Antidrip Patents (Class 222/571)
  • Patent number: 6779688
    Abstract: A system for collecting undesired concrete discharged from the concrete supply pipe of a mobile concrete pumping vehicle. The system includes a catch basin having an outer wall and a bottom wall that define an open reservoir. The catch basin includes an open top end that receives the second, discharge end of a delivery hose connected to the concrete supply pipe that distributes concrete out through the delivery hose. Preferably, the reservoir is sized to receive a sufficient volume of concrete to prevent the undesired discharge of the concrete during movement of the boom arm of the pumping vehicle. The catch basin includes a plurality of suspension straps that suspend the catch basin around the discharge end of the delivery hose during movement of the boom arm. The suspension straps are each connected to a support bracket mounted to the boom arm of the concrete pumping vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Putzmeister, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin G. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6755354
    Abstract: A suck back valve has a volume-varying mechanism including a cylindrical flexible member which has a flow chamber formed therein for communicating with a fluid passage having a first port and a fluid passage having a second port, a fixing member which fixes a part of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical flexible member to a joint section, and a hook member which increases the volume of the flow chamber by expanding and deforming the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20040079766
    Abstract: A lower portion of a nozzle is held hermetically in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tubular neck of a container, and an inner surface of a cap is mounted to an outer surface of the tubular neck. A discharging hole of the nozzle is hermetically sealed by an inner top surface of the cap. A ring-shaped projection is formed on an upper portion of the nozzle for hermetically contacting an inner surface of the cap. Thereby, double sealing is provided in cooperation with hermetic sealing of the discharging hole of the nozzle by the inner top surface of the cap. The nozzle prevents a liquid leak and liquid dripping from the nozzle and form liquid drops independently of a dripping angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiko Kokubo
  • Patent number: 6705495
    Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Brecheisen, John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6698629
    Abstract: The comestible fluid dispensing system of the present invention preferably employs a pump or valve operable to control movement of comestible fluid from a comestible fluid source to a tap provided with a draw-back valve. The draw-back valve is preferably capable of drawing comestible fluid in an upstream direction in the tap during closure of the draw-back valve. Preferably, suction generated by closure of the draw-back valve is employed for one or more purposes including: to remove comestible fluid dangling from the tap, to draw comestible fluid into the tap away from view and from exposure to the environment, to reduce comestible fluid buildup on and near the tap outlet, to enclose or at least partially enclose comestible fluid downstream of the draw-back valve, and to operate a downstream cutoff valve in the tap. A damper is employed in some embodiments to control valve movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune
  • Publication number: 20040026465
    Abstract: The inventive closure includes an annular part, to which a lid is joined by a hinge, and a the spout that is pushed inside the annular part. When pushing the spout into the annular part, the edge of the spout abuts against segments and is thus brought into the optimal drop-preventing shape. When closing the lid, the air in the slot can escape through the outlets so that it does not impede the closing or have the tendency to open the closure. Also during closing, the upper end of the spout comes into contact with the supporting surfaces, which are arranged in an interspaced manner inside the slot, whereby remaining liquid can be accommodated in the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ALPLA-WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO., KG.
    Inventor: Manfred Klopfer
  • Patent number: 6659310
    Abstract: A product dispensing and drainback fitting, for directing the flow of a liquid product from a container and minimizing the occurrence of double pour, having an outer wall for engagement with the neck of said container; an inner spout centrically positioned within said outer wall, a base extending between said wall and said spout and creating a circumscribing well, a longitudinal slot formed in said inner spout, said longitudinal slot beginning at a point about 30 mm to about 48 mm above said base and extending the remainder of the length of said spout; and drainback hole formed in said base and aligned with said longitudinal slot, said drainback hole having an area of about 10 mm2 to about 20 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wolpert
  • Patent number: 6648188
    Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Brecheisen, John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6634525
    Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Bravo, Craig M. Rowles, John P. Sullivan, David Markham, Mark W. Scott, Chris Van Buiten, Gregory J. Mascoli, Robert Slack, Corrina Lee
  • Publication number: 20030189068
    Abstract: Present invention derives great advantage from the absolute simplicity and effectiveness of all configurations that intercept and collect objectionable or even dangerous drippage below a liquid dispensing spout or other such device before the liquid can run down the sides of its container. In primary application, Drip Catcher is a one-piece channel-shaped annular trough secured around the neck of a household dishwashing detergent bottle, as an example, immediately below the pouring spout. Subject invention is adaptable even to large vessels such as drums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Edgar Mason Nash
  • Patent number: 6626331
    Abstract: A tool designed to efficiently apply sealant to tile grout—it is a plastic, round bottle (4), with ounce indicator lines marked on the exterior (8); and a plastic nozzle (10) that tightly screws onto the bottle, via embedded threads inside the top of the bottle (16) and inside the base of the nozzle (18). Cellulose sponge (6 and 12) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) and nozzle (10); which controls the amount of sealant flow so that there is minimal dripping or waste of sealant. The applicator holds approximately 5 to 6 ounces of liquid grout sealant. The tip of the nozzle is marked (14) and gradated (14) so it can be cut with a razor to match the flow of sealant to the width of the grout. The application of sealant is controlled by gently applying pressure to the flexible bottle (4) and moving the tip at a 45 degree angle along the line of grout to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Floretta Beth Yenglin
  • Patent number: 6626332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for foamable liquids which has been improved with regard to the aspects of hygiene and reliability. According to the method, in addition to the pneumatic and hydraulic parts of the dispenser having a configuration which is to a great extent isolated from the external atmosphere, said dispenser has an air chamber (82) which subjects a nozzle/expansion body (74) first to an excess pressure and then to a negative pressure during the return stroke (HB) of an air piston (42) via a lateral bore (89). As a result, the outlet (80) is first cleared and any remaining foam in the nozzle/expansion body (74) is subsequently removed by suction and coagulated into soap solution. During the next working stroke, this minimal quantity of soap-solution is foamed again and expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: HTS International Trading AG
    Inventors: Markus Ehrensperger, Hans-Jörg Studer
  • Patent number: 6619517
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly provides for the dispensing of fluid from a fluid container. The dispensing closure assembly includes a cap and a dispensing cover which is movably supported with respect to the cap. The dispensing cover includes a distal tip through which the fluid is dispensed. The cover further includes an outer surface extending from the distal tip and continuous therewith defining a fluid drainage surface where residual fluid drains. A finger contacting surface is provided on the cover and space from the fluid draining surface. A fluid containment well is defined between the fluid drainage surface and the finger contacting surface for retaining fluid drained therealong preventing fluid contact along the finger contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Loctite Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Vakiener, Robert E. Montenieri
  • Patent number: 6619318
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing at two flow rates eductively draws a chemical fluid such as a concentrated cleaning solution for diluting with a motive fluid such as water. Using eduction rather than gravity feed provides a consistent dilution ratio over a range of pressures of the motive fluid. A chemical reservoir contains the chemical fluid and a bottle insert assembly for interfacing to the dispenser. The bottle insert assembly seals an opening to the reservoir when the reservoir is not inserted in the dispenser, preventing leaks. Also, the bottle insert assembly includes dual pickup tubes, each with a purge accumulator, to allow dual rate flow at the same or different dilution ratios as well as drawing back unused chemical fluids from the dispenser to avoid carryover or contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hydro Systems Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Dalhart, William F. Sand
  • Patent number: 6612505
    Abstract: A spraying method of a dispense system for preventing residue, wherein a precise amount of stream fluid is supplied from a fluid supply through a main tube to a nozzle, and the precise amount of stream fluid is sprayed onto a surface of a wafer. A sub-tube system, which comprises a bypass valve and a pin hole is utilized to refill the fluid to a void. A metering valve is used as a suck-back system to retrieve the remaining fluid in the main tube and prevent residue from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Shyong Shyu
  • Patent number: 6609639
    Abstract: A non-drip device or drip prevention apparatus eliminates all liquid dripping. The device includes a body with an orifice wherein the neck of a container may be inserted, a shoulder and a planar surface maintaining a joint in a recess. When the non-drip device is attached by interlocking, the planar surface acts as end of travel stop indicating that the attachment is completed. An angle associated with a quarter circle facilitates liquid reinsertion into the bottle. A diameter of the device enables the liquid to flow rapidly when poured and a ridge interrupts the liquid flow after it has been served. An overlap is provided for publicity or a print. The non-drip device is designed to eliminate dripping, for example, when wine is poured from a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: John Genthon
  • Patent number: 6601740
    Abstract: A closure device has a hollow body with a side opening for liquid, an open end, and a closure end portion, and is slidably engaged in an end-piece screw-threadedly engaged on the end part of a neck of a bottle. The closure device seals the bottle when pressed down into the neck until its closure end portion seals against a ridge defining the end mouth of the outlet conduit constituted by the neck and its end-piece. When the device is raised to engage a lower bead in a groove of the end-piece, liquid can be poured out of the bottle by way of the interior of the hollow body and the opening while air enters the bottle by way of an air inlet region and venting passages leading to an air outlet port. An inner barrier to liquid is formed by contact between the widest part of a skirt of the hollow body and the internal surface of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: John Philip Clive
  • Patent number: 6598765
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) for flowable, viscous material (52) includes a housing (12) comprising a main body (18) and door (20), and a reservoir (50) for the material (52) with an elongated, synthetic resin deformable outlet tube (80) presenting an outlet end (82) coupled to the reservoir (50). A flow-controlling assembly (16) including a tube-engaging element (84, 132, 150, 158) and an actuator linkage assembly (86, 130, 144, 154); these components together with a pneumatically operated piston (54) within reservoir (50) allows precise on-off operation of the dispenser (10). In the flow-permitting position, the element (84, 132, 150, 158) is adjacent the tube (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell T. Pagel, Jeremy W. McCutcheon, Jeffrey L. Kohne
  • Publication number: 20030132247
    Abstract: A container for dispensing a flowable fluid which has a first liquid and a second liquid disposed within a single chamber and which are separated and positioned one above the other. The container includes a bottle base, a bottle body which extends upward from the bottle base to a bottle finish, a fitment having a pouring spout and is arranged on the bottle body at an end opposite the base. The fitment has a first pouring opening from which a first liquid is dispensed and a second opening from which a second liquid is dispensed. A diptube is connected to one of the pouring openings projects downward from toward the bottle base. The diptube conveys the liquid on the bottom to a pouring spout while the liquid on top is conveyed to the pouring spout by the other pouring opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Lung Gordon Hsu, Richard Thomas Chalmers, Philip A. Tarrant, John Michael Paulovich, Edward John Giblin
  • Patent number: 6533139
    Abstract: A splash-proof lid assembly is a substantially planar unit which is made up of a disc and a bottom section that is rotatably connected to the disc. By rotating the bottom section to the underside of the disc, a tube is formed which allows for drinking from a cup once the lid is placed on the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Temo Lukacevic
  • Patent number: 6530500
    Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Bravo, Craig M. Rowles, John P. Sullivan, David Markham, Mark W. Scott, Chris Van Buiten, Gregory J. Mascoli, Robert Slack, Corinna Lee
  • Publication number: 20020166880
    Abstract: The comestible fluid dispensing system of the present invention preferably employs a pump or valve operable to control movement of comestible fluid from a comestible fluid source to a tap provided with a draw-back valve. The draw-back valve is preferably capable of drawing comestible fluid in an upstream direction in the tap during closure of the draw-back valve. Preferably, suction generated by closure of the draw-back valve is employed for one or more purposes including: to remove comestible fluid dangling from the tap, to draw comestible fluid into the tap away from view and from exposure to the environment, to reduce comestible fluid buildup on and near the tap outlet, to enclose or at least partially enclose comestible fluid downstream of the drawback valve, and to operate a downstream cutoff valve in the tap. A damper is employed in some embodiments to control valve movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune
  • Patent number: 6478058
    Abstract: A pouring spout is described that has sections cut away from the sleeve of the spout contiguous to an exit, as well as a means for setting the maximum distance the inner sleeve can be pushed past the outer sleeve of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Scepter Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Pears
  • Patent number: 6474514
    Abstract: A container for pouring liquids, composed of a vessel having a longitudinal axis and a bottom, and a pouring lip made of a plastic material. The pouring lip has a central pouring part having a pouring end, and lateral parts, and the lip is composed of: an upper wall, a lower wall and a connecting surface that extends between the upper wall and the lower wall; the upper wall is inclined downwardly into the vessel when the longitudinal axis of the vessel has a vertical orientation; and, in the central pouring part, the connecting surface is free of any sharp edge and has an upper segment having a radius of curvature between 0.5 and 2 mm in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Guillemin, Erik Lebrun
  • Publication number: 20020139818
    Abstract: A valve assembly, for use in connection with the dispensing of hot melt adhesive material, comprises a snuffback valve member and a diversion flow valve member. The snuffback valve and diversion flow valve members are integrally connected together and are movable in opposite modes with respect to their valve seats such that when the snuffback valve member is seated upon its valve seat, the diversion flow valve member is unseated with respect to its valve seat, and vice versa. A recirculation fluid supply loop is fluidically associated with the diversion flow valve member, and when the diversion flow valve member is disposed at its unseated position, the hot melt adhesive material is recirculated so as not to pressurize the supply side of the snuffback valve member. Accordingly, when the snuffback valve member is unseated, the phenomena of bursting is effectively prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Grant McGuffey
  • Publication number: 20020137871
    Abstract: A sprayable polymeric material and a process for preparing the material which contains a fibrous material, dispersed throughout the polymeric material. A restriction free spray nozzle is provided for mixing and spraying the polymeric material having a fibrous material, the nozzle having a restriction free check valve. A reinforced structure, and a method of making the structure are provided, the structure having layers of the polymeric material (both film and foam) containing the fibrous material. A flexible liner is provided of a porous geotextile fabric and a polyurethane composition comprising the fibrous material sprayed over the geotextile fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Henry H. Wheeler, Cortland Crandal, Hugh Wheeler III
  • Patent number: 6431417
    Abstract: A spout or pouring lip having a subsidiary lip arranged transversely across the spout or pouring lip below the pouring edge. The subsidiary lip is formed from the edge of a groove, notch or indentation arranged transversely below the pouring lip. The face of the groove, notch or indentation nearer the pouring lip is arranged to be substantially vertical. The inner surface of the spout or pouring lip may in addition be constructed to form a raised transverse fence-like form. The invention may be an integral part of a pouring vessel such as a teapot, jug, kettle or pouring can or it may form an additional component as attached, either during the vessel's manufacture or as an addition to an existing pouring vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Damini Kumar
  • Patent number: 6422434
    Abstract: A fixed-nozzle dispenser pump suitable for large doses has a downwardly-directed nozzle tip (32) and an outlet valve arrangement (4) in a nozzle (3). A blocking element, such as a ball (41), of the outlet valve arrangement (4) is biased back along a close-fitting tubular draw path (43) in the valve after dispensing, so as to draw product back out of the nozzle tip and prevent dripping. A further feature is a subdivision of the nozzle tip and a flexible flap valve (35) blocking a resulting passage segment in the nozzle. This facilitates clearance of another nozzle passage (36) by the reverse suction. A further feature is a membrane (24) across the front of the piston plunger, advanceable relative to a piston seal (231) by pressure of a plunger head (21). This helps accomomodate the returned fluid and enables a spot-dosing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Rieke Packaging Systems Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Charles Lammond Wass, Jeffrey William Spencer, Richard Smith, Brian Robert Law
  • Patent number: 6412661
    Abstract: A clear plastic paint container including primary container and lid, both of which are threaded. The container is unique because of the spill resistant convex pour spout, liquid recovery drain trough, redundant sealing to preserve contents and recessed molded bottom hand grip for more effective handling. The no-waste, no-special tools, no-rust, no-label obliteration, corrosion resistant, and thermal resilient advantages are just some of the auxiliary features. These enhancements by far surpass the conventional wisdom of the container industry. The use of “PETE” (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic or equivalent transforms this container to an eye appealing and practical alternative. The opportunity to offer such an improvement by only slightly reducing contents. The paint industry must have a keen interest in this container, not only because of the growing demand for plastic containers but also the numerous advantages listed in the summary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Hannah, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6409055
    Abstract: Filling valve for the metered delivery of a flow of medium, having: a valve housing with a passage having an inlet opening at the top and an outlet opening at the bottom and a valve body which is accommodated in the passage, a lower end of which has a diameter which decreases in the downwards direction and an upper end of which is connected to actuation means for vertical displacement of the valve body between a closed position and an open position of the valve, which respectively serves to block and allow through a flow of medium via the passage and through the outlet opening. A bottom section of the lower end of the valve body has a stepped shape, with a diameter which decreases in the downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Stork Bottling Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Arthur Everardus Officier
  • Patent number: 6405898
    Abstract: The invention features, in general, a foaming product that includes a container, a valve stem extending upward from the top of the container, a nozzle member, and a waste product containment region located above the top of the container. The valve stem is movable downward to permit discharge of the foaming product from the container through the stem. The nozzle member includes a flow passage for directing the foaming product from the top of the valve stem to a discharge outlet and a movable portion that is movable between a discharge position and an inactive position. When the movable portion is in the discharge position, the valve stem is actuated to permit discharge of product into the flow passage and out of the discharge outlet, and the flow passage does not communicate with the containment region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William T. O'Connor, David M. Groh, Timothy Wheatley, Norman D. Poisson, Steven M. Bourque, Henry D. Ren
  • Patent number: 6401980
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for collecting and absorbing drips on an exterior of a fluid container comprises an elongated strip of laminated construction. A material substantially impervious to the fluid in the container is adhesively bonded to a layer of absorbent material. A further layer of adhesive is applied to the other side of the absorbent material so that a strip of desired length may be secured to the exterior of the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Iggulden
  • Patent number: 6391111
    Abstract: To provide a coating apparatus which is capable of making short a lag time up to action of a valve and making operate a discharging pump and a valve with the best timing. By employing electric-air regulators ER1 and ER2 of small size and high response speed as a speed controller for controlling a switching speed of a switching valve AV or a suck-back valve SV, total flowing course is made short, thereby a time lag up to operation of a valve is made short. Further, by detecting the pressure of a resist liquid being discharged from a discharging pump 120 by a pressure sensor 123, and by controlling the operation of each device of a discharging pump 120, a switching valve AV, and a suck-back valve SV through a controller 180, a discharging pump 120, a switching valve AV, and a suck-back valve SV can be operated with the best timings, and generation of particles due to dripping of a resist liquid at a tip end of a resist nozzle 60 is prevented from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujimoto, Kazuo Sakamoto, Nobukazu Ishizaka, Izumi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6386390
    Abstract: A dispenser has a container for a liquid, a vent opening to allow air into the container, a valve to control the admission of air into the container, and a dispensing opening for the liquid to be dispensed therefrom. The dispenser is mounted with the dispensing opening at the bottom. When the valve is closed, a pressure differential is created that prevents the liquid in the container from flowing out. Upon opening of the vent valve, the pressure differential is reduced and dispensing can continue. Such a dispenser can be used to dispense fluids of varying viscosities and even nonporous solids. In one embodiment of the invention, an infrared radiation emitter and an infrared radiation detector are arranged in such a manner that, when a hand is placed below the dispenser, radiation from the emitter impinges on the hand and is reflected to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Frank A. Tinker
  • Patent number: 6378734
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved dosing assembly (valve/feed line/liquid collecting vessel) which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such an assembly is used for the controlled introduction of any liquid through a valve into a collecting vessel. In particular, the inventive assembly exhibits substantially no leakage from the feed line into the liquid collecting vessel when the valve is closed and an instantaneous introduction of the feed line liquid into the liquid collecting vessel upon opening of the valve, both when a liquid possessing a surface tension of about 50 dynes/cm2 is used as the measurement standard. This assembly is particularly and preferably suited for injecting colorants into reactants for the production of polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 6375041
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rechargeable dispenser including a cap removably connected to a bottle having an upwardly extending flange. The cap is provided with at least one reservoir to be compromised by the spout of the bottle to release chemical concentrate in the bottle for charging the rechargeable dispenser when mixed with a diluent such as water within the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sunpat L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Walter F. Klima, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6367670
    Abstract: A container cap for attachment to the threaded neck of a container from which a liquid is to be dispensed, which includes a base portion having a circular upper face and a depending skirt, with the skirt being threaded on an interior surface to lockingly engage the container neck. The upper face of the container has a triangular-shaped opening extending therethrough with an integral upstanding pour spout extending around the perimeter of the pour spout. The sidewalls of the pour spout converge toward one edge of the upper face and are joined by a curve of small radius to form a tip, with the other end of the sidewalls being joined by a curve of substantially larger radius. The upper ends of the sidewalls are curved outwardly and have an outwardly extending rib at the tip portion of the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jim F. Warner, Robert J. Croft, Martin Short, Insun Yun
  • Patent number: 6352179
    Abstract: According to the invention, a pouring spout for mounting on a container's neck can be configured as a spout placed in the container's neck, which spout goes on the inside of the neck so that possible drops of liquid will be collected inside the neck. Drops of liquid running on the outside of the container are hereby avoided and at the same time it is achieved that the container can pour in all directions since the edge of the pouring spout extends uniformly around the container's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eva Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Bjarne Bo Andersen, Henrik Holbæk, Clause Jensen
  • Publication number: 20020011498
    Abstract: A spout, especially suitable for a heavy duty liquid detergent container fitment, is made by thermoforming. Preferably the spout is part of a fitment which includes a bottom wall extending from the bottom of the spout wall, a circumscribing wall surrounding the spout and extending from the bottom of the bottom wall and a peripheral radially extending flange extending from the top of the circumscribing wall. The thermoformed spout/fitment finds special use in plastic containers having inside blown threads. The inside blown threads mate with external threads on a closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: EDWARD JOHN GIBLIN, GREGORY ALAN LATHROP
  • Publication number: 20010054621
    Abstract: A cap for use with a pump spray container, the cap having a body with an internal passageway to receive a spray mechanism, and having a side wall surrounding the passageway, a flange extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the side wall of the cap, the cap extending outwardly for a distance sufficient to act as an abutting member for a finger of a user's hand. The cap correctly positions the fingers of the user and prevents slippage of the container within the hand of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Heinz Weber
  • Patent number: 6332924
    Abstract: A photoresist dispensing device for use in applying a metered amount of photoresist on a wafer comprises, a photoresist storage tank, a nozzle for spraying the photoresist on the wafer, a feeder unit for drawing a metered amount of the photoresist out of the storage tank and discharging it through the nozzle, a pneumatic control unit for controlling the operation of the feeder unit with the use of pressurized air; and a filter disposed in between the storage tank and the feeder unit for removing alien matters present the photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Taeyang Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Sup Shim, Jong Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 6325247
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for collecting and absorbing drips on an exterior of a fluid container comprises a band of absorbent material placed around the neck of the fluid container. A capsule covers the neck of the container, including the absorbent material. When the container is prepared for use, the capsule is removed, thereby exposing the absorbent material. In another embodiment, absorbent material is applied to the inside of the capsule. When the container is prepared for use, a portion of the skirt of the capsule is left in place on the neck of the fluid container to collect and absorb drips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry Iggulden
  • Patent number: 6311873
    Abstract: A system for automated vending of automotive fluid such as windshield washer fluid from large volume tanks. In one embodiment the system includes two or more vending control units and a fluid storage system that includes one or more fluid storage tanks mounted at a level above the vending control units. Preferably the fluid storage tanks are mounted to an over head canopy, either on the roof of the canopy or on one of the canopy support columns. Where two or more fluid storage tanks are utilized, fluid equalization conduits connect the storage tanks to each other so that fluid levels in the storage tanks equalize as fluid is added to or withdrawn from any one of the tanks. Two or more fluid dispensing hoses are provided, each one being associated with and controlled by one of the vending control units. Each hose is connected to the fluid storage system and dispenses fluid by force of gravity in response to selective activation of the corresponding vending control unit by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willeke, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Dale A. Severson
  • Patent number: 6305571
    Abstract: A splashless lid device for dispensing fluid contained in a drinking container, wherein the container includes a lip portion which defines an opening into the container. A mounting portion is configured to sealingly engage the lip portion of the container and to be removable. A top cover is coupled to the mounting portion and extends substantially laterally across the container opening when the mounting portion is sealingly engaged with the container lip. The top cover includes a top wall and a bottom wall cooperating to define an interior cavity. The top wall has a drinking port in flow communication with the interior cavity. The bottom wall defines a baffle opening which extends into the interior cavity and is adapted to reduce splashing of fluid through the opening fluid dispensed from the container must pass through the baffle opening and into the interior cavity before passing through the drinking port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Donny Chu
  • Patent number: 6305438
    Abstract: A filling device (100) for filling a container (1) with a liquid has a filling duct (15) which is connected to a storage tank. On a carrying means (10) there are arranged a deformable tube (20) which forms a throttle portion (22) in the duct (15), and a squeezing means (30) which is arranged along the tube and which is adapted to act on the sides of the tube (20) and which, when operated to close the duct, is adapted to move countercurrently to generate a subatmospheric pressure in the duct (15) downstream of the squeezing means (30). The filling device also has a meter for measuring a discharged amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolean AB
    Inventors: Johan Sjöholm, Ulf Mossberg
  • Publication number: 20010030208
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for collecting and absorbing drips on an exterior of a fluid container comprises an elongated strip of laminated construction. A material substantially impervious to the fluid in the container is adhesively bonded to a layer of absorbent material. A further layer of adhesive is applied to the other side of the absorbent material so that a strip of desired length may be secured to the exterior of the fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry Iggulden
  • Publication number: 20010025865
    Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: MICHAEL H. BRAVO, CRAIG M. ROWLES, JOHN P. SULLIVAN, DAVID MARKHAM, MARK W. SCOTT, CHRIS VAN BUITEN, GREGORY J. MASCOLI, ROBERT SLACK, CORINNA LEE
  • Publication number: 20010019057
    Abstract: A water pail is equipped with an air passageway in a stopper to pass through external air so that contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out. Since the air passageway is provided to flow the external air into the stopper of the outlet, the contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out, thereby preventing the contents from being splashed out. Also, the production cost of the water pail can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kyeong-Sun Yun
  • Patent number: 6264067
    Abstract: An actuation device is provided for actuating a dispensing member and for dispensing a product contained with the dispensing member. The actuation device includes an inlet orifice, a dispensing orifice, a passage, a suction orifice and a vacuum mechanism. The inlet orifice is placed in flow communication with the dispensing member. The passage extends from the inlet orifice to the dispensing orifice. The suction orifice, which is distinct from the inlet orifice, flow communicates with the passage. The vacuum mechanism includes a variable-volume chamber having a collecting region and a chamber orifice. The variable-volume chamber is entirely contained within the actuation device. The chamber orifice is in flow communication with the suction orifice. At least a portion of the collecting region is below the level of the chamber orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre-André Lasserre
  • Patent number: 6260737
    Abstract: A dispenser for manually dispensing pasty, semi-fluid products, from a cartridge, that must be applied with control and accuracy, incorporates an integral trigger and pawl plunger drive mechanism, in which the drive is activated by a trigger or actuator. A floating gripper is disposed on the plunger to release dispensing pressure in the cartridge to prevent drooling after the completion of dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: TAH Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Earl Gruendeman