Patents Examined by Paul R Durand
  • Patent number: 11219910
    Abstract: A sprayer device with a trigger operated pump is operative for pumping and spraying liquid from an attached liquid container. The trigger sprayer includes valve body provided with a base portion that is configured to be mounted to the neck of the liquid container and a delivery nozzle from which the liquid is sprayed. A fluid flow path extends from the base portion to the delivery nozzle. A pumping chamber is in fluid communication with the flow passage and there is a vent opening between the pumping chamber and the interior of said base. A piston with spaced inboard and outboard seals is movable in the pumping chamber and the vent opening is located between the seals. A check valve is disposed between the vent opening and the interior of the base portion to prevent liquid from the container from backflowing into the pumping chamber during shipment and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Driskell
  • Patent number: 11220379
    Abstract: A dispensing fitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening of a fluid container. The plug is positioned within an interior portion of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open and closed position. Engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. Disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the open to closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Alan Heinbuch, Matthew D. Lausted, Jeffrey Michael Schultz, Kevin Michael Welle, Bradley Jacob Johnson
  • Patent number: 11220419
    Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (100) has: a beverage directing guide (10) for directing by the directing guide (10) beverage (100) to an area (2) for placing a user-recipient; and a beverage processing unit (5) having a unit outlet (51) via which liquid (100,101) is passed from the beverage guide (50) to the directing guide (10) that is located below the unit outlet (51). The directing guide (10) has a flow cavity (10a), a bottom (10b) and sidewalls (10c) such that the bottom (10b) and the sidewalls (10c) delimit the flow cavity (10a). The directing guide (10) has an inflow penetrator (12) for acting on a flow of beverage (100) delivered by the unit outlet (51) onto the penetrator (12) prior to reaching the bottom (10b) of the flow cavity (10a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Jurgen Kristlbauer
  • Patent number: 11214432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid matter valve for pressurized cans, in particular for the dispensing/discharging of assembly foams, with a valve disk (1), a valve body (2) arranged in the valve disk (1), a stem (3) mounted in a central cuts out (21) of the valve body (2) and having at least one inlet opening (33) for the contents of the pressurized can, said opening being cleared by actuation of the stem (3), with at least one discharge opening, a duct (34) connecting the inlet opening (33) with the discharge opening, at least one sealing element (23) acting between the valve body (2) and the stem (3), as well as a spring element (40), wherein the stem (3) is designed so as to form two parts, the upper part (3a) being connected to the lower part (3b) in a form-closed or force-closed manner, a circumferential elastic diaphragm (22) integrally connecting the valve body (2) to the upper part (3a) of the stem (3), and the two parts (3a, 3b) of the stem (3) forming a functional unit which accommodates the duct (34
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Gàbor Fazekas
  • Patent number: 11214417
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a beverages container with two components, of which one external container and one internal container, closed at the upper part by a closing device, comprises a valve body made in a single body and a spring device, wherein a mobile sealing unit is present between the valve body and the spring device, configured to selectively open and close a passage aperture of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Emanuela Covi
  • Patent number: 11213844
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a container for holding a fluid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber; and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. The piston holder is connected to one of the liquid piston and the air piston. The connection comprises one or more projections and one or more grooves. The volume of the liquid pump chamber and the air pump chamber both change as a function of the engagement of the one or more projections with the one or more grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Patent number: 11192380
    Abstract: Convenience of an ink bottle and a bottle set is improved. An ink bottle includes: a container portion that contains ink; a guiding portion that is formed in one end portion of the container portion, and includes an outflow port from which the ink in the container portion flow out; and a cover that covers at least an end portion of the container portion on the opposite side of the guiding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taku Ishizawa, Tadahiro Mizutani, Ryoichi Tanaka, Manabu Akahane, Koichi Toba, Takumi Nagashima, Yoshiaki Shimizu, Tadashi Watanabe, Noriyuki Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 11192674
    Abstract: Dispensing devices and methods are provided. A dispensing device comprises an opening accessing an insertion path thereof, two opposing surfaces configured to compress a flexible package inserted into the insertion path while moving across the flexible package in two directions, and an opener configured to bend an opening region of the package out of a plane defined by the flexible package and further configured to cut a distal portion of an opening region of the flexible package. A method of dispensing product from a flexible package is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Uwe Nehus, Stefan Eberhardt, Davide Ronchi
  • Patent number: 11192770
    Abstract: Automated dispensing of beverages is provided by unattended software control. Grants are purchased or given from the administrative Portal (we call it Pass Manager, see screen shots in the ppt presentation). The redemption is initiated from the web page opened on a phone or tablet. Redemption can also be initiated by applying QR, bar code, RFID or CC cards to a Reader. dispensing tap may be accessed at the dispensing station interface or via a networked application interface. Authenticating the granting of automated access via a receipt includes acceptance of legal terms and conditions and assess limited by an access code. User may prepay for servings, with the tap remaining locked until the user specific access code is acknowledged. After dispensing, the tap is locked and the purchase or grant total updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Sestra Systems
    Inventor: Lev Volftsun
  • Patent number: 11192771
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tap head for connecting to a keg for a bar system, the tap head having a tap head body, and a pressurization-gas supply line and a beverage removal line being formed in the tap head body, such that a 3/2-way valve is formed directly on or in the tap head body in the pressurization-gas supply line, which 3/2-way valve connects either the pressurization-gas supply line from a gas source to the interior of the keg or connects, in a gas-conducting manner, the interior of the keg to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: DSI GETRAENKEARMATUREN GMBH
    Inventors: Mirco Wolter, Rudolf Klemm, Stefan Sueltrop
  • Patent number: 11174092
    Abstract: A polymeric aerosol dispenser that is recyclable. The recyclable polymeric aerosol dispenser including all polymeric components. These components being selectively either fixedly joined or separably joined based on the material composition of the component. Further, components may be selected for their density and, thus, their ability to float or sink during the recycling process. The recyclable polymeric aerosol dispenser is designed to minimize its impact on the PET recycling stream and to align with industry recyclability guidelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Elizabeth Hosmer, Robert Earl Magness
  • Patent number: 11167300
    Abstract: Infectious diseases may be acquired in public areas such as transportation terminals, shopping centers, schools, hospitals, restaurants and hotels. Large surface areas may be disinfected using a spray system to distribute a suitable fluid such as a disinfectant. Many existing spray systems are large and unwieldy causing operator fatigue. Some spray systems have large, heavy external tanks that provide fluid to the spray system using an external fluid hose. Disclosed is an improved portable spraying system that may be carried by a system operator. The improved system has a tank, a pump, a valve, a nozzle, and a fan all powered by a battery. The tank, the pump, and the battery are arranged to minimize operator fatigue. With the valve set to the priming position, fluid recirculates to prime the pump. Once the pump is primed, the valve is turned to the spray position to begin spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: OxyGreen 360 LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Leifeste, Kelly S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11161681
    Abstract: A propellantless aerosol fluid dispensing system including a reusable pressurizable canister and a disposable fluid containing pouch, the pouch including a valve assembly for dispensing the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rust-Oleum Corporation
    Inventors: Adam P. Morrison, Kelly A. Markle
  • Patent number: 11155391
    Abstract: The device makes it possible to dispense predetermined metered quantities of liquid. It includes a sealing member that can take up a liquid release position, allowing liquid to flow out of the device, and a non-return position preventing liquid from flowing back into the device. The sealing member is provided with metering means for metering out the liquid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventors: Gaëtan Painchaud, Sylvain Lanzi, Xavier Julia, Guillaume Grevin
  • Patent number: 11135608
    Abstract: A dispensing device for paste products, including toothpaste, is provided. The dispensing device includes a container, a pumping diaphragm and a head applied to the container. The head is equipped with a tube and a button for acting on the diaphragm and deforming it for dispensing. The button has a pressure surface for a user's dispensing action. An extension element which, in an active position, is arranged as an extension of the pressure surface of the button, increases a leverage effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: GUALA DISPENSING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Alluigi
  • Patent number: 11136166
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluid-dispensing flexible pouches having at least a first wall portion, a second wall portion and a means to manually discharge a fluid product from inside the pouch. The means to manually discharge a fluid from inside the pouch comprises an orifice formed in either one of the first or second wall portions or a patch, and a flexible self-sealing dispensing valve having at least two intersecting lines of weakness formed in either one of the first or second wall portions or the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna M Holmi, Jordan R Tracy, Donald C Schnabel
  • Patent number: 11131499
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a dispenser configured to supply water to the outside of the main body, a water supply flow path connecting the dispenser to a water source; and a valve assembly disposed on the water supply flow path, wherein the valve assembly comprises an elastic member having an outlet whose diameter is reduced by an elastic force, when water is no longer supplied to the valve assembly, so that water remaining in the inside of the water supply flow path is kept by the surface tension of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Kyoung Ki Park
  • Patent number: 11131575
    Abstract: An exemplary dispenser includes a housing and a refill unit. The refill unit being removable and replaceable. The dispenser also includes a processor, memory, a dose count stored in memory that is indicative of the number of doses in a full refill unit, a level sensor for detecting a predetermined level the refill unit and a dispense count indicative of the number doses of product dispensed from the refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includes memory and has logic stored in the memory for recalibrating the number of doses remaining in the refill unit as a function of the dose count, the number of doses of product dispensed and the predetermined level of product. The number of doses of product remaining in the refill unit may be displayed on the dispenser, on a remote station, or on both the dispenser and a remote station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Moore
  • Patent number: 11130623
    Abstract: A valve for a container for dispensing pressurized fluid includes a housing which is mounted on a valve cup, a hollow stem provided in a passage of the housing which stem has at least one lateral inlet opening at its lower end and an outlet opening at its upper end, and a spring. The housing has a circumferential step-like contour with an outer, lower part and a central, upper part. The valve cup follows essentially the step-like contour line of the housing and ends horizontally on the top of the housing close to the stem and a sealing is provided on the upper side of the housing between the housing and the valve cup and which seals at the same time the valve cup against the housing and the stem against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Altachem NV
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Poppe, Niels Vanlerberghe
  • Patent number: 11124406
    Abstract: A dispensing and pour control system for a regulated beverage having a metering system that provides a discharge in a controlled and metered manner. A sensor system uses a Line Control Board (LCB) that detects a piston location inside a metering conduit. A plurality of magnetic sensors is positioned at equal intervals and in the same plane collinear with the movement of a magnetic piston within the metering mechanism conduit. The piston position is detected by obtaining a set of momentary readings of the magnetic sensors and estimating a location of the piston by interpolation of the piston position as an anticipate location between sensors that are adjacent and showing readings of opposing signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SESTRA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lev Volftsun, Alex Belfor, Anatoly Boshkin