With Pressure-responsive Seal Patents (Class 215/270)
  • Patent number: 11845083
    Abstract: A container includes a container main body including a housing part and an opening, and a lid configured to close the opening and including an insertion part configured to be inserted to the opening. The outer peripheral surface of the insertion part includes first and second protrusions and first and second recesses. The inner peripheral surface of the opening includes third and fourth protrusions and third and fourth recesses. When the insertion part is temporarily inserted to the opening, the third protrusion presses the first recess in a state where the first protrusion is housed in the third recess. When the insertion part is fully inserted to the opening, the third protrusion presses the second recess and the fourth protrusion presses the first recess in a state where the first protrusion is housed in the fourth recess and the second protrusion is housed in the third recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Noguchi, Shigeru Uemura
  • Patent number: 11628991
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a venting system that includes a wall of a lid or a container, the lid or container defining a central longitudinal axis, and a line segment that is measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost surface of the lid or container, and a pressure relief feature that is disposed along the lid or container. The pressure relief feature includes a thinned region of the lid or container that defines a minimum thickness that is less than 40% of a maximum thickness of the respective lid or container. The pressure relief feature extends at least 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis, and the pressure relief feature is located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of more than 80% of the line segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Prymula, Randall J. Schoenborn, Bradley Hazard, Umang Shukla
  • Patent number: 11325771
    Abstract: A method for storing and preserving moisture sensitive products includes providing a moisture tight container (400) having an insert (300) made from a desiccant entrained polymer that is less than 3.25 g in mass, disposing a plurality of moisture sensitive products into the interior compartment when the container is in the open position, and moving the container into the closed position, thereby creating a moisture tight seal between the lid (420) and the container body (401). The container provides a shelf life to the moisture sensitive products of at least 12 months. The container, when in the closed position, has a moisture vapor transmission rate, at ambient conditions of 30° C. and 75% relative humidity (RH), of less than 500|ig/day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Freedman, Donald Lee Huber, Brian Tifft, Franklin Lee Lucas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11278664
    Abstract: An infusion adapter for connection with an infusion fluid container includes a connection portion configured to engage an injection port of an infusion fluid container, and a port configured to connect to an intravenous line, with the port in fluid communication with the connection portion. The connection portion includes a retaining ring extending radially outward from the connection portion, with the retaining ring configured to securely connect the infusion adapter to the infusion fluid container to substantially prevent disconnection of the infusion adapter from the infusion fluid container once the infusion adapter is connected to the infusion fluid container. The retaining ring includes an indicator configured to provide visualization of insertion of the connection portion into an injection port of an infusion fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventors: Yan Yevmenenko, Andrew Wong, Brent Huber
  • Patent number: 11053050
    Abstract: A liquid container is screwed to tighten and seals strongly, and wherein torque reduction for opening the cap is controlled to prevent loosening the cap, preservation of a tightly-sealing property is improved, and content leak is prevented. The container includes: a body having a male screw on the mouth-neck section rising from the surface; and an anti-loosening cap having a female screw engaging with the male screw and a buffer seal material on the inner side of a top plate, a flange protruding from an open end portion of an outer cylinder skirt extending from the top plate, a resin cushion material protrusion on the flange and attached onto the outer surface of the flange, a height difference of the top plate inner surface to the protrusion top is larger than a height difference from a container opening end face of the mouth-neck to an outer surface portion and protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: AICELLO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Kutsuna, Go Ota
  • Patent number: 10974859
    Abstract: A polymeric container including a base, a body, a finish, finish threads, and a tamper lip. The body extends from the base. The finish defines an opening through which a product can pass into, and out of, an internal volume of the container defined at least in part by the body. The finish threads are at an outer surface of the finish, and are configured to cooperate with closure threads of a closure to secure the closure to the finish. The tamper lip extends from the outer surface of the finish, and is configured to replace the support flange during handling, and to cooperate with a tamper band of the closure. A recess is below the tamper lip. The recess retains the tamper band therein when the closure is removed from cooperation with the finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: AMCOR RIGID PACKAGING USA, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Jarman, Luke A. Mast, Bradley S. Philip, Ivan F. Harris, Myles Graybill, Richard J. Steih
  • Patent number: 10800569
    Abstract: This disclosure provides new closure and finish structures suited for small and light-weight carbonated beverage packaging that provide surprisingly improved carbonation retention and greater shelf life, while still achieving light weight. This closure and finish presented herein are particularly suited to small PET containers for carbonated beverages, for example less than or about 400 mL and provide good carbonation retention and shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Piaras de Cleir, Frank Gehindy, Lothar Brauer, Simon Shi
  • Patent number: 10773869
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cap for a container and a container comprising such cap. This container typically accommodates loosely stored, solid products, such as strips, pills, tablets or the like. The cap includes a lid body with a top part and a peripheral wall, wherein the lid body includes a sealing skirt and an inner peripheral wall, which extend from the top part, and form a peripheral groove in between. At least one projection portion for partially covering the peripheral groove is integrally formed with the sealing skirt and the inner peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CLARIANT PRODUCTION (FRANCE) S.A.S.
    Inventors: Valere Logel, Jacquy Lebon, Caroline Pot
  • Patent number: 10661290
    Abstract: A dispenser for substances includes an outer shell with a deformable outer wall which encloses the deformable container arrangement and also comprising at least one balancing valve for balancing air, wherein an air filled interspace is provided between the outer wall and the container arrangement and substances are dispensed once the outer shell has been subjected to pressure, and wherein the container arrangement has at least two containers for the separate storage of liquid for pasty substances. For long term storage of the substances in particular an outlet portion of the container arrangement has a diffusion seal made from metal which is pierced and opened by the dispensing head using points just before the dispenser is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Gerhard Brugger
  • Patent number: 10565411
    Abstract: A system and method for determining and communicating the status of a sealable container. The system comprises a seal status detection component that is positioned adjacent to or on a lid comprising a deflectable component. The lid engages the sealable container to form a seal. The seal status detection component moves between a first state of operation where there is a gap between the seal status detection component and the deflectable component of the lid, and a second state of operation where the seal status detection component is adjacent to or in contact with the deflectable component of the lid. The seal status detection component has a first frequency response to interrogation by a reader when the seal is intact, and a second frequency response when the seal is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Patent number: 10314189
    Abstract: An electronics housing includes a first enclosure portion defining an internal cavity, a second enclosure portion sealing the internal cavity, at least one vent positioned in one of the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, the vent comprising a through hole protruding from an exterior edge of the vent to an interior edge of the vent, a malleable sealing member disposed in the vent, and a rigid retaining member disposed in the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Godwin, Kevin Douglas Moore
  • Patent number: 9914573
    Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an internal cover/vent handle arrangement, in association with a container, such as a 5 gallon bucket with a slanted sidewall for evacuating air volume above stored material. The disclosure relates to a squeeze-actuated vent valve arrangement arranged and configured to be easily operated even while deeply recessed in the bucket. The disclosure also relates to a deflectable outer seal arrangement configured to seal against a slanted sidewall of a bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Planetary Designs
    Inventors: Scott T. Billadeau, David J. Yakos, Joel R. Switzer
  • Patent number: 9802740
    Abstract: A replaceable liner is for use with a storage tank hatch having a rim adapted to engage with a gasket within a cover and a neck extending vertically downward from the rim to define an aperture that provides access to an inside of the storage tank. The replaceable liner has a body having a rim-facing surface having a vertical cross sectional shape that conforms to a vertical cross sectional shape of the rim and a horizontal cross sectional shape that conforms to a perimeter of the rim, and a gasket facing surface opposite the rim facing surface. Sealant is provided along the rim facing surface of the body, the rim facing surface of the body adapted to engage the rim in a vapor-tight seal, and the gasket facing surface adapted to engage the gasket in a vapor-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jeff Ray Schunk
  • Patent number: 9775453
    Abstract: A travel mug lid includes a first lid member and a closing mechanism. The first lid member includes a button opening. The closing mechanism includes a button, a core and a flexible material connected with the core. The button moves with respect to the core. The button includes a terminal portion that extends through or into the button opening. The button moves at least a portion of the flexible material with respect to the first lid member to selectively prevent flow of liquid through the drinking passage. The button and the core are isolated from liquid in the cup at least partially by the flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Conor P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 9254942
    Abstract: A linerless closure for use on an associated container includes a unitary, one-piece closure body having a top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. The closure includes an annular, outer seal element which depends from the top wall portion for sealing engagement with a generally outwardly facing surface of the associated container. The closure includes an inner, plug seal element depending from the top wall portion for sealing engagement with a generally inwardly facing surface of the container. Notably, the closure includes a discontinuous pressure block in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced, seal reinforcement elements on the inside surface of the skirt portion, adjacent the top wall portion. The reinforcement elements are engageable by the outer seal element to limit outward deflection of the outer seal element, to enhance sealing cooperation with the associated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Closure Systems International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Elliot, Navaneeth Bashyam
  • Patent number: 8795608
    Abstract: A controlled release and self-resealing vessel assembly for high pressure, microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The vessel assembly includes a cylindrical reaction vessel formed of a material that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation. The vessel has angular walls, one closed end for retaining reactants in the lower portions of the vessel, and one open end that defines a mouth for the vessel. The mouth of the cylinder vessel has a lip that is beveled inwardly from the open end. A microwave-transparent solid floating plug closes the mouth of the reaction vessel; with the plug have a frustum portion for engaging the beveled lip when the plug is placed in the mouth of the vessel. A lid exerts a defined axial force against the plug for sealing the plug in the open end of the cylinder with the frustum engaging the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8727163
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a lid may include a valve chamber comprising a hollow chamber, a valve flap and a hinge. The hollow chamber may be defined by one or more sidewalls and have a first opening at a first longitudinal end and a second opening at an opposing, second longitudinal end. The valve flap may be positioned at least proximate to the second longitudinal end and have a shape and size substantially the same as a shape and size of the second opening. The hinge may couple the valve flap to a sidewall of the one or more sidewalls and may be sized and configured to enable the rotation of the valve flap from an open position to a substantially closed position. Container assemblies and methods of forming lids are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Chrisman
  • Patent number: 8714379
    Abstract: A closure including a shell having a base wall with an axial outer surface and an undersurface, an annular skirt around a periphery of the base wall, and circumferentially spaced securement elements extending radially inwardly from the skirt. A gasket is carried by the shell, and has a base surface in contact with the undersurface of the base wall of the shell and an oppositely disposed sealing surface. An elongated flexible member extends between the sealing surface of the gasket and the axial outer surface of the shell and around a portion of the skirt circumferentially between the securement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Grant
  • Patent number: 8584876
    Abstract: A food container is disclosed that is adapted for facilitating venting of gasses to and/or from the interior of a body of the food container. The food container includes a container body, a lid and a sealing membrane. At least one skip seal or gap is formed between the sealing membrane and the container body to facilitate venting. During formation of the at least one skip seal a recess in either the lid or rim of the container reduces pressure at the skip seal to reduce or eliminate inadvertent closing of the skip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventor: Piaras Valdis de Cleir
  • Patent number: 8480981
    Abstract: A controlled release and self-resealing pressure-maintaining lid for reaction vessels in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The lid includes a rigid perimeter, a rigid center load-bearing portion, and a flexible portion connecting the rigid perimeter to the center load-bearing portion so that the center portion can move when said flexing portion flexes. The lid can be used in conjunction with a vessel assembly. The vessel assembly can include a microwave-transparent, heat expandable reaction vessel having at least two cylindrical portions axially adjacent one another with one of the portions having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other portion, a transition portion between the two cylindrical portions, a vessel mouth in the larger-diameter portion, and a cylindrical retaining sleeve around the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8381945
    Abstract: A lidded container includes a container having an open top defined by an annular rim; a lid having a central section and an outer rim attachable to the rim of the container; and an annular gasket between the rim and the lid. The annular rim of the lid includes an annular clamping section defined by spaced inner and outer walls for receiving the rim of the container in the space between the walls. The annular clamping section of the lid is integrally joined to the central section of the lid by an annular, elastically deformable juncture section effective to increase (a) the clamping action of the lid clamping section, and (b) the sealing action of the gasket, with an increase in pressure within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Darpack Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Eran Meyer
  • Patent number: 8177082
    Abstract: An assembly for culturing cells includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing cell culture media and an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cell culture assembly further includes a filter valve assembly configured to sealingly engage the opening. The filter valve assembly includes a flexible membrane, a contiguous side wall, an end wall, and a microbial filter. The end wall has an opening and extends across one end of the side wall to form a major cavity within the side wall and the end wall. The flexible membrane has a slit spanning the membrane and is disposable within the major cavity such that the membrane sealingly divides the major cavity into (i) a chamber formed between the end wall and the membrane and (ii) a minor cavity formed by the membrane and a portion of the side wall. The minor cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Henry Joseph Cattadoris, Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 8016146
    Abstract: A spill resistant cap for a container, such as a commercially available water or other beverage bottle, includes a cap body that forms a mating fit with the container and a spout having liquid dispense holes that allow fluid to flow out of the container. A removable valve is sized to fit within the cap body. The valve includes a valve mechanism that opens in response to a pressure differential applied across the valve face, such as the mouth suction applied to the spout when a person attempts to drink from the container, allowing fluid to flow through the valve and through the liquid dispense holes in the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen S. Rekstad
  • Patent number: 7762282
    Abstract: A closure for a plumbing cleanout includes a riser pipe having an interior surface defining an interior bore. A cylindrical plug is provided having a first end, a second end, and an exterior surface. A peripheral flange is positioned at the second end of the cylindrical plug which is adapted to limit the distance the first end of the cylindrical plug can be inserted into the interior bore of the riser pipe. Seals are provided for sealing fluids within the riser pipe. Stops are provided for limiting axial movement of the cylindrical plug relative to the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 7661565
    Abstract: A multi layered frangible seal is bonded over the pour spout opening of flexible plastic bottles containing pourable products such as motor oil. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact when the filled uncapped container is held in an inverted position, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents into a fill opening when a consumer squeezes the inverted container. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the container is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian F. Jackman
  • Patent number: 7556172
    Abstract: A spill resistant lid assembly (10) is provided for closing the open top (12) of a drink container (14). The lid assembly (10) includes a spout housing (16), a valve plate (18), a resilient valve seal (20), and an attachment cover (22). The valve seal (20) includes an inlet diaphragm (96) and an outlet diaphragm (104) that cooperate with a pair of valve posts (46,72) to resist leakage of a beverage from the drink container (12) while allowing a flow of beverage from the drink container (14) when a user applies suction to an outlet port (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Thermos, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Publication number: 20090139949
    Abstract: A container including a body defining an outflow opening and at least one chamber adapted for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and a container closure including a primary seal for hermetically sealing the product within the chamber during storage. The container closure includes a sealing member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body, and a dispensing member in fluid communication with the chamber. The container closure and body move relative to each other between a first position where the primary seal is seated about the outflow port to hermetically seal the product in the chamber during storage, and a second position where the primary seal is displaced from the outflow port to allow product to pass from the chamber through the outflow port and into dispensing member to dispense the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian Chan, Jeffrey Willey
  • Publication number: 20090101620
    Abstract: A storage and drinking container for pressurised beverages comprises a drinking vessel (1) having a lip (3) and a lid formed from a cap (5) and retaining ring (12). The cap (5) seals with a sealing surface (4) on the inside of the neck of the drinking vessel and is retained in place by fingers (8) engaging under a lip (3). The fingers 8 are retained in position by a retaining ring (12). Cooperating sets of cammed surfaces (10) and (13) on the cap (5) and retaining ring (12) act on rotation of the retaining ring to axially separate the retaining ring (12) from the cap (5), releasing the fingers 8 from under the lip (3) and permitting the lid to be removed. The invention provides a drinking vessel with a wide neck which can be reliably sealed without the necessity to provide screw threads on the outer surface of the drinking vessel (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7381453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging film for use in packaging of food products which may be heated whilst still packaged. In particular, the invention relates to packaging which may be hermetically sealed and, during heating, is able to allow a build up of pressure within the packaging, without the packaging exploding or bursting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Trex, Ltd
    Inventor: Abdul Aziz Okhai
  • Patent number: 7314146
    Abstract: There is described a neck structure in combination with a closure. The neck structure defines a neck opening with a cylindrical sealing surface surrounding the neck opening and an external neck surface. The closure comprises a cap formed of resilient material having a top and a downwardly extending skirt portion depending from the top. An annular plug depends from an underside of the top and one or more ribs are formed on an internal surface of the downwardly extending skirt portion. The annular plug and the one or more ribs are arranged concentrically and are dimensioned such that, upon application of the cap to the neck structure, the annular plug projects into the neck opening and engages the cylindrical sealing surface. At the same time the one or more ribs engage the external neck surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Portola Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Patent number: 7296598
    Abstract: A vacuum canister includes a storage space and a removable lid. The lid includes a pump housing that defines a pumping chamber within which a sliding piston is disposed. The piston is connected to a handle via a piston rod and features a skirt-like piston valve that seals against the side wall of the pump housing when the piston travels downward but permits air to pass when the piston travels upward. Air is pumped from the canister storage space via the pump. A vacuum indicator and release valve are also positioned in the lid. A bellows communicates with the canister storage space and contracts when a vacuum is present. The bellows is connected to a lever which pivots to extend a button indicating the presence of the vacuum. Pushing the button causes the lever to engage a vacuum release valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvonne S. Lin, Steven M. Dibdin, Antonio Carlo Hernandez Celestin, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 7237698
    Abstract: A multi layered frangible seal is bonded over the pour spout opening of flexible plastic bottles containing pourable products such as motor oil. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact when the filled uncapped container is held in an inverted position, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents into a fill opening when a consumer squeezes the inverted container. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the container is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Francis Jackman
  • Patent number: 7147228
    Abstract: A circular seal (19) for the end face of a substantially cylindrical canister, the seal (19) having a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a recess (21) in one side thereof to reduce the area of said cross-section. In use the recessed area (21) of the seal (19) constitutes a weakened portion which will blow out elastically to relieve excess pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Wabco Automotive UK Limited
    Inventor: Philip Edward Tonkin
  • Patent number: 6983857
    Abstract: A venting cap liner used in a pressurized container closure arrangement. The cap liner includes a multi-layer sandwich structure having a first layer and a generally flat resilient intermediate layer. The layers include at least one perforation extending through the layers to enable gas flow therethrough. The first layer has a first surface including at least one channel extending from one edge of the first layer to another edge of the first layer. The intermediate layer is responsive to a gas pressure level in the container such that, at a first selected pressure level, the perforation extending through said second layer opens to allow gas to flow through the perforation and at a second selected pressure level, the intermediate layer expands to close the perforation thereby resisting gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures
    Inventors: Albert R. Miller, David N. Moore
  • Patent number: 6976669
    Abstract: Shut-off valve, composed of a container (3) provided with valve seat (4), and also a valve body (2, 22, 42) that can be moved through the opening bounded by the valve seat (4), in order to provide a seal. The valve body (2, 22, 42) is provided with a conical or spherical shut-off edge and is connected to the container (3) by way of a flexible connecting part (5). This makes it possible to move the valve body (2, 22, 42) laterally, in other words perpendicular to the direction of closing, and in this way achieve an opening of the shut-off valve. The container (3) can comprise any construction known in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Vacu Vin Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaco Matthijs Van Zijll Langhout, Arnoldus Willem Zweekhorst
  • Patent number: 6923339
    Abstract: A sealing plug for a liquid-filled container having a lower opening therein with an extended skirt thereon. The plug comprises a peripheral cylindrical wall for sealingly engaging the skirt of the container. The plug further has a flanged annular base extending inward from the peripheral wall and has two or more supports extended upward therefrom, the supports each have an upper end for collectively supporting an ornament within the container. The plug further has a flexible inner wall extending upward from the annular base, to a height lower than the height of the supports, and contoured around and inboard of the supports. The plug finally has a flexible diaphragm extending across the upper end of the inner wall for compensating for changes in volume and pressure of the liquid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Lay (Frank) Lu
  • Publication number: 20040262253
    Abstract: A venting cap liner used in a pressurized container closure arrangement. The cap liner includes a multi-layer sandwich structure having a first layer and a generally flat resilient intermediate layer. The layers include at least one perforation extending through the layers to enable gas flow therethrough. The first layer has a first surface including at least one channel extending from one edge of the first layer to another edge of the first layer. The intermediate layer is responsive to a gas pressure level in the container such that, at a first selected pressure level, the perforation extending through said second layer opens to allow gas to flow through the perforation and at a second selected pressure level, the intermediate layer expands to close the perforation thereby resisting gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Albert R. Miller, David N. Moore
  • Patent number: 6726047
    Abstract: A resilient vacuum relief valve 52 is urged tightly on the lid stem 44 engaging the lid bottom 42 while encircling the vent 46 preventing air passage through the vent 46. The vacuum relief valve 52 is also formed of a pliable, resilient thermoplastic such as silicon and is in an inverted hat shape or dish shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a circumferential outwardly extending rim 54 on top that has sufficient resilience to deform when exposed to negative pressure. This arrangement provides an air tight seal when the lid 38 is inserted into the canister body 22 and while it remains stationary, however, when the lid 38 is pulled upwardly, negative pressure within the canister 20 is created, forcing the valve 52 to break its seal and relieve the newly created vacuum within the canister 20 allowing it to be easier to dislodge the lid 38 and preventing dispersal of powdered contents out of the canister 20 during lid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Publication number: 20040035817
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device (3, 30) for sealing off an opening (5) of a plastic drink package. Said sealing device (3, 30) has a flexible collar (10) that is provided with an inward-facing surface (45) that is subject to the internal pressure. The collar (10), in the closed position of the sealing device (30), is functionally linked with a collar rim (11) of the opening (5) to be sealed off and is adapted to exert a pressure (K) thereon that increases in proportion to the internal pressure (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Louis Lagler
  • Publication number: 20030173325
    Abstract: There is described a neck structure in combination with a closure. The neck structure defines a neck opening with a cylindrical sealing surface surrounding the neck opening and an external neck surface. The closure comprises a cap formed of resilient material having a top and a downwardly extending skirt portion depending from the top. An annular plug depends from an underside of the top and one or more ribs are formed on an internal surface of the downwardly extending skirt portion. The annular plug and the one or more ribs are arranged concentrically and are dimensioned such that, upon application of the cap to the neck structure, the annular plug projects into the neck opening and engages the cylindrical sealing surface. At the same time the one or more ribs engage the external neck surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Patent number: 6540099
    Abstract: A sealing plug, for a water globe having a lower opening therein with an extended skirt thereon, having a fixed peripheral portion for sealing the container and supporting an object within the container and having a flexible diaphragm adapted to adjust for changes in volume and pressure of the water within the globe. The plug comprises a peripheral wall adapted to sealingly engage the skirt of the globe having an upper end thereof with two or more supports extended upward therefrom for supporting an object within the container; and a flexible diaphragm having an upper surface and a recessed channel around the periphery thereof connected to the wall and extending across the upper end of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Lay Lu
  • Publication number: 20030059347
    Abstract: A sample vial is disclosed for use in conjunction with an automated cytological specimen preparation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: ROY A. OSTGAARD, EDWARD J. O'CONNELL, MARK J. LICARI
  • Patent number: 6474492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ceramic igniter devices, and more particularly, to such devices that contain two or more segregated hot zone regions that are electrically connected such as in series or in parallel. These devices are suitably incorporated in a variety of devices, including diesel fuel filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Willkens, Normand P. Arsenault, Sebastien R. Bardon
  • Publication number: 20020066714
    Abstract: A vented closure, for preventing deformation of a container containing a gas evolving liquid, is provided. The closure includes a first closure member and a second closure member. The first closure member seals the container from the outside atmosphere and defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is placed in the gas flow passage. The second closure member is moveably fitted on the first closure member and encases the first closure member with a small clearance fit that allows gas passage. A sealing element coupled to the second closure member is aligned with the gas outlet of the first member so as to block gas flow when a predetermined load is applied to the second closure member and allow gas flow when the predetermined load is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: W.K. Mainquist, John F. Breznock
  • Patent number: 6364152
    Abstract: A food storage container 10 includes a base 12 and lid 14. The base 12 has a sealing flange 22, and the lid 14 has a sealing lip 32 which seals against the sealing flange 22 as with a suction cup. The lid 14 may include resilient deformable sections 46, 50, to aid in maintaining reduced pressure within the container. The lid 14 may include latch prongs 54 to mechanically retain the lid 14 in position. The latch prongs 54 may be designed to automatically release during heating of the food, permitting venting. The sealing lip 32 may include seal spacers 60 which permit air to enter the food storage container 10 during serving of hot food to avoid creation of reduced pressure in the container. The seal spacers 60 do not interfere with normal creation of a seal when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Poslinski, Brent E. D'Alessio
  • Patent number: 6199604
    Abstract: Using a clean box comprising a box body having an aperture in one side surface, a side lid for hermetically closing the aperture, and gas inlet and outlet valves provided in the box body and having neither an evacuation device nor a transfer device, the gas inlet and outlet valves are opened by a gas feeding/discharging mechanism in a state in which the aperture of the box body is closed by the side lid, a non-oxidizing gas is introduced through one of the gas inlet and outlet valves into the clean box, and a gas having filled the clean box before the introduction of the non-oxidizing gas is discharged through the other of the gas inlet and outlet valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6164470
    Abstract: A hermetic seal for sealing a mouth of a wide-mouthed bottle having a body portion thinly formed by stretch blow molding, and a wide-mouthed bottle a mouth of which is sealed by the hermetic seal. A synthetic resin laminated sheet comprising an aluminum sheet or an aluminum foil as a base is punched into the same shape as a mouth of the wide-mouthed bottle to form the hermetic seal. The sheet is formed into a flat peripheral portion and a bellows inside the flat portion to have alternate multiple mountain and valley portions by press molding concurrently with the punching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: A. K. Technical Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Chino
  • Patent number: 6131753
    Abstract: A vacuum jar apparatus is provided, including a jar having a jar wall terminating at a jar upper end in a jar opening surrounded and defined by a jar upper rim; and a jar lid structure including a sealing panel for resting against the jar upper rim and thereby closing and sealing the jar, and including a mechanism for evacuating air from within the jar, the mechanism for evacuating air including a chamber within the lid structure having an internal volume which is enlargeable and reducible, a first air passing port between the chamber and the jar, a first check valve in the first air passing port oriented to permit air to pass from the jar into the chamber and to prevent air from passing from the chamber into the jar through the first air passing port, a second air passing port between the chamber and the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar, a second check valve in the second air passing port oriented to pass air from the chamber into the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar and to prevent air fr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: John Berrien Lynch
  • Patent number: 6095357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to closure systems (10) for a container for pourable material in particular for pourable material for human consumption such as beverages. The closure system (10) comprises a closure frame (20) and a sealing means (30) which is removably joined to the closure frame to provide appropriate sealing of the container. The present invention allows to reuse the closure frame and provides a temper proof indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Volker Ludwig Heiner, Detlef Johannes Gustav Muller
  • Patent number: 6062407
    Abstract: A capping and sealing assembly for a sample-holding centrifuge container which features a self-sealing lid that forms a fluid-tight seal in an opening of the canister with a predetermined amount of force, with the force being dependent upon the centrifugal load to which the capping assembly is subjected. The lid includes a cover portion and a peripheral member surrounding the cover portion and extending transverse thereto. The lid is disposed within an open end of the container, with the peripheral member having a frusto-conical surface that faces the container's wall. A gasket is disposed about the frusto-conical surface, forming a fluid-tight and air-tight seal with the cylindrical wall of the canister. The gasket is received in a channel formed into the frusto-conical surface. A region of the channel includes a vent slot to facilitate removal of the container from the canister. A plurality of arcuate ribs extend across the cover portion, between opposed areas of the peripheral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Q. Moore