Patents Examined by Anthoula Pomrening
  • Patent number: 5285815
    Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing valve is shown having a quick disconnect mounting and easily detachable valve cover housing and valve actuating lever. The quick disconnect includes a body having a pair of parallel shafts extending therethrough. A pair of lock plates are secured on each end of the shafts. The locking plates each include a pair of locking tabs that cooperate with similarly sized locking pockets or areas on the valve main body. The valve also includes modular brix/flow control components to provide for quick adapting of the valve over a wide range of desired flow and/or brix parameters. An adjustable nozzle is shown for adjusting the flow rate of beverage there from with respect to the operating flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Cornelius Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Henry, Joseph W. Kieffer, W. Gregory Mertes
  • Patent number: 5284272
    Abstract: A multipurpose bottle and cap combination comprises a bottle for containing a fluid, a neck with an opening through which the fluid may flow, and a bottom. A cap is secured to the neck of the bottle by threaded engagement, and controls the flow of the fluid through the cap. A first massaging device comprising a plurality of curved surfaces terminating in a tip are provided on the cap, and a second massaging device comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions are spaced apart on the bottom of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Multiscience System Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Winston S. T. Wei
  • Patent number: 5279444
    Abstract: A process for treating a garbage disposal unit by spraying material into its inlet is disclosed. The process utilizes a specified device, which 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: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Htiek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5279449
    Abstract: A dispenser for the dispensing of particulate solids such as salt and pepper. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having a plurality of open-ended cylindrical bores, each bore defining a space adjacent the bottom end thereof into which particulate material can be inserted and the open ends of the bores being threaded to receive a threaded closure. A threaded closure is associated with each of the bores. The threaded open ends of the bores include openings which allow the spaces to communicate with the exterior of the body only when the threaded closures are partially unthreaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Richard J. Sestak
  • Patent number: 5275313
    Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical dispenser comprising (a) a container, (b) a mechanical metering pump, and (c) an external connecting apparatus for connecting the container to the mechanical metering pump. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing chemicals which enables the user to return, refill, reuse the container which is easily drained and cleaned by the supplier of the liquid chemical. This enables the user to safely and efficiently use the liquid chemicals without creating waste and stress to the environment which results when container disposal is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Petrillo, Daryl Reigel
  • Patent number: 5269444
    Abstract: A foam dispensing device mixes a foamable liquid with compressed ambient air and dispenses a foam having the desired liquid-to-air ratio at an early time during foam dispension. The device, which has a vertical liquid conduit and a restricted air passage leading to a mixing chamber, also has two one-way pressure-activated valves to delay the flow of air and to accelerate the flow of liquid to the mixing chamber when the compressed air is introduced. The first valve is located in the liquid conduit below the air passage to prevent liquid from flowing down the tube, thereby accelerating the flow of liquid when the compressed air is introduced. The second valve is located above the air passage to delay air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: H. Earl Wright
  • Patent number: 5269614
    Abstract: A spray head adapted for directing an aerosol lubricant onto the wear points of a drive chain, such as a motorcycle chain. The spray head is designed to receive a supply tube connectable to the outlet port of an aerosol can. The spray head includes a recessed portion having a pair of concave cavities each having a fluid outlet for dispensing lubricant directly onto the lateral link plates of the chain, and a central protrusion having a planar guide surface adapted for travelling over the upper surfaces of the chain rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Jason R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5267673
    Abstract: A dosing device for containers comprising a unit having an inner part (1) made of a flexible elastic material, placed in a cap (2) made of a rigid material. The unit either fits onto a container (3) having an assembling part whose shape is adapted to receive the unit, or the unit can be integral with the container. The elasticity of the part (1), and its form which is associated with the form of the cap (2), produces and discharges a dose when pressure is exerted on the cap (2), without allowing air from outside the container to come in contact with the contents (31) of the container (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Jean-Marie Dulery
  • Patent number: 5265771
    Abstract: An actuator for a dispensing pump is disclosed that pressurizes air and releases the air into an internal fluid passage to mix with, and aerate, fluid dispensed from the dispensing pump and expels residual fluid. The actuator has a body portion, an actuating portion biased away from the body portion, and an air chamber formed between the two portions. Force applied to the actuating portion is transmitted to, and serves to operate, the dispensing pump and compresses the actuating portion toward the body portion, pressurizing the air in the air chamber. The pressurized air is selectively released into the fluid passage. Disclosed embodiments employ a dome-shaped resilient membrane and a piston as the actuating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Philip Meshberg
  • Patent number: 5261572
    Abstract: A dropper bottle employs a conventional flexible bottle and cover with a conical tip having a hole in the end. An adapter is captured between the mouth of the bottle and cover and includes a generally conical extension. The extension seals inside the ferrule of a needle which is jammed inside the tip, with the needle protruding through the hole. The adapter seals between the mouth of the bottle and the ferrule of the needle and includes a passage for fluid between the bottle and the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Plato Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Strater
  • Patent number: 5257723
    Abstract: A bulk melting and supplying apparatus comprises a platen assembly including a follower, a heating platen located beneath the follower and a pump which are insertable as a unit into the open top of a shipping barrel or drum in position so that the heating platen contacts and melts a portion of the solid thermoplastic material within the drum converting it to a molten state for delivery to the inlet of the pump. The outlet of the pump associated with the platen assembly is connected by a line to one or more thermoplastic dispensers or applicators, and structure is provided within the platen assembly to recirculate unused material from the dispensers or applicators back to the input side of the pump without exposing the material to atmosphere or otherwise causing degradation of such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Jorg-Olaf Bagung
  • Patent number: 5255830
    Abstract: A continuous gravimetric metering apparatus for pourable material including a predetermined measuring path supplied with pourable material, the predetermined measuring path being provided with a porous wall for continuously supplying a finely distributed air stream thereto. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use in a continuously operating conveying system for pourable material having lower flowability in large quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans W. Hafner
  • Patent number: 5255823
    Abstract: An actuator having an actuator body and a cap that can be raised or retracted is disclosed. The cap has an aperture sized to fit around the body. In the raised position, the actuator fits into the aperture and the body upper end is shaped to conform with the upper surface of the cap. This encloses the nozzle and provides a smooth upper surface when the cap is raised. When the cap is retracted, the body extends upwardly through the aperture so that it may be pushed on to dispense a liquid from the container on which the actuator is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Risdon Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Tichy, Craig R. Bures, Brooks Markert, Lance A. Monje, Stephen P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 5246142
    Abstract: A novel mixing and dispensing container is provided herein. The novel container includes a container for containing a first ingredient, the container including an internal shoulder therein; (b) a dispenser compartment for insertion into the container, for storing a second ingredient which is segregated from the first ingredient prior to use, the dispenser compartment having a preformed weakened region in a selected wall thereof; (c) a removable closure for the container, the removable closure being connected to the dispensing compartment, the removable closure being adapted to close the container; and (d) a projection on the dispenser compartment for engaging the shoulder during removal of the closure. Opening of the container by removal of the removable closure causes the projection on the dispenser compartment to engage the shoulder in the container. This permits another portion of the dispenser compartment to be raised with respect to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventors: Elio DiPalma, Josephine DiPalma
  • Patent number: 5242093
    Abstract: A pitcher for holding and serving liquids including a jar portion, a ring member engageable with the jar portion, and a cover assembly engageably with the ring member. A rim portion of the cover assembly is defined by an aperture formed through the cover assembly and an integral spout is formed in a section of the rim portion for controllably pouring liquids from the pitcher. A mouth is formed at one end of the jar and a necked portion is formed on a surface of the jar spaced apart from the mouth. A diameter of the necked portion is smaller than a diameter of the mouth and includes a concave portion which is sized and dimensioned for matably engaging the ring member. Thread portions formed on cooperative surfaces of the cover assembly and the ring member attach the cover assembly to the jar. Included in the cover assembly is a cap for covering the aperture in the cover assembly and a lid assembly carried on the cap and movable relative to the cap and the spout formed on the rim portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Worrell, William E. Midden
  • Patent number: 5242083
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system providing a housing holding a liquid filled pouch inside, the housing pivotably supporting an actuating arm which is thrust against the pouch by a push button extending outside the housing, the actuating arm having an actuator to compress an upper section of a tubular peristaltic pump section of the pouch for squeezing out an incremental amount of liquid. The tubular peristaltic pumping section provides V-shaped notches arranged on lateral sides of the top section and the bottom section for ease of closure by flattening and other advantages. A check valve having lever arms to resiliently stretch flat a discharge nozzle section at the lower end of the peristaltic pumping tube prevents dripping during non-use. A check valve actuator is provided on the actuating arm to engage with the check valve lever arms to open the discharge nozzle during actuation and a short time thereafter to create a suck-back to remove any drips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Inpaco Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Christine, Scott A. Roth
  • Patent number: 5240146
    Abstract: A variable proportion dispenser (2) includes a housing (4) which houses two pharmaceutical cartridges (6, 7). A reciprocating drive assembly (10) includes a drive stem (36, 37) extending from the piston (46) of each cartridge, a sliding body (66) mounted to the housing, and two one-way drive devices (54, 55) carried by the sliding body. Each one-way drive device includes a threaded dosage adjuster (60 6I), and a reciprocating, one-way driver (58, 59) which drives the drive stem into the cartridge. The distance the reciprocating driver can move on the return stroke away from the cartridge is adjustable by changing the threaded position of the dosage adjuster within the sliding body to change if and when the opposed ends (98, 96) of the dosage adjuster and reciprocating driver disengage during the return stroke. During the next delivery stroke, the separated opposed ends (98, 96) do not contact for an initial portion of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventors: William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster, Terry M. Haber
  • Patent number: 5240151
    Abstract: A pump for use with containers with differential and transmission oil includes an adjustable collar for attachment to the containers, and a length adjustable casing to facilitate oil removal from the bottoms of the containers. The pump is manually operated and includes a flexible tube for delivery of the oil to a desired location. A bell-shaped adjustable collar facilitates an attachment of the pump to the top of the container, and an overflow line having a sight gauge can be used to determine when no more oil should be pumped to the receiving structure. Small baffles may also be provided interiorly of the pump casing to prevent solid residue and particles from being pumped into the differential or transmission of a vehicle. In a modified embodiment, the baffles comprise thin magnetized plates so as to be particularly effective in capturing ferromagnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Robert R. Worm
  • Patent number: 5240147
    Abstract: Disclosed is a theft deterring countertop mounted fluid dispensing system for dispensing liquid soap or the like using a liquid soap dispenser which can be disposable. The system includes a base unit or module adapted to be permanently affixed to a countertop. The base unit includes a locking mechanism and at least one lug orifice. The base unit is used in conjunction with the fluid dispensing unit or module which includes a bottle for storing the liquid soap and a lug extending from the bottle. The lug is adapted to be received in the lug orifice of the base unit and releasably engaged by the locking mechanism therein. A key or series of movements which are not readily obvious to a casual user of the product are required in order to remove the fluid dispensing unit from the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Scott Paper Company
    Inventors: Alan D. Frazier, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5240154
    Abstract: A closure system for a container which is capable of being manufactured as a single integrated unit. The closure system includes a bellows member which carries a closure member between a closed position and an open position relative to a port element on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Al Van Den Berghe