Patents Examined by Kenneth DeRosa
  • Patent number: 5390824
    Abstract: A measuring dispenser for dispensing liquids from a single or multiple container is disclosed. In the case of single container, the container has a normally closed first valve, while a measuring cup connected to the container has a normally open second valve. These two valves are made to operate concurrently, so that when one valve is closed the other valve is open, and vice versa. The dispenser may also have a supplementary container with a third valve, which may be arranged to open and close independently of the other two valves, or preferably to be closed when the first valve is closed, and open when the first valve is open, and at the same time be adaptable to provide a liquid flow rate of a desired relation with respect to the liquid flow provided by the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 5386928
    Abstract: A system for dispensing materials made of two components includes a side-by-side pair of collapsible tubes that fit within a barrel of a pressurized air applicator. As air is admitted into the barrel, the tubes simultaneously collapse to direct components in the tubes through outlet ports and into a static mixer where the components are mixed to a homogeneous mass. Each tube includes a relatively rigid front and rear end piece, and the end pieces are coupled together by pin elements for ease of handling and to facilitate dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Russell E. Blette
  • Patent number: 5385464
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dispensing food product, such as hard ice cream, comprising an insulated housing having a refrigerated chamber therein and a receptacle in the chamber for holding a supply of food product under refrigeration. The receptacle has an open upper end to permit loading of food product into the receptacle and a lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: David B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5385272
    Abstract: A hand held, free standing, bottom dispensing dispenser, generally made of plastic, for the dispensing of thick liquids such as lotions, shampoos, and processed foodstuff, having a resiliently walled reservoir that sits atop a stand that offers fulcrum for a mechanical linkage. The linkage has a top portion engaged to the reservoir side wall allowing the user's hand to grasp and manipulate the linkage while grasping and manipulating the reservoir, and a bottom portion coupled to dispensing valve disposed and adapted to open and close a discharge element affixed to an outlet in the bottom end of the reservoir. Thus, when hand pressure is applied to the linkage top portion at the same time the reservoir is squeezed and the motion transmitted by the linkage to the dispensing valve opens the latter to dispense a portion of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Michel M. Aoun
  • Patent number: 5385269
    Abstract: A syrup container system for post-mix beverage dispensing systems comprising filling a blow molded, multi-layer PET container with syrup and connecting the container to a post-mix beverage dispenser through a syrup pump. The PET container includes an inner delaminatable PET layer and an outer PET layer and an air vent partway through the container wall terminating at the inner PET layer, so that the inner PET layer can separate from the outer layer and collapse around the remaining syrup as it is withdrawn, without the need for venting the syrup chamber to atmosphere. The PET container also includes a polyethylene closure sealing the container opening and a coupling for connecting to a quick-disconnect coupling on the distal end of a syrup line. The PET container is disposable and recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Simon J. Richter, Gary V. Paisley
  • Patent number: 5383576
    Abstract: A syrup container system for post-mix beverage dispensing systems comprising filling a blow molded, multi-layer PET container with syrup and connecting the container to a post-mix beverage dispenser through a syrup pump. The PET container includes an outer PET layer and a deliminatable inner PET layer and an air vent partway through the container wall terminating at the inner PET layer, so that the inner PET layer can separate from the outer layer and collapse around the remaining syrup as it is withdrawn, without the need for venting the syrup chamber to atmosphere. The PET container also includes a polyethylene closure sealing the container opening and a coupling for connecting to a quick-disconnect coupling on the distal end of a syrup line. The PET container is disposable and recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Simon J. Richter, Gary V. Paisley
  • Patent number: 5383577
    Abstract: A plastic tube produced by blow molding has a main section with an essentially constant cross-section over its length, which is formed by an even number of level wall sections. The wall sections are located opposite to each other and preferably have the same width. At the front end of the main section there is a tubular opening section with a smaller diameter than that of the main section. The rear end the main section converges to an essentially straight end edge which lies in a plane extending through the central longitudinal axis of the main section and which joins two longitudinal edges of the main section to form the end edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Harald Prahs
  • Patent number: 5381927
    Abstract: A method for supplying syrup to a post-mix beverage dispensor comprising filling a blow molded, multi-layer PET container with syrup and connecting the container to the post-mix beverage dispenser through a syrup pump. The PET container includes an outer PET layer and a delaminatable inner PET layer and at least one air vent partway through the container wall terminating at the inner PET layer, such that the inner PET layer can separate from the remainder of the wall and collapse around the remaining syrup as it is withdrawn, without the need for venting the syrup chamber to atmosphere. The PET container also includes a polyethylene closure sealing the container opening and coupling means for connecting to a quick-disconnect coupling on the distal end of a syrup line. The PET container is disposable and recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Simon J. Richter, Gary V. Paisley
  • Patent number: 5372283
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a mixture of two components comprises a dispenser device formed with a first passageway connected to a source of a Component A material, and a second passageway connected to a source of a Component B material, both of which are connected to a static mixer where the components are combined to form a mixture. The dispenser includes structure for purging the mixture of Component A and B from areas of the dispenser which come into contact therewith, and a check valve operative to create a suction within the dispenser and static mixer to prevent leakage of the mixture from the static mixer when flow of the components is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Schmitkons, Jan Shanaberger, Jeffrey S. Noss
  • Patent number: 5368199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the design and construction of apparatus for dispensing microwaveable hot melt adhesives and other heat sensitive materials. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is heated by microwaves and then used to dispense a material therefrom. The dispenser is specifically designed to convert microwave energy into heat and to transfer the heat to the material to be dispensed in a more efficient and/or safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignees: Loctite Corporation, Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans E. Haas, Bernard M. Malofsky, Richard T. Thompson, Cynthia R. Jaros, John R. Nottingham, John Spirk, Craig M. Saunders, Paul E. Brokaw
  • Patent number: 5361939
    Abstract: The present invention is a retaining device for maintaining a collapsible tube in a rolled condition. This retaining device is for placement over the rolled portion of a flexible tube and is made from flexible material which molds to the shape of the tube bottom. The shape of the retaining device is such that it does not interfere with the storage or use of the collapsible tube. A gripping tab may be provided to aid in both the removal of the device from the tube and the placement of the device on the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: James A. Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5360146
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a viscous liquid includes a hollow cylinder and a plunger axially slidably accommodated within the cylinder. The plunger has a tapered front section with an outer diameter at its rear end which is slightly smaller than the cylinder inner diameter, a drum-like intermediate section with a reduced outer diameter, and a cylindrical rear section with a maximum outer diameter which is slightly greater than the cylinder inner diameter, wherein these sections are axially aligned with, and connected to each other. The rear section has a plurality of resiliently deformable flap regions defined by, and between a plurality of axial slits in its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 5358153
    Abstract: A mixing lid with a pouring device for containers used on stirring machines includes an integral one piece slidable closure for a pouring spout and has a first rearward opened pouring position and a second forward closed sealed position. A removably secured front slide closure plate is provided for closing the spout in the second forward closed position. The slidable closure includes a rear rocker engagement member. An operating lever has front and rear ends and is pivotally mounted on the lid intermediate the ends thereof. The lever includes manual press portion on the rear end and a rocker on the front end engageable with the rocker engagement member. A retaining spring engageable with the integral one piece slidable closure and the removably secured front slidable closure plate is provided for maintaining the removably secured slidable closure plate in contact with the pouring spout when the integral one piece slidable closure is in the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Gary L. Caldwell, Francis A. Heckendorf, Jr., Leslie E. Jones, Patrick W. Powell, deceased
  • Patent number: 5358143
    Abstract: A method of storing liquid in a tank, said tank having a moveable follower carrying one of an inlet or outlet port of said tank, said liquid being concurrently and continuously fed to and delivered from said tank and the volume of said liquid in said tank varying in response to variations in the rates of supply and demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Courtaulds Fibres (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Michael R. Perry
  • Patent number: 5358144
    Abstract: A bracelet containing a chamber for storing a chemical repellant such as Mace may be inconspicuously worn by individuals and, when needed, can be used to protect the wearer in case they are attacked by pressing an activation button for spraying the attacker with the repellant. The bracelet can also contain an audible warning or alarm device such as a horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Jerry L. Mock
  • Patent number: 5356048
    Abstract: A bulk storage tank is disclosed having an access opening in a lower funnel portion with a removable cover plate. The access opening is located and shaped for permitting a workman to access or partially enter the interior of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
  • Patent number: 5356035
    Abstract: A hand-held ornamented candy dispenser in the form of a candy figure, has a dispenser body with a storage chamber for candy which can be in opened or closed positioned as determined by novel closure member, to allow storage and dispensing of candy portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Cyrk, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Shlopak, Ronald Magers
  • Patent number: 5356051
    Abstract: A liquid soap supplying device of the present invention includes a tank for storing liquid soap, a discharging nozzle communicating with the tank through a pipe, a liquid soap supplying device for supplying liquid soap in the tank to the discharging nozzle, an air supplying device communicating with the discharging nozzle through a pipe and a mixing chamber for liquid soap and air arranged in the discharging port of the discharging nozzle. The liquid soap and air supplied under operation of each of the supplying devices are mixed and agitated in the mixing chamber so as to discharge the bubbled liquid soap. A pressuring device communicates with the air accumulation part at an inner upper part in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Azuma, Yojiro Taketomi
  • Patent number: 5356043
    Abstract: The present invention is a spray dispenser device closure. It includes a main closure base for attachment to a container, an outer ring, a spray mechanism attached to the base and an overcap. The main closure base has a top portion with a circular horizontal track thereon for attachment with an outer ring. The outer ring has a circular inside wall with a horizonal track thereon for attachment to the track of the base so as to connect them in such a way as to be horizontally and freely rotatable thereabout. The outer ring has a top with an inwardly biased ledge for retaining an overcap and has at least one cut out on the ledge to permit an overcap to be inserted and removed from the outer ring. The spray mechanism is attached to the top of the base and extends therethrough for insertion into a container. The overcap has a circular bottom adapted to be inserted into the outer ring and over the spray mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5353969
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing pump capable of inverted spray has a container vent including a spiral vent groove of a length restricting the free flow of liquid therethrough to avoid leakage, and being sized so that while dispensing in the inverted position the rate of liquid discharge from the container is greater than the flow of air through the vent groove which thereby creates a vacuum in the container and effects a suck-back of air through the vent into the container for venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Balderrama