Patents by Inventor Ian Darby

Ian Darby has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12215792
    Abstract: A valve assembly (300) comprising a valve body (302) and a mono-material plunger (304). The valve body (302 has a primary opening (314) and a secondary opening (315) that are axially spaced apart. The plunger (304) comprises a primary seal 5 portion (316) and a secondary seal portion (317). The plunger (304) comprises the following operational positions with respect to the valve body: a transit seal position in which the primary seal portion (316) of the plunger (304) is in contact with the valve body (302) in order to occlude the primary opening (314); and a fluid flow position in which the plunger (304) is maintained in the fluid flow position by an external force 10 and a force caused by a pressure differential across the valve assembly (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: LIQUI-BOX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Patent number: 12123508
    Abstract: A valve assembly (300) comprising a valve body (302) and a plunger (304). The plunger (304) is movable through an opening (314) in the valve body from (i) a transit seal position in which an axial bias spring (316) is relatively uncompressed, to (ii) an operating configuration in which the plunger (304) is movable between an operational open position and an operational closed position by or against the axial bias spring (316). In addition, the valve assembly (300) is configured to provide a mechanical restriction to the plunger (304) moving from the transit seal position to the operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Publication number: 20240318730
    Abstract: A valve assembly (300) comprising a valve body (302) and a mono-material plunger (304). The valve body (302 has a primary opening (314) and a secondary opening (315) that are axially spaced apart. The plunger (304) comprises a primary seal 5 portion (316) and a secondary seal portion (317). The plunger (304) comprises the following operational positions with respect to the valve body: a transit seal position in which the primary seal portion (316) of the plunger (304) is in contact with the valve body (302) in order to occlude the primary opening (314); and a fluid flow position in which the plunger (304) is maintained in the fluid flow position by an external force 10 and a force caused by a pressure differential across the valve assembly (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Patent number: 11840389
    Abstract: The bag side connector for a BIB package comprises: an element (10) having a longitudinal axis (12) and including a flange (14) with an upper and a lower face, wherein a first collar (16) protrudes from the upper face, so that a cylindrical chamber (18) is defined, a second collar (20) protrudes from the lower face, and the flange (14) has at least one through hole (22) in the area delimited by the second collar (20); and an internal valve device including an obturator (24) slidable along said axis (12) and a third collar (26) protruding from the lower face of the flange (14) coaxially and internally in respect of the second collar (20) and externally in respect of the area with at least one through hole (22), wherein said obturator (24) has a foot (30) suitable for contacting a distal edge (32) of the third collar (26) to form a leak-tight seal, and a top wall (34) from which an actuating pin (36) protrudes and extends through a center bore (38) of the flange (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: LB EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Patent number: 11820644
    Abstract: A tap assembly with a hollow tap body which defines a dispensing chamber leading to an outlet arrangement. A valve assembly with a valve element is provided to selectively open an inlet into the dispensing chamber. A push button is provided which operates the valve assembly, and which defines an operating chamber, with the push button movable into the operating chamber. A connecting member is provided extending from the push button through the operating chamber. A seal is provided to prevent liquid passing from the dispensing chamber to the operating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: LB EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Publication number: 20230356892
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a liquid container including a cap configured to be mounted to a spout connected to a liquid container. The system includes a flexible valve positioned in the cap to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container and a retaining ring connected to the cap to secure the flexible valve to the cap. The cap includes at least one channel defined by a projection configured to receive the tab of a connecting member and secure the connecting member to the cap by securing the tab in the channel under the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Matthew Ruschmeier
  • Publication number: 20230258273
    Abstract: A valve assembly (300) comprising a valve body (302) and a plunger (304). The plunger (304) is movable through an opening (314) in the valve body from (i) a transit seal position in which an axial bias spring (316) is relatively uncompressed, to (ii) an operating configuration in which the plunger (304) is movable between an operational open position and an operational closed position by or against the axial bias spring (316). In addition, the valve assembly (300) is configured to provide a mechanical restriction to the plunger (304) moving from the transit seal position to the operating configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Publication number: 20220153567
    Abstract: A tap assembly with a hollow tap body which defines a dispensing chamber leading to an outlet arrangement. A valve assembly with a valve element is provided to selectively open an inlet into the dispensing chamber. A push button is provided which operates the valve assembly, and which defines an operating chamber, with the push button movable into the operating chamber. A connecting member is provided extending from the push button through the operating chamber. A seal is provided to prevent liquid passing from the dispensing chamber to the operating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventor: Ian DARBY
  • Patent number: 11332358
    Abstract: A tap assembly 10 with a hollow tap body 16 which defines a dispensing chamber 24 leading to an outlet arrangement 26. A valve assembly with a valve element 18 is provided to selectively open an inlet into the dispensing chamber 24. A push button 20 is provided which operates the valve assembly, and which defines an operating chamber 28, with the push button movable into the operating chamber. A connecting member is provided extending from the push button 20 through the operating chamber. A seal 39 is provided to prevent liquid passing from the dispensing chamber 24 to the operating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Corplex Plastics UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Patent number: 11319119
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TRIMAS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220055816
    Abstract: The bag side connector for a BIB package comprises: an element (10) having a longitudinal axis (12) and including a flange (14) with an upper and a lower face, wherein a first collar (16) protrudes from the upper face, so that a cylindrical chamber (18) is defined, a second collar (20) protrudes from the lower face, and the flange (14) has at least one through hole (22) in the area delimited by the second collar (20); and an internal valve device including an obturator (24) slidable along said axis (12) and a third collar (26) protruding from the lower face of the flange (14) coaxially and internally in respect of the second collar (20) and externally in respect of the area with at least one through hole (22), wherein said obturator (24) has a foot (30) suitable for contacting a distal edge (32) of the third collar (26) to form a leak-tight seal, and a top wall (34) from which an actuating pin (36) protrudes and extends through a center bore (38) of the flange (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Publication number: 20200207605
    Abstract: A tap assembly 10 with a hollow tap body 16 which defines a dispensing chamber 24 leading to an outlet arrangement 26. A valve assembly with a valve element 18 is provided to selectively open an inlet into the dispensing chamber 24. A push button 20 is provided which operates the valve assembly, and which defines an operating chamber 28, with the push button movable into the operating chamber. A connecting member is provided extending from the push button 20 through the operating chamber. A seal 39 is provided to prevent liquid passing from the dispensing chamber 24 to the operating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Ian DARBY
  • Publication number: 20200172302
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10618703
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190152657
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10227167
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180079564
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Ian Darby, Paul N. Georgelos, Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9162806
    Abstract: The system and method discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system improves the user experience by only requiring a relatively weak connection force between the line-side valve and the bag-side valve. The system and method improves the shelf life of products within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Michael Fishel, Ian Darby, Chris Bowers
  • Patent number: 9085399
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting a fluid within a product container such as a bag to a product dispenser. The system and method, more particularly, discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system and method improves the shelf life of products contained within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product contained within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Michael Fishel, Ian Darby, Chris Bowers
  • Publication number: 20130327794
    Abstract: The system and method discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system improves the user experience by only requiring a relatively weak connection force between the line-side valve and the bag-side valve. The system and method improves the shelf life of products within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Michael Fishel, Ian Darby, Chris Bowers