Plural Container And/or Compartment Patents (Class 222/94)
  • Patent number: 6662530
    Abstract: A dual chamber sachet with a dispensing outlet can be made in a form/fill sequence by attaching the dispensing outlet to the film that is to form the chamber divider wall followed by attaching films that are to form the outer walls of the sachet to the dispensing outlet. The upper and side lateral edges of the sachet then are sealed together to produce a sachet with an open bottom end. The sachet can be produced from three film sources, two film sources with the outer walls being formed from a single film, or from a single film formed into a W-shape. The sachet preferably is filled through the open bottom end and the bottom end then sealed. However the sachet can be top filled through the nozzle. The sachets then are severed one from the other by cutting along a lateral seal and packed into a carton, or preformatted along a lateral seal and cut to produce a string of a set number of sachets. The sachets can have a single use dispensing outlet or a reclosable dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Joel Millon, Orlando Fuquen, Christopher Joseph Miller, Scott Murray Walsh
  • Publication number: 20030222099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-chamber container, in particular as a non-resealable disposable packaging, wherein the two-chamber container has an inner chamber (1) and an outer chamber (2) surrounding the inner chamber (1), and a cap (3) produced by compression of plastics material, with which the upper edges of the wall of the inner chamber (1) and those of the outer chamber (2) are rigidly connected, the cap (3) having two separate channels (71, 72), and the inner chamber (1) being arranged asymmetrically inside the outer chamber (2) in such a way that a portion of its wall is secured to the cap (3) in the region between the channels (71, 72) in such a way that one channel (71, 72) is connected to one of the chambers (1 or 2) in each case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Gerhard Keller
  • Publication number: 20030218024
    Abstract: A fluid product dispenser includes a reservoir (3) containing said fluid product and provided with at least one actuating wall (10) on which pressure is exerted to reduce the reservoir volume, a dispensing orifice (50) communicating with the reservoir and through which the fluid product is dispensed out of the reservoir in a mixture with a gas to create a two-phase spray, a detachable sealing unit (12) to seal the dispensing orifice (50) and so isolate the reservoir from the outside, and a spring (4) to bring the actuating wall (10) into a non-operational position defining the maximum volume of the reservoir (3) when the sealing unit (12) is withdrawn from the dispensing orifice (50), said spring (4) being compressed when the sealing unit (12) seals the outlet orifice (50) , the reservoir (3) containing approximately only fluid product so long as the detachable sealing unit (12) seals the dispensing orifice (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Christophe Pierre
  • Publication number: 20030209561
    Abstract: The invention discloses and claims five different embodiments of a plural chambered dispensing tube assembly that prevents products separated by tube chambers from mixing prior to being dispensed by providing a seal at the dispensing end. The seal is an integral part of the tube assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph H. Thomas, Thomas J. Duncan, William J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20030205581
    Abstract: A “bag-in-a-drum” container for storage and dispensing of fluids. The container is adapted to minimize volumetric space requirements in storage, transport and use of the container. The containers are usefully employed in a system of supplying liquid in containers to an end user market and refabricating containers subsequent to consumption of the liquid from the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Wertenberger
  • Publication number: 20030201280
    Abstract: A transporting/dispensing package for plural beverages including a carton (10), a pair of flaccid bags (12, 14) within the carton each bag having a fill spout (34, 36) secured to one of two sections (56, 58) of a spout-securing panel and a dispensing device (30, 32) secured to a front panel (22), and a bag-separation panel (46) between the bags. A pre-erected carton formed of a unitary blank and two flaccid bags, such pre-erected carton being easily erectable to form a package, and a method for transporting and dispensing more than one beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Geshay
  • Patent number: 6634524
    Abstract: The two-component cartridge comprises an outer container (10) and an inner container (20) coaxially arranged therein. The inner container (20) comprises a bellows-type section (21) adapted to be folded like an accordion. The rear end of the bellows-type section (21) is inserted into a piston (32). In the folded condition, the bellows-type section is accommodated in an annular space (41) of the piston (32). The piston (32) comprises an annular piston breast (34) and a central piston breast (37) arranged at the same level. The invention allows easy filling of the two-component cartridge from the rear side and almost complete evacuation. The two-component cartridge can be evacuated by means of the same tool as is used for a common cartridge containing only a single material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fischbach KG Kunststoff-Technik
    Inventor: Achim Helmenstein
  • Publication number: 20030168471
    Abstract: A washing system for dispensing a liquid cleanser or lotion includes a housing enclosing a first and second reservoir, a tube system for connecting in fluid communication the first and second reservoirs to a manual valve that is located on or outside of the housing. The first reservoir comprises a collapsible, airtight bag containing liquid cleanser or lotion, and is located above the second reservoir, such that soap or lotion will flow into the second reservoir from the first reservoir due to gravity when the first reservoir bag is installed. The second reservoir provides additional liquid storage for use between replacement of the first reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis Redman, Emmanuel Hanna
  • Patent number: 6609634
    Abstract: A dispensing device and related methods for jointly dispensing and separately storing two products. The dispensing device comprises a first container defining a first reservoir configured to hold a first product and a second container at least partially surrounding the first container. A second reservoir configured to hold a second product is defined between the first container and the second container. The dispensing device further comprises an outlet configured to permit flow of the first product and the second product from the device, and a flow control member. The flow control member is moveable from a first position in which the flow control member prevents flow of the first product from the first reservoirs, to a second position in which the flow control member permits flow of the first product. A closure is configured to be placed in a storage position in which the closure prevents flow of product through the outlet and prevents flow of the first product from the first reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent De Laforcade, Laure Bourjal
  • Patent number: 6598763
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a housing (1) having a chamber (3) in which a beverage container (5) can be placed, the container having at least one deformable wall (16) and an outlet (8) to which a beverage delivery line (7, 34) and a tapping device (6) can be connected, a locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) for closing a pressure space (17) in an airtight manner, which pressure space is situated between an outer wall (16) of the beverage container (5) and an inner wall (15) of the chamber (3), and a pressurizing device (16) for pressurizing the pressure space (17) to force beverage out of the container via the outlet. To improve the sealing and locking and to make the apparatus convenient to operate for the user the locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) is arranged between the outer wall (16) of the beverage container and a wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Sijtze Van Der Meer, Sjoerd Timmermans
  • Publication number: 20030121936
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a first product and a second product together comprising a first container configured to contain the first product and a second container configured to contain the second product. The device may further comprise a dispensing member defining at least one dispensing orifice, the dispensing member being movable so as to irreversibly switch the device from a first configuration to a second configuration. When the device is in the first configuration, the first container and the second container are not in flow communication with the at least one dispensing orifice, and when the device is in the second configuration, the first container and the second container are in flow communication with the at least one dispensing orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6578739
    Abstract: In a multi-chamber tube in which a partition extending longitudinally through the body portion of the tube divides the interior thereof into the plurality of chambers each for containing respective substances to be discharged in combination from the tube, unwanted fluctuations in the amount of substances discharged from the tube can be reduced by the partition extending through the tube at an angle relative to the closure seam at the filling opening at the bottom of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: KMK Lizence Ltd.
    Inventor: Fredy Scheifele
  • Publication number: 20030106903
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-chambered tube for containing and dispensing a contents comprised of portions having differing rheology and viscosity characteristics, the tube comprising: (a) a body divided by at least one body divider into at least two body chambers, each body chamber housing a portion of the contents, the body being scaled at one end by a crimp seal and one end of each body divider being sealed within the crimp seal; (b) a shoulder comprised of a shoulder base and a shoulder nozzle, the shoulder base being attached to the body, the shoulder nozzle having a face provided with at least two apertures, at least one aperture in communication with each of the body chambers, and the other end of each body divider disposed within the shoulder and being sealed at the face of the shoulder nozzle; (c) a cap comprised of a cap body provided with a dispensing orifice and at least one cap divider that separates the cap body into at least two cap chambers, each cap chamber being in communication with one of the body
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Geoffrey Chan, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6557731
    Abstract: A single use glue dispensing package including a plurality of individual packets removably coupled together to form a single sheet. Each of the individual packets have a free outer edge and opposed side edges. Each of the packets have a pouch formed therein. Each pouch holds a small quantity of glue therein, and is lined with a preservative for preventing the glue from hardening while in the pouch. Each pouch has tapered outer ends abutting the free outer edge of the of the packets. The free outer edge is formed with a lateral perforation whereby the removal of the free outer edge will open the tapered outer ends of the pouches to allow the glue to be removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Lyon, James Jones, Georgia Jones
  • Publication number: 20030075561
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser capable of dispensing individual quantity controlled amounts of toothpaste in a sanitary manner without the possibility of cross contamination. The dispenser includes an elongated strip having a plurality of one time use sachets formed integrally therewith, each sachet containing a measured quantity of toothpaste therein suitable for a single use. The strip is provided with weakened portions so that individually numbered sachets may detached from the strip. The individual sachets may be opened after they are detached from the strip and the contents may be squeezed out. In addition, the sachets may be color coded which is useful when the usage of more than one child is being monitored. A parent may monitor the usage of the individual sachets by reviewing the number, and if more than one child is in the family, the color of the emptied sachet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Pieri
  • Patent number: 6550647
    Abstract: A multi-chamber bottle that can be made by a blowing process for separately holding different products, requiring only a single closure. The bottle may, for example, have two chambers with openings which are disposed inside the neck of the bottle. One of the opening is disposed coaxially with the neck. This allows a closure to be screwed or snapped onto the neck that is provided with a thread or a snap bead. In the process, the attachment penetrates the opening in a sealing manner. This creates two channels, which lead from the chambers to the outlet openings. The outlet openings can be closed with a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: ALPLA-Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Hans Künz
  • Patent number: 6551611
    Abstract: Varying the daily dose of either or both of the estrogen and the progestogen administered for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is readily and inexpensively accomplished, without the necessity of the physician prescribing a new product each time the daily dose of the estrogen or progestogen is changed, by administering preferably transdermally the estrogen and the progestogen contained in separate extrudable pharmaceutical compositions from a dispenser which contains means, preferably adjustable only by the attending physician or dispensing pharmacist, for varying the volume of either or both of the respective compositions which is dispensed as a single dose from the dispenser in response to a defined digital dispensing manipulation of the dispenser thereby facilitating optimal compliance to a combination of HRT with individually adjusted dosages of the estrogen and progestogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Elliesen, Jutta Riedl
  • Patent number: 6536628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0-10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: Idex Dental Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Eric Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6520378
    Abstract: A dual-outlet dispensing closure for dispensing fluid products from a dual-chamber container that includes a base for securement to a container and having laterally adjacent outlet openings for alignment with outlets in the container. A turret is mounted on the base for conjoint pivotal movement of dual outlet passages between a closed position in which the turret blocks the outlet openings in the base, and an open position in which the turret passages are aligned with and open to the outlet openings to dispense product. The passages are preferably provided in the form of elongated barrels that are angulated with respect to each other so that the fluid products dispensed from the respective barrels meet and mix with each other at a position spaced from the closure. The base preferably includes vent openings for venting the container chambers to atmosphere as products are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Goettner, Eugene F. Haffner, Jon B. Ogilvie, Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20030019883
    Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing at least two products is provided with each of the at least two products being packaged separately in at least first and second flexible-walled sachets. The device may comprise a holder configured to fixedly hold the first and second sachets in a superposed position so that respective outlet orifices of the first and second sachets are in the vicinity of one another, and a pressurizer movable with respect to the holder, the pressurizer being configured to apply pressure to the first and second sachets so as to force contents of the first and second sachets out through the respective outlet orifices in a predetermined ratio. A system and method associated with the device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20030019885
    Abstract: An automatic hybrid volumetric method of dispensing (HVD) improves on gravimetric dispensing and volumetric dispensing. The method dispenses ingredients for a mixture, according to pre-selected formulations, utilizing a supply of the fluid ingredients, an ingredient container, a power-driven plunger in the ingredient container, a mixture container, and a calibration weight scale. The plunger is movable to expel fluid in the ingredient container. The method includes several steps. The ingredient container is connected to the supply to receive a first ingredient in the ingredient container. The ingredient container is connected to the mixture container for the mixture container to receive ingredient expelled from the ingredient container by movement of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: GFI Innovations
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, Derek P. Pedraza, John Borkovec
  • Publication number: 20030015557
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material, includes a container body, and an applicator tip, where the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing said adhesive material. The applicator tip has a proximal open end open toward said container body for attachment to the container body, a distal end having at least one orifice, a restrictive flow portion located between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flow reducing portion located between the restrictive flow portion and the distal end. The applicator tip defines a fluid flow channel from the proximal end to the distal end and through the restrictive flow portion and the flow reducing portion, where the applicator tip permits the adhesive material to pass through the applicator tip and exit the applicator tip at the at least one orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: CLOSURE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith R. D'Alessio, Michael F. Brady, Anthony S. Voiers
  • Patent number: 6505986
    Abstract: An applicator system, for use in delivering a flowable composition, comprising; (a) container including an inner collapsible layer distinct from an outer deformable layer, the inner collapsible layer defining a reservoir, and the outer deformable layer being separated from the inner collapsible layer by a buffer zone; (b) a dispenser including a first passageway distinct from a second passageway, the first passageway being in communication with the buffer zone and the second passageway being in communication with the reservoir; and (c) valve means operable to control entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passageway and exit of flowable composition from the reservoir through the second passageway; wherein the valve means is of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Reuben Earl Oder
  • Patent number: 6502721
    Abstract: A washing system for dispensing a liquid cleanser from a collapsible container, with a plurality of dispensers, each dispenser having a positive displacement pump, a mount for mounting the pump on a dispenser support, and a connection for connecting the pump to a flexible supply line, a container support for supporting a collapsible container of liquid cleanser, and a flexible supply line for connecting the collapsible container to each of the pumps, with a one-way valve in the line for blocking fluid flow to the collapsible container while permitting fluid flow from the collapsible container to the dispensers. A secondary reservoir may be provided to permit continued service when the main reservoir is empty or is being replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Redman, Emmanuel A. Hanna
  • Publication number: 20020190078
    Abstract: A backpack for dispensing a semi-frozen material comprising discrete granules by gravity flow comprising; a) an insulated hopper for storage of the material before it is dispensed which includes in its operative position i) a housing for receiving the granular material and ii) a funnel disposed to receive the granular material from the housing under the action of gravity; b) mounting means for mounting the hopper on a person in said operative position; c) an insulated valve operative to control release of the granular material from an opening in the funnel; d) an elongate flexible feed tube having in operative connection with the funnel opening such that when the valve allows release of the granular material form the opening, the material falls under gravity into the feed tube, and e) an outlet port at end of the feed tube and configured to allow directed dispensing of the granular material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Adolphi, Terence Richard Cockings, Sergio Mauricio Ehrhardt Ferreira Julio, Richard Henry Luck
  • Publication number: 20020185501
    Abstract: A device includes a first container, a second container arranged at least partially inside the first container, a dispensing valve including an outlet, and a one-way valve disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment. At least one of the first container and the second container defines a first compartment configured to contain a pressurized first product and a second compartment configured to contain a pressurized second product isolated from the first product. The dispensing valve is configured to be actuated and is configured to selectively enable at least one of the first product and the second product to flow to the outlet in response to actuation of the dispensing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Yquel
  • Publication number: 20020158080
    Abstract: A motor (17a, 17b) opens and closes a shutter turnably mounted so as to open and close a discharge port relevant to a hopper, and generates a torque against a load in a gravity direction of materials dropped from a material supply mechanism to the hopper. A shutter control portion (19a, 19b, . . . 19h) sets a hold current applied to the motor from the start of loading relevant to the shutter caused by the materials to be dropped to a predetermined period, to a first hold current value for applying to the shutter a torque sufficient to bear the shock during charge of the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Iruru Matsunaga, Kouichi Watanabe, Kinya Ishida
  • Publication number: 20020158081
    Abstract: For avoiding the inconvenience experienced upon sudden exhaustion of one's shaving cream dispenser, there is proposed a combination of a primary (10), regular size dispenser, attached to a secondary (22), small size dispenser in a back-to-back position, e.g. by a band (32) surrounding their bottom rims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Eliyahu Nir
  • Patent number: 6460733
    Abstract: A fuel container and delivery assembly for use with a direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows clean fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture to be delivered to the cell. Additives are mixed with the fuel containing substance prior to release of the fuel outside of the cell. The fuel substance is housed in an inner tank, which is disposed within an outer container. A plenum area defined by the space between the outer container and the flexible bladder is filled with the additives so that, upon rupture of the entire assembly, the fuel substance is mixed with the additives. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner tank is a flexible bladder. A rupture means is provided on a needle, which draws the fuel out in pure form, tears the flexible bladder so that any remaining fuel is mixed with the additives when it is desired to dispose of or re-fill the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Acker, Gerhard Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20020142028
    Abstract: Varying the daily dose of either or both of the estrogen and the progestogen administered for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is readily and inexpensively accomplished, without the necessity of the physician prescribing a new product each time the daily dose of the estrogen or progestogen is changed, by administering preferably transdermally the estrogen and the progestogen contained in separate extrudable pharmaceutical compositions from a dispenser which contains means, preferably adjustable only by the attending physician or dispensing pharmacist, for varying the volume of either or both of the respective compositions which is dispensed as a single dose from the dispenser in response to a defined digital dispensing manipulation of the dispenser thereby facilitating optimal compliance to a combination of HRT with individually adjusted dosages of the estrogen and progestogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jorg Elliesen, Jutta Riedl
  • Publication number: 20020138066
    Abstract: A container for pathogen inactivating and storing blood or blood components, which includes multiple sub-compartments fluidly interconnected by an openable closure assembly. Each sub-compartment may contain a component necessary for pathogen inactivation or blood storage. Upon opening the openable closure assembly, the sub-compartments become one compartment and the components contained within each sub-compartment may be mixed together to form a combined solution for pathogen inactivation and/or storage of blood or blood components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Manica, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Jeannie M. Woods
  • Patent number: 6454130
    Abstract: A closure for a multi-chamber container can have a flow director device that will assist in the dispensing of the products from the multi-chamber tube in a number of product streams that are greater than the number of chambers in the container. This provides versatility in the dispensing of products from such tubes. By the use of several different closures with different flow patterns different products can be delivered in a number of patterns form the same container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Christopher Joseph Miller, Scott Murray Walsh
  • Patent number: 6454129
    Abstract: A collapsible dispensing system for viscous fluids which should not be mixed until the time of application. The system comprises a cartridge and a container which fits into the cartridge. The cartridge is designed to fit into conventional caulking guns. The cartridge has a forward end cap having a central circular orifice and a rear thrust wall. The container fits into the cartridge and is made up of a plurality of collapsible chambers which hold the viscous fluids. The chambers may take the form of closed bags or accordion cylinders. At the front end of each chamber is a forward end piece. The forward end pieces fit snugly together and form a circular periphery. The forward end piece contains a neck which fits through the forward end cap and attaches to a mixing nozzle. Chambers having predetermined ratios of ingredients may be used in this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald D. Green
  • Patent number: 6454133
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for discharging toothpaste from a toothpaste tube under control of a user. The apparatus includes a tube holder and a tube receptacle disposed within a first end of the tube holder and adapted to accept a cap end of the toothpaste tube. The apparatus further includes a set of nip rolls adapted to engage a body of the toothpaste tube and to urge toothpaste from a distal end of the toothpaste tube towards the cap end and a wheeled trolley coupled to the nip rolls on a first end and engaging a guide channel of the tube holder on a second end and adapted to maintain an alignment of the nip rolls with respect to a centerline of the tooth paste tube as the nip rolls travel along a longitudinal axis of the toothpaste tube from the distal end to the cap end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Oscar Lopez, Jason Frank Beneavides
  • Patent number: 6454131
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a housing (1) having a chamber (3) in which a beverage container (5) can be placed, the container having at least one deformable wall (16) and an outlet (8) to which a beverage delivery line (7, 34) and a tapping device (6) can be connected, a locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) for closing a pressure space (17) in an airtight manner, which pressure space is situated between an outer wall (16) of the beverage container (5) and an inner wall (15) of the chamber (3), and a pressurizing device (16) for pressurizing the pressure space (17) to force beverage out of the container via the outlet. To improve the sealing and locking and to make the apparatus convenient to operate for the user the locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) is arranged between the outer wall (16) of the beverage container and a wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Sijtze Van Der Meer, Sjoerd Timmermans
  • Publication number: 20020130138
    Abstract: A multiple compartment flexible pouch which, when comprising compositions, is designed to be used to refill a multiple compartment container. The multiple compartment pouch comprises at least a first and at least a second compartment, at least a first dispensing channel sealed into an opening in the first compartment and at least a second dispensing channel sealed into an opening in the second compartment. In a preferred embodiment the first and second dispensing channels form part of a dispensing channel unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yvon Crozet, Christophe Nicolas Degoix, Patrick Jean-Francois Etesse
  • Publication number: 20020121527
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a viscous comestible product. The system receives a bag containing the viscous comestible product. The bag has a bag body and a bag nozzle. The system includes a dispenser having a dispenser body defining a chamber for receiving the bag. The chamber has a surface with an opening defined therein adapted to receive the bag nozzle. A first protrusion is disposed proximate to a perimeter of the opening. The first protrusion extends from the surface generally inwardly into the chamber and is adapted to abut and flex the bag body into a configuration facilitating a flow of the viscous comestible product therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: AFP advanced food products llc
    Inventor: Richard L. Good
  • Publication number: 20020092865
    Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] The present invention provides a method and a device for applying a plurality of zigzag patterns on a sheet-shaped substrate with a liquid such as a hot-melt adhesive, which can (1) prevent fluctuation in the amplitude of the coated pattern, (2) maintain good stability of the coated pattern, (3) improve the cutoff of the liquid when stopping the supply of liquid, and (4) improve the intermittence of the coated pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takagi, Hiroshi Todo, Fuminori Kanamuru
  • Patent number: 6419783
    Abstract: A dual container wherein two chambers are secured together by at least two different adhering agents to maintain integrity over a range of temperatures. The adhering agents may be used to adhere other objects together as well. Preferably, the adhering agents are hot melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA
    Inventors: Dean Rainey, James Lynn Turbett
  • Patent number: 6419167
    Abstract: A dispenser (11) with an atomizing nozzle (15) contains a medium chamber (20) with the medium (24) to be discharged. The pump plunger (21) delivering the medium (24) is hydraulically operated by the pressure of a pressure fluid (25), which is manually applied by pressure on a pressure chamber (28) constructed as a squeezing bottle or bag. Several dispensers can be jointly manufactured and sold in chain form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6419118
    Abstract: Containers including a flexible pouches (12, 22, 33, 42, 52, 63, 73, 83) with a unique fitments (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) with tapered portions (11C, 11D, 21C, 21D, 31C, 41C, 41D, 51C, 51D, 61E, 71E, 82A, 82B) are described. The containers are used for liquids and solids to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Blake M. Rees, Janice DeWeese, Benjamin McGregor Rees
  • Patent number: 6415955
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an apparatus for extruding plaster including a plaster pump gun 34 and disposable containers 24 for use therein. The containers 24 consist of a plastic bag-like container 24 having a predetermined amount of plaster powder 26 contained therein and a second burstable container of water 28 also contained therein. An alternative bag-like container 24 is also disclosed having a first plaster containing chamber 26 and a second water containing chamber 50 therein separated by a thin, weak membrane or seal 48 which may be easily ruptured. In use, the bag-like container 24 is compressed thereby bursting the water container 28 or membrane 48 which wets the plaster powder 26 which is thereafter kneaded until the desired consistency has been reached. Thereafter, the distal end 36 of the container 24 is compressed forming a nozzle-like end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: David Ostreicher
  • Patent number: 6412660
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for a container having at least two separate compartments and a single neck finish. The dispensing nozzle comprises a hollow shell having an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. At least one partition projects inwardly from the inner surface of the shell, the partitions defining at least two channels within the shell, each channel aligning with a separate compartment of the container. A flange extends radially from the outer surface of the shell, the flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface seating against the sealing surface of the container neck. The proximal end of the shell extends beyond the flange and is configured so as to conform to the dimensions of the inner surface of the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: E-L Management Corp.
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Adam Sherman
  • Publication number: 20020074346
    Abstract: A packaging assembly comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: VALOIS S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Duquet, Herve Pennaneac'h
  • Publication number: 20020074345
    Abstract: A therapeutic dispenser is provided that includes a housing and a carriage movably supported by the housing and including an engagement surface at a distal end thereof. A plunger is supported by the carriage and engageable with the housing to dispense a first therapeutic through the engagement surface. A second therapeutic is supported with the housing. The first therapeutic and the second therapeutic are individually dispensable from the housing. The housing may include a channel that guides movement of the carriage. The housing can include a handle and a cap. The cap is releasably engageable with the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Patricia G. Schneider, Robert M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6390331
    Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has a flexible inner container of an inner envelope of plastic material and an outer envelope of a woven material. The container also has a cage of crossing horizontal and vertical cage rods of metal as well as a pallet underframe of metal. The flexible inner container is suspended from cover rods connected at the upper frame of the cage of the transport container. The outflow socket of the inner container is detachably connectable with a holding device on the cage of the transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Publication number: 20020056724
    Abstract: The method disclosed is one wherein n pumps and n relative solenoid valves operated by a single microprocessor-controlled stepping motor dispense one or more of n colouring agents into a paint/varnish medium. The quantity dispensed is either a proper or improper fraction of an integer of 1/m of the volumetric unit of measure (fluid oz) and is defined p, a nominal value reflecting the number of half-steps indexed by the motor which is corrected proportionally by comparison of the effective and the nominal weight of a droplet downstream of the pump and upstream of the solenoid valve in order to produce an effective number of half-steps x. A similar correction is made to the number R of half steps which correspond to the delay occasioned by operation of the solenoid valve, comparing the effective and nominal weights of the droplet downstream of the valve; the speed of the motor is corrected to compensate for system resistances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Paul Manzari, Walter Anthony Biercevicz, Walter Stoeckman, Peter Anthony Divone, Christy A. Bridges, Kevin Keating, Robert Avena
  • Publication number: 20020053576
    Abstract: The portable dispenser has individual supply chambers that communicate with a mixing chamber. Each of the supply chambers has a doser to move fluid compositions from the supply chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a mixer to allow it to form a homogeneous mix of the individual compositions. An applicator is used to output the homogeneous mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Manne
  • Patent number: 6383166
    Abstract: A Blow/Fill/Seal, or injection molded plungerless syringe having a body portion, a fluid outlet at one end and an air passageway at an opposite end, extending from a back wall leading to a chamber having the ability to receive all syringe air plus some liquid. The air passageway communicates with the air chamber to trap all gas into the air chamber after docking with syringe needle or catheter at the fluid outlet. Air from the docked devices pass through the liquid and is trapped out of the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Barry Farris
  • Patent number: 6364165
    Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing toothpaste from a flexible toothpaste tube includes a flexible boot having a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle with which an outlet of the toothpaste tube aligns. Pins are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between open and closed positions for removal and insertion of the toothpaste tube. A presser engages the outer surface of the boot to selectively squeeze toothpaste from the toothpaste tube through the boot nozzle. A controller intermittently activates a driver which moves the presser along a track towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste. Jaws are positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle. A timer and an adjustable volume dispensing dial control the amount of toothpaste dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne R. Sampson, Andreas Haase