Patents Examined by Gene Mancene
  • Patent number: 6832706
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly includes an outer closure body having an upper tubular portion which can function as a mouthpiece for users. The closure assembly includes a flexible valve member mounted within the tubular portion of the closure body for dispensing of liquids or like contents by either the application of suction by a consumer, or by squeezing the associated container. By the provision of a liquid seal lip which coacts with an inside surface of the flexible valve member, the closure assembly can be configured to facilitate convenient use by consumers, while avoiding undesirable leakage attendant to normal handling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Coy Hearld, Lawrence Smeyak, Hassan Najdawi, David Babcock, Ramesh Kamath, Mark Powell, Zinovy Royzen
  • Patent number: 6830163
    Abstract: A manually-actuated fluid dispenser pump including a pump body (10) and a piston (50) mounted to slide in leaktight manner in the pump body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position, the piston (50) being provided with at least a bottom sealing lip (51) in leaktight contact with the pump body (10), the pump body (10) being provided with an inwardly-extending radial shoulder (11) co-operating with the bottom lip (51) of the piston (50) to form an abutment for the piston (50), and to define its dispensing position, the pump being characterized in that the pump body (10) is provided with an axial annular setback (15) at the radial shoulder (11) so that the active sealing portion (53) of the bottom lip (51) makes no contact with the radial shoulder (11) when the piston (50) is in its dispensing position, so that no axial force is exerted on the active portion (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Ludovic Petit
  • Patent number: 6830082
    Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus with new and used fluid tanks for exchanging fluid with a serviceable vehicular subsystem having a fluid reservoir includes a control system with dielectric sensing capabilities to monitor the fluid level within the tanks and, based upon such fluid levels or relative changes thereto, regulate the flow of fluid between the vehicular subsystem and the tanks through selective operation of a fluid flow rate control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery P. Few
  • Patent number: 6827243
    Abstract: A portable kit for transporting and dispensing liquid concentrates for beverage mixing includes receptacles for liquid concentrate containers has locking mechanisms for sealing the containers while not in use, as well as, a removable drip tray with a removable grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Nuzzolese
  • Patent number: 6827286
    Abstract: A diffuser device (100) for diffusing solutions comprises a refill (6) containing the solution to be diffused, a wick (7) disposed partially inside the refill (6) to absorb the solution, a heater (1) coupled to the refill (6) and to the wick (7) and comprising a resistance (8), able to increase in temperature when crossed by a current, for heating the wick (7) and supply means (5) able to electrically supply the resistance (8), the resistance (8) being supported by a support (20) mounted movably in the heater (1) to be able to pass, by manual operation, from a position distal to the wick (7) wherein minimum heating of the wick occurs to a position proximal to the wick wherein maximum heating of the wick occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Zobele Holding SpA
    Inventor: Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 6827239
    Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a product from a receptacle associated with an actuatable dispensing element. The dispensing head comprises a first element defining a channel passing through the first element, and a second element. The first element may be configured to be coupled to the actuatable dispensing element. The first element may further define at least one inner outlet orifice. The channel may be configured to pass product from the actuatable dispensing element to the at least one inner outlet orifice. The second element may define at least one dispensing orifice. The second element may be configured to be displaced relative to the first element from a first position, where actuation of the actuatable dispensing element is prevented and the dispensing orifice is closed by the first element, to a second position, where actuation of the actuatable dispensing element is allowed and the at least one dispensing orifice is at least partly open and communicates with the at least one inner outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Pierr-André Lasserre, Marcel Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6827293
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to mix in a mixing chamber within the apparatus a waterless paint concentrate maintained in a reservoir within the apparatus. The concentrate is stored in the reservoir in a concentration unsuitable for application to a paintable surface. The concentrate is mixed with water received into the mixing chamber under external waterline pressure forming a paint suitable for application to a paintable surface. The paint is then discharged from the apparatus through a spray nozzle. Mixing occurs in the apparatus concurrently with discharge through the nozzle as water flows through the apparatus. The apparatus as largely a container of waterless paint concentrate with a simple mix and discharge spray head attached is disposable after consumption of the concentrate without need for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: George Seeman
  • Patent number: 6827331
    Abstract: The invention is based on an electromagnetic actuator, especially for activating a valve, having at least one electromagnet (10) that acts on a correspondingly designed armature surface (20) of a moveable armature (22) in a first effective range (12) by way of at least one first conical and/or stepped pole face (18) using a magnetic field (16) generated by at least one coil (14). It is proposed that the electromagnet (10) act on a corresponding armature surface (28) by way of at least a second pole face (26) in at least a second effective range (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gerald Roos
  • Patent number: 6824024
    Abstract: A device for aspirating and/or dispensing liquid samples has a hollow body with a cavity for the liquid. A movement element for aspirating and/or dispensing the liquid is moved by a movement unit having a first drive element driven by a first drive. A pipette tip or adapter therefor, receives liquid from the cavity over a line, and a flush line discharges into the cavity. A carrier unit movably carries the movement unit in at least one spatial axis and includes at least one second drive element driven by a second drive. The movement unit includes the hollow body, the movement element, the first drive element, the second drive element and the pipette tip or adapter, as well as a pulse generator for generating pressure waves in the liquid in the cavity during dispensing, all these elements being movable together with respect to the carrier unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Ingenhoven, Noa Schmid
  • Patent number: 6824020
    Abstract: A dispenser head for a dispenser device for dispensing a fluid, said dispenser head being characterized in that it comprises an inner body (10) defining a dispensing channel (11) for the fluid, said channel (11) being terminated by a dispensing orifice (12), and a separate outer body (20) defining an actuating surface (21) on which the user presses to actuate the dispenser device, said outer body (20) being fitted over said inner body (10) in a manner such that, in the event that an attempt is made to tear off or to remove said dispenser head, only said outer body (20) is removable, said inner body (20) remaining fixed to said dispenser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Ludovic Petit
  • Patent number: 6821041
    Abstract: A combination solid material storage container and applicator assembly for solid materials, such as surf board wax, is disclosed. The assembly includes a symmetrical storage container member, which has an open top end, an open bottom end, and an interior surface. A pusher member is positioned inside the container member and includes a sealing lip portion, which provides a continuous seal between the pusher member and the container member interior surface. The pusher member supports a slug of solid material within the container member. An applicator cap member is releasably secured to the open top end of the container member. The cap member includes a blade portion with a scraper edge and a comb edge. The blade portion is used for manipulating the solid material once applied to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fun Before Money
    Inventors: Gregg Hallam, Diego Cueto
  • Patent number: 6820775
    Abstract: A beverage container has a cylindrical lower side wall and floor defining a lower beverage chamber and centered on an axis, a cylindrical upper side wall and upper wall centered on the axis and defining an upper pressurized-gas chamber, and an annular partition having an outer edge welded to an upper edge of the lower side wall and a lower edge of the upper side wall and a center part closely juxtaposed with the upper wall of the upper chamber. A tap assembly mounted on the upper-chamber upper wall has a riser tube projecting through the partition center part into a lower region of the lower chamber. An upper protective ring is fitted to the upper part and to the valve assembly and a lower protective ring is fitted to the lower part. The rings and side walls have the same diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Schafer Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Meike, Hans Helmut Reichmann
  • Patent number: 6820774
    Abstract: A kit for dispensing liquid includes a cap for attachment to a container, the cap defining an outlet. An inner tube is attached to the cap for insertion into the container, a first end thereof being in communication with the outlet and a second end telescopically extending below the container's liquid level. A pump is situated on the cap for selectively pumping air into the container through the inner tube. In one embodiment, a cap vent enables air to be drawn into the pump for transfer into the container so as to urge liquid to flow through the inner tube to the outlet. In another embodiment, a cap vent is positioned to maintain a continuous flow of liquid through the inner tube after the pump has initiated a siphon effect. In either embodiment, an outer tube connects the cap outlet with a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6820772
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprises a support structure; a first tube secured to the support structure; a connector secured to one end of the first tube, the connector having an opening therethrough so as to be in communication with the first tube; and a valve secured to another end of the tube. The connector is secured to a beverage container so that the opening is in communication with the interior of the beverage container to allow the beverage to flow through the first tube and through an open valve. The connector includes first and second inside threads to selectively connect to outside threads of a respective smaller or larger beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jules G. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6820763
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system. In one arrangement, the beverage dispensing system comprises a self-contained, removable container unit, the container unit including at least one liquid container that is adapted to store a liquid therein, and a source of gas under pressure that provides a driving mechanism for delivering liquid from the at least one liquid container of the removable container unit. In addition, the present disclosure relates to liquid containers for beverage dispensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: SB Partnership, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 6817494
    Abstract: A valve assembly for fluid container under pressure, comprising a valve cup sealingly attachable to an opening of the container, the valve cup having an opening, a valve body of plastic material attached within the cup opening and having a through going axial passage and a sealing surface, a valve piston of plastic material guided within the passage, co-acting with the sealing surface and having a lower portion, spring means co-acting with a valve body which presses the valve piston against the sealing surface, characterized in that a cap is connected to the valve body designed to allow flow or fluid from the exterior of the cap to the interior thereof, a preferably axial projection being formed to the bottom facing upwardly towards the valve body, the bottom projection telescopically co-acting with the lower portion of the valve piston, the lower portion and/or the bottom projection having a spring portion adapted to generate a spring force by which the piston is pressed against the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Aerosol-Technik Lindal GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Peter Lilienthal
  • Patent number: 6817552
    Abstract: A broadcast spreading top dresser (10) includes a diverter (200) which can be positioned in an upper position for light applications and a lower position for heavy applications, with the diverter (200) extending through a slot (210) in an upper sheet (58) of the spinner assembly (40) and beyond and below the upper sheet (58) in the lower position. The leading edges (204) of the diverter (200) are spaced from the circular disks (154) of the spinners (54) intermediate the radial position that the material is dispensed unto the spinners (54) and the maximum rearward extent of the circular disks (154). The lower edges of the diverter (200) extend at differing distances into the thickness of the propelled top dressing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Kinkead, Thomas E. Isaman, Donavon D. Kotula, Steven Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6817485
    Abstract: Methods for discharging high purity liquid chemicals from an inner container in a protective pressure container are disclosed. One end of a liquid-discharge pipe is guided to the exterior of the inner container while the other end is at the bottom of the inner container. The high purity liquid chemical is discharged due to (1) gas pressure from a gas from a source connected to the protective pressure container or (2) a pump associated with the liquid discharge pipe or (3) a gas from a source connected to the inner container. The inner container preferably is blow molded and has an olefinic resin inner layer, a solvent-barrier resin intermediate layer, and an external layer of a light-shielding substance-containing resin composition. The inner container has certain absorbance controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Aicello Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kawai, Yoshiaki Ito
  • Patent number: 6817389
    Abstract: A unit for feeding powdery and/or granular products to containers includes a main body and a revolving funnel, through which the product reaches the main body. Driving means are provided for rotation of the revolving funnel with respect to the main body. Conveying and stirring means are carried by the funnel and driven into rotation within the main body to prevent formation of agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Pietro Dovesi
  • Patent number: 6814266
    Abstract: A device for the distribution of water into vases or similar objects. The device includes a water container, at least one tubular duct for the delivery of water to the outside and a control and programming device that establishes the quantity of water to be distributed in pre-established periods of time. The device for the distribution of water has a device for the control of the pressure of the quantity of water to be distributed that can keep the pressure of the quantity of water substantially constant, and an electric control delivery device located downstream of the device for the control of the pressure, upstream of the at least one tubular duct, and in flow connection with both. The delivery device is associated with the control and programming device in order to determine the delivery of the quantity of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Claber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Roman