Drip, Leakage Or Waste Catching Or Disposal Patents (Class 222/108)
  • Patent number: 9500509
    Abstract: A granule measurement apparatus is provided. The granule measurement apparatus includes a storage container, a measuring device and a dispenser. The storage container includes a top end and a bottom end. The top end forms a top opening leading into the storage container. The bottom end forms a bottom opening leading out of the storage container. The measuring device includes a top end and a bottom end, and a plurality of measuring chambers. Each of the plurality of measuring chambers includes a top opening leading into the measuring chamber and a bottom opening leading out of the measuring chamber. The dispenser formed to cover and uncover the bottom openings of each of the chambers. At least the bottom end of the storage container and the top end of the measuring device mate and are rotatable relative to one another about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Egnor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9475683
    Abstract: A drink dispensing device has refillable sealed containers having ingredients known to a processor. Where the processor can initiate commands to mix and dispense the ingredients based on a selections by a consumer. The drink dispensing device may also retrieve suggested drinks from a remote server for display to a consumer. The suggested drinks may be based on historical data stored in the drink dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MONSIEUR, INC.
    Inventors: Barry Givens, Eric Joseph Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9434599
    Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically movable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Troy A. Anderson, Ryan A. Chernik, Ryan Urban
  • Patent number: 9301654
    Abstract: A sanitary liquid dispenser having a spherical housing with a discharge port and a fluid reservoir positioned within the dispenser. The fluid reservoir includes a disposable deformable bag with a nozzle projecting downwardly from the bag. The dispenser includes a proximity detector for activating a discharge mechanism when detecting the proximity of an object beneath the dispenser. The discharge mechanism includes a valve within the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SOAPTRONIC INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Horst Binderbauer, Renato S. Franchetto, Drew S. Abejon
  • Patent number: 9291382
    Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided that includes a motor, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. The motor is mounted to an ice chute door. The computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the processor and comprises computer-readable instructions configured to control opening of the ice chute door by energizing the motor at a first voltage for a first time period after receipt of an ice dispense request; after energizing the motor at the first voltage for the first time period, control energizing of the motor at a second voltage at least as long as the ice dispense request is received to maintain the ice chute door in the open position; and after energizing the motor at the second voltage, control de-energizing of the motor to allow the ice chute door to return to a closed position. The second voltage is less than the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sub-Zero, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Hardesty, Anderson Bortoletto, Ryan Harings
  • Patent number: 9248462
    Abstract: Airless pump dispensers for various fluids are disclosed including an airless pump mounted in a housing, a movable piston mounted for moving within the housing starting at the bottom thereof, a dispenser at the top of the housing for receiving fluid from the airless pump and dispensing it, and a spring disposed at the bottom of the housing in contact with the bottom of the movable piston and having an insufficient driving force to independently move the movable piston within the housing when the housing contains the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: YONWOO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Edward F. Csaszar
  • Patent number: 9238905
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a predetermined, heated amount of liquid at a removal station. The latter has a liquid reservoir, a supply line from the liquid reservoir to the removal station, and an operating device for triggering a liquid removal. The supply line is adapted to the predetermined amount of liquid in regard to the internal volume of the supply line and the supply line is equipped with a heating device over the length of the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Guenther Schless
  • Patent number: 9198536
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage dispenser (2) comprising :—a beverage module having at least one beverage outlet (21),—a drip tray (1), said drip tray comprising: a collecting tray (11), and a filtering member (12) positioned above at least the front part (111) of the tray, wherein the drip tray comprises a lid (13) for covering the back part (112) of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Silvio Lardelli, Michel Hess, Cedric Rey, Roberto Angelo Calderone
  • Patent number: 9192543
    Abstract: A blinding cover completely surrounding the container comprises an axially movable and twistable lid that has means for gripping the sealing cap of the container and has a sampling point for a sampling needle. By axially moving and twisting the lid, the sealing cap is removed from the container, and the sampling point is positioned above the open container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FISHER CLINICAL SERVICES GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Hunkeler, Joerg Spettl
  • Patent number: 9027792
    Abstract: The present invention provides an easy to use, convenient, compact, energy efficient, labor efficient, cost-effective, fast, safe, neat, electricity-independent, self-contained, portable beer dispensing device and system that uses CO2 or other acceptable gas to maintain the freshness of beer, presents a ready height and arrangement for dispensing chilled fresh beer, and can be used in a variety of professional, casual, indoor and/or outdoor settings. The present invention chills beer before it is dispensed but after it has been removed from the keg. The present invention incorporates use of a gas tank to propel beer from the keg, through the beer dispensing device and system so that the beer inside the keg will not go flat. The present invention offers a convenient arrangement of its components that simplifies its use, transport, set up, and break down. The present invention also provides a space efficient arrangement for dispensing chilled, draft beer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Larz Watts
  • Patent number: 9027796
    Abstract: A flexible and resilient tool for use with a conventional half barrel, parallel frame caulking gun or enclosed “sausage” style caulking gun, aiding the user in finishing and shaping after the caulking material has been applied. One function of the tool is to collect excess caulk from his finger(s) or from various shaping tools and spatulas. Also provided can be cap, rag and sponge holders. Additional embodiments include adaptations to existing prior art disposable caulking cartridges and caulking guns to include components of the disclosed tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20150122835
    Abstract: A device and method of use for storing and/or dispensing any solid, liquid, and/or gas is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device for storing and/or dispensing any solid, liquid, and/or gas is comprised of a base member, one or more intermediate member(s), and a top member. In another embodiment, the device is also comprised of a flow value member that may be included in the base member, intermediate member(s), and/or top member. In another embodiment, the device is also comprised of a one or more sealing member(s) between the base member and the intermediate member, each intermediate member, and the intermediate member and the top member. In yet another embodiment, the base member and/or top member is comprised of one or more mixing member(s) that can be used to mix the contents of the container. Lastly, in another embodiment, the device may consist of a liner member inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Oscar Gonzalez, Francisco Iriarte
  • Publication number: 20150114045
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing arrangement (8) for a household appliance (1) for the care of laundry items, with a dispensing tray (8a) having an upper part (8b) and a lower part (8c) that can be connected thereto, wherein a water inlet flow device with a water-receiving depression is formed in the lower part (8c) and an outlet flow connection (8e, 8f) opening into the water receiving depression is formed on the lower part (8c), wherein the lower part (8c) has a partial channel (8k) of a ventilation channel (8g), the partial channel opening into the outlet flow connection (8e, 8f). The invention also relates to a household appliance (1) with such a dispensing arrangement (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin Bolduan, Andre Sabalat, Marcel Werner
  • Patent number: 9016509
    Abstract: A drip tray and base assembly for a beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The drip tray and base assembly includes a base for supporting an urn in spaced apart relation above a support surface, such as a counter. The base typically has side walls and a top wall. A drip tray is provided for laying adjacent the base. The drip tray typically has an upper grill-like surface for receiving a cup, container or other receptacle thereon, as well as side walls and a floor. At least one of the side walls of the drip tray is configured with a drain extension for draining fluids accumulating on the floor of the drip tray. A coupling member with walls adapted to removably couple with the base is provided. Furthermore, a coupling member includes walls for removably and fluid sealingly coupling with the drip tray extension and with a drain line so as to carry fluid accumulating on the floor of the drip tray through the drip tray drain extension into a drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Santy, Deborah Absalon
  • Publication number: 20150097001
    Abstract: A mobile beverage cart is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the mobile beverage cart may include a water chiller system and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a manifold, at least one product line in communication with the manifold, at least one product container in communication with the at least one product line, an electric pump in communication with the at least one product line, a water line in communication with the water chiller system and the manifold, and a dispensing device in communication with the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Shaun B. Gatipon
  • Patent number: 8998037
    Abstract: A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Philippe Cahen, Christophe S. Boussemart
  • Publication number: 20150060488
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a shaved ice or snow cone products and providing toppings thereto. The system may comprise an ice shaving or snow cone machine, a mobile edifice, and a topping dispenser attached to the mobile edifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SNOWIE LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
  • Publication number: 20150034674
    Abstract: A dispenser platform for receiving a product container, having a casing, wholly or partially encasing a control panel coupled a control module and a product container receptacle having a product container coupling assembly. The product container coupling assembly includes a first product supply conduit configured to receive a barrel of a product container. A second product supply conduit couples to a reservoir or to a supply of a second product, such as water. The product container holds a first product, such as concentrated coffee, concentrated tea, concentrated flavored drink, flavored syrup (cola) or concentrated juice. Components of the dispenser platform include a pump assembly, a heating and/or cooling assembly responsively coupled to a control panel via a control module and a filter assembly. The product container can be a BOV container or an airless dispensing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Hertensen
  • Patent number: 8925763
    Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Patent number: 8905269
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for dispensing pourable materials packaged in a pail or bulk container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John D Everard, Charles T Reed
  • Patent number: 8893931
    Abstract: Provided is a foam dispenser in which upward and downward displacement of an actuator causes a content liquid within a liquid cylinder and air within an air cylinder to be mixed and foamed, such that the foam so generated is dispensed from an outlet of a dispenser head. The dispenser head has a structure with a minimized thickness to thereby increase the dispensing amount. The dispenser head includes two members, i.e., a first member and a second member, that have special configuration for allowing the two members to be easily removed from a die and formed in a small thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mizushima
  • Publication number: 20140339259
    Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically movable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Troy A. Anderson, Ryan A. Chernik, Ryan Urban
  • Publication number: 20140334975
    Abstract: A personal dispensing system allows a user to dispense a viscous liquid, such as a disinfectant liquid gel. The dispenser includes a mounting clip which can be worn on the belt of a user. The dispenser has a front sidewall with openings which allow the viscous liquid to be dispensed onto a user's hands. The openings on the front sidewall of the container body and the viscosity of the liquid are selected so that the viscous liquid weeps out of the openings without dripping, or a hand pump can dispense the liquid. The front face of the device can also house a single horizontal roller or a number of roller balls for dispensing the viscous liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Geesbreght, Darrell D. Dial
  • Patent number: 8875914
    Abstract: A non-drip device for a bottle is in the form of an outwardly projecting peripheral lip. This peripheral lip has a triangular section of thickness that decreases out to an outer tip, the lip being defined by a top side and by a bottom side that, between them, form an angle lying in the range 5° to 45° . This outwardly projecting peripheral lip has a length advantageously lying in the range 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. It may be provided at the top end of the skirt of a cover of the engagement type. In a variant embodiment, this lip may be formed integrally at the neck of the bottle. Such a lip structure makes it possible, at the time of pouring, and in effective manner, to avoid formation of drops that run down along the outside face of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Presticorc
    Inventor: Patrice Marsollier
  • Publication number: 20140319175
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser that uses a slurry ice bath to achieve heat transfer from coils containing a beverage. The invention provides a hopper into which a slurry ice bath is created. The hopper receives ice from an ice bin via an ice chute. The ice bin contains a rotating agitator for pushing ice down the ice bin. Coils containing a beverage to be dispensed are submersed in the slurry ice bath. Ice passing through the ice chute and into the hopper floats to the surface of the water in the hopper. As the agitator rotates, it continues to push ice down the ice chute, which in turn raises the water level of the water in the hopper. The water level then reaches an equilibrium level, where the buoyant force of the ice in the water will prevent additional ice from falling through the ice chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Tobler
  • Patent number: 8863987
    Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a waste bin arranged to collect leaked or spilled liquid has a liquid level sensor and can be removed from the beverage forming machine, e.g., to allow disposal of the waste bin contents. One or more electrical contacts on the waste bin can be connected to the level sensor and electrically connect to control circuitry of the beverage forming machine when the waste bin is received by the machine. A liquid level detected by the level sensor may correspond to a fill level that is far less than the maximum volume of the waste bin, allowing beverage production to be prevented unless the waste bin can collect the full volume of a beverage dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Jacobs, Paolino Carnevale
  • Publication number: 20140299626
    Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products comprising at least a base support, a plurality of dispensing units of said fluid products contained in containing receptacles by means of respective dispensing nozzles, wherein said dispensing units are disposed on a platform selectively rotatable with respect to said base support, in order to dispose at least one of said dispensing units in at least a first position in which said fluid products are suitable to be delivered from said containing receptacles to a container associated with said base support, by means of a corresponding pumping device, and wherein at least a drive member is disposed on said base support and is suitable to be kinematically connected to one or more pumping devices, first rapid connection means are provided to achieve at least one of either the connection of at least one of said dispensing nozzles with at least one of said dispensing units, or the connection between first kinematic connection means suitable to be selectively connected to
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CPS COLOR EQUIPMENT SPA CON UNICON SOCIO
    Inventors: Giuliano Solera, Daniele Dall'Olio
  • Publication number: 20140299627
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly which has one or more urns to which a manual, post-mix valve is engaged, on front walls thereof. The urn or urns do not contain fluid, rather, at least, a pair of fluid lines carrying pressurized fluid to the post-mix valve, which may be a “T” valve. The two fluid lines carry fluid from a first and a second fluid source, typically pressurized, which sources are remote from the urn or urns. If the assembly is comprised of more than one urn, it may include a base, designed to hold the urns in side-by-side alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
    Inventors: David Santy, A.A. Jud Schroeder, Deborah Absalon
  • Patent number: 8839812
    Abstract: A surgical suction mat for collecting and evacuating surgical fluids, the mat including a foam body having a surrounding border; a series of grooves defined on a first portion of the foam body and located interior of the border and defined substantially across the foam body, the grooves uniformly increasing in depth from adjacent a first side of the border of the foam body to a location adjacent an opposite second side of the border of the foam body, the grooves each being closed at a first end proximate the first side of the foam body and open an opposite second end; a plurality of spaced apart upper surfaces in-between the grooves and being of substantially uniform elevation to permit a relatively uniform and level upper mat surface on which a user can stand; a collection channel defined on a second portion of the foam body, the channel extending substantially perpendicular across the grooves, the collection channel being closed at each end and along one side of its length and the other side of the channel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Tanhehco, Lee Freeman, Joshua Garvey, Mark Justice, Craig Fernandes
  • Publication number: 20140263412
    Abstract: In an example, a wine storage and dispensing device is provided. The wine storage and dispensing device may include a wine storage reservoir having a first opening and a second opening that is different than the first opening, the second opening located above the first opening on the wine storage reservoir. The wine storage and dispensing device may include a dispensing device coupled to the first opening, and an air removal system coupled to the second opening of the storage reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tristan Martin
  • Patent number: 8833611
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drip guard which is securable to a container and which functions to inhibit or absorb condensation and/or liquid droplets formed on an outer surface of a liquid container. The drip guard has a flexible body which is securable to a liquid container and, in one embodiment, the body functions to inhibit the formation of liquid droplets when the liquid is poured from the container or restrain already formed liquid droplets. In another embodiment the body absorbs condensation or droplets forming on the liquid container in which case the body may be absorbent or it may include an absorbent layer. The body may bear indicia such as, for example, advertising material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Gustav Bouwer
  • Patent number: 8833407
    Abstract: A method for open jet filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling element having a filling material path in its interior. The filling material flows through the path formed by a liquid channel during filling. The filling element comprises a liquid valve arranged in the path for controlled dispensing of the filling material at a dispensing opening. Closing the valve forms a drip-prevention structure that stops dripping of the filling material at the dispensing opening. The method includes forming the drip-prevention structure by closing the filling element, thereby causing relative movement between first and second structures. The first structure is either a valve body or a function element that moves with the valve body when the filling element closes. The second structure comprises part of an enclosing inner contour of the path. The drip-prevention structure is formed only when the filling element is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Publication number: 20140246456
    Abstract: A beverage server with a drip tray removable by hand comprising a barrel body, a supporting base disposed at a bottom part of the barrel body, a water outlet provided at a side portion of the barrel body, and a drip tray provided exactly below the water outlet; the drip tray and the supporting base are removably connected with each other. The present invention has a simple structure and a lower manufacturing cost, it does not require an additional tray, instead, the drip tray can be directly pulled out horizontally and so water inside the drip tray will not easily spill out; also, the drip tray is not easy to get lost and can be removed conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GUANGZHOU HEKOUMEI HOUSEWARE DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20140224838
    Abstract: A nozzle including a dispensing path configured such that fluid is dispensable therethrough. The nozzle further includes a suction path configured such that a negative pressure is created therein when fluid flows through the dispensing path. The nozzle has a fluid recapture path configured to capture therein fluid positioned on an outside of the nozzle. The fluid recapture path is in fluid communication with the dispensing path and the suction path such that fluid in the fluid recapture path is directable into the dispensing path by the negative pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, Timothy M. Garrison, Matthew R. Lauber, Harold M. Schubert
  • Patent number: 8800814
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage pouch or bladder supporting container having a plurality of elements for the purposes of efficiently dispensing, storing and preserving the beverage contained within the pouch, all while presenting an outward appearance that is tasteful and decorative. The container comprises an enclosure having an internal volume and a base, wherein the volume is actively cooled using a refrigeration system or alternatively is insulated for retaining a plurality of freezable blocks or a quantity of ice therein. Along the forward face of the enclosure is an aperture adapted to accept the spout of the beverage pouch, while an attachable or pull-out drip tray is positioned therebelow. Within the interior of the enclosure may further be provided a bladder support element adapted to suspend, compress or elevate the bag for more efficient and constant-flow dispensing of its contents through the externally-mounted spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Cathy Braun, Holly Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8800813
    Abstract: A metering product delivery pump system that includes a product accumulator assembly, at least one controlled product dispensing assembly and a rotary gate valve assembly for each controlled product dispensing assembly is provided. The product accumulator assembly is coupled to receive product. The at least one controlled product dispensing assembly outputs product to a product package. Each rotary gate valve assembly is coupled to selectively pass product between the product accumulator system and an associated controlled product dispensing assembly. Each rotary gate valve assembly includes a rotary gate valve and at least one blade configured and arranged to engage the rotary gate valve to cut solid product as the rotary gate valve is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Buckles, John P. Hotek, John T. Hays, Gary D. Westland, Allan D. Olson, Joseph C. Gray
  • Patent number: 8800609
    Abstract: A bib for a vehicle fuel tank inlet conduit of the type having an open conduit end comprises a liquid-impervious, elongated tray that has a raised peripheral edge on a front side thereof. The bib includes a top end, a bottom end, and an aperture at the top end for receiving the conduit end therethrough. The bib includes a collection trough at the front side and bottom end thereof that is adapted to receive fuel flowing down the tray, and may include an inverted spout formed between the aperture and the collection trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Jodi Krechowiecki
  • Patent number: 8789457
    Abstract: A holder includes a grid and a tray below to collect any liquids flowing through the grid. The grid and the tray are mutually constrained magnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Stefano Tonelli, Cristiano Castelli
  • Publication number: 20140196754
    Abstract: A detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent in a domestic appliance, the detergent dispenser comprising a housing, a container defined in said housing and adapted to store detergent, a movable cover adapted to close and seal the container, and at least one extension depending from the cover, said at least one extension adapted to clear detergent from a perimeter of the container as the cover moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Janusz Sendor, Scott Tarcy
  • Patent number: 8770447
    Abstract: A sterile lubricant dispenser for dispensing calibrated amount of a sterile lubricant having a viscosity greater than that of 150 P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Janie Marshall
  • Patent number: 8770093
    Abstract: A beverage machine comprising a drip tray device that can accommodate recipients of different heights. The drip tray device is formed of a collect tank and has a first drip support grid removably mounted on the tank for holding short recipients and has a second drip support for longer recipients such as a glass. The whole device is removable for ease of emptying and rinsing. In a possible mode, the first removable grid is provided with a gutter to evacuate liquid in a main collect reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Cahen, Michael Stieger
  • Publication number: 20140151402
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for dispensing beverages, and more specifically, systems and methods for dispensing beer. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing units are modular and portable and may be installed in any suitable existing establishment. In some embodiments, the units are configured to allow for the dispensing of draft beer without substantial modifications to the structure of the existing establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: IGUSA, LLC
    Inventor: Mehdi Jannatkhah
  • Patent number: 8733594
    Abstract: A rigid stand holds bag-in-box containers of liquid to be dispensed from an outlet near the bottom of the container. A platform suspends the containers above a support surface high enough so that the outlet is at least 12 centimeters above the support surface for a cup or glass to fit under the outlet. The stand includes a base panel for sitting on the support surface. Upstanding from first and second sides of the base panel are two wall panels. The platform affixed to each wall panel holds the platform at an angle of at least eight degrees from the base panel. Upstanding from the lower edge of the platform is a ridge that extends upwardly enough to hold the box from sliding forward but low enough to not interfere with dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Richard W. White, Robert J. White
  • Patent number: 8714408
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a generally liquid or viscous product, including a container for containing the product to be packaged and dispensed in the form of clean or sterile calibrated doses or drops using a dispensing accessory including a tip, wherein the assembly of the container and the accessory includes an additional flexible and deformable chamber actuated simultaneously with the accessory and capable of either sucking the residual drop at the end of said accessory after dispensing a calibrated dose or drop, or of blowing said calibrated dose or drop without permitting the formation of a residual drop. The invention can be used for packaging and dispensing clean or sterile products, in particular doses or drops in the field of ophthalmology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sivel
    Inventors: Jacques Pozzi, Pierre Roy
  • Patent number: 8708202
    Abstract: Systems for delivering coating compositions are disclosed. The system may include a support base for supporting a container of a coating composition and a pressure canister movable in relation to the support base from an open position to a closed position in which the pressure canister surrounds the coating composition container and forms a seal with the support base. The system may include a pressure canister that is movable from a delivery position in which the canister is pressurized to a cleaning position in which the canister may be cleaned by a cleaning fixture. The pressure canisters are useful in automated systems for delivering various types of coating formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter James Robertson, Melanie Sue Campbell, John Ritnell Oster, Jr., Joseph S. Szul, Jr., Richard J. Foukes
  • Patent number: 8707727
    Abstract: A dispensing unit includes a liquid collecting apparatus having a drip tray and a drip tray cover. The drip tray cover has an upper surface which comprises a plurality of troughs for collecting liquids. The tray includes an intermediate wall about which the drip tray cover pivots thereby allowing easy removal of the drip tray cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Cemalettin Hastürk, Laura Ringemann, Andrew Roberson, Tolga Yegin
  • Patent number: 8701436
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided to prevent sustaining of injuries by users, and which is capable of being hygienically used. The refrigerator prevents users sustaining injuries from inadvertently bumping into a dispenser or a tray when passing by the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyeon Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8662119
    Abstract: A fuel leak prevention system and method for providing same includes a check valve for insertion into the discharge end of a spout assembly of a fuel dispensing nozzle, the check valve being located downstream of the nozzle's fuel control valve so as to prevent any leaking or dripping of fuel from the spout when the nozzle is deactivated. The check valve includes a pivoting flap that is preferably spring-loaded and predisposed to remain closed to seal the spout when there is no fuel flowing through the nozzle, but which is allowed to rotate within the spout to open the nozzle and allow the flow of fuel when the nozzle is activated. In one embodiment, the check valve can be inserted into the spout during fabrication of the nozzle. An alternate embodiment allows the retrofit of an existing nozzle by adding an extension that contains the check valve to the spout on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Strictly Green, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Y. Burris, David Michael Strickland, Wilson A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8657161
    Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Patent number: 8646661
    Abstract: Improvements in an aerosol can liquid dispenser to provide a method to dispense a limited amount of fluid from within an aerosol can and to hold the fluid in a reservoir so it can be intermittently used. An operator may only dispense a few drops of liquid and use only a fraction of the dispensed quantity. The collection reservoir is located in a semi protected enclosure to minimize air flow over the fluid thereby reducing evaporation. A secures mechanism allows the dispenser to be quickly and easily mounted and removed from the top of an aerosol can. A removable cap closure to reduce evaporation of any dispensed fluid held in a reservoir. An overflow reservoir collects any excess fluid where it is held in a separate chamber and can be reclaimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Paine