Abstract: A directional dispensing package. The package includes a retaining opening into which a modular pump is snap-fit by inserting the modular pump through an open end of the package. The pump may also be sonically welded to the package. The package also includes a upstanding wall portion, which provides a dispensing actuator locking and sealing mechanism, and can include a tamper-evident tab. The package and pump are assembled at a production site, and are thereafter shipped to a filling site with a bottom portion. The package is filled through the open bottom end, and then the bottom portion is sealingly affixed to the package. The package may include an integrally-molded dip tube structure and a bottom portion with specific structure for allowing easy assembly while preventing leakage. The bottom portion may have an integrally molded dip tube structure. Various devices for allowing inverted dispensing are disclosed. Also, various devices for sealing the spray orifice are disclosed.

Abstract: A directional dispensing package which is easily shipped, filled and assembled is disclosed. The package includes a retaining opening into which a modular pump is snap-fit by inserting the modular pump through an open end of the package. The package also includes a upstanding wall portion, which provides a dispensing actuator locking and sealing mechanism, as well as a tamper-evident tab. The package and pump are assembled at a production site, and are thereafter shipped to a filling site with a bottom portion. The package is filled through the open bottom end, and then the bottom portion is sealingly affixed to the package. The package may include an integrally-molded dip tube structure and a bottom portion with specific structure for allowing easy assembly while preventing leakage. Accordingly, the device of the present invention can be filled and finally assembled with a minimal number of steps, and is therefore particularly suited for quick-turnaround marketing.

Abstract: A directional dispensing package which is easily shipped, filled and assembled is disclosed. The package includes a retaining opening into which a modular pump is snap-fit by inserting the modular pump through an open end of the package. The pump may also be sonically welded to the package. The package also includes a upstanding wall portion, which provides a dispensing actuator locking and sealing mechanism, and can include a tamper-evident tab. The package and pump are assembled at a production site, and are thereafter shipped to a filling site with a bottom portion. The package is filled through the open bottom end, and then the bottom portion is sealingly affixed to the package. The package may include an integrally-molded dip tube structure and a bottom portion with specific structure for allowing easy assembly while preventing leakage. The bottom portion may have an integrally molded dip tube structure. Various devices for allowing inverted dispensing are disclosed.

Abstract: A promotional dispensing package which is easily shipped, filled and assembled is disclosed. The package includes a retaining opening into which a modular pump is snap-fit by inserting the modular pump through an open end of the package. The package also includes a upstanding wall portion, which provides a dispensing actuator locking and sealing mechanism, as well as a tamper-evident tab. The package and pump are assembled at a production site, and are thereafter shipped to a filling site with a bottom portion. The package is filled through the open bottom end, and then the bottom portion is sealingly affixed to the package. Accordingly, the device of the present invention can be filled and finally assembled with a minimal number of steps, and is therefore particularly suited for quick-turnaround marketing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes air grooves in the spray head to allow the drawing in of air into the nostril during dispensing, to assist in the intake of the dispensed medication. Second, the device contains a mechanism for varying the amount of the dose dispensed. This feature is advantageous in that it allows an accurate metered dose to be dispensed, while still allowing flexibility in the size of the dose dispensed. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling of a dispensing container with a product to be dispensed, particularly useful for highly viscous products, in which the container has a vented dip tube structure which is inserted into the container before it is filled. Filling is accomplished by inserting a filling nozzle into the container so that it cooperates with the top of the dip tube. Filling of the container therefore occurs through the dip tube. The vent in the dip tube structure allows the air in the container to be vented as the container is filled. Because the container is filled through the dip tube, the product completely fills the dip tube at the time when the pump structure is inserted into the container. The vent structure can be used as a vent for the container during a dispensing operation as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril or intravenously. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes a pump in the outer package, so that it may be used with conventional medication packaging. Second, it includes a stop mechanism for allowing adjustment of the dose to be dispensed. Finally, the device is adapted to be used for both nasal and intravenous dispensing, via a replaceable spray passage or injection needle. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed. The package is preferably clear so that the user can determine the quality of the medication being dispensed. The device is particularly useful for dispensing medications such as insulin.

Abstract: The invention is an atomizing pump for dispensing a quantity of liquid in a fine spray. The pump mechanism is constructed entirely of plastic, including the inlet and outlet valves, the piston, pump housing, and spring. This construction allows the pump to be easily recycled. The pump can also be constructed using two biasing springs. The first spring is used only to return the pump piston; the second spring is used only to bias the outlet valve. In this manner, the person operating the pump only presses downwardly against the force of the first spring, and not the second. As a result of this biasing arrangement, less actuation force is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing variable doses and variable spray patterns for a dispensing pump is disclosed. The actuator assembly can include two spray nozzles with different spray patterns, and a mechanism for allowing fluid communication between the pump interior and either one or the other of the two spray nozzles. The actuator assembly also includes a mechanism which limits the downstroke of the pump piston by providing a stop mechanism which limits downward depression of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing container including a interior barrier bag is disclosed, along with a method for filling the barrier bag with a material to be dispensed. The dispensing structure includes a non-vented pump and a dip tube structure, and a mechanism for venting the interior of the container to the atmosphere and for venting the interior of the barrier bag during filling. During assembly and filling, the barrier bag is wrapped or collapsed around the dip tube structure, so that the dip tube structure and the barrier bag can be easily inserted into a conventional container. After insertion, the barrier bag is inflated (with either an air blast or the introduction of the dispensed product) and filled with product. After filling a pump structure can be attached to the container. The method and apparatus allow a barrier bag device to be used on conventionally-designed container structures. The method and apparatus are particularly useful with containers which are made up at least partially of recycled materials.

Abstract: A valving gasket is disclosed for a squeeze bottle sprayer. The gasket includes upper and lower gaskets, each having a vent hole and a flap valve. The vent hole on the upper gasket cooperates with the flap valve on the lower gasket, and the vent hole on the lower gasket cooperates with the flap valve on the upper gasket. The result is that two valved vent paths are created--one for incoming air and one for outgoing air. The incoming air is used to fill the dispenser after squeezing, to equalize pressure in the bottle. The outgoing air is directed through a vent path to a spray chamber and is intermingled with outgoing liquid to create a fine mist spray pattern. The outgoing air vent is small enough to allow escaping air but to prevent exhausting of all pressure during squeezing. The outgoing air flap valve prevents leakage through the outgoing air hole when the bottle is inverted. The upper gasket may also have a flap valve for the outgoing liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling of a dispensing container with a product to be dispensed, particularly useful for highly viscous products, in which the container has a vented dip tube structure which is inserted into the container before it is filled. Filling is accomplished by inserting a filling nozzle into the container so that it cooperates with the top of the dip tube. Filling of the container therefore occurs through the dip tube. The vent in the dip tube structure allows the air in the container to be vented as the container is filled. Because the container is filled through the dip tube, the product completely fills the dip tube at the time when the pump structure is inserted into the container. The vent structure can be used as a vent for the container during a dispensing operation as well.

Abstract: A dispensing head for a squeeze dispenser is disclosed. The dispensing head includes a mixing chamber where pressurized air and pressurized fluid are mixed to produce a fine spray. A valved gasketing arrangement is used to control the flow of air into the container and out of the dispensing head, as well as to control flow of liquid to the dispensing head and to prevent leakage when the dispenser is inverted. The dispensing head also includes a liquid flow control device. This device uses a spring-biased piston to shut off the liquid flow path when the liquid is not pressurized. The piston acts to seal off the liquid from the atmosphere, thus preventing drying or contamination of the liquid product. A collapsible bag is also disclosed for isolating the liquid in the container from the air in the container.

Abstract: An actuator for a dispensing pump is disclosed that pressurizes air and releases the air into an internal fluid passage to mix with, and aerate, fluid dispensed from the dispensing pump and expels residual fluid. The actuator has a body portion, an actuating portion biased away from the body portion, and an air chamber formed between the two portions. Force applied to the actuating portion is transmitted to, and serves to operate, the dispensing pump and compresses the actuating portion toward the body portion, pressurizing the air in the air chamber. The pressurized air is selectively released into the fluid passage. Disclosed embodiments employ a dome-shaped resilient membrane and a piston as the actuating portion.

Abstract: A dispensing unit retainer is formed with a tapered surface into which a dispensing unit, such as a modular pump or the like, is permanently retained with an interference fit. Axially inward movement of the modular pump is limited by a shoulder formed at the inner end of the tapered surface. The retainer can be integrally formed with a container. Once installed in the retainer, the dispensing unit cannot be removed without damage to the retainer or dispensing unit. An upstanding annular wall concentrically surrounding the surface includes an inwardly extending projection for sealing the discharge orifice of the dispensing unit actuator and two axially extending openings cooperating with the actuator to inhibit accidental discharge of the dispensing unit.

Abstract: An actuator for a dispensing pump is disclosed that pressurizes air and releases the air into an internal fluid passage to mix with, and aerate, fluid dispensed from the dispensing pump and expels residual fluid. The actuator has a body portion, an actuating portion biased away from the body portion, and an air chamber formed between the two portions. Force applied to the actuating portion is transmitted to, and serves to operate, the dispensing pump and compresses the actuating portion toward the body portion, pressurizing the air in the air chamber. The pressurized air is selectively released into the fluid passage. Disclosed embodiments employ a dome-shaped resilient membrane and a piston as the actuating portion.

Abstract: An improved drainage tank assembly for a metered dispenser which includes a metering tank secured within a mounting cup, the mounting cup adapted to be secured to a container. The drainage tank includes a sealing portion which seals the interior of drainage tank from the mounting cup to prevent both corrosion of the mounting cup and contamination of the product dispensed. The drainage tank further includes radially extending ribs which extend from an interior surface of the drainage tank toward an outside surface of the metering tank to limit axial displacement of a band seal mounted on the outside surface of the metering tank.

Abstract: A vacuum pump dispenser has a primary compartment and a pumping compartment. The pumping compartment has an vacuum pump, having a flexible dome, movable to reduce the volume of the pumping compartment and dispense product therefrom, and a spout, having an opening through which product is dispensed, extending from the pumping compartment. The dispenser is self-sealing because the spout is sealed by a closure member having a sealing tip. The closure member is biased into a position where the tip closes the opening in the spout when the pumping compartment is in an unoperated position. The closure member is responsive to movement of the the flexible dome to move the tip out of the closed position to permit dispensing.