With Relatively Movable Actuator For Outlet Element Patents (Class 222/505)
  • Publication number: 20080184730
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Jerry M. Visin
  • Patent number: 7389946
    Abstract: A fluid spray device having a body (10) provided with a spray orifice (15), a reservoir (20) containing the fluid to be sprayed, a spray device (30) that sprays one or more doses of the fluid contained in the reservoir (20); and an actuator (40) that actuates the spray device (30). The reservoir (20) is closed in a sealed manner before the spray device is actuated for the first time, the body (10) including reservoir opening device (11) adapted to open the reservoir (20) while the device is being actuated. The reservoir (20) forms a sealed unit that is separate from the body (10), filled with fluid and hermetically sealed before it is assembled in the body (10). The body (10) includes a receiver device (13) that receives the reservoir, and a lateral access device that enables the filled reservoir (20) to be assembled sideways into the body (10) and to be secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventors: Pascal Bruna, Matthieu Savalle
  • Publication number: 20080121667
    Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided. The dispenser may include a cover which opens or shuts an opening of a duct that guides contents from an interior of the refrigerator to the dispenser for discharge. An actuator transmits an externally applied force to the cover to cause the cover to move and selectively open and shut the opening. A regulator controls action of the actuator to adjust movement of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Kyong Bae Park, Sung Jhee, Nam Soo Cho
  • Patent number: 7338226
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol can containing a two-component paint with an aerosol preparation, in particular for use in the automotive industry and for automotive repairs. Said aerosol can contains a binding agent component and a curing component. The binding agent component contains a curable epoxy parent component, solvents and a propellant and the curing component contains a cross-linking agent, which is suitable for curing the epoxy binding agent. The curing component is housed separately from the binding agent component in a cross-linking casing, which is located in the aerosol paint can and can be activated externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Kwasny
  • Patent number: 7303100
    Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid has a lid and lid actuator to move the lid between open and closed positions. The lid actuator may be connected to the container and movable relative to the opening about a pivot that is below a pivot about which the lid may move between the closed and open positions. The lid actuator may also lock the lid in position, such as in the open or closed position. The lid and lid actuator may also be arranged for movement independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Palm, James Wilson, John Costello, Richard G. Groth
  • Patent number: 7185792
    Abstract: A pressurized gas cartridge drives a dispensing device for viscous product cartridges. The dispensing device and the viscous product cartridge form a gas enclosure separated from a product enclosure by a movable wall. A valve is driven by a rack and pinion valve drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position upon rotation of the pinion. The rack rotates the pinion upon linear movement thereof. A trigger is adapted to impart linear movement to the rack upon manual actuation of the trigger. The open position of the nozzle valve permits viscous product to flow through the dispensing passage, and the closed position of the nozzle valve prevents viscous product from flowing through the dispensing passage. The interface between the trigger and rack is designed to operationally disengage rather than transmit a force therebetween that is capable of damaging the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Louis A. Gibbons, David C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7178697
    Abstract: A dispenser having an agitator for bulk product. The dispenser comprises a housing, a handle pivotally connected to the housing, a door connected to the handle and adapted to pivot between a closed position and an open position to selectively dispense the bulk product through an opening in the housing, and an agitator disposed within the housing and connected to the door. The agitator moves when the handle is pivoted, enabling the bulk product to flow by gravity toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Trade Fixtures, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Brundick, Christopher Relyea
  • Patent number: 7040528
    Abstract: A dispenser adapter assembly for bags includes a bag having a line of weakness defining an opening, and a dispenser adapter mounted to the bag. The dispenser adapter is formed of a first main base portion having an opening and a second slider retention base portion having an opening, with the two base portions being folded together with the openings substantially aligned with the bag opening. In addition a slide actuator is mounted between the two portions of the base for movement between a closed position blocking the openings and an open position permitting product flow through all of the openings. Mating movable and fixed stops are also provided to limit outward movement of the slide actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: David Todjar Hengami
  • Patent number: 6997352
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a support (2) for a collapsible container (28) and a connector (60), including a stopper (8), to connect an actuator of the liquid dispenser to the collapsible container (28). The stopper (8) is movable from a first position to a second position in which the stopper (8) connects to the collapsible container (28), whereby operation of the actuator causes the delivery of liquid from the dispenser. The collapsible container (28) is a flexible pouch (38) having a valve (52) which, upon movement of the stopper (8) into its second position, is moved from a first position preventing loss of liquid from the pouch (38), into a second position in which the stop valve (52) allows the delivery of a quantity of liquid from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Sallows, Etienne Vincent Bunoz
  • Patent number: 6964351
    Abstract: An ice dispensing chute mechanism is characterized by an ice chute adapted for attachment at an upper ice inlet end to an ice retaining bin at an ice outlet from the bin. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and has a lower end for being contacted and moved by a receptacle into which ice is to be dispensed from a lower ice discharge end of the chute and an upper end for contacting and moving a linkage mechanism upon rotation of the actuating arm by the receptacle. The linkage mechanism is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and is coupled to an ice gate that is linearly moved by the linkage mechanism between open and closed positions that establish and interrupt communication between the upper inlet to the chute and the ice outlet opening from the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Michael J. Scheurich
  • Patent number: 6851585
    Abstract: A valve particularly suitable for use on disposable containers has a valve head on a flexible membrane. A simple lever moves the valve head to open the valve and deform the membrane. The shape of the membrane returns the valve head to a closed position upon release of the lever. Structure for restricting movement is provided for preventing excessive deflection of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Wrigley
  • Patent number: 6789708
    Abstract: A dispenser (100) for diluting and dispensing a product concentrate into a container includes an actuation switch (108) and an actuator (115). The actuation switch (108) may either be manually activated in a first direction or it may be activated by pushing a container against the actuator (115) in a second direction which in turn pushes the actuation switch in the first direction to dispense a use solution. Therefore, the dispenser (100) readily accommodates any type of container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy J. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040108341
    Abstract: A valve particularly suitable for use on disposable containers has a valve head on a flexible membrane. A simple lever moves the valve head to open the valve and deform the membrane. The shape of the membrane returns the valve head to a closed position upon release of the lever. Structure for restricting movement is provided for preventing excessive deflection of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Wrigley
  • Patent number: 6705494
    Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Harold Rand Thompson, Gordon Gerald Guay
  • Patent number: 6659027
    Abstract: A dispenser for seed or feed having a tubular body with an interior volume and a dispensing opening at one end thereof, a handle affixed to the tubular body, a valve positioned within the interior volume adjacent the dispensing opening, and a button affixed to the handle and cooperative with the valve for opening the valve when the button is pushed and for closing the valve when the button is released. A line extends from the button through the interior of the handle and through the interior volume of the tubular body so as to be connected to the valve at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Miguel Z Garcia
  • Patent number: 6648185
    Abstract: An electrically operated pre-mix valve includes a cup lever operable to activate a switch to energize a solenoid. The solenoid operates a first lever, which then contacts and operates a second lever. The second lever, in turn, moves against the contact end of an actuating shaft. The actuating shaft is thereby moved to permit beverage flow through the valve and out of a nozzle thereof. Thus, the valve herein uses a compound lever system to gain a mechanical advantage for substantially lessening the opening force required to be applied by the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Henry, Stephen J. Czeck
  • Publication number: 20030111494
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process line system for handling biological samples. The system includes a control computer that controls the movement of a sample material plate along the process line. The control computer accepts user inputs that define handling of the biological samples. The system further includes a plurality of modules arranged along the process line. Each module includes at least one work station that performs at least one task associated with the handling of the biological samples. The control computer adjusts the movement of the sample material plate along the process line so that the sample material plate is transported to only those modules that are to handle the biological sample, and so that the sample material plate bypasses any module that should not handle the biological sample, as defined by the user inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SEQUENOM, INC.
    Inventors: Chao Lin, Xian-Wei Yao, Johannes Jansen, Paul Heaney, Elizabeth Nanthakumar, Wilbur Braulio, Ben Liang, Klaus Grohmann, Siegfried Unger, David Opalsky
  • Patent number: 6530501
    Abstract: A tapping head that is coupled to a disinfectant pump, the tapping head is for tapping beverages pressurized by gas. This tapping head comprises a housing, and a tapping tappet, disposed within the housing. This tapping tappet has at least one channel. There is also an actuating lever coupled to the housing. There is also a beverage closing valve disposed within the housing. Furthermore, there is also a fitting disposed at an end of the tapping tappet. When in operation, a disinfectant for disinfecting an area of the fitting is fed first via the actuating lever wherein the tapping tappet is subsequently moved against a CO2 connector of the fitting area whereby the beverage closing valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: IPE Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolph Till
  • Publication number: 20030019889
    Abstract: A kettle has a handle with a channel formed therein. The channel houses a slider with a push trigger on one end and a toothed rack on the other. A compression spring is positioned between the channel and the slider. A ratchet tooth gear is connected to the kettle spout cover/whistle. The gear is pivotally connected to the handle. The toothed rack of the slider engages the ratchet tooth gear so that a force applied to the trigger moves the cover to the open position. The removal of such force causes the cover to move to the closed position under the influence of the compression spring. The kettle may include a stop that locks the cover/whistle in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Lebowitz
  • Patent number: 6494349
    Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Harold Rand Thompson, Gordon Gerald Guay
  • Patent number: 6462288
    Abstract: A metering device comprises a scale barrel, a weight part, and a shut mechanism. The scale barrel is composed of a stationary box plate and a movable box plate pivotally connecting with each other. At least a weighing platform is provided at an inner side of the movable box plate. The weight part is disposed at a lateral side of the scale barrel to measure the weight of weighed substances sent into the scale barrel. The shut mechanism is disposed at an outer side of the movable box plate and has a moving rod to open or close the movable box plate. When the movable box plate is in a state of closing, weighed substances can be received in the scale barrel. When the weight of weighed substances in the scale barrel reaches to a predetermined value, the movable box plate may open pivotally to admit the weighed substances entering a packing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: David Wong
  • Patent number: 6446845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for a liquid container, notably for a container made of a flexible material housed in a substantially dimensionally stable outer container which encloses same and is penetrated by the dispensing device. Said dispensing device comprises a tubular part with an outlet opening which can be shut by a valve element. A tubular housing body is closed at one end by a membrane-like front disk in which a rod-like transverse element in which a valve tappet for a valve head originates which is assigned to the lateral outlet opening provided for in the tubular housing body. The valve tappet and valve head further form a monobloc unit made a plastic material which is softer than the material of the housing body or rod-like element, and the valve tappet is mounted on the rod-like element in the area of an articulated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kunststoffwerk & Formenbau Arthur Steiger AG
    Inventor: Arthur Steiger
  • Patent number: 6435381
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing dry foodstuffs includes a hopper and a free flow ball-type dispensing mechanism. The hopper chamber is configured for store shelf use having planar front and side panels. An exit orifice is formed in a lower portion of the hopper and most preferably at a lower front portion. The dispensing mechanism is positioned over the exit orifice and is selectively operable to regulate the dispensation of foodstuffs to the consumer. The dispensing mechanism is characterized by a covering housing and an internal gate mechanism. The covering housing includes a generally semi-spherical portion with an opening therethrough and an anchoring flange. The covering housing is secured over the hopper exit orifice such that foodstuffs move downwardly from the hopper chamber under gravity, through the exit orifice and into the interior of the semi-spherical portion of the covering housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Waldman
  • Publication number: 20020079475
    Abstract: A Portable Cooler Valve Activator includes a body, plunger tab, capturing tabs, flange gaps, ridge dimples, strap hole, and textured area. A Portable Cooler Valve Activator enables a user to maintain a valve plunger of variable sizes and depths in a depressed position. A Portable Cooler Valve Activator also allows a user to have both hands free from holding the valve plunger or Portable Cooler Valve Activator so both hands may be used to wash or hold a glass of fluid. The use of a Portable Cooler Valve Activator results in cleaner hands, valve, and plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Weir
  • Publication number: 20020070249
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a beverage container is provided including a carbonated beverage container containing a carbonated beverage. A dispenser includes a body assembly screwably mounted on the carbonated beverage container with a dispenser spout extending therefrom. A tube depends from the dispenser into the container and remains in communication with the dispenser spout. Situated within a bore formed in the body assembly is a plunger. Such bore connects the tube and the dispensing spout. The plunger has a spring urging the same into a first orientation for preventing the flow of fluid from the tube to the dispensing spout. Also included is a lever connected to the plunger for urging the plunger into a second orientation for allowing the flow of fluid from the tube to the dispensing spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Pavel Gheorgheos
  • Patent number: 6398084
    Abstract: A beer pouring faucet 14 provided in front of the server main body 12 extends from the faucet main body 18 and includes the operating lever 20 which functions to change pouring of beer or the head by tilting the lever back and forth. The drive apparatus 26 which is capable of automatic operation of the operating lever 20 comprises a housing 32 provided movably vertically with respect to the server main body 12, a horizontally movable slider 34 in forward and backward directions housed in the housing 32 and a drive mechanism 36 which moves the slider 34 forward and backward, The drive apparatus 26 is positioned at an operating position where the operating lever 20 is inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 or at a non-operating position where the operating lever 20 is separated from the engagement hole 61 by moving the housing vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumio Maruyama, Satoshi Takeuchi, Kouji Sutou, Akira Ogawa, Sukehide Itou, Naomoto Amano, Shigekazu Kondou, Satoru Kobayashi, Shigeaki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 6321952
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sprayer (12) actuating device comprising a support (22) whereon the sprayer (12) is supported and a member (24) actuating the sprayer knob (18) mobile axially relative to the support by action of the control means (34, 36, 43, 46, 47, 58) between a position driving in the knob (18) and a position releasing it, the control means (34, 36, 43, 47, 58) comprising elastic means (36) for urging the actuating member in depressing position and means capable of disengaging (58) the lock of the actuating member into releasing position. The control means comprise a rotatable handle (43) manually actuated by a user and associated to a cam (43) moving the actuating member (24) from the depressing position to the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sanofiosynthelabo
    Inventors: Didier Cassier, Brigitte Illel, Henry Saunal
  • Patent number: 6321950
    Abstract: An all-encompassing atomizing dispenser device consisting of a vertical standing tube or container, chassis, and a bottle holder insert-clip, comprising a conventional spray bottle with a standard fine mist spray nozzle fixed in one basic direction for atomizing various liquids for multiple applications. The user can simply place a hand down into the opening of the device, tilt or press lightly with the palm by applying pressure on the bottle holder insert-clip, which instantaneously atomizes the hand within the all-encompassing dispenser. The bottle holder insert-clip can be easily removed in order that the conventional spray bottle may be filled with user's choice of liquid. This invention resolves the inconvenience of handling a conventional spray bottle by passing it from one hand to another. It may be placed on a flat surface and is of convenient size to be transported from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Chris Muis
  • Patent number: 6299035
    Abstract: A remote activation dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluids. An actuating device positioned on a dispensing tube is operably connected to a flexible elongated member, which is operably connected to a valve in a dispensing unit. Upon manipulation of the actuating device, the valve is actuated for passing or cutting off fluids from the dispensing unit to the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro Systems Company
    Inventor: Mark D. Dalhart
  • Patent number: 6269984
    Abstract: Internal, liquid flow passages in a dispensing stopper which might accumulate residue from the liquid being dispensed are eliminated in a structure including a stopper base (24) adapted to be mounted on the mouth (12) of a bottle (10). A seal (64) is mounted on the base (24) and includes a fixed section (66) affixed to the base (24), a movable gasket section (38) movable toward and away from the stopper base (24) and away and toward a sealing surface (16) on a bottle (10) on which the base (24) is mounted, and an integral, thin web (76) of resilient material peripherally interconnecting and sealing the fixed section (66) and the movable gasket section (38). An actuator attachment section (52) is affixed to the movable gasket section (38) and a lever (36) is pivoted to the base (24) and to the actuator attachment section (52) at spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Thermos Company
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 6267273
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to measure out precisely the liquid to be poured out and applied, to safely achieve the firm assembly of components and to obtain effective function of displays. An applying stopper (1), which changeovers communication of a measuring chamber (A) formed by rotational operation between a bottle unit (8) and a pouring out mouth (55), is attached to a bottle unit (8). The measuring chamber (A) is structured by parts that cannot be deformed. Inseparable assembling of an attaching unit (2) and a switching unit (4) of the applying stopper (1) is achieved by bending displacement of engagement coupling function parts. An assembling position of the applying stopper (1) with respect to the bottle unit (8) in the circumferential direction is aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignees: Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Takako Okajima, Yoshiyuki Kakuta, Riichi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6267272
    Abstract: An ice cube outlet cover assembly for a refrigerator includes an improved cover (40) and a cover actuating lever (50) for providing opening and closing of an ice cube outlet (22). The cover (40) and lever (50) include a hinge portion (49) and hinge member (53) which are made of a flexible material and include respective hinge shafts (42 and 53a) for rotatably supporting the associated cover (40) and lever (50). Shaft supporting members (43 and 54) are provided on the inner wall (25a) of an access opening (25) in which the hinge shafts (42 and 53a) are easily fitted by bending and releasing the hinge portion (49) and hinge member (53). The hinge portion (49) and hinge member (53) include respective spring supporting bars (44 and 53b) on which springs (45 and 47) are mounted to return the cover (40) and lever (50), respectively, to the original positions thereof when an ice dispensing operation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Samgsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-In Shin
  • Patent number: 6257452
    Abstract: Container pouring devices and methods for liquids. The preferred pouring devices have a first body part which carries a first rear portion and a second front portion, and a second body part which carries a retainer for retaining the device in association with the container, and a biasing member. The device has a first non-pouring position in which the second portion is in sealing engagement with the container, and a second, pouring, position, so that depression of the first portion causes at least part of the second portion to move from the first non-pouring position to the second pouring position, and cessation of depression of the first portion causes the biasing member to urge the first and second portions to readopt the first non-pouring position. Contents may therefore be poured from the container by holding the container with only one hand when the container is in the first, non-pouring, position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Castrol Limited
    Inventor: Michael Allen
  • Patent number: 6253965
    Abstract: Improvements in valve heads for soft drink bottles and the like, of the kind which may be coupled to the neck of a bottle containing carbonated liquid, including a valve body crossed by a liquid circulation channel communicating an outer spout with the inner outlet of a dip tube which ends inside the bottle; a check valve which, mounted in the circulation channel, has a normally closed valve blocker the stem of which has a sliding guide in the upper portion of the valve body; the improvements comprising a covering hood having substantially a frustoconical shape, a command element constituting a second genus lever, a removable band constituting a folding strap for the foldable articulated arm, a mouth constituting a passage for the outer spout, and connecting element between the hood and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sides S.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Jose Pitocco
  • Patent number: 6230769
    Abstract: In a beverage tap of the kind used in ale houses, pubs and restaurants, a tap-handle-assembly extension is provided that facilitates the operation of the tap with one hand so that the server can easily fill two receptacles from two taps simultaneously without wasting beverage. Disclosed embodiments include an extension that may be reversibly retrofitted to an existing tap, an extension that is incorporated into the structure of a tap handle, and an extension that is connected to and contiguous with an upper retaining nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Denis Richard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6126046
    Abstract: A device for facilitating easier operation of a spigot having a body portion, a reciprocatable portion which is linearly movable with respect to the spigot body portion between an open position and a closed position to regulate fluid flow through the spigot, and a spring member urging the reciprocatable portion to the closed position, includes a mount member which is configured to be removably attachable to a portion of the spigot and an actuator member connected to the mount member. The actuator member is movable with respect to the mount member between a first location in which the actuator member, when attached to the spigot, urges the reciprocatable portion of the spigot to the open position to allow fluid to flow through the spigot, and a second location in which the actuator member, when attached to the spigot, allows the spring member of the spigot to urge the reciprocatable portion of the spigot to the closed position to prevent fluid from flowing through the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Eric J. Baculy
  • Patent number: 6126047
    Abstract: Fluid dispensing nozzles which include valve mechanisms that allow fluid flow around substantially the entire periphery of valve elements. The valve elements are located in a substantially linear central flow path formed in the bodies of the dispensing nozzles. Dispensing spouts are coupled to the nozzle bodies so that the axes of the dispensing spouts intersect the angle of the axes of the central flow paths at obtuse angles, and preferably at angles which reduce flow resistance. The dispensing nozzles of the present invention include push rod bores and bores for receiving the dispensing spouts which bores are parallel so that they can be machined simultaneously, thereby reducing machining steps and manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Tuthill Corporation
    Inventors: Tab C. Johnson, Kraig J. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 6082598
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing children from pressing a dispenser supplying hot water in a water purifier has a shaft coupled to the center of the dispenser, for discharging hot water by moving the shaft up and down. A plate is installed at the upper end of the dispenser while being positioned on both sides of the shaft. The plate is connected to the shaft; a guide bar is connected to the plate and formed in unitary one-piece constructed with a spring insert bole which has a first spring having given restoration force. A movement element having an insert groove and, an insert hole for being coupled to the plate and the guide bar, can be moved to the front and rear to act as a fulcrum for raising the shaft when the plate is pivoted downwardly but only when the movement element is in its forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: SungKeun Lee
  • Patent number: 6068163
    Abstract: A portable dispensing apparatus in which a fuel containing chamber is pressurized by a hand operated air pump. The fuel is dispensed by a pickup tube whose receiving end is within the chamber where it is joined to a flexible hose equipped with a bellows; the opposite end being connected to a valved handle outside the chamber and includes a nozzle for dispensing the fuel. An actuation lever pivotally mounted to the handle allows the operator to control the flow rate and velocity of emitted fuel so that even incremental amounts can be dispensed without difficulty. The flexible hose can be stored in a skirt on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Scott C. Kihm
  • Patent number: 6003727
    Abstract: A coin operated fragrance dispensing device comprises a casing having a plurality of actuation assemblies for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a user selected fragrance from a plurality of fragrance canisters therein. A lockable front door of the casing presents indicia and selection buttons corresponding to the fragrance canisters therein. The casing includes an adjustable holder adapted to carry variously sized fragrance canisters. A coin inserted through a slot in the front door of the casing falls upon a crank arm and is lodged between flanges thereon. The weight of the coin causes the arm to tilt and thus to pull down upon a pivot arm. As the shaft pivots about an axis established by a shaft which connects the pivot arms of each actuation assembly, push rods extend to move levers into open or unlocked positions. Accordingly, an actuation bar attached to a fragrance selection button is free to slidably engage a pressure responsive valve means of a fragrance canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Bonnie R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5979713
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an improved tap assembly including a tap, a delivery tube, and a rotatable cam for selectively compressing or not compressing a resilient flow control portion of the delivery tube in order to block or allow fluid flow therethrough. Also included is a decompression device for positively ensuring unrestricted flow through the resilient flow control portion when the cam is rotated to its opened position. The dispensed fluid may be pressurized by premixing with another fluid supplied by a manifold. The manifold is adapted to be connected to multiple pressurized sources of the another fluid. A diffuser is provided upstream of the flow control portion in order to effectively condition the dispensed fluid to desired characteristics such as reduced velocity, laminar flow, and appearance. The tap and manifold have matable piloting members for easily guiding these components together in correct relation for a snap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sturman BG, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Grill
  • Patent number: 5921425
    Abstract: A new container cap for safely dispensing material from a container, especially cleanser containers. The device includes a circular cap member having an apertured top wall and a cylindrical collar adapted to engage with the top of a container, a pivoting disk attached to the top wall for pivoting movement to selectively cover and uncover the aperture(s) in the top wall, and a finger actuated, spring biased tab connected to the disk to cause pivoting movement of the disk between the covered and uncovered positions. A cylindrical containment tube extends from the top wall inside the cap member which seals with the top of the container. The material within the container thus flows entirely through the containment tube to the aperture(s), before being dispensed from the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Victor S. Markey
  • Patent number: 5878919
    Abstract: A product dispenser utilizes an elastomeric tube which is compressed between a plunger and a frame by means of axially slidable members which support the plunger and frame for movement in equal and opposite directions so as to compress the tube and thereby force an aliquot portion of liquid from the tube. Release of the tube will cause the tube to return to its original position due to the elasticity of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Bruce E. Heggeland, William R. Blechschmidt, III
  • Patent number: 5875926
    Abstract: A slide trigger for a liquid delivery system has a handle and a retractable trigger assembly. The handle has a grip portion and a barrel portion with a guide. The trigger assembly has a slide which travels freely within the guide and a trigger portion attached to the slide which activates the liquid delivery system when the trigger portion is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5862952
    Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening/closing section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening/closing section having a pair of cams. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kweon Lee
  • Patent number: 5857596
    Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which includes a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward by a lever of the opening section. The lever has a dispensing head which is provided on an upper surface thereof with a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kweon Lee
  • Patent number: 5858095
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granules onto a moving asphalt coated sheet includes first and second granule feed chambers containing granules that are fed to a discharge slot by first and second pockets. The pockets are formed in a slidable divider positioned between the feed chambers and the discharge slot. The divider is slid between a first position and a second position by a fluid powered actuator via an actuator rod. In the first position, the first pocket is in communication with the first granule feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber and the second pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the second pocket. In the second position the first pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the first pocket and the second pocket is in communication with the second feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. White, Glenn D. Lamb, Carla A. Miller, Lawrence J. Grubka
  • Patent number: 5845823
    Abstract: A simple cover and dispenser combination for bottles containing carbonated colas and pressurized liquids includes a cap for mounting in sealing engagement on the top end of a bottle; a sleeve extending downwardly from the center of the cap for receiving liquid from the interior of the container, and for discharging the liquid through a central opening in the cap; a valve seat in the sleeve around the bottom of the opening; and a valve in the sleeve, the valve including a tubular body fixed in the sleeve, a head on the body normally sealing against the valve seat, a plunger extending upwardly from the head through the central opening, and a resilient cage, defining a section of the body beneath the head, whereby the plunger can be pressed downwardly to deform the cage and open the valve by moving the head away from the seat, permitting the dispensing of fluid through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Jet Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan Lindmayer
  • Patent number: 5842619
    Abstract: A device is provided for controlling a discharge of a heavy material from a container such as a bucket, hopper or bin. The device generally includes a combination of gears and levers to couple rotation of a hand wheel or other bar to motion of the release door of a container such that the gears provide a force to the release door which is much greater than that applied to the hand wheel or bar. More specifically, the device may consist of a hand-driven shaft capable of being rotated by a hand wheel or other device. The rotation of this shaft may be coupled by interlocking gears to the rotation of a drive shaft, which is attached to the release door of the container by a lever, such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the release door to open or close, regulating the discharge of concrete or other heavy material from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Scott J. Cousino
  • Patent number: 5797524
    Abstract: A spigot actuator assembly for dispensing liquid from a spigot mounted on a projecting spout of a bag-in-box container for operating a dispensing lever on the spigot to move the dispensing lever from a horizontal closed position to an upwardly projecting open position for dispensing the liquid from the container, and for quickly replacing the container when desired. A method of using the spigot actuator assembly including snapping the spigot actuator assembly onto the spout, pushing down on a lever of the spigot actuating assembly for dispensing the liquid, releasing the actuator assembly to automatically close the spout, and snapping off the actuator assembly from the spout when it is desired to remove the container, and snapping a replacement container onto the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Rapid Cartridge Dispensing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger W. Lentz