Abstract: The present invention is a method by which a reusable, refillable pressurized container used in consumer refillable packaging can be certified in a manner akin to single use containers. The certification calls for each receptacle to pass certain quality assurance measures, including automated testing and examination (100% receptacle testing and examination). In an exemplary case, the materials (fluids) in these receptacles will be for personal care or household use and will be non-regulated non-hazardous non-flammable non-corrosive materials (fluids), although the invention will not necessarily be so limited. The gases in these receptacles are preferably non-flammable compressed gases (compressed air or nitrogen) commercially free from corroding components.

Abstract: A refillable aerosol cartridge for use with a refill station or the like, that has a unique identifier such as a serial number or the other identification. The refillable aerosol cartridge is equipped with a programmable RFID or other data transferring device that can record, store, and transfer unique information about the refillable aerosol cartridge, including the specific user-selected ingredients, and track the cartridge for the life of the product. The unique serial number or other identifier of the aerosol cartridge can be used to track the cartridge and, in the case of a recall, identify and locate the cartridge for notification.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material through a refillable cartridge, comprising a container having a receptacle for receiving a refill cartridge, the container having a lid cooperating with the container to enclose the refill cartridge, the container further comprising an exit port and a channel for communicating material from the refill cartridge to the exit port, and a valve for controlling the flow of material out of the refill cartridge; and a reusable, refill cartridge sized to be received in the receptacle, the refill cartridge including compressed gas and material separated by a bi-conical thruster, the refill cartridge further comprising a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold, and a second end having a compressed gas inlet. The system's performance can be improved by applying a surface treatment to the wetted surfaces of the system to change the physical properties at the fluid/vessel interface.

Abstract: A fluid container draining device (10) for use in draining a fluid container, such as an oil filter (12) in a controlled manner. It has a drill bit (14) with a sharpened tip (16) and exterior channels (20) on its shaft (18) extending from its tip (16) to a rear region (22). The drill bit (14) is immobilized in an axial bore (3) of a drill bit holder (24) which has a threaded front region (26) which is preferably frustum-shaped. Located rearwardly of the drill bit holder (24) is a valve (42) which when opened up permits fluid to be drained from the fluid container (12) through the channels (20) on the drill bit's shank (18), through the axial bore (30) in the drill bit holder (24), and out through the valve (42).

Abstract: A device to empty fluid from a sealed pressure container by use of pressurized air, and thereafter to place the container under vacuum. The device has a sleeve portion which defines an interior chamber. A ring portion with a hole extends into the interior chamber and forms a seating surface. A slidable seat with an aperture is located in the interior chamber below the ring portion and is sized to loosely fit in the interior chamber and seat on the ring portion. An upper cap with an air channel is located at the upper end of the sleeve and a lower cap with an air channel is placed at the lower end of the sleeve portion. A spring placed in the interior chamber between the lower cap and the slidable seat biases the slidable seat into contact with the ring portion. A floatable ball is placed above the slidable seat and is adapted to fluid tightly seat on and seal off its aperture. The floatable ball is sized to freely pass through the hole in the ring portion. A vacuum generator is also provided.

Abstract: A viscous material delivery and management system for delivery of a particular viscous material to a viscous material utilizing destination. The system has a sealed container for containment of a particular viscous material, a source of inert gas in gaseous communication with the sealed container, and a viscous material conduit in communication with the sealed container for delivery of the particular viscous material. The inert gas provides the motive force to move the particular viscous fluid from the sealed container to the viscous material utilizing destination.