Mechanical Or Lost Motion Connection Patents (Class 141/354)
  • Patent number: 11957816
    Abstract: A volatile composition dispenser and a method of dispensing a volatile composition is provided. The volatile composition dispenser includes a reservoir for containing a volatile composition and a transport member having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, and an evaporative surface. The first end portion of the transport member is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the second end portion of the transport member is in fluid communication with the evaporative surface. The volatile composition dispenser also includes an air pump in gaseous communication with the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Stephan Gary Bush, William Paul Mahoney, III, Ronald David Turner, Chung Wai Smiley Chiu
  • Patent number: 11713235
    Abstract: A fluidic interconnect includes a first interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; a second interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage the cradle, a weight of a container attached to one of the first or second interfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface into connection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas port of the first interface into connection with the gas port of the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Roswech, Jonathan Schultz, Chun Heen Ho
  • Patent number: 11670128
    Abstract: A system for dispensing one or more products can include one or more product containers, each with a port for dispensing a product, a housing with one or more container cavities for removably receiving the product containers, one or more quantity sensors for detecting a quantity of product within one or more product containers, one or more actuators for dispensing product from one or more product containers, and a controller configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TAINR
    Inventor: Philip Tomasi
  • Patent number: 11505385
    Abstract: An improved biasing spring mechanism for the valve poppet of the self-sealing valve disposed in the bag fitment of a beverage dispensing collapsible bag. A singular integrally formed spring mechanism and valve poppet replaces the two-piece embodiment previously employed for the self-sealing valve. A u-shaped channel on the poppet receives the valve seat in the coupling to seal off the flow of liquid when the poppet is pushed into the closed position. A plurality of petaloid segments connect the poppet to a circumferential ring surrounding the petaloid segments and provide a spring force to the poppet to move the poppet between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hoffer Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James Harris, Brian Beringer
  • Patent number: 9943875
    Abstract: A water valve and a drinking device are provided. The water valve includes an upper support, a lower support, a valve spool, a sealing member, a spring and a water outlet. The upper support is provided with a water inlet. The lower support is provided with a water outlet and a vent hole. The valve spool has a first end connected with the upper support and a second end fixedly connected with the lower support, and the valve spool is movable relative to the upper support, to switch on or off a communication between the water inlet and the water outlet. When the water valve is at a state of discharging water, an interior of the water outlet pipe is not communicated with atmosphere; when the water valve is at a state of not discharging water, the vent hole communicates the interior of the water outlet pipe with the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: HEFEI HUALING CO., LTD., HEFEI MIDEA REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Tang, Shuisheng Peng, Jianhai Zhang, Yanping Li
  • Patent number: 8613297
    Abstract: Fuel supplies including multiple valve components and fuel cell systems having increased operational resistance to the insertion and/or removal of fuel supplies are disclosed. The increased operational resistance is provided by increased insertion or removal forces, multiple relative motions for insertion and/or removal, latches, actuators, ON/OFF switches, cognitive ability of the user, visual alignment, audio feedback, size of the user's hand, inter alia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi
  • Patent number: 8381763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that comprises a body to be positioned in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, a gas-tapping circuit extending between a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a gas user, wherein the tapping circuit includes a first insulation valve, the device further including a safety valve subjected to the tank pressure for blocking or selectively opening a passage for the gas from the tank towards a discharge area based on the temperature and/or pressure of the gas in the tank relative to at least one predetermined threshold, characterized in that the discharge area of the safety valve is located upstream from the first insulation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, SociétéAnonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 7975882
    Abstract: A dispenser of a product in powder from, composed of: a case delimiting a housing; a reservoir removably installed in the housing, the reservoir being adapted to contain the product in powder form and having a dispensing orifice; and a device for obturating the dispensing orifice. The device has a blocking member in the form of a shutter mounted to the reservoir for movement between a position for closing the dispensing orifice and a position for opening the dispensing orifice. The housing, the reservoir and the device are constructed to enable the reservoir to be installed in the housing by a vertical linear movement and to cause automatic movement of the shutter from the position for closing to the position for opening in response to the vertical linear movement of the reservoir into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S. A.
    Inventors: Gilles Morin, Séverine Miu
  • Patent number: 7882858
    Abstract: In a device for filling dispensing appliances having a pump unit with a metering cylinder and a storage container for each component, a respective coupling arrangement (5) is provided between each storage container (2, 3) and an associated coupling of a filling station. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance coupling part (28) is arranged in an inlet nozzle (17) of the dispensing appliance (1) and the station coupling part (29) in a guide (31) in the enclosure (33) of the filling station (30). This device allows a quick and simple filling of storage containers without contaminations and air entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 7658213
    Abstract: A discharge valve for a bottle or other container associated with a fluid dispensing system that substantially prevents spillage of fluid composition from the container when it is withdrawn from the dispensing system is provided according to the invention. A valve body contained within the discharge valve is engaged by a hollow probe extending from the dispensing system when the container is operatively connected to the discharge system to automatically open the valve. When the container is withdrawn from the fluid dispensing system for, e.g., replacement or servicing, the probe of the dispensing system disengages the valve body, and a biasing means such as a compression spring within the valve assembly closes the valve very quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Anderson Chemical Company
    Inventors: Leif E. Anderson, Wolfgang F. Schiller, Danny L. Walker, Phillip A. Zuehl, James H. Alsleben, Robert Strom, Michael K. Hogan, Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7546857
    Abstract: A container insert having at least two primary pieces, wherein one of the pieces includes keying features that may be replaceable with other pieces having different keying features. A related single piece container insert includes multiple keying features formed on the interior and exterior surfaces of the container insert. A related coupling assembly includes a venting system that vents a fluid into the container after a valve in the coupling assembly, which is positioned in the container contents flow path, has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, Thomas Anthony Braun, Charles Peter deCler, Brian J. Blenkush
  • Patent number: 6921003
    Abstract: A water bottle cap includes a cap body including a sealing platform and a surrounding sealing wall extended from the sealing platform for sealedly enclosing around an opening of a water bottle, and a water dispensing arrangement including a guiding channel extended from the sealing platform of the cap body and defining a water passage, and a sealing member, which is integrally mounted at the guiding channel to sealedly close the water passage defining a breakable edge portion and a retaining edge portion. Therefore, when the water bottle is installed on the water dispenser, a spigot adapter of the water dispenser is plugged into the water passage to break the sealing member at the breakable edge portion thereof while the retaining edge portion of the sealing member is remained to attach to the guiding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Y. Yu
  • Patent number: 6796343
    Abstract: A shuttle container (2) is used in conjunction with a dispenser (22) to receive a metered dose of a liquid from a reservoir (26). The dispenser (22) includes a metering chamber which is filled and emptied by a pair of valves (43 and 58) operated by a common shaft (40). The shuttle container (2) has a locating sleeve (12) which engages with a locating slot (36) in the dispenser (22) to axially align the shuttle container (2) with the dispenser. The shuttle (2) carries a spigot (14) engage the shaft (40) to effect a discharge of liquid into the shuttle container (2). The collar (6) of the shuttle container (2) has a pair of dogs (8) which engage respective slots (38) in the outer circumference of the dispenser (22). Before the dogs (8) can engage the slots (38), the profiled end of the spigot (14) must engage a matingly profiled recess in the shaft (40). Before the shaft (40) can be displaced, it must be rotated to move a projection (52) on the shaft out of alignment with an abutment (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Syngenta Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Frederick Kelsey, John Madoc Kelso, Gerard Michael O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6585016
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Falligant, Gordon G. Sansom
  • Patent number: 6408904
    Abstract: A hygienic bottle cap for connection to a fluid container includes a skirt and a crown portion having a cylindrical wall with an upper portion and a lower portion and forms a central well. A flapper forming a portion of the bottom surface of the center well is attached to the cylindrical wall. A score line is formed partially around the perimeter of the flapper between the flapper and the cylindrical wall, and the portion of the perimeter that is not scored remains intact upon insertion of a probe. The flapper may be separated from the cylindrical wall by the probe, and may return to its initial sealed position after the probe is retracted. In one embodiment, a protrusion is supported on an underside of the flapper in order to facilitate separation of the flapper from the cylindrical wall along the score line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Abel Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Dushman
  • Patent number: 6170543
    Abstract: By providing a securely locked product dispensing valve assembly mounted to a product bearing container which requires a specially constructed cooperating adapter for opening the valve assembly, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of any desired chemical product. By employing the present invention, only authorized personnel are able to open the container incorporating the valve assembly, enabling the contents to be transferred into only suitable containers incorporating the required adapter for unlocking the valve assembly. As a result, control over the distribution of the chemical product is attained and a completely closed loop, spill-free system is realized. In addition, a rinsing head is provided for being cooperatively associated with the product bearing container and valve assembly to enable complete cleaning of the container prior to recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6050309
    Abstract: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5960840
    Abstract: By providing a securely locked product dispensing valve assembly mounted to a product bearing container which requires a specially constructed cooperating adapter for opening the valve assembly, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of any desired chemical product. By employing the present invention, only authorized personnel are able to open the container incorporating the valve assembly, enabling the contents to be transferred into only suitable containers incorporating the required adapter for unlocking the valve assembly. As a result, control over the distribution of the chemical product is attained and a completely closed loop, spill-free system is realized. In addition, a rinsing head is provided for being cooperatively associated with the product bearing container and valve assembly to enable complete cleaning of the container prior to recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Link Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5947171
    Abstract: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5937920
    Abstract: By employing a product dispensing head assembly securely mounted to a storage container, within which desired flowable material is retained, with the head assembly being movable into a plurality of alternate positions, the controlled, measured, dispensing and delivery of any desired flowable product is attained. In the preferred embodiment, the product dispensing head assembly incorporates automatic locking means which are automatically engaged when the product dispensing head assembly is in the closed position. Furthermore, a special dispensing coupling is preferably employed to effectively disengage the locking means, thereby providing assurance that no individual can obtain unauthorized access to the flowable material stored within the closed and sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, David R. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 5901761
    Abstract: A spout fitment attached to a liquid filled bag, or other fluid container, of a type having a slidable dispensing valve member to receive a line connector for establishing a fluid path from an interior of the container, through a valve element in the line connector and into a service line attached to the line connector. Although the dispensing valve member is slid into the container when the line connector is inserted therein, the sliding motion does not form the container valve action. The container seal is established by a valve element within the slidable dispensing valve member that is resiliently biased to close an opening therein. The dispensing valve member thus need not be slid in the fitment when the line connector is removed from the dispensing valve member, thereby making it easier to remove and reinsert the line connector. Insertion of the line connector within the dispensing valve member causes their respective valve elements to engage each other to open and form the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Packaging Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Rutter, Lamar Spalding
  • Patent number: 5878798
    Abstract: A probe and a valve, which may be used together in a valve assemblage, and a method of using them. The probe has a body and a post having a forward end with a front face and a rearwardly tapering probe post seat. A resilient probe seal has a forward end with a rearwardly tapering probe seal opening, the forward end being movable between an open position and a closed position in which it mates against the probe post seat to close the probe seal opening. The valve has a body with a forward end having a forwardly tapering valve body opening defined by a valve seat. A valve seal in the valve body has a forward end with a forwardly tapering valve seating portion, which is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the seating portion sealingly mates against the valve seat. A resilient means urges the forward end of the valve seal into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Clark Eugene Harris, Jeffrey Charles Robertson
  • Patent number: 5868281
    Abstract: A two-piece cap for a water bottle comprises a main cap which has an annular top disk formed with a depending central well having three levels, each of a slightly smaller diameter. The main cap skirt which depends from the periphery of the top disk has an upper cylindrical portion formed with a truncated internal screw thread which merges into a horizontal bead extending about 180.degree. around the interior of the cap and terminates in a reverse thread portion which extends upward to merge with the leading edge of the truncated screw thread. A first vertical score line extends from the bottom edge of lower skirt portion to the upper edge of the slanted portion. A second vertical score line, spaced a short distance from the first vertical score line, extends from the bottom edge of the lower skirt portion to the top disk. A plug having a closed bottom and a smooth exterior fits into the bottom of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bietzer, Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5758700
    Abstract: In an interlocking device between a cap for a beverage container and a carbonation device for introducing carbon dioxide gas into said beverage container in a locked position, wherein said carbonation device includes projecting structure, and said cap includes rotatable capturing structure for capturing said projecting structure so as to lock said cap to said carbonation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Vanderploeg
  • Patent number: 5725034
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid dispensing nozzle (110') such as for LPG is screw-threadedly engageable with a tank inlet (192) such as on a vehicle. A sealing sleeve (154) carrying a nose piece (140') is biassed into abutment with a gasket (194) on a seal face (196) of the tank inlet and is urged rearwardly by the abutment. The sealing sleeve (154) is slidably mounted on a sealing member (136') which is urged rearwardly with the sealing sleeve (154) into a valve actuating condition. A trigger (118') is actuated to open a valve assembly (120') by shifting the valve assembly forwardly to bring a valve body (126') into abutment with an actuator (132') on the sealing member (136) which lifts the valve body off a valve seat (128'). The pressurized fluid passes along a passage (146') through the sealing member (136') to be dispensed but part of it enters a chamber (150) through ports (134').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Gogas (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Andrew Fry, David Richard Brooks
  • Patent number: 5697410
    Abstract: A spout fitment attached to a liquid filled bag, or other fluid container, of a type having a slidable dispensing valve member to receive a line connector for establishing a fluid path from an interior of the container, through a valve element in the line connector and into a service line attached to the line connector. Although the dispensing valve member is slid into the container when the line connector is inserted therein, the sliding motion does not form the container valve action. The container seal is established by a valve element within the slidable dispensing valve member that is resiliently biased to close an opening therein. The dispensing valve member thus need not be slid in the fitment when the line connector is removed from the dispensing valve member, thereby making it easier to remove and reinsert the line connector. Insertion of the line connector within the dispensing valve member causes their respective valve elements to engage each other to open and form the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Rutter, Lamar Spalding
  • Patent number: 5687865
    Abstract: Two cap modifications are disclosed for use on water bottles to be installed in water dispensers. A central conical well in the top of the cap is formed with a scoreline. When the bottle is lowered into a dispenser, a probe of the dispenser enters the well and causes it to split along the scoreline. When the bottle is raised, the well substantially returns to initial condition, inhibiting spillage of any liquid remaining in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Hoa Pham, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5662231
    Abstract: The present invention employs a plastic snap-on cap which engages the neck crown and is internally threaded to engage the neck threads of a conventional container. A foam gasket under the top of the cap prevents leakage by sealing against the neck lip. The cap has internal threads which snap over and then engage under the neck threads. Vertical "barriers" below the cap threads prevent unscrewing the cap so long as the cap skirt is intact. Score lines extend from the bottom edge of the cap skirt to above the internal cap bead which engages the neck crown and extend up to the cap threads. A tear tab is used to tear a vertical strip of the skirt which extends up between the score lines. The cap is thus tamper-evident since it cannot be removed so long as the cap is intact but can be removed by tearing the aforementioned strip. In one modification, a well is formed in the center of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5642762
    Abstract: A dispenser for supplying a predetermined amount of laundry detergent into a measuring cup. The inventive device includes a container having a dispensing aperture directed through a lower surface thereof. A valve plate is movably mounted within a channel extending along the lower surface of the container and covers the aperture. A measuring cup is positionable into the channel to bias the valve plate from over the aperture to dispense laundry detergent from the container into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Joe David Greenberg, Craig Jamieson Anderson
  • Patent number: 5638875
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, including a robot which includes a robot head that is movable in relation to the robot so as to bring the robot head to a predetermined position in relation to the vehicle fuel tank pipe. The positioning of the robot head is effected by a positioning system which includes a first part located on the robot head and a second part placed in a predetermined position on the vehicle, wherein the robot head includes an outer tube and an inner tube which can be moved within said outer tube and extended out of said tube. The outer tube is resilient or yieldable, and the free, front end of the outer tube has the shape of a truncated cone that docks with a correspondingly conical part of an adapter attached to the upper orifice of the vehicle fuel tank pipe during said positioning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5533554
    Abstract: A system for draining oil from an engine through an oil filter of the engine. The inventive device includes an oil filter having a threaded fluid tap extending therefrom. A coupler can be secured to the threaded fluid tap and to a fluid conduit to permit draining oil from the engine into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Michael E. Young
  • Patent number: 5513763
    Abstract: The present invention employs a plastic snap-on cap which engages both the neck crown of a container having a rectangular body and a neck having screw threads and is internally threaded to engage the neck threads of the conventional container. A foam gasket under the top of the cap prevents leakage by sealing against the neck lip. The cap has internal threads which snap over and then engage under the neck threads. Vertical "barriers" below the cap threads prevent unscrewing the cap so long as the cap skirt is intact. Score lines extend from the bottom edge of the cap skirt to above the internal cap bead which engages the neck crown and extend up to the cap threads. A tear tab is used to tear a vertical strip of the skirt which extends up between the score lines. The cap is thus tamper-evident since it cannot be removed so long as the cap is intact but can be removed by tearing the aforementioned strip. In one modification, a well is formed in the center of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5484004
    Abstract: There is disclosed a transfer closure valve for safely filling and emptying containers of any type with a liquid, pasty or powdery medium. The medium flows from a barrel into another container without escaping into the environment. The closure valve has a first housing in which is arranged a rotatable or slidable second housing which is fixed to a filler pipe. The second housing is provided with a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a lifting cap which opens or closes a lower outlet opening of the first housing. In a first position of the second housing the lifting cap closes the outlet opening, whilst in a second position of the second housing the filler pipe is brought into register with an upper connecting piece of the first housing and the lower outlet opening of the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Bolz
  • Patent number: 5400839
    Abstract: An improved dental hygene center utilizing push button toothpaste dispenser and incorporating a cooperating floss dispenser, automatic paste dispersal on the brush, mouthwash access, counter for replacement of toothpaste and message center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Michael T. Cravett
  • Patent number: 5336469
    Abstract: A reagent feeder which can to be used in both a finger-push system and a slide system by only attaching and detaching a simple auxiliary component to and from a case body depending on the state of operation or a preference of the operator. The feeder includes a case body, a sphere discharge port and a discharge device, so as to discharge a sphere one by one by pushing down the discharge device. The discharge device is provided with an operation lever which extends out of the case body and can be pushed down by a finger. A slide cover surrounding an outer periphery of the case body is attached to the case body in such a way that it can be moved freely in a vertical direction and can be detached from the case body. The slide cover is engaged with the operation lever of the discharge device so that it can be moved integrally with the discharge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Tobiki, Hiroaki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 5293911
    Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hadi A. Akeel
  • Patent number: 5259423
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized. Furthermore, a process for distributing toxic chemicals is disclosed which provides full control over the chemicals being distributed and prevents unwanted spillages, misuse, and mishandling of the chemicals in an unpressurized, gravity fed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5238029
    Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hadi A. Akeel
  • Patent number: 5236022
    Abstract: A hollow lid (14) with a built-in scoop (25) combines with an integrated sliding blade (18) to form a single mechanical system for the removal of dry foodstuffs. The scoop and cut-off blade are integrated mechanically, and function in concert, so as to permit the scoop to connect with the blade to pull the blade over a dispensing hole (36B), thereby blocking the flow of dry foodstuffs while at the same time allowing the scoop to release freely from claws (54) that hold the scoop while the blade blocks the flow of material and permits the scoop to be removed from the jar or container lid with the scoop's measured contents that have filed the scoop by gravity flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Wayne D. Husted
  • Patent number: 5224528
    Abstract: The device is suited for refilling a container (2) with a more or less viscous material. The device exhibits a supporting structure (3), to which a supply container (6) is fastened and a temporary storage device (8) extending away from the supply container (6). A nozzle (12) is arranged on the end of the temporary storage device turned away from the supply container (6). The device further exhibits an outlet valve (23) on the end of the nozzle (12) turned away from the supply container (6) and encompasses a closing valve (22) arranged in the temporary storage device (8). The valves mentioned (22, 23) are opened and/or closed by a mechanical coupling by the pressing of a container to be filled (2) on a first plunger (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignees: P H U Peter H. Unger Vertriebs GmbH, Hans Schwarzkopf AG
    Inventors: Ulmer Helmut, Walter Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 5176298
    Abstract: A tap head for keg fittings having an actuating lever pivotally mounted on a housing and connected to a slide movable in the housing and detent members positively engaging in one another to lock the actuating lever and with one of the detent members directly biased toward the stop position and in which the detent members are formed of plastic and are made up of an elastically self-biasing tongue cooperating with a detent edge with one of the tongue and detent edge formed integrally on the housing and the other of the tongue and detent edge integrally formed on the actuating lever and with connections for gas and liquid connectable via the slide with corresponding passages in the keg fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Joachim Mogler
    Inventors: Joachim Mogler, Helmut Wiedmann
  • Patent number: 5172740
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5109914
    Abstract: In the casting of metal alloys with low melting temperatures, there is provided a nozzle for an interface connection between a transfer line and a die which permits misalignment and a variable height differential. Meal alloys with low melting temperatures are made for cores in subsequently molded plastic components and for encapsulating components for machining the other finishing steps. The nozzle has a base with a valve therein, a nozzle body adapted to move relative to the base to open the valve, and a spring to hold the valve closed. A sleeve joins the nozzle body and the base, and a connector on the nozzle body provides an interface connection between the transfer line and the die so that when the connector interfaces with the die, the valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Electrovert Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kidd, Stephen A. Thompson, Guiseppe Paduano
  • Patent number: 5101871
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toner cartridge in which not only a first zone is provided for containing a toner therein but also a second zone is formed and a first opening and a second opening are formed adjacent to each other in these zones, respectively, one end of a sealing member being located on the edge, on the side of the second opening, of the first opening while the other end of the sealing member is secured to the confronting edge of the second opening, and the sealing member is peeled in the state where the sealing member is stuffed into the second zone through the second opening. In this toner cartridge, the attachment size of the cartridge is shortened and the attachment operation and the operation of peeling the sealing member are simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Komaki Susumu
  • Patent number: 5095962
    Abstract: The fluid dispensing device includes a tubular spout attachable to a fluid-containing vessel, such as a bag, the spout including an outer end portion of a first lateral dimension and an inner portion of a smaller lateral dimension. A valve member is slidable in the spout, the valve member being tubular and having an open outer end adapted to receive a fluid-transmitting probe and a closed inner end. The valve member has openings through its sidewall. The outer end portion of the valve member is laterally outwardly deflectable and includes localized protrusions adapted to enter the recess of a probe. In the closed position of the valve member, opposed shoulders of the valve member and of the spout resist axial movement of the valve member in either direction, and interengaged sealing surfaces block fluid flow to the openings. The outwardly deflectable portion of the valve member can be deflected as the probe enters, and the protrusions thereafter spring inwardly into the recess of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Lloyd-Davies, Chester Savage
  • Patent number: 5086818
    Abstract: A beverage storage and dispensing device is disclosed and includes a housing having top, bottom, front and rear surfaces. A liquid storage chamber is disposed within the housing for storing a beverage including insulation for maintaining the temperature of the beverage within the storage chamber. An inlet is provided for introducing the beverage into the storage chamber, and a mechanism is provided for mounting the housing in an upright position. An arrangement is provided for selectively dispensing beverage from the storage chamber into a liquid receiver device including an orifice defined in the bottom surface of the housing and extending into the storage chamber. A closure device slidingly moves between a first position wherein the orifice is covered and a second position wherein the orifice is uncovered to permit selective passage of beverage by gravity flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Larry A. Bendt
  • Patent number: 5058636
    Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Link Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5042698
    Abstract: The easy pour spout described herein is designed to facilitate the pouring of a fluid from its container, such as oil for the engine, power steering and transmission of an automobile as well as radiator antifreeze, without the use of a funnel. The spout is designed as a totally self-contained unit that facilitates fast delivery into the desired part of the automobile without spilling. This spout is screwed onto the individual fluid container and after the spout and container are positioned for delivery, the delivery is actuated by a downward thrust on the container and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Eric Fessell
  • Patent number: RE39340
    Abstract: Two cap modifications are disclosed for use on water bottles to be installed in water dispensers. A central conical well in the top of the cap is formed with a scoreline. When the bottle is lowered into a dispenser, a probe of the dispenser enters the well and causes it to split along the scoreline. When the bottle is raised, the well substantially returns to initial condition, inhibiting spillage of any liquid remaining in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Hoa Pham, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: RE44310
    Abstract: A container insert having at least two primary pieces, wherein one of the pieces includes keying features that may be replaceable with other pieces having different keying features. A related single piece container insert includes multiple keying features formed on the interior and exterior surfaces of the container insert. A related coupling assembly includes a venting system that vents a fluid into the container after a valve in the coupling assembly, which is positioned in the container contents flow path, has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, Thomas Anthony Braun, Charles Peter deCler, Brian J. Blenkush