With Interior Material Guide Or Restrictor Patents (Class 222/547)
  • Patent number: 5988456
    Abstract: A closed loop dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the bottle is closed by a throat plug having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container cap is mounted on the container, but which automatically closes when the cap is removed from the container. A dip tube extends downwardly from the container insert and is in communication with the valve so that liquid in the bottle may be drawn therethrough. A closure cap is mounted on the bottle and has a dispensing tube extending therefrom for dispensing liquid from the container to a mixing machine or the like. A check valve is associated with the cap for preventing backflow from the dispensing tube to the container and for permitting liquid flow from the container to the dispensing tube in response to suction being applied to the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 5988415
    Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of liquid from a bottle having a chamber and a spout with a passage communicating with such chamber. A cage is partially located within the bottle at the spout passage. The cage defines a particular volume and includes an exit communicating with the spout passage. A floating element is located and moveable within the cage. The floating element is formed to block the spout passage from the bottle when it is positioned adjacent the spout passage. The floating element also permits the flow of fluid from the passage when the bottle is oriented in a certain configuration. The cage may be secured to the spout passage or formed integrally with the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Paul and Sara Garbarini 1989 Family Trust
    Inventor: Keith T. White
  • Patent number: 5983059
    Abstract: A recyclable toner container having a hollow cylindrical body, a toner outlet at one end of the container, and a removable cap fitted in the toner outlet. The cap have a plurality of circumferential protuberances on an outer periphery thereof and contacting the inner periphery of the toner outlet. The diameters of the plurality of protuberances are sequentially increased from a downstream side toward an upstream side in a direction in which the cap is inserted into the toner outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Oka, Yasushi Akiba, Masumi Ikesue, Masakazu Nakada, Hiroyasu Itou
  • Patent number: 5979689
    Abstract: A guard for preventing spilling or splashing of hot or cold liquids from a drinking container when the container is moved or when drinking therefrom. The guard includes a lower lid attached to the drinking container and an upper lid attachable to the lower lid which is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The lower lid includes a resilient sidewall for sealably engaging the inner surface of the drinking container to prevent the beverage from flowing therebetween when the container is moved or when drinking therefrom. A plurality of openings evenly spaced around the center of the lower lid are also provided in the lower lid for allowing the beverage to pass from beneath the lower lid to a position thereabove when the upper lid is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Daryl J. Lansky
  • Patent number: 5975141
    Abstract: A variable orifice for controlling the flow of pulverized coal and air in a pipe leading to a cool burner comprises a plurality of flow restriction poles extending into the pipe. The poles are radially adjustable to vary the amount of restriction to flow. Indicia are provided to indicate the position of the inner ends of the poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Detroit Edison Company
    Inventor: Medhat A. Higazy
  • Patent number: 5938087
    Abstract: A spurt-resistant spout for a dispensing structure includes (1) an internal tubular portion having a through bore connecting a dispensing orifice of the spout with the interior of the container, and (2) a surrounding wall portion surrounding the tubular portion. The tubular portion and the surrounding wall portion are sized and located so that little or no fluid is retained in and across the spout bore so as to prevent, or minimize, obstruction of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Randall
  • Patent number: 5934522
    Abstract: A flexible elongated tubular neck having an accordion shape that is rigidly mounted to a container containing liquids, and having an upper opening, that permits a user to readily pour out the content into a reservoir without the need of a funnel and without the risk of spillage. This elongated tubular accordion shaped neck has a threaded tubular end to cooperatively receive a threaded cap thereto, and also has sufficient length so that a user can extend it and locate the threaded tubular end next to a reservoir so that the liquid content can be transferred from the container to another reservoir. The elongated tubular accordion shaped neck includes locking means mounted to its internal wall, wherein the locking means includes a plurality of plates radially and inwardly extended, and at least one protuberance and a cavity in coaxial alignment with respect to each other. When the accordion shaped neck is in compressed position, the protuberances engage within the cavities located in another adjacent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Heriberto Canela, Carlos M. Mendez
  • Patent number: 5887758
    Abstract: An ice access and discharge apparatus for an ice bin including an access opening for access to ice in the bin and a slidably disposed ice baffle for baffling ice within the bin away from the access opening and metering ice flow to an ice discharge spout and to provide ice on a first in-first out basis. The ice discharge spout has a slidably disposed ice discharge gate for manually metering ice into an ice container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Follett Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Blair Hawkes, Dale Stanley Berger
  • Patent number: 5839609
    Abstract: The thermoformed package has a positive sealing ridge valve so that portions of the thermoformed package can be dispensed at different times. There is a relatively thick, shaped bottom sheet and a relatively thin, substantially planar, top sheet. The top sheet is bonded to the shaped bottom sheet around the perimeter of the shaped bottom sheet. At one end of the shaped bottom sheet there is a narrowed region with at least two recesses and a ridge separating the recessed areas. The ridge extends to or above the top surface of the shaped bottom sheet. The top sheet and the ridge cooperate to form a ridge valve to seal the body portion of the thermoformed package from a dispensing opening until a positive force is applied to the body portion. The thermoformed package is opened by the removal of a tab located beyond the recesses and ridge. The recesses and ridge in the shaped bottom sheet and the relatively thin top sheet form an effective sealing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Issac Zakensberg
  • Patent number: 5839626
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container having an opening. The closure includes a base for mounting to the container around the opening. A dispensing valve is disposed across the base and defines an orifice which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and closes to shut off flow therethrough upon removal of the increased pressure. An outer member is included on the base outwardly of the valve. The outer member defines at least one dispensing aperture and functions as a flow baffle and/or guard for protecting the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Bruce M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5765655
    Abstract: A combinational weighing machine has not only a plurality of weighing devices for weighing articles and outputting signals indicative of their weight values and a control system for calculating combinations of the weight values, selecting a combination of weighing devices according to a given criterion and causing articles to be discharged from the selected combination of weighing devices, but also a discharge chute for receiving the discharged articles and leading them to a discharge opening and a guide member disposed inside the discharge chute with a sloped outer surface serving to deflect the articles colliding therewith into a vertically downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Tatsuoka
  • Patent number: 5762117
    Abstract: A hollow tube attachable at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with a fluid conduit termination disk separated from the end of the hollow tube by a space that defines a fluid discharge opening. A slide valve on the exterior of the tube is biased into a closed position engaging the fluid conduit termination disk and precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. A barricade is disposed across the interior of the tube at an inclination relative to the longitudinal axis thereof. Formed through the barricade is at least one elongated aperture extending continuously from a first longitudinal position in the tube to a second longitudinal position in the tube that is located further from the container of fluid than is the first longitudinal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Verl Law
  • Patent number: 5743437
    Abstract: A reusable closure for placement within the neck of a returnable and reusable container for liquid includes an improved sealing device for preventing contamination of the container. The sealing device achieves a tight seal between a ball and a valve seat within the closure. A cap abutment or spring may optionally be provided to further enhance the tightness of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Monsanto Europe S.A.
    Inventors: David Moore, Christopher Harris
  • Patent number: 5683544
    Abstract: There are adhesive foams that are formulated for gun uses and adhesive foams that are formulated for adapter use. This means a double track in production, storage and use of adapter foams. The invention is a gun version that permits use of adhesive foams such as used in the adapter version. For this purpose, the needle and the nozzle tube in the gun have a shape such that the nozzle tube has at least one mixing path, and the amount of foam can be sensitively metered by means of narrowings and widenings between the inner wall of the nozzle tube and the outer wall of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Volker Kopp
  • Patent number: 5676289
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container having an opening. The closure includes a base for mounting to the container around the opening. A dispensing valve is disposed across the base and defines an orifice which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and closes to shut off flow therethrough upon removal of the increased pressure. A dispersion baffle is included on the base outwardly of the valve. The baffle defines a plurality of dispensing apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Bruce M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5667108
    Abstract: An apparatus for dosing volumes and/or weights of a free-flowing product contains a shaft formed by four fixed walls. At the lower end of the shaft is provided a rotary flap or valve, which can be closed and opened by a motor drive. Rotation takes place about an axis located in the vicinity of the rear wall of the shaft. The rotary valve can be opened to randomly selectable opening positions and fixed there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: OPTIMA-Maschinenfabrik Dr. Buhler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Braun, Werner Gwinner
  • Patent number: 5667084
    Abstract: A self-contained attachment unit which is to be connected between the mouth of a baby nurser and a nipple, including a liquid flow path having a variable internal diameter, and an adjuster for varying the internal diameter, a track path following the liquid flow path to guide the adjuster along the liquid flow path for controlling the size of the internal diameter from its maximum to closure to vary liquid flow from the baby nurser to the nipple from a maximum to complete shut off of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Mother's Love Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gurpinder Duggal, Rakeshwar Sachathamakul
  • Patent number: 5658116
    Abstract: A bulk feed delivery system includes a bulk body having a dispensing opening extending along a bottom end thereof; a pair of gates arranged adjacent the dispensing opening, the gates being movable between a first position to close the dispensing opening and a second position to open the dispensing opening; a gate cover; a plurality of gate supports fictionally supporting the gates under the gate cover, each gate support having a surface; and a gate guide mechanism mounted to an underside of each of the pair of gates, each of the gate guide mechanisms being operable with the respective surface of the gate supports for controlling the movement and orientation of the gates during movement between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Sudenga Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Krull
  • Patent number: 5573145
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling foaming and flowrate in a beverage dispensing system, such as a draft beer dispensing system. A flow regulating member is positioned within a faucet member, at the delivery end of the beer dispensing system, to balance the dispensing system to, in turn, further prevent the break-up of the beverage into foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Banner Equipment
    Inventor: James K. Groh
  • Patent number: 5540350
    Abstract: A guard for preventing splashing or sloshing of hot or cold liquids from a drinking container with which the guard is used. The guard includes a lower disk having an outer circular rim for engaging the inner face of the side wall of the drinking container, an upper disk having an outer rim spaced from the drinking container to provide an annular passage between the upper disk and the inner face of the side wall of the drinking container with which the guard is used, a baffle interposed between the lower disk and the upper disk for functioning to baffle the beverage when the drinking container is in motion and to act as a support for supporting the upper disk from the lower disk, and a passageway is provided through the lower disk to allow passage of the beverage through the lower disk to a position above the lower disk. An upstanding handle is provided on the upper disk and a receptacle is provided on the lower disk to removably receive the handle and permit stacking of the guards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mallory Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daryl J. Lansky
  • Patent number: 5531363
    Abstract: A cartridge for a closure, and a closure containing such a cartridge, are provided for accommodating the dispensing of a liquid product from a container. The cartridge includes a body, a valve seated in the body, and a retainer engaged with the body to hold the retainer and body in a clamping relationship retaining the valve in position on the body. A standardized valve and overall cartridge design may be employed with a variety of different closure housings for different containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Aptargroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Eldon W. Schaffer, II
  • Patent number: 5522516
    Abstract: A liquid flow control attachment for a baby nurser to control flow of liquid contents contained in the baby nurser to a nipple adapted to be sucked on by an individual, having a self contained attachment unit with one end adapted to be connected to the baby nurser and another end adapted to be connected to a nipple, a colic control mechanism associated with the one end adapted to receive the liquid from the baby nurser and transfer it to the other end; a washer associated with the other end for transferring the liquid from the baby nurser to the nipple, and a flow rate control comprising a liquid path coupling the colic control mechanism with the washer, and an adjuster associated with the liquid path for adjustment thereof for controlling the quantity of liquid passing from the baby nurser to the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Mother's Love Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gurpinder Duggal, Rakeshwar Sachathamakul
  • Patent number: 5505337
    Abstract: A hygienic toothpaste dispenser for selectively distributing toothpaste onto a toothbrush from one of a plurality tubes oriented so as to form a stand for a toothpaste container shaped as a cylinder, the tubes being capped with snap type covers. The tubes have indicia thereon to identify with a specific user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Carrie W. Littman, Kenneth C. Wenzer
  • Patent number: 5503090
    Abstract: A portable fertilizer root feeder for fertilizing plants which fertilizer root feeder operates on the principle of gravity and positioning of an applicator tube in order to regulate the flow of the fertilizer. The fertilizer root feeder includes a portable tank with a hose extension, a frame which supports the tank and which tank may be strapped to an operator's back for transport of the tank and a T-stake for making a hole in an area about plant roots such that the hose extension may be placed within the hole to deposit fertilizer. The invention operates without any mechanical parts and operates based on the principles of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Donald A. Guzan
  • Patent number: 5492253
    Abstract: A cap utilizes a flat disc having a peripheral socket adapted to receive the open end of the neck of a small necked plastic bottle. The disc has a first narrow rectangularly elongated slot centered therein. A vertical hollow spout is integral with the disc. The spout has open upper and lower ends and has an inner wall. The spout tapers downwardly and outwardly to the disc. The lower end of the spout has an opening the same size and shape as said first slot and is coincident therewith. The upper end of the spout has a second narrow rectangularly elongated slot centered on the first slot. A flat horizontal member is disposed in the spout between the upper and lower ends and is sealed peripherally to the inner wall. The member has a third narrow rectangularly elongated slot centered on the first slot, the third slot being much narrower than either one of the first and second slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Mary-Elizabeth Proshan
  • Patent number: 5454489
    Abstract: A self-sealing closure device for a container comprising an insert (1) adapted to be secured within a container neck (2) and comprising a pouring opening as well as a cap (11) adapted to be fastened on the container neck (2). The insert (1) comprises an inwardly extending resilient conically shaped sealing device (8), which at its inner end is provided with an upwardly facing sealing face (10) adapted to sealingly co-operate with a downwardly facing sealing face (18) on the cap (11). The sealing engagement of the two sealing faces (10, 18) being released at a predetermined internal overpressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Steen Vesborg
  • Patent number: 5429282
    Abstract: A multi-position self-guiding cap for attachment to a container. A tip of a cap assembly is mounted over a post section of a shell such that a guiding rib of the tip engages with a guiding channel and an annular groove of the shell. The annular channel allows circumferential movement of the tip relative to the shell. The guiding channel is preferably of a U-shape having a trunk branch and two side branches. The guiding channel defines the different positions of the cap. In moving between the respective positions, the user merely moves the tip in one direction to change states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Erie Plastics
    Inventor: Matthew E. Stebick
  • Patent number: 5417336
    Abstract: A non-spill medicine bottle comprising a bottle having a body coupled to a neck terminating in an opening adapted to allow material to pour therethrough, the bottle having a plurality of plates defining a flow inhibitor disposed therein and coupled thereto, each plate offset from the other plates to define a plurality of channels, the channels adapted to inhibit the flow of material from the body at one position but allow the flow of material from the body at a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Michael M. Cortez
  • Patent number: 5368205
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling foaming and flowrate in a beverage dispensing system, such as a draft beer dispensing system. A flow regulating member is positioned within a faucet member, at the delivery end of the beer dispensing system, to balance the dispensing system to, in turn, further prevent the break-up of the beverage into foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Banner Beverage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Groh
  • Patent number: 5360369
    Abstract: A dispensing device utilises a bulk dispensing receptacle (2) used in combination with a dispensing hopper (1) to dispense coins, tokens or other items to an outlet tray (4) of a change or vending machine. The bulk dispensing apparatus being adapted to be filled to a predetermined number of coins, tokens or items when the change or vending machine is not being used by a user. Additionally an extension bin (3) for gravity feed of coins, tokens and items into the hoppers may be used having inclined walls and a baffle device to prevent "bridging" of coins, tokens and items. The dispensing device is quick in dispensing coins or tokens by filling the bulk dispensing receptacle (2) whilst information is being inputted by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Scandic International Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Stig B. Larsson, Ian M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5323938
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of a liquid or a powdered material from a container. The dispensing device fits inside the container and comprises a lower measuring reservoir, a discharge tube, and an upper compartment. The upper compartment couples the device to the mouth of the container and includes a pressure equalizer. The measuring reservoir is suspended inside the container by the discharge tube and upper compartment so that material can move freely around the measuring reservoir. To dispense a pre-measured amount of material, the container is inverted which causes the material to be captured by the measuring reservoir. To facilitate capturing material, the reservoir includes a number of inlet notches. The reservoir also includes an overflow tube. The function of the overflow tube is to meter the amount of material that is captured by releasing any excess which may accumulate when the container is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: The Authentic Group Inc.
    Inventors: Loreto J. Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Patent number: 5320260
    Abstract: A dispensing device to be fitted to the top of a container and to be used to dispense heavy or viscous fluid from the container. It is a unitary structure that comprises generally a spout having a fluid passageway, a rod extending through the center of the spout, and a skirt bounding the base of the spout. The rod is joined to the inner wall of the spout by a relatively thin rectangular brace. The rod is generally cylindrical and has chamfered ends. An annular, curved member is formed inside the skirt and extends away from the spout to form a bottomless bowl portion interconnecting the spout passageway to form a continuous fluid passageway. The rod provides additional surface area for the liquid to cling to while it is being dispensed and also delays venting as the container is righted after the desired amount of liquid is dispensed, thereby preventing drippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: John Song, Richard W. Hofmann, Michael C. Illenberger
  • Patent number: 5309961
    Abstract: Nozzles for filler pipes employed in packaging machines of the type which meter a certain quantity of contents, e.g. milk, into individual packages which are advanced stepwise and placed beneath the nozzle of the filler pipe. In order to avoid frothing of the contents, of the nozzle is manufactured from flexible material and includes one or more transverse rigidifying ribs which are of substantially triangular cross sectional configuration and which define two or more separate outlets. The outlets are covered by flaps which are opened by the contents when the contents are caused, with the aid of a metering pump, to flow out through the filler pipe so that the flow of contents is divided and directed towards the vertical walls of the package via which the contents flow down to the bottom of the package with a considerably reduced risk of frothing and spatter as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Rickard Franke, Bengt Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 5265847
    Abstract: A self closing squeeze valve comprising a resilient and deformable valve body having a cavity into which a wafer made of closed cell foam with a smooth surface is permanently inserted, causing a normal state of blockage and seal. Lips are provided across the opposing broad surfaces of the cavity, aligned normal to the direction of flow through the valve, to augment sealing by the wafer. Manual pressure on the valve body causes both components to deform to form a passage allowing flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel J. Vorhis
  • Patent number: 5228599
    Abstract: A dispensing cartridge having two storage cylinders with different cross-sectional areas and each having a respective dispensing opening. A connecting piece provided in front of the storage cylinders has a common outlet for the substances contained in the storage cylinders and dispensing channels which are connected to the respective dispensing openings. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing channel connected with the dispensing opening of the storage cylinder with a smaller cross-section is adapted with an insert so that the ratio of the cross-sections of the dispensing channels corresponds to the ratio of the cross-sections of the associated storage cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 5211319
    Abstract: Summarily, the present invention relates to equipment preventing separation in bulk material in connection with transfer and/or transport of such material. The equipment includes at least one compartment or tube (11) which is open straight through and through which the material is caused to flow when it is loaded onto a substructure. Suitably, the material is delimited to what can be likened to pillars, by its being caused to flow through an array of compartments or tubes (14) arranged mutually adjacent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Uni Patent AB
    Inventor: Bo Reinholdsson
  • Patent number: 5199612
    Abstract: A traveling bucket assembly is operable to dispense particulate product contained in a pair of food hoppers simultaneously onto target areas on an underlying conveyor. An outside gate is movable to open and close a dispensing outlet formed in the bottom of each of the food hoppers. An inside gate in the hoppers is movable independently of the outside gate to block further discharge of product from the hoppers even though the outside gate is retained in its opened position so that discharge of product can be regulated with greater precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Raque Food Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen F. Raque
  • Patent number: 5141138
    Abstract: A pouring cap for mounting atop a neck of a container is unitarily formed of a synthetic resin with a body adapted to fit over the neck of the container and having an outer body edge centered on an axis, a central pour tube within the edge and forming an axially throughgoing outflow passage, and a cover sealingly engageable in a closed position with the body over the passage at the edge. A hinge is provided on the edge between the body and the cover and a hook projects axially from the cover in the closed position past the edge of the body at a location on the edge generally diametrically opposite the hinge. A retaining element defines with the body an opening adjacent the edge opposite the hinge location. The hook is engageable with elastic deformation through the opening to catch underneath the retaining element and once inserted through the opening is engaged such that the hook or the element must be permanently deformed to move the cover from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Astra Plastique
    Inventors: Philippe Odet, Jacques Ambrosi
  • Patent number: 5139182
    Abstract: A two-piece, plastic, screw-on, closure and dispenser has an outer tubular female part with upper and lower internal screw threads and a separate, inner tubular male part with a single external screw thread rotatably attachable to the upper thread of the female part the lower thread of which is screwed onto the external screw thread of an outlet on top of a container, the male part is double-walled, an elongated pouring spout is an integral axial extension of an inner wall and a knurled hand knob is at the top of an outer wall and is turnable in either direction within the stationary female part for axial extension or retraction of the spout. An integral, internal, annular frustro-conical flange extends around the internal wall surface of the female part between threads and forms a valve seat around a fluid-flow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Constandinos Appla
  • Patent number: 5139183
    Abstract: A closure is shown for use with an ice dispensing apparatus having an ice chute defining a front opening. The closure includes a door case having a front wall of a size and shape corresponding to the chute opening, a rearwardly turned perimeter wall connected to the front wall and having an outwardly turned flange, and a pair of baffles extending rearwardly from opposite sides of the flange. An insulation core is disposed within the perimeter wall rearwardly of the front wall. A gasket engages the chute incident to the closure being in the closed position. A rear wall is provided for substantially covering the chute opening incident to the closure being in the closed position. The baffles are operable to direct flow of ice pieces delivered through the opening when the closure is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Buchser, Carl R. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5123575
    Abstract: A container for storing and pouring a liquid, such as motor oil, has top, bottom, and lateral walls, a spout extending upwardly from the top wall, and two interior partitions, which are horizontal in an upright position of the container. Each partition defines an orifice extending between such partition and a side wall. The partitions divide the container into primary, secondary, and tertiary chambers. The primary chamber, which is the lowest chamber when the container is upright, has a volume sufficient to contain a predetermined quantity of motor oil. The secondary and tertiary chambers have substantially smaller volumes. The partitions prevent the primary chamber from being emptied of a liquid, when the container is rotated in a prescribed direction, unless the container is inverted sufficiently to incline, at an angle of approximately 8.degree. from horizontal, a planar surface being defined by each partition and facing the other partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Hofman Y. Li
  • Patent number: 5105998
    Abstract: A first cup member (4) has (a) a first channel (18) which passes radially from the center of its bottom panel (6) along the inside surface of said bottom panel (6) and substantially axially, upwardly along the inside of its wall(s) (8) and (b) an outlet (16) which communicates with the first channel (18) at a point remote from said bottom panel (6). A second cup member (10) has an opening (20) in its bottom panel (12) at an edge of the bottom panel (12) which communicates with a second channel (22) which passes radially along the outside surface of its bottom panel (12). The second cup member (10) is positionable within the first cup member (4) for moving the opening (20) to the lowest point in the second cup member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Jan Ilott
  • Patent number: 5048723
    Abstract: A bottled water plastic cap opener and flow controller assembly includes a three-part unit forming a hollow housing which has a generally circular cross section and is slightly tapered from end to end. The larger end of the housing is open and has a diameter sufficient to receive the end of a five-gallon water bottle provided with a plastic "tear-away" cap. The smaller end of the housing is closed except for a central opening. A transverse partition extends across the housing about half way between the two ends thereof, and is provided with a large central opening, and at least one additional smaller drainage opening. A piercing member is mounted on the central partition enclosing the central opening and extends upwardly toward the larger open end of the housing but not beyond its edge, to pierce a hole in the plastic cap when the assembly is firmly pushed down on the top of one of the five gallon water bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Charles M. Seymour
  • Patent number: 5046643
    Abstract: A storage bin arrangement especially suited for receiving, storing and discharging, in accordance with a combination of induced vertical flow and impelled retrieving concepts, bulk solid materials, in one embodiment of which essentially the entire bin itself is arranged for responding to a circular conveying type vibratory helical stroke movement generated by a pair of electric motors secured to the opposite sides of the bin in oppositely oriented positions to dispose their respective driving shafts at opposite, typically 45 degree angulations with respect to the horizontal, and with each such motor shaft driving a pair of eccentrically oriented weights, with the bin having a low profile bottom section equipped with one or more off center located, vertically oriented, vertically rectilinear, discharge chute arrangements and having one or more internally applied baffles, either of inverted cone type or one or more rows or levels of internally applied centerless, radial, sidewall mounted type, in spaced relatio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Kinergy Corporation
    Inventor: George D. Dumbaugh
  • Patent number: 5025952
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein several gas resupply valves for replenishment of lost gas in gas lasers in general and argon ion lasers in particular. The first embodiment uses a valve which controls flow of gas into a metering volume. The metering volume has an aperture therein which is microscopically small and which has a diffusion constant for gas moving through the aperture which is less than the time the valve is held open. The second embodiment uses the same general structure, but separates the soft sealing member of the valve from the solenoid core which moves to open and close the valve. The soft sealing member is attached to the valve body and supported above a valve seat surrounding the opening of the metering volume. The third embodiment uses a thin diaphragm which overlies a flat surface of the valve body in which are formed an input port and an output port. A solenoid applies pressure against the diaphragm to cause it to flatten against the flat surface thereby sealing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Carlson, Mike Green, Mike Miller, Rudy Nissen, Steve Sheng
  • Patent number: 5012957
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for accurately and repeatedly dispensing predetermined quantities of a flowable material in a continuous rapid succession. The dispenser apparatus includes a durable valve for controlling the flow of the flowable material, particularly granular flowable material. A ventilation system is also provided for preventing ambient moisture from causing the granular flowable material to absorb moisture and clog the passageways of the dispenser apparatus. The dispenser apparatus can be incorporated into conventional container filling systems that are otherwise limited by the speed with which granular flowable materials can be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Promation Incorporated
    Inventor: Stavros Mihail
  • Patent number: 4997113
    Abstract: An orifice disc insertion and removal device for the syrup tube of the mixing valve of a post-mix beverage dispenser, comprising a cylindrical plastic adaptor having an inside shoulder on which interchangeable orifice plates are disposed, a flange on the opposite end thereof which seats on the end of the syrup tube to accurately position the orifice device and a pull-tab connected to the flange for removing the cylindrical adaptor from within the syrup tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Jonathan Kirschner
  • Patent number: 4986321
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle for gasoline fuel pumping stations and the like has an inlet through which the fuel is supplied within a range of inlet pressures, an outlet from which fuel is discharged and a flow passage having valving for selectively opening communication between the inlet and the outlet in response to the pressure differential across the valving. The valving includes a housing within which a movable valve member is mounted, the valve member being actuated to open or partially close communication from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing in response to the pressure differential across the valve member. As the pressure differential decreases above the pressure differential corresponding to the predetermined maximum rate, the valve member begins to close communication to prevent the flow from exceeding the predetermined maximum amount, and as the pressure differential increases communication is decreased so that the maximum predetermined flow rate is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Manhardt
  • Patent number: 4960229
    Abstract: A storage bin arrangement especially suited for receiving, storing and discharging, in accordance with a combination of induced vertical flow and impelled retrieving concepts, bulk solid materials, in one embodiment of which essentially the entire bin itself is arranged for responding to a circular conveying type vibratory helical stroke movement generated by a pair of electric motors secured to the opposite sides of the bin in oppositely oriented positions to dispose their respective driving shafts at opposite, typically, 45 degree angulations with respect to the horizontal, and with each such motor shaft driving a pair of eccentrically oriented weights, with the bin having a low profile bottom section equipped with one or more off center located, vertically oriented, vertically rectilinear, discharge chute arrangements and having one or more internally applied baffles, either of inverted cone type or one or more rows or levels of internally applied centerless, radial, sidewall mounted type, in spaced relati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Kinergy Corporation
    Inventor: George D. Dumbaugh
  • Patent number: 4951722
    Abstract: A flow rate limiting device (40) for a fuel dispensing nozzle (10) having an inlet (12) through which fuel is supplied to said nozzle (10) from a supply hose (14) and an outlet (20) from which fuel is discharged, as into a tank of a vehicle. The device (40) includes a flow restrictor (42) which is mounted in the fuel dispensing nozzle in its internal flow passage (16) the flow restricter (42) is automatically operated to reduce the flow rate, when the flow rate of fuel through said nozzle (10) reaches a preselected threshold rate such as the rate established by governmental regulations. After the flow rate of the fuel in the internal flow passage (16) is reduced below the preselected threshold rate, the flow restriction is attentuated such that the flow in the passage (16) can increase and approach the threshold rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Manhradt