Abstract: The invention relates to a precompression pump which includes a feature for opening the outlet valve at the bottom of the pump stroke, to thereby evacuate air and liquid from the pump chamber. The pump includes a gravity-biased inlet valve and a spring-biased outlet valve. Elevated pressure in the pump chamber causes the outlet valve to open against the bias of the outlet valve spring. At least one of the outlet valve or the inlet valve has an engagement end which engages the other valve at the bottom of the pump stroke, to thereby open the outlet valve against the bias of the outlet valve spring and exhaust air and liquid from the pump chamber to the spray nozzle. In this way, the pump chamber is evacuated so that liquid can be drawn into the pump chamber from the bottle or container. The present invention uses a simple design which is easy to mold, does not require close tolerancing, and which operates effectively without the need for difficult-to-mold friction fits.

Abstract: A spray dispensing device is provided which can be used with non-pressurized containers. The device includes passageways for directing streams of air and, liquid where the liquid is broken up into droplets and emitted as a fine spray through an orifice. An annular air passageway is concentrically disposed around a liquid passageway, and the air is lead through air swirl passages, where the annular stream of air is given a rotary motion as the result of swirl vanes forming the air swirl passages. The velocity of air past a product passageway exit orifice also creates a Bernoulli effect which reduces pressure at that orifice, which acts to draw liquid to the spray orifice. The device may include a dip tube for the liquid which is provided with a check valve for retaining liquid at a high level in the dip tube after each spray cycle so that spraying is nearly instantaneous upon actuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precompression pump with a feature to evacuate air trapped in the pump chamber to thereby assist in priming the pump. In particular, the present invention relates to a precompression pump which uses mechanisms to create gaps of very small size to bridge two seals on a pump piston, in a way that the small size of the gaps allows the passage of trapped air, but because of the viscosity of any liquid in the pump chamber does not allow the passage of liquid past the seals on the pump piston. Flats which define a chord of the inner circumference of the cylinder wall can be used to create the appropriate gaps. In addition, the core creating the inner circumference can be photochemically etched to provide a roughened surface with asperities which create the appropriate gaps. The priming mechanisms preferably create air gaps around both seals of the pump piston.

Abstract: A pump and pump securing device, which pump securing device includes, at its axially-outer end, an axially-outer step and a axially-inner step. These steps are used to interact with a radially-projecting flange on the pump, thereby allowing the pump to be securely snapped into the mounting cup without the need for crimping. The steps also control the position of the pump relative to the mounting cup. As a result, the steps prevent the pump from compressing gaskets in the assembly, thereby controlling variations in pump dosage resulting from gasket compression. The flange can include slots creating vent paths for venting air into the container during operation of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precompression pump with a feature to evacuate air trapped in the pump chamber to thereby assist in priming the pump. In particular, the present invention relates to a precompression pump which uses mechanisms to create gaps of very small size to bridge two seals on a pump piston, in a way that the small size of the gaps allows the passage of trapped air, but because of the viscosity of any liquid in the pump chamber does not allow the passage of liquid past the seals on the pump piston. Flats which define a chord of the inner circumference of the cylinder wall can be used to create the appropriate gaps. In addition, the core creating the inner circumference can be photochemically etched to provide a roughened surface with asperities which create the appropriate gaps. The priming mechanisms preferably create air gaps around both seals of the pump piston.

Abstract: A pump dispenser, useful especially for lotions, soaps and creams, has a structure which allows locking into a sealed and locked position. The pump dispenser may therefore be transported and stored without fear of accidental actuation or leakage. The dispenser has a valve stem which acts as an inlet valve, as well as a mechanism for sealing the inlet and outlet to the pump chamber when locked. The pump dispenser also has structure to seal the vent passage when in a locked position.