the cap base member. The cap lid member is adapted to assume a closed position, wherein it closes off a first dispensing opening formed in the cap base member, and is intended to be rotated upwardly with respect to the cap base member from the closed position to an open position wherein the first dispensing is uncovered. A second dispensing opening is formed in the cap lid member, overlying the first dispensing opening when the cap lid member is in the closed position. The second dispensing opening is normally closed off and sealed by means of a spout member which is rotatably mounted on the cap lid member. The spout member is adapted to be rotated from the latter closed position to an open position wherein a longitudinal passage in the spout member is aligned with the second dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Donald La Vange
  • Patent number: 4813577
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container, the cap being of the type which has a movable spout mounted on a nozzle having outlet passages. The spout is movable between one position in which it blocks flow through the outlet passages and another position in which it permits flow through the outlet passages. The improvement involves the additional formation of one or more discharge passages in the nozzle which are not controlled by the spout. Such additional discharge passages may be of the type which provide an angled discharge stream, a high pressure discharge stream, a mechanically broken up spray or a high volume discharge flow. A separate closure member may be provided for the additional discharge passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Carow International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Carow
  • Patent number: 4749125
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus and method for electrically charging and dispensing fluids and other flowable materials, comprising a fluid reservoir and a housing. The housing includes walls which define a chamber having an elongated slot at the tip thereof. The slot is resiliently compressible. The reservoir communicates with the chamber such that the fluid is introduced into the chamber at a controlled rate and a low hydrostatic pressure. A shim is placed within the chamber slot partially occluding fluid flow through the slot. The shim and the amount of compression of the slot defines with precision the size and shape of the slot. The shim and fluid are electrically connected to a high voltage source through the housing. The fluid forms a meniscus about the housing slot whereby upon actuation of the high voltage source, the fluid is dispensed as one or more charged fluid paths or a plurality of charged droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Terronics Development Corp.
    Inventors: Eduardo C. Escallon, Anthony E. Tyner
  • Patent number: 4717050
    Abstract: A multiple orifice closure for attachment to a container for dispensing product, usually in the form of a liquid, at different rates. The closure includes a cap incorporating the larger orifice and an annular skirt having a container attachment such as threads or a snap bead. Two lids are hinged to the closure; one is an intermediate lid which covers the cap top and contains the second smaller orifice. The other lid is a top lid which acts to close the smaller orifice on the intermediate lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Sunbeam Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Wright
  • Patent number: 4706854
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for containing and feeding particulate material tending to pack into a mass from an elongated hopper having opposed sloping walls converging downward and inward towards each other to terminal margins presenting between them an elongated laterally restricted outlet for directing material onto a conveyor below. Gates are provided to close the outlet for containing the material and to open the outlet to discharge it onto the conveyor belt. Baffles within the hopper are provided to divide the cargo at a level spaced above the outlet into several piles which merge above and below the outlet. In this way the material is channelled to the outlet so that lateral arches which may be formed in the material are prevented or broken up to assure feeding. Pressure may be relieved on some of the piles by flanges extending laterally of the baffles. The invention also includes the combination of gates equipped to break up longitudinal arches with baffles to prevent the formation of lateral arches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: ULS International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Pole
  • Patent number: 4679711
    Abstract: A valved device for dispensing multiple closely spaced streams of liquid from a plurality of dispensing orifices. The device includes selectively actuatable valve needles associated with each of the dispensing orifices for controlling liquid flow from the orifices. A pair of oscillatable cam shafts, each having multiple cam surfaces of different configurations, controls actuation of the valve needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Larry C. Trevathan
  • Patent number: 4646942
    Abstract: A multiway gravity box and door assembly is capable of selectively storing, transporting and/or dispensing different particulate solid materials. The gravity box has a partition wall to separate the box into two separate compartments each of which communicates with a separate discharge opening from the gravity box. First and second doors are slidably movable in the respective openings and a third outer door overlies the first and second doors and is also slidably movable. Pins are selectively positionable to engage the outer door and either one or both of the first and second doors to selectively open or close the first and second doors when the outer door is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: E-Z Trail, Inc.
    Inventor: Abe B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 4574989
    Abstract: In a hopper or the like wherein the flow of particulate material is controlled by a gate the improvement wherein the gate is mounted to be swingable towards an open position within the hopper so as to break arches and rat holes which form in the material above the gate or a gate adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles D. Pole
  • Patent number: 4550652
    Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a housing; a filtering device for arrangement in the housing, the filtering device having a single outlet; and a distributor for positioning in the housing below the filtering device. The distributor has a plurality of inlets and an equal number of outlets and a duct system interposed between the inlets and the outlets. The filtering device is positionable in the housing with its outlet sequentially in contact with each distributor inlet. The duct system is so formed that it connects each distributor inlet in sequence with the distributor outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Artur F. Da Silva