Patents Examined by Jeremy Carroll
  • Patent number: 11793107
    Abstract: A gardening material dispensing apparatus configured for dispensing gardening material. The gardening material dispensing apparatus includes a convertible container assembly configured to contain a supply of the gardening material, a dispensing conduit configured to flow the gardening material from the container assembly continually based on gravity to a selected area, and at least one material agitator assembly operably coupled to the dispensing conduit and configured to controlled quantities of the gardening material by controlling a speed of rotation of an agitator impeller. The dispensing conduit dispenses a precise amount of the gardening material continuously onto the selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Uzi Talit
  • Patent number: 11787681
    Abstract: A damper device for use in an automated beverage preparation apparatus is disclosed. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material entrance hole, a material exit hole, and a material buffer chamber positioned between the material entrance hole and the material exit hole; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; and a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion. When the volume of liquid material within the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm deforms to protrude outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Botrista Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wu-Chou Kuo, Yu-Min Lee, Jia-Hui Chen, Yen-Jui Su
  • Patent number: 11787682
    Abstract: A material output volume detecting device for use in an automated beverage preparation apparatus is disclosed. The material output volume detecting device includes: a damper device arranged to operably buffer liquid material flowing therethrough; and a flowmeter arranged to operably measure the flow of liquid material outputted from the damper device. The damper device includes: a damper base having a material entrance hole, a material exit hole, and a material buffer chamber positioned between the material entrance hole and the material exit hole; a diaphragm covered on the material buffer chamber; and a fastening element positioned on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion. When the volume of liquid material within the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm deforms to protrude outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Botrista Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wu-Chou Kuo, Yu-Min Lee, Jia-Hui Chen, Yen-Jui Su
  • Patent number: 11766693
    Abstract: A method for operating a double-action piston pump of an application system for applying a fluid medium to a substrate, wherein the piston pump has a piston which is movable between a first reversal point and a second reversal point for delivering the fluid medium, wherein on reaching the first reversal point and the second reversal point, the movement direction of the piston is reversed, wherein during an output period, the fluid medium is output by means of an output device, and during an interruption period, an output of the fluid medium by means of the output device is interrupted, wherein during the interruption period, the movement direction of the piston is reversed, wherein on reversal of the movement direction during the interruption period, the piston is situated at an intermediate position between the first reversal point and the second reversal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ROBATECH AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hofer, Hanspeter Felix
  • Patent number: 11767212
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to open and discharge the contents of a packet or sachet. In some embodiments, a portable dispensing device includes a housing, an opening mechanism, and a discharging mechanism. In some configurations, the device includes a rotatable axle, a rotatable cap disposed at an end of the housing, and a roller element (coupled to the axle) that is configured to rotate with manual rotation of the rotatable cap, and a slot in the housing that permits at least a portion of the packet to advance through, wherein the slot and housing assists with pressing opposing packet walls together to discharge the contents of the packet. In some configurations, the opening mechanism also includes another housing slot where a corner of the packet may be fed and a knife element disposed to facilitate removal of the corner to thereby open the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: H.J. Heinz Company Brands LLC
    Inventors: Madison Kay Gildersleeve, Michelle Marie Hayden, Peter Dalton, Ladd Peterson Rowe, John Parker, Leeya Jackson, Chase Zreet, Farin Nikdel, Funmilayo Danielle Adejobi, Felipe Ribeiro Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 11756812
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an adhesive dispense unit for a semiconductor die bonding apparatus. The adhesive dispense unit includes an adhesive dispense nozzle and a pin member; the pin member comprising a down stand portion and a sheath portion, and the down stand is reciprocateable within the sheath portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Nexperia B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Eltink, Theo ter Steeg
  • Patent number: 11753290
    Abstract: A roving beverage dispensing device has a beverage container in a cooled compartment and a flexible beverage dispensing line with connecting means coupling its inlet end to the container. A pressure line is releasably connected to the container and to a source of pressurized gas. An elongated tapping column fixed to the top of the compartment comprises elongated inner channel bringing in communication the interior of the compartment with tapping valve element suitable for receiving a portion of the outlet end of the dispensing line and for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough. The largest diameters of the dispensing line and the connecting means are sufficiently small so that the dispensing line can be introduced from the top end of the tapping column through the elongated channel into the compartment and connected to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Peirsman, Johan Van Rompaey
  • Patent number: 11744410
    Abstract: A shower curtain (100) is disclosed for a walk-in tub (102). The walk-in tub (102) includes a door (104) extending through the tub wall so that an individual can enter and exit the tub (102) through the door (104), thus avoiding the need to step over a top edge of the tub (102). The shower curtain (100) has a first shower curtain section and a second shower curtain section. The first section is configured to extend around a periphery of the tub (102) and has a height extending between a curtain rod (106) and said top edge of said tub (102). The second section extends downwardly from said bottom end of said first shower curtain section such that the first and second shower curtain sections define a “T” shape. The second shower curtain section can be positioned at the door (104) of said tub (102) during use to provide protection against water spilling out on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Pennie Jo Kothe/Rice
  • Patent number: 11745196
    Abstract: A spray dispenser is provided, the spray dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly for extracting liquid from said container, the dispensing assembly comprising a pressure-relief valve for release of excessive pressure in the container and a filter arranged to permit egress of gas through the filter, inhibit egress of liquid from the container and to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the container through the pressure relief valve. A dispensing assembly for use is a spray dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Syson, Neil Simpson, James Tucker, Karen Rossington
  • Patent number: 11738988
    Abstract: Containers are provided and include a container body having an opening extending into a hollow interior, and a cap extending across the opening. The cap has an inlet port with an inlet valve configured to couple to a fluid source such that fluid can be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurized the hollow interior of the container body. The cap also has an outlet port with an outlet valve having a cracking pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior, and a closing pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The cracking pressure is greater than the closing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Joshua David Anthony, Ethan T. Brown, Nathan Bollen, Brandon J. Suleski, Kyle Janko
  • Patent number: 11724929
    Abstract: A system and method of using an O-ring retaining apparatus to maintain an O-ring in the same position relative to the position of the handle of a bar gun while permitting a valve stem in physical contact with the O-ring to slide past without the O-ring becoming dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Taprite, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Yanes, Jose Cervantes, Joseph Paul Kirchberg
  • Patent number: 11700978
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted hand sanitizing system includes a fluid storage container having a main body and connectors for securement along or within a motor vehicle. A pump is in communication with the main body and a power supply. At least one mirror dispensing unit is connected to the pump by a control and supply line. Each of the at least one mirror dispensing units includes an automobile mirror assembly having a mirror housing, attachment column, mirrored surface, and a fluid discharge nozzle. A control switch is disposed along the mirror housing and is connected to a controller located within the at least one mirror housing. A hand sensor is provided along the mirror housing and is in communication with the control switch to activate the pump upon detecting the presence of a user's hand within a detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Sempier
  • Patent number: 11691803
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing device comprising a rigid container, a flexible bladder, and a rigid stopper. The container is adapted to contain a product to be dispensed. The flexible bladder is disposed below and in fluid communication with the container. The bladder comprises a top end, a sidewall extending downwardly from the top end and terminates in a spout. The bladder is in a liquid tight engagement with the container and the product contained in the container is adapted to flow into the bladder. The rigid stopper is disposed within the flexible bladder and comprises a top end, and at least one sidewall extending downwardly from the top end, and terminates in an open bottom end. The stopper comprises a plurality of through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt A. Ziegenfelder
  • Patent number: 11661326
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to conduits, devices, systems and methods, which may include a dispensing device including a valve configured to interact with an inlet stream, the inlet stream having a first pressure, the valve having an outlet area with an outlet stream, the outlet stream having a second pressure; and a solenoid configured to interact with the outlet stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: GATES CFV SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John Newton, Peter Brooke, Dustin Hartsfield, Michael Cheney, Gillian Callaghan, Scott Ross
  • Patent number: 11661244
    Abstract: Cream dispenser for topically dispensing liquid onto the skin of a user including a liquid store, a discharge head that has a discharge opening and a hinged lid to protect the discharge opening. The dispenser has a multi-part design of the discharge head in order to limit, in a haptically satisfactory way, the movability of a release button of the discharge head and a special relative arrangement of the locking edges on the discharge head and on the hinged lid opposite a joint of the hinged lid in order to prevent the sharp-edged locking edges from coming into contact with the skin while cream is being discharged onto the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Bruder, Michael Hoer, Francis Moreau
  • Patent number: 11649154
    Abstract: A water dispenser and a method of controlling a water dispenser are provided. The water dispenser may control power output of an induction heater having a hot water module based on changes in flow rate of water supplied or a temperature of water discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yonghyun Kim, Siyeon An
  • Patent number: 11649096
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 11649105
    Abstract: The invention is drawn to a container comprising a bottom wall and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The sidewall terminates in an edge and has an inner and an outer surface. The bottom wall and the at least one sidewall form a container interior. A flexible bag having an open end is disposed within the interior of the container and over the top edge of the container. A slide ring extends at least partially circumferentially about the outer surface of the sidewall and is affixed to the open end of the bag and frictionally engaged with the outer surface of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Trevor Price
  • Patent number: 11623814
    Abstract: A disposable deformable capsule includes: a pouch containing a cosmetic product whose periphery is two sheets pressed against and fixed to one another; a channel connecting the pouch to the outside, forming a section of narrower cross-sectional area; a frangible wall separating the pouch and channel, shapes as an inward-pointing angular recess within the otherwise convex shape of the periphery of the pouch, the rupture of which occurs by peeling apart, at the recess, the two sheets, placing the pouch in communication with the channel so the product flows to the channel; a connector, able to be coupled with another connector of another capsule, with rigidity sufficient to seal the connection between the capsules once coupled, located at one end of the channel opposite the end next to pouch or at an opening distinct from the end of the channel located next to pouch, opening to outside the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LABORATOIRES M&L
    Inventors: Philippe De Brugiere, Holger Kloeppel
  • Patent number: 11618664
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system, has: a reservoir; a line connected to the reservoir; a tap connected to the line; a first valve connected to the line downstream of the reservoir, the first valve having a first open configuration and a first closed configuration; and a second valve connected to the line, the second valve having a second open configuration and a second closed configuration, the second valve being in the second closed configuration when the first valve is in the first closed configuration, when in the second closed configuration, the second valve blocking fluid communication between the tap outlet and the first valve, the second valve being in the second open configuration when the first valve is in the first open configuration to connect the reservoir to the tap outlet through the first valve and the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SYSTÈMES MCED INC.
    Inventor: Mathieu Castonguay