Patents Examined by A. Pomrening
  • Patent number: 5249709
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for dispensing semi-liquid materials in predetermined ratios, which system includes two cartridges having the same or selected different diameters, but proportional to the ratio of the materials to be dispensed, the cartridges being rigidly snapped together by interfitting male and female elements. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seal for a cartridge for dispensing semi-liquid material which seal includes a resilient wiping lip formed around the outer periphery of the seal which is forced against the inner surface of a cartridge by the flattening of the convex face of the seal. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for dispensing semi-liquid material which cartridge includes grooves formed in the inner wall thereof extending inwardly a distance from the edge of the filling end thereof so that air may readily be expelled from the cartridge as the seal is inserted after filling of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Plas-Pak Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Duckworth, Richard W. Clemens
  • Patent number: 5240144
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing of beverages contained in deformable bottles, particularly family-size conventional PET bottles of more than one brand or taste. The apparatus comprises a housing with one or more beverage dispensing valves at the outside, an openable lid, and one or more pressure vessels with openable lid(s) thereinside. Each pressure vessel is configured to receive one or more of the bottle(s) in an upright position. A fitting is mountable to the bottle(s), and is extended by a conduit leading to the respective dispensing valve(s). Air pressure introduced into the vessel(s) cause the squeezing of the bottle(s) thereunder following discharge of the contents of the respective bottle(s) through the dispensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph Feldman
  • Patent number: 5234134
    Abstract: A dosing unit for concentrate in a post-mix beverage dispenser is described which includes an enclosed cylinder space, and a pump piston with a bore running parallel with the axis. A control piston which is in contact with the input side shutoff of the cylinder space is disposed within and movable longitudinally of the bore in the pump piston. The control piston includes an intake opening, and in contact with the pump piston, forms an outlet opening, where the intake and the outlet openings are alternately opened or closed through axial movement of the control piston with respect to the cylinder space and the pump piston. The control piston movement is restricted with respect to the accelerator piston and constrained by axial impact points, so that an axial movement forced upon the control piston causes an impulse in both directions to open or close the intake or the outlet openings, after which by carry-over of the particular impact, the pump piston is moved axially the same distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Bosch-Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Raab, Alfredo D. Ciavarella, George Plester, Frederick D. Schorr, Georg Troska
  • Patent number: 5230447
    Abstract: A self-closing push-pull top for a bottle includes a threaded collar adapted to engage a threaded bottle neck. A hollow stem extends from the threaded collar and engages a cylindrical guide aperture of a cap. The cap is slidable along the hollow stem about the guide aperture to a first position in which the hollow stem and the cap are positioned with respect to one another to prevent fluid flow from the bottle. The cap is further slidable along the hollow stem about the guide aperture to a second position in which the hollow stem and the cap are positioned to allow fluid flow therethrough. A biasing member is provided for biasing the cap in the first position. Since the cap is biased in this first position, it normally remains closed. Upon application of working pressure, the biasing member deforms to allow the cap to slide to the second position in which fluid may be dispensed from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Norbert Kirk
  • Patent number: 5228595
    Abstract: A device for holding and dispensing oral hygiene products directed toward children is provided. The device consists of a child-friendly figure which is capable of holding and dispensing mouthwash. Appendages of the figure, e.g., arms or legs of an animal, are adapted to hold a toothbrush and a removable container shaped to resemble an item associated with the figure. The removable container, which itself is comprised of top and bottom portions, is adapted to hold a tube of toothpaste therein. Additionally, one portion of the removable container can be adapted to hold and dispense dental floss and to be used as a cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Winifred Booker
  • Patent number: 5228602
    Abstract: The trigger operated pumping mechanism for a fluid dispensing device comprises a body. The pumping mechanism comprises a cylinder in the body of the dispensing device, a piston received in the cylinder, a trigger movably mounted to the body and having a front side and a back side, and being coupled to the piston, and a non-metal biasing mechanism for biasing the trigger away from the body to bias the piston coupled to the trigger out of the cylinder. The biasing mechanism includes a separate, non-coiled elongate, generally flat, spring having elongate, opposed flat surfaces and opposite ends and being positioned between the body and the trigger. The trigger back side has a back wall. The spring has one flat surface of one end portion at one end of the spring positioned adjacent the back wall of the trigger and has the other end of the spring positioned rearwardly of the trigger and engaging against the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: AFA Products Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. J. Maas, Petrus L. W. Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 5228600
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid dispensing device for mounting to a container comprising: a body having a front end including opposed side walls at the front end, a nose bushing extending from the front end between the body side walls and at least one, elongate, nozzle cap blocking member which extends from the body front end and which is adapted to engage and prevent rotation of a nozzle cap upon rotation of the cap without manipulation of the body side walls; a nozzle assembly at the body front end including the nose bushing, a nozzle cap received on the nose busing and cooperating structure on or in the nozzle cap and on or in the nose bushing for selectively establishing an off position, a spray position or a stream position of the nozzle cap upon rotation of the nozzle cap; the nozzle cap being mounted for rotation on the nose bushing between the three positions and the nozzle cap having engaging structure therein positioned adjacent the blocking member for engaging the blocking member when someone attempts to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: AFA Products Inc.
    Inventors: Emile B. Steijns, Petrus L. W. Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 5226561
    Abstract: A projectile for releasing a gas or other suitable fluid to initiate operation of an inflator in a motor vehicle inflatable safety system. In one embodiment, the projectile has a plurality of intersecting, concave, and inclined faces which taper to a point at the tip of the projectile. This projectile is positioned on the convex side of a dome-shaped disk which isolates the inflator from an expandable confinement. When a condition is detected requiring operation of the inflator, the projectile is freely propelled toward the disk to controllably separate the disk along lines coinciding with the edges defined by the intersecting faces of the projectile to reduce the potential for portions thereof breaking or tearing off and entering the flow from the inflator to the confinement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: OEA, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hamilton, Brent A. Parks
  • Patent number: 5226572
    Abstract: A bulb actuator for a dropper closure wherein an overcap is mounted on the dropper closure. A bulb squeeze member is slidably mounted in the overcap and has a pair of fingers engaging and straddling the bulb. The fingers are cammed inwardly to squeeze the bulb when the bulb squeeze member is pressed inwardly of the overcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank V. Gargione
  • Patent number: 5222633
    Abstract: Foaming device for mixing gas and foamable liquid in a container having a tube and cap configuration which enables the dispensing of foam from the container without need for squeezing or deforming the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Jack W. Kaufman
    Inventor: Joseph W. Blake
  • Patent number: 5222630
    Abstract: A hand-held grout-dispensing tool having a body portion defining an expandable generally triangular envelope member, an open but sealable by folding reinforced top edge, a grip portion on one lower edge, and a tapered, flexible spout portion enabling adjustable dispensing of grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Warren A. Burtis
  • Patent number: 5221026
    Abstract: An apparatus for a liquid and pressurized gas includes a gas inlet hose for conducting the pressurized gas therethrough, a liquid inlet hose, extending through the interior of the gas inlet hose, for conducting the liquid therethrough, a hose separator connected to an end of the gas and liquid inlet hoses, a gas outlet hose connected through the hose separator so as to be in fluid communication with the gas inlet hose for further conducting the pressurized gas therethrough, a liquid outlet hose, separate from the gas outlet hose, connected through the hose separator so as to be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet hose for further conducting the liquid therethrough, and a main outlet hose connected to and in fluid communication with the liquid outlet hose and the gas outlet hose. The apparatus further includes a first valve positioned within the liquid outlet hose to regulate flow therethrough and a second valve positioned within the gas outlet hose to regulate flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Monte Williams
  • Patent number: 5215229
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser comprising a cylindrical tube of rigid material, partially surrounded by a flexible air compressing bag of rubber or other flexible material which has an air-tight fit with the tube whereby squeezing of the bag will create pressure in the bag and cylindrical tube and dispense toothpaste through an opening at the top of the tube. An air-tight, detachable bottom is provided for the tube and bag, which bottom has a one-way valve providing connection between the tube and bag. Various modifications are shown for the one-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Robin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5215218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved toothpaste dispensing apparatus which includes a housing having a grasping assembly for holding the toothpaste container, a guide and brace assembly for supporting the toothpaste container and a nozzle assembly including a capping mechanism for dispensing the toothpaste. A drive assembly is mounted within the housing and drives a carriage assembly for squeezing the toothpaste container. A control system is also included for activating the drive assembly and for automatic reversal of the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Min K. Choi
  • Patent number: 5215217
    Abstract: A pressure supply unit to supply pressure to a dispensing can, the unit being attached to a gas bulb containing gas under a predetermined pressure. The unit has a chamber pressurized to the desired can pressure, and one wall of the chamber is a diaphragm connected to a needle valve for regulating gas flow from the bulb. A reduction of can pressure causes the diaphragm to move the needle to release gas from the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Dispak Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael J. Leslie
  • Patent number: 5213239
    Abstract: In combination, a can of paint having a top opening, the opening being bounded by a bead formed into a circle, a hollow frusto-conical member with top and bottom openings and the bottom opening smaller than the top opening, the member being force fit into the opening with the bottom opening within the can, the member being made from a rigid thermoplastic material with the wall being crushed by the force fit thereby forming a liquid tight fit with the bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Salvatore Macaluso
  • Patent number: 5209377
    Abstract: A disposable refill cartridge for a liquid soap dispenser having a closed container with a bottom wall portion and a rear wall portion and two opposes side wall portions. An outlet opening is formed in a cylindrical neck extending from the bottom wall portion, as is a frustoconical portion intermediate the bottom wall and the cylindrical neck. At least one boss extends outwardly from the frustoconical portion and the cylindrical neck with two elongated recesses respectively formed in the side wall portions adjacent to the rear wall portion. Each of the recesses extends downwardly to the bottom wall portion, and the container has stepped retaining surfaces at the upper end of the rear wall portion and at the lower ends of the side wall portions. A receptacle is formed in the rear wall having an apertured end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventors: Robert L. Steiner, Charles R. Holzner, Sr., Allan J. Voth
  • Patent number: 5209380
    Abstract: A device for spraying disinfectant foam into the opening of a garbage disposal is described. The device contains an aerosol propellant container and a substantially cylindrical adaptor. The adaptor is integrally formed, with both an upwardly-extending lip section and a downwardly-extending bottom section. The upwardly-extending lip section contains at least three flange portions separated by slots in which movable tabs are disposed. The downwardly-extending bottom section contains an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Htiek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5207353
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for adding toner to an electrostatographic development station from a flat-flanged container containing toner minimizes spillage of toner by automatically uncovering and recovering the container. The flat-flanged container has a mouth surrounded by a peripheral flange which is covered by a flexible cover folded upon itself and adhered to the flange. A slide cover is slidably mounted on the flange with the flexible cover attached at one end to the slide cover. The container is emptied by inserting the container into a sump lid positioned over a hopper within the electrostatographic development station and moving the container so that the mouth of the container is in alignment with an opening through the sump lid. As the container is moved into alignment with opening, the slide cover is automatically removed from the container simultaneously peeling the flexible cover from the flange and opening the container to empty the toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Corby, Victoria L. Decker
  • Patent number: 5205439
    Abstract: The dispenser is used for supplying small amounts of a pasty substance, e.g. solder paste, onto printed circuit boards for the surface mounting of electronic components. It has a generally tube-like housing (20) forming at its lower end a nozzle (54) and a valve face (32). A nozzle element (28) is slidably arranged in the housing (20), has a valve needle (30) cooperating with the valve face (32), and furtheron is biased in closed position of the valve needle (30) at the valve face (32) by a spring (44) and connected with a plunger (40) arranged in a cylindrical part of the housing (20). The housing (20) is surrounded by a tube-like shell (56) in such a distance, that a toroidal chamber (58) between housing (20) and shell (56) is formed. During use cooling or heating gas flows through this toroidal chamber (58), the toroidal chamber (58) furtheron having an upper connector (62) for a duct (64) supplying the gas and a lower outlet (70) for free outflow of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Karsten Sturm