Patents Examined by Melvin Cartagena
  • Patent number: 6863194
    Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a needle sheet formed as a unitary piece for dispensing liquid crystal material contained within a liquid crystal container through a nozzle by selectively contacting a needle. The needle sheet includes a needle contacting portion for contacting the needle and a coupling portion for coupling the liquid crystal container to the nozzle. Therefore liquid crystal material is prevented from remaining within the needle sheet and the needle sheet can be easily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyug-Jin Kweon, Hae-Joon Son
  • Patent number: 6854621
    Abstract: The cartridge dispenser comprises a double cartridge having two cylindrical containers of different cross-sections, a drive for a dynamic mixer, and a housing base in which the drive shaft of the dynamic mixer is arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The mixer drive shaft is guided in a laterally displaceable manner such that the driver of the mixer drive shaft is situated on the center axis of the mixer rotor independently of the cross-sectional ratio of the containers of the double cartridge. The mixer is located on the center axis which extends between the outlets of the containers. The mixer drive shaft is automatically forced to the correct position when a double cartridge is inserted. Consequently, the driver is always correctly aligned to the mixer rotor. Suitable means in the housing base always provide a correct location of the cartridges, and in a preferred embodiment, the mixer can be attached to the cartridge without the need of being previously oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Mixpac Systems AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6848599
    Abstract: An adhesive container. The adhesive container includes a relatively rigid canister, a collapsible bag within the relatively rigid canister, the collapsible bag containing an adhesive, a propellant in a space between the outside of the collapsible bag and the inside of the relatively rigid canister, and a valve connected to the relatively rigid canister, the valve comprising an adhesive port in selective communication with the collapsible bag and a propellant port in selective communication space between the outside of the collapsible bag and the inside of the relatively rigid canister. The invention also involves a method of filling a bag-in-can container of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hammarth, Stephen J. Lacivita, Kevin J. May, Christopher Molina, John S. Piwnica, Jr., Paul A. Raymond, Jonathan C. Waters
  • Patent number: 6845885
    Abstract: A pouring spout for liquid containers to allow for a dosed and continuous ventilation of the container interior and thus a regular pouring of the liquid independent of the degree of tilt of the container, includes a ring-shaped upper part and a tubular segment attached to the ring-shaped upper part and having at least one ventilation opening through which the air enters in a dosed manner. Provided in the lower part of the tubular segment is a partition which extends on an inner side of the tubular segment in substantial parallel relationship to the tubular segment and is connected laterally with the tubular segment. The partition wall has an upper part distal bottom wall for connection to the tubular segment to form a so-called air trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ingolf Morgenroth
  • Patent number: 6845883
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser capable of dispensing individual quantity controlled amounts of toothpaste in a sanitary manner without the possibility of cross contamination. The dispenser includes an elongated strip having a plurality of one time use sachets formed integrally therewith, each sachet containing a measured quantity of toothpaste therein suitable for a single use. The strip is provided with weakened portions so that individually numbered sachets may detached from the strip. The individual sachets may be opened after they are detached from the strip and the contents may be squeezed out. In addition, the sachets may be color coded which is useful when the usage of more than one child is being monitored. A parent may monitor the usage of the individual sachets by reviewing the number, and if more than one child is in the family, the color of the emptied sachet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Pieri
  • Patent number: 6834777
    Abstract: Liquid material is precisely dispensed to a semiconductor processing tool utilizing closed loop control. In one embodiment, CMP slurry material of known density is supplied from a reservoir/mixing vessel to a dispense module. The dispense module also receives a flow of an inert gas through a gas supply valve. Positive pressure arising within the dispense module due to the inert gas flow causes an outflow of slurry from the dispense module to the CMP platen. The rate of flow of the slurry to the CMP platen over time is determined by monitoring the change (decline) in weight of the filled dispense module. In a similar manner, variation in the rate of flow of slurry over time may be detected by monitoring variation in changes in weight of the filled dispense module over time. A regulator structure in electronic communication with the dispense module and with the gas supply valve receives first signals at different time points indicating the weight change of the dispense module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Osterheld, Benjamin A. Bonner, Michael W. Richter
  • Patent number: 6834779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing canister that improves dosing consistency and powder evacuation, particularly when dry powdered beverage-forming or food-forming material having poor intrinsic flowing properties are to be dispensed. The canister includes a reservoir having two terminal walls and two side walls, a rotatable volumetric dosing device longitudinally extending in the reservoir, and a main agitating wheel arranged to gear on the rotatable volumetric dosing device to rotate in the reservoir upon actuation of the rotatable dosing device. The secondary agitating wheel is arranged to gear on the main agitating wheel and the two wheels are vertically offset so that the main wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to a first terminal wall whereas the secondary wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to the second terminal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Gerhard Ufheil, Juan J. Gonzalez, Francesco Chiarella, Constance L. Whippie, Dinakar Panyam
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 6820770
    Abstract: A holder for a pump-type bottle dispenser includes a base section and an adjustable section capable of moving with respect to each other to adapt to dispenser size and/or shape. The adjustable section suitably includes a neck or other extension that supports the neck of the dispenser, and the bottom of the dispenser rests upon the base member as appropriate. The adjustable section is held in place with respect to the base section by a locking mechanism that may include teeth or other extensions on one of the sections that interface with indentations in the other section to provide a lock against further movement. A post or other support may also be provided to secure the holder against a sink, countertop or other support. Such a holder is particularly useful for soap dispensers and the like which may be provided in public facilities such as vehicle lavatories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Yon Makino, Patrick Marcanio, Andrew Seys, Brad Fulgum, Rickie Althouse, John Bauer
  • 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: 6820855
    Abstract: An air flow control valve including a valve body having an internal cavity and an inlet and outlet in flow communication with the internal cavity, the axes of the inlet and outlet being aligned at substantially 90° to each other, a valve seat located within the cavity and co-axially aligned with the outlet, the valve seat being located on the distal end of an upstanding tubular pedestal which is formed around the outlet, the internal cavity being configured so as to define an annular space around the pedestal with which the inlet is in flow communication; a flexible generally planar diaphragm mounted above the valve seat, the diaphragm supporting a valve closure member which is adapted to engage the valve seat to close the valve, valve control means for causing the diaphragm to move towards and away from the valve seat to close and open the valve respectiely; and the valve being characterised in that, with the valve oriented with the inlet axis horizontal and the outlet facing downwards, the valve seat is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. PTY Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Alexander Heller, Andrew John McCausland
  • Patent number: 6814315
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and method that provides for precise adjustment of one or more dispensing modules relative to a substrate. The liquid dispensing apparatus and method includes a manifold which has a liquid discharge orifice that is adapted to connect to a source of liquid, such as adhesive. The manifold further has an elongated slot which has a plurality of walls and a recess portion formed in one of those walls. A mounting block has a flange portion that is disposed in and cooperating with the recess portion of the slot so that the mounting block is retained in and selectively slidable along the slot. A dispensing module with a liquid passageway is removably affixed to the mounting block with the liquid passageway in fluid communication with the liquid discharge orifice in the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Aaron Gould, Kenneth Jones
  • Patent number: 6811057
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly characterized in that it comprises: a fluid dispenser (1) defining a substantially flat body (10) provided with a dispensing orifice (17) and with a removable closure member (18) suitable for closing the dispensing orifice (17); and packaging (2) encasing the dispenser (1) and forming an opening portion (24, 28; 240, 280) in which the removable closure member (18) is received so that it is possible to take hold of it in order to remove it from the body, thereby unmasking the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frédéric Duquet, Hervé Pennaneac'h
  • Patent number: 6805264
    Abstract: A hygienic solution dispenser includes a reservoir for a hygienic solution. The reservoir has a wallward side and an opening. A tongue extends along the wallward side and is adapted to secure the reservoir to a mounting fixture. The mounting fixture secures the inventive dispenser to a substrate. A valve seals against the reservoir opening. A pressure actuator in mechanical communication with the valve upon activation discharges solution from within the reservoir onto toilet paper or another application medium. A rectangular cross section reservoir affords a thin profile projecting from the substrate. An injection molded thermoplastic preferably forms a reservoir having a tongue integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Nick Houvras
  • Patent number: 6796463
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sealing a portion of a fluid vessel. The apparatus includes an inflatable and collapsible enclosed structure constructed and arranged to transition between an inflated configuration and a collapsed configuration when pressurized fluid is received therein and released therefrom, respectively. The apparatus includes at least one annular seal member protruding from an outer surface of the enclosed structure, wherein the annular seal member is constructed and arranged to engage an inner surface of the fluid vessel to form a fluid tight seal between the inner surface and the outer surface of the enclosed structure when the enclosed structure is disposed therein and pressurized to substantially the inflated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Stewart Boal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6793102
    Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal use, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure-vent unit having an orifice and is disposed through the bottle above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Access Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Ah Beng Tan, Peter H. M. Chang
  • Patent number: 6789703
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser holds a collapsible tube of toothpaste within a housing between a roller assembly and a wall surface. A plunger is operable from a relaxed, raised position to a lowered, depressed position to drivingly engage the roller assembly so that one or more rollers are moved along the toothpaste tube in a manner which squeezes toothpaste out of the tube and onto the bristles of a toothbrush held in close proximity to a dispensing outlet of the tube or a nozzle. A spring returns the plunger to the relaxed, raised position upon removing the downward force. The housing is provided with toothbrush holders and a removable cover to permit replacement of the tube of toothpaste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Pierre-Louis