Plural Sources, Compartment, Containers And/or Spaced Jacket Patents (Class 222/129)
  • Patent number: 6523721
    Abstract: A granular material supply system has a granular material supply unit and a granular material feed unit. The granular material supply unit delivers a granular material through an inlet formed in a pressure case included in the granular material feed unit onto a conveying device disposed in the pressure case. The conveying device conveys the granular material to an outlet formed in the pressure case to feed the granular material through the outlet into a granular material using apparatus. The granular material supply unit, and the pressure case of the granular material feed unit can be immovably installed. Therefore the granular material supply system can be formed in a closed system without placing any special joints, such as expansion joints, in a line connecting the granular material supply unit and the pressure case and in a line connecting the pressure case and the granular material using apparatus. Only the conveying device needs to be disposed in the pressure case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Nomoto, Kenichiro Murata, Mitsuharu Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 6520378
    Abstract: A dual-outlet dispensing closure for dispensing fluid products from a dual-chamber container that includes a base for securement to a container and having laterally adjacent outlet openings for alignment with outlets in the container. A turret is mounted on the base for conjoint pivotal movement of dual outlet passages between a closed position in which the turret blocks the outlet openings in the base, and an open position in which the turret passages are aligned with and open to the outlet openings to dispense product. The passages are preferably provided in the form of elongated barrels that are angulated with respect to each other so that the fluid products dispensed from the respective barrels meet and mix with each other at a position spaced from the closure. The base preferably includes vent openings for venting the container chambers to atmosphere as products are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Goettner, Eugene F. Haffner, Jon B. Ogilvie, Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Patent number: 6510367
    Abstract: An improved mobile agricultural products crop input application control system is associated with a plurality of operably coupled application machines including a delay coordinating system particularly adaptable for use in site-specific (precision) farming, wherein selected discrete delay information unique to each on-board crop input storage release point, crop input transport system, and/or crop input dispensing point is combined with anticipated field reference point data obtained with a machine positioning system, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ag-Chem Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin E. McQuinn
  • Publication number: 20020195462
    Abstract: A dispensing unit for a fluid dispensing machine comprises at least an inlet duct (35) and an outlet duct (36) for fluid products, connected to a variable-volume pumping chamber (30) comprising at least one flexible wall (30a). Two non return valves mounted in counter-phase are located in the inlet and outlet ducts (35, 36), respectively. The pumping chamber is coupled to actuator means comprising a stepper motor (20) a screw-nut screw unit and a carriage (28). The carriage moves the pumping chamber from a zero position in which the chamber has a maximum volume to an upper limit in which the chamber has a minimum volume. An optic sensor (40) defines the zero point of the pumping chamber (30) so as to guarantee precision and repeatability of the dispensing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: COROB INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Andrea Parrino, Giorgio Manfredini, Leopoldo Mazzalveri
  • Publication number: 20020190082
    Abstract: The cartridge dispenser comprises a double cartridge having two cylindrical containers of different cross-sections, a drive for a dynamic mixer, and a housing base in which the drive shaft of the dynamic mixer is arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The mixer drive shaft is guided in a laterally displaceable manner such that the driver of the mixer drive shaft is situated on the center axis of the mixer rotor independently of the cross-sectional ratio of the containers of the double cartridge. The mixer is located on the center axis which extends between the outlets of the containers. The mixer drive shaft is automatically forced to the correct position when a double cartridge is inserted. Consequently, the driver is always correctly aligned to the mixer rotor. Suitable means in the housing base always provide a correct location of the cartridges, and in a preferred embodiment, the mixer can be attached to the cartridge without the need of being previously oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: AMMANN PATENTANWALTE AG BERN
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6488650
    Abstract: A filling device and method, particularly for two-component sealants such as fibrin sealants, which enables two fluids to be separately and directly filled to the reservoirs of a dual syringe fluid applicator from two storage containers, which can be standardized, sealed, sterilized bottles. The device has a connector which engages with the fluid applicator, is keyed to orient the applicator's fluid reservoirs in a predetermined manner and holds the containers in side-by-side alignment with the applicator. Two fluid conduits whose downward ends may be pointed to pierce seals on the bottles, extend between the applicator and the bottles and can each have a transverse reach to accommodate the girth of the bottles. The bottles may be tilted by the device to enable the conduits to draw maximal fluid from a lowermost point of the bottle. Tilting can be effected by a downward movement of the device supporting the applicator which movement can introduce the fluid conduits into the bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Mitchell E. Levinson, Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann
  • Patent number: 6478191
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing compositions includes a crushable ampoule covered with a barrier material that serves as a protective barrier. The applicator can also include a body made of a flexible material that holds at least one crushable ampoule. The protective barrier protects the user's fingers from puncture by shards created during breakage of the crushable ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. D'Alessio, Andres Rivera, Anthony S. Voiers, Joe B. Barefoot
  • Publication number: 20020162856
    Abstract: A water cooler has three vertically elongate arcuate walls 2, 3 and 4 and a removable top cover 6 which is adapted to receive and support an inverted bottle with its neck passing through an aperture 15 in the top cover. An internal platform is mounted below the top cover to receive a removable coupling member which incorporates a feed tube for insertion into the neck of the container. The platform also contains an opening in registration with a thermal receptacle mounted below said platform for receiving a reservoir connected to the feed tube to receive water from the container, and may also receive other replaceable components such as an air filter. An apertured ventilation duct 5 extends vertically at the junction between the side walls 3 and 4 and is rigidly connected to two structural members by the platform, a base plinth 1 and an internal bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Sheridan, Ian Norman Painter, Robert Martin Finnegan, Martin Thorpe, Lionel Chew, Doug Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6474351
    Abstract: A dispensing device of detergents and/or additives for washing machines is described, of the type having at least a space for containing a liquid, such as a rinse aid, the body of the device including at least a first part and a second part, the parts being made integral with each other by welding, wherein a portion of the body is intended to be inserted through an opening of a wall, a surface of the wall facing on a washing tank while the opposite surface of the wall faces on a space which has to be sealed from the tank. According to the invention, a seal is provided, in order to prevent leakage of the liquid from the welding into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Costanzo Gadini, Fabio Nebbia
  • Publication number: 20020153388
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rechargeable dispenser including a cap removably connected to a bottle having an upwardly extending flange The cap is provided with at least one reservoir to be compromised by the spout of the bottle to release chemical concentrate in the bottle for charging the rechargeable dispenser when mixed with a diluent such as water within the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: SUNPAT L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Walter F. Klima
  • Patent number: 6460733
    Abstract: A fuel container and delivery assembly for use with a direct oxidation fuel cell system is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows clean fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture to be delivered to the cell. Additives are mixed with the fuel containing substance prior to release of the fuel outside of the cell. The fuel substance is housed in an inner tank, which is disposed within an outer container. A plenum area defined by the space between the outer container and the flexible bladder is filled with the additives so that, upon rupture of the entire assembly, the fuel substance is mixed with the additives. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner tank is a flexible bladder. A rupture means is provided on a needle, which draws the fuel out in pure form, tears the flexible bladder so that any remaining fuel is mixed with the additives when it is desired to dispose of or re-fill the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Acker, Gerhard Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6450368
    Abstract: A device for mixing at least three products includes a first container for the separate packaging of at least a first and second product, a second container for storing a third product, and a coupling configured to couple the first and second containers to allow mixture of the first, second, and third products. The first container includes a first compartment configured to contain the first product and a second compartment configured to contain the second product isolated from the first product. The first container also includes a first open portion closed by a first cover and a second open portion closed by a second cover. The first and second open portions each communicate with the first and second compartments. The second container includes a third compartment configured to contain the third product to be mixed with the first and second products, and a dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oréal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent De LaForcade
  • Patent number: 6447674
    Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out system for rapid and accurate loading-out of large volumes of treated biosolids from a wastewater dewatering plant, said system includes a plurality of hoppers 12, 14 supported by a main structure 16 having a plurality of vertical support members 20, each resting on a load cell 28, a sludge inlet at the tip of each hopper, and hydraulically controlled metering gates 40 at the bottom. A PLC 70 controls delivery of sludge from a dewatering facility, including e.g. a dewatering centrifuge 56, into the hoppers and then controls load-out of the sludge to a container truck by providing real-time monitoring of net sludge load-out and tight control of metering gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Material Systems Engineers
    Inventors: Richard D. Simon, Richard H. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20020100769
    Abstract: In a touch up kit for painting small surface areas, an outer container contains a paint or primer coating material and an inner container contains a catalyst for the paint or primer material. The inner container comprises a bottom seal member closing the bottom of the inner container and an upper seal member closing the top of the inner container. The inner container is nested in the mouth of the outer container. The upper seal member is pierceable by a blunt instrument such as the inlet tube of an aerosol spray canister and the bottom seal member is designed to be detached from the bottom of the inner container in response to downward pressure on the bottom seal member by the inlet tube of the aerosol canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Brian McKune
  • Publication number: 20020096538
    Abstract: The drum assembly of the present claimed invention is used for washing and is comprised of a primary container and a supplementary container integral as a single structure. The primary container may be filled with water and the supplementary container may be filled with any cleansing substance, for example, detergent. The primary container includes a support base and a flattened body of the handle for the mounting or support of the drum where toilet assemblies are not available, such as in trucks, motor vehicles, camping facilities, and any other suitable location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jose Beltran Bolgar
  • Publication number: 20020074347
    Abstract: Multi-compartment container having a septum extending from the bottom of the container up through the neck to the container opening. A closure seals the container from leakage and prevents internal contamination between compartments. The container may be blow molded in a single manufacturing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles Douglas Murray, Riccardo Calvi, Jean-Luc Azzani, Lyle Brown Tuthill, Filip Dominique Hubert Vangeel
  • Publication number: 20020070234
    Abstract: A bottled soda dispenser for dispensing soda from a 2-liter bottle without having to remove the cap each time. The invention allows for one hand dispensing and keeps the carbonation in the bottle. The dispenser consists of the base, a bottle holder, a valve system and actuating levers. An air inlet having a check valve provides sufficient air in the bottle as the soda is withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Duane J. Sunnarborg
  • Patent number: 6401985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container, a base and an air pressure device; the liquid container has an internal reservoir for containing the liquid and a dispensing conduit connected to a dispensing nozzle; a part of the dispensing conduit may be situated within the reservoir and is adapted to transfer the liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle; the base has a surface for holding a liquid receiver; the dispensing nozzle of the liquid container may be positioned above the surface of the base so that when the liquid receiver is situated upon the surface, the liquid from the dispensing nozzle will go into the receiver; the air pressure device is designed for creating pressurized air and is mounted in conjunction with the base; the pressurized device is connected with the internal reservoir of the liquid container, whereby upon operation of the air pressure device, pressurized air is supplied to the internal reservoir of the liquid container which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 6401733
    Abstract: A dispenser for a dishwasher is proposed containing a housing 1 partially projecting in the installed condition through a door recess into the interior of the door of the automatic dishwasher and located partially within the wash area. The housing consists of two housing sections which preclude housing leaks into the interior of the door. This is achieved by providing an inner section located only partially within the interior of the door and projecting into the wash area, and an outer section located completely on the side of the wash area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Schrott, Guenter Biechele
  • Publication number: 20020066749
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a product may comprise a container defining an opening, with the container being configured to contain a product and a retaining element mounted at least partially in the opening and defining a cavity configured to contain an amount of the product for dispensing. The device may further comprise a separating member separating a first region of the container from a second region of the container. The first region may be configured so that the product resides therein when the device is in an upright position and the second region may be disposed adjacent the opening. At least one first passage defined by the retaining element may have a position that defines a maximum amount of product capable of being contained in the cavity. At least one second passage defined by the retaining element may be in flow communication with the second region of the container and configured to permit passage of at least some product from the second region into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20020066748
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed container and a medicament bearing insert assembly therefor are disclosed. The medicament bearing insert assembly is protected by a severable overcap. A pocket within the insert assembly is provided with a pierceable membrane. Rupture of the membrane by a built-in plunger causes the medicament to drop out of the pocket and into the container where it is mixed with the container contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard H. Weiler, Frank N. Leo
  • Patent number: 6379342
    Abstract: An ampoule which has been designed to contain sterile medicinal fluids of various types and doses in a measured dose fashion, which allows direct administration via linkage to standardized existing indwelling catheters, tubing and even hypodermic needle hubs by virtue of a contained Luer Lock fitting. The invention eliminates the need to draw up fluids into intermediary devices such as needles and syringes or other injection devices, thus minimizing costs and enhancing safety and convenience. The ampoule, by virtue of finger pressure on its flexible structure, allows complete administration directly into the body or its structures. The contents of the ampoule are protected and the sterility of contents and linkage mechanism is protected by a cover which occludes the opening into the ampoule until use. The ampoule also allows direct administration by connection of its Luer Lock fitting to standard hypodermic needles and hubs for injection into or through body structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Scion International, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Levinson
  • Patent number: 6375041
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rechargeable dispenser including a cap removably connected to a bottle having an upwardly extending flange. The cap is provided with at least one reservoir to be compromised by the spout of the bottle to release chemical concentrate in the bottle for charging the rechargeable dispenser when mixed with a diluent such as water within the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sunpat L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Klima, Walter F. Klima, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6363977
    Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Knlght, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Smeller, Christopher W. Nesselroad, Richard I. Yanez
  • Publication number: 20020036212
    Abstract: A dispensing device and related methods for jointly dispensing and separately storing two products. The dispensing device comprises a first container defining a first reservoir configured to hold a first product and a second container at least partially surrounding the first container. A second reservoir configured to hold a second product is defined between the first container and the second container. The dispensing device further comprises an outlet configured to permit flow of the first product and the second product from the device, and a flow control member. The flow control member is moveable from a first position in which the flow control member prevents flow of the first product from the first reservoirs, to a second position in which the flow control member permits flow of the first product. A closure is configured to be placed in a storage position in which the closure prevents flow of product through the outlet and prevents flow of the first product from the first reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Vincent De Laforcade, Laure Bourjal
  • Patent number: 6360959
    Abstract: A dual tip nozzle replaces a single tip nozzle in a resist applicator station to double the number of photoresists that are available. The resist applicator station is of the type having a nozzle holder block, at least one single tip nozzle attached to the nozzle holder bock, and a first resist line extending through the nozzle holder block and into engagement with the nozzle. The dual tip nozzle includes two cavities having respective orifices. Each cavity receives a separate resist line for dispensing separate photoresists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Kent, Vince L. Marinaro, Ted Wakamiya
  • Patent number: 6360917
    Abstract: The invention relates to a canister comprising a first container (concentrate chamber) holding a concentrate, and a second container (solution chamber) holding a ready-to-use solution constituted by mixing a concentrate and a diluting fluid. According to the invention, the two containers of the canister are configured as chambers of the canister, connected to each other by a fluid jet pump, and can be operated from one side. Both the filling device of the concentrate chamber and the dispensing device of the chamber holding the ready-to-use solution are fitted with coded access control devices. The chambers are arranged partially above each other. The concentrate filling device and the fluid jet pump include a suction pipe and mixture outlet arranged in a canister lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Gerold Carlhoff, Thomas Cosler, Horst Pruehs, Robert Scheurl, Jim Copeland, Stephan Muench
  • Publication number: 20020030063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-compartment container for dispensing flowable products by gravity. The container described comprises a first compartment (51) and second compartment (52) for storing a first and a second composition. The container also comprises a multiple-dispensing tap (100), which preferably is operable by a pressing action and is capable of dispensing flowable products from the first and second compartments substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Anne-Gaelle Leray, Jean-Francois Patrick Etesse
  • Publication number: 20020020714
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a consistent liquid mixture according to a predetermined recipe for use at a point of use. The apparatus includes a plurality of liquid component reservoirs in which a constant gas pressure is maintained. A plurality of valves are provided, with individual valves connected to an outlet port of each reservoir. An electronic controller controls the valve actuation in a repetitive sequence to discharge predetermined doses of selected liquid components for mixing to form the consistent liquid mixture. A mixing section receives the sequence of doses to mix them together to form the liquid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Martin Pozniak, Charles Andre Provost, Rakesh Kumar Singh, Sau Van Vo, Benjamin Rush Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020017534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relate to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: David Soberunie, Randy Forshey
  • Patent number: 6341716
    Abstract: A dual-outlet dispensing closure for dispensing fluid products from a dual-chamber container that includes a base for securement to a container and having laterally adjacent outlet openings for alignment with outlets in the container. A turret is mounted on the base for conjoint pivotal movement of dual outlet passages between a closed position in which the turret blocks the outlet openings in the base, and an open position in which the turret passages are aligned with and open to the outlet openings to dispense product. The passages are preferably provided in the form of elongated barrels that are angulated with respect to each other so that the fluid products dispensed from the respective barrels meet and mix with each other at a position spaced from the closure. The base preferably includes vent openings for venting the container chambers to atmosphere as products are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Goettner, Eugene F. Haffner, Jon B. Ogilvie, Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20020005412
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a product includes a first chamber configured to initially contain at least one of a first composition and a mixture of the first composition and a second composition, a second chamber configured to contain the second composition, a flow passage for providing flow of the second composition from the second chamber to the first chamber, a selective air intake mechanism configured to selectively be placed in an open position to allow air to flow into the first chamber and a closed position to prevent air from flowing into the first chamber via the selective air intake mechanism, and an actuator configured to be actuated to cause an amount of a product to be dispensed from the first chamber. The product dispensed includes at least one of the first composition, the second composition, and the mixture of the first composition and the second composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20010053511
    Abstract: There is provided a capsule for dental restoration material, which can administer to a site to be restored of a patient with a mixture in a good state where air bubbles are not substantially contained, immediately after mixing. In the capsule for dental restoration material for directly administering to a restoration site of a tooth with the mixture prepared by subjecting a dental restoration material comprising two components of definite amounts of previously weighed powder component and liquid component accommodated in a cylindrical mixing compartment in an isolated state from each other to making the liquid component flow into the mixing compartment and mixing the both components, an air-permeable filter that does not pass the powder component therethrough but can ventilate air within the mixing compartment into the outside of the mixing compartment is placed in at least a part of a peripheral wall of the mixing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Aoyagi, Yoshimasa Suzuki, Masaaki Kaneko, Yoshihisa Mukasa
  • Publication number: 20010030202
    Abstract: A dry mix particulate dispenser includes a container configured to hold a dry mix particulate. The container has a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one side wall. The container includes a dispenser opening formed in the bottom portion and a sloped interior wall within the container is angled in a direction generally toward the opening. A slide track is positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the container receives an elongate slider. The slider including an opening formed therein which can be selectively aligned with the dispenser opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Donald J. Hammer, Scott M. Harrison, Bruce H. Koerner
  • Publication number: 20010023878
    Abstract: A system combining a fluid dispenser (10) and a pop-up sheet dispenser (12). The fluid dispenser is a bottle (14) with a spray pump (18), while the sheet dispenser (12) is a tub (28) with an opening (30) through which sheets pop out. The two dispensers snap together to trap and store sheets from a longitudinally folded web ready for pop-out dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Aram J. Irwin
  • Patent number: 6293433
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a mixture of at least two components comprises a container body defining at least two compartments kept sealed from one another by a stopper member prior to dispensing the mixture. An actuator operably coupled to the stopper member selectively places the stopper member in a storage position in which the two compartments are sealed from one another and in a mixing position in which the two compartments are in flow communication with one another. The stopper member has a lateral cross-section that is larger in the storage position than in the mixing position. The dispensing device can be used for packaging and applying components that should not be mixed until they are ready to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gérard Joulia
  • Patent number: 6290099
    Abstract: An accessory for a material spreader having a hopper. The accessory comprises a removable insert which constitutes a divider when placed in the hopper of the material spreader such that the hopper is divided into at least two compartments. In particular, the accessory may comprise a first removable panel and a second removable panel. In such case, the second removable panel is arranged to engage the first removable panel in a mutually perpendicular manner such that the first and second removable panels constitute a divider which divides the hopper of the material spreader into four compartments when placed in the hopper. The accessory is preferably molded of plastic material and may be provided with handle portion(s) and raised ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: William S. Melton
  • Patent number: 6290100
    Abstract: A reusable concentrate cartridge adapted to be supported by a diluting and dispensing container for combining at least two separate components of a multi-component system, the concentrate cartridge having a hollow cylindrical body and a hollow tube with a closure portion. The concentrate cartridge is caused to open by the rotating engagement of a closure cap on the diluting and dispensing container to which causes the closure portion of the hollow tube to disengage to release the concentrate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Canberra Corporation
    Inventors: R. Bruce Yacko, Edward L. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20010013523
    Abstract: In a dispensing system comprising a container having at least two storage chambers, each for a fluent material, the finishes of the respective chambers are arranged in a contiguous pair defining a cylindrical surface having outer threads, except for two anti-rotational flats. Each finish defines an outlet. A valve of a type that remains closed until opened by a differential between inside pressure and outside pressure overlies the outlet defined by each finish. A fitment defines a mixing chamber having two inlets, one for each storage chamber, and having an outlet. The fitment has two skirts, each having an inner surface having at least one rib, each defining an antirotational flat. The fitment fits over the paired finishes and over the valves so that the anti-rotational flats on the ribs engage the anti-rotational flats on the paired finishes. A collar having inner threads is threaded onto the paired finishes so as to hold the fitment, which holds the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Daniel G. Schantz, Alan P. Hickok, Timothy R. Socier
  • Patent number: 6273532
    Abstract: A computer enclosure comprises a chassis and a hood attached to the chassis. The chassis has a latch resiliently and pivotably attached thereto. The latch forms a protrusion and an ejector. The hood has a fixing tab defining a fixing hole for engagingly receiving the protrusion of the latch therein thereby fixing the hood to the chassis. The fixing tab forms a bent end for ejection by the ejector of the latch thereby detaching the hood from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Long Chen, Yu-Tai Liu, Kuang-Yu Chen, Alvin Liu
  • Patent number: 6269979
    Abstract: A multi-compartmented storage and dispensing container is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the larger outer bottle surrounds and is attached to an inner compartment or chamber that, in the preferred embodiment, is a generally cylindrical enclosure having helically oriented scores or striations. This cylindrical inner enclosure is attached at its base to the outer bottle and is engaged and broken open by the closure assembly. The closure assembly consists of a threaded cap attached to an inner enclosure engagement arm. A removable security ring is initially located between the bottom of the threaded cap and the outer bottle shoulder. After this ring is removed, the user tightens the cap all the way down, bringing the inner enclosure engagement arm into contact with anchored cylindrical inner enclosure. As the cap is twisted, the inner enclosure breaks along the scored lines due to the torque, and the material contained within the inner enclosure is released into the outer bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Dumont
  • Patent number: 6264068
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment container for storing and dispensing a solid and a liquid with the use of one hand. The container has a first compartment for holding a particulate solid food, and a second compartment for holding a liquid. The first compartment is positioned generally above the second compartment, and has a lateral opening for dispensing the food when the container is tilted. The second compartment has a straw-like structure which runs up the side of the container on a side away from the opening of the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, John P. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6250346
    Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a bottle container of the type having a removable container cap has a sub-container body formed with squeezable plastic outer walls and inner divider walls forming multiple compartments having respective orifices for dispensing the ingredients contained therein. Each compartment can be separately opened (by removing a sealing element) and its ingredient can be dispensed into the container by squeezing on corresponding portions of the outer walls. In different embodiments, the device may be formed with the sub-container body in a cylindrical shape, the divider wall aligned with the cylinder axis or transverse to the cylinder axis, and the cylinder body snap-fitted to the underside of the cap or fixed to a collar which is held on the container neck by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: James Anzai Castillo
  • Patent number: 6244433
    Abstract: A device for separately storing at least three components, for mixing them together, and for extemporaneously dispensing of the resulting mixture includes: a first receptacle containing a first component; a second receptacle containing a second component and provided with a chimney for receiving the neck of the first receptacle; a shutter disposed in removable manner in the chimney; and an intermediate element disposed in the chimney between the shutter and the opening for receiving the neck, with the intermediate element defining a compartment that contains a third component. The neck, the chimney, and the intermediate element are also organized in such a manner that at the end of a predetermined axial displacement stroke of the neck in the chimney, the shutter is ejected, and the components can mix together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Valérie Vieu
  • Patent number: 6241123
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises first and second side pieces configured to be hingedly connected and to form a first and second cavity, a lid, and a front piece configured to form a third cavity with the first and second side pieces. Also included are a handle, a biasing device configured to be positioned outside the first cavity, and a rotating blocking device configured to rotate based on movement of the handle and the biasing device, such that handle and rotating block device are returned to a stationary position based on the biasing device. Finally, the apparatus includes a resilient sealing device that is configured to interact with the rotating blocking device to close a first opening between the first and second cavities and a swinging blocking device configured to close a second opening between the first and third cavities. Also according to the present invention, in another embodiment the closing device includes a holding device that has first through forth side walls and a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Trade Fixtures, LLC
    Inventor: James N. Elmore
  • Patent number: 6223949
    Abstract: The present invention includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, and having multiple inlets and multiple chambers at different heights along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion. The present invention also includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, with multiple inlets at the same height along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion with single or multiple chambers at that location along the longitudinal axis. In each of these valves, the inner valve portion is adapted to spin within the outer valve portion. Additionally, the present invention includes an apparatus for dispensing two or more discrete streams of fluid into a series of containers by using one of the aforementioned valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Norse Dairy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Spencer, Eric Rousculp
  • Patent number: 6206964
    Abstract: A multiple head dispensing system and method is provided. In one embodiment, a dispensing system for dispensing material onto a substrate includes a plurality of independently operable dispensing heads, and a conveyor system, disposed beneath the plurality of dispensing heads, having a first track and a second track, each of which is constructed and arranged to convey substrates to working positions beneath the dispensing heads. The dispensing system may include a plurality of gantry systems, each of which is coupled to one of the plurality of independently operable dispensing heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Thomas C. Prentice, Brian P. Prescott
  • Patent number: 6196421
    Abstract: An aerosol can having two terminal portions each with its own valve and product delivery head of various configurations is disclosed. The can may feature either one or two products for delivery, and can employ one or two volumes of propellant. The material to be delivered can be stored directly in the can or in one or two pouches, or in a combination mode of within the can directly and in one pouch, as may be desired. The same material can also be distributed in two different manners, such as fine mist or strong stream, the mode of delivery being spray head dependent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Aervoe-Pacific Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6182710
    Abstract: An improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline and an outer tank to provide secondary containment. An interstitial space is defined between the outer tank and the storage tank. A pipe for communicating with the storage tank extends through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank. Advantageously, access structure is provided for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: U-Fuel, Inc. (NV)
    Inventor: R. Michael Webb
  • Patent number: 6182864
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises first and second side pieces configured to be hingedly connected and to form a first and second cavity, a lid, and a front piece configured to form a third cavity with the first and second side pieces. Also included are a handle, a biasing device configured to be positioned outside the first cavity, and a rotating blocking device configured to rotate based on movement of the handle and the biasing device, such that handle and rotating block device are returned to a stationary position based on the biasing device. Finally, the apparatus includes a resilient sealing device that is configured to interact with the rotating blocking device to close a first opening between the first and second cavities and a swinging blocking device configured to close a second opening between the first and third cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Trade Fixtures, LLC
    Inventor: James N. Elmore