At Least One Nondispensing Patents (Class 222/130)
  • Patent number: 11674747
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a main body having a storeroom, an inner door rotatably coupled to the main body and having a door opening, an outer door rotatably arranged in front of the inner door to open or close the door opening, a dispenser including a water-intake space and an operation lever and configured to supply water to the water-intake space by manipulation of the operation lever, and an automatic water supplier including a water container installation space formed to have a water container mounted and a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of the water container, and configured to supply water into the water container to fill the water container with a certain amount of water. The water-intake space and the water container installation space may be arranged in the door opening of the inner door to be accessed while the inner door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Juno Kwon, Jin Jeong, Gahyeong Kim, Hocheol Cho
  • Patent number: 11572226
    Abstract: A concentrate cartridge comprising includes a hollow cylindrical element having a chamber formed therein. The Chamber is configured to receive a concentrate material therein. The hollow cylindrical element has an upper end and a lower open end. A seal is configured to seal the lower open end of the hollow cylindrical element. A cap is configured to be received on the lower open end of the hollow cylindrical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: IDISPENSE, LLC
    Inventors: R. Bruce Yacko, Christopher J. Yacko, Martin Sikula
  • Patent number: 11525616
    Abstract: An improved portable cooler can be configured to provide access to its contents from multiple orientations while reducing the likelihood of water spillage or contamination. The improved portable cooler may optionally include one or more sliding compartments to allow access to the contents of the portable cooler when the cooler is arranged in any of a horizontal or vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventors: Larry James Wilkerson, Nicholas Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 11255233
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering a lubrication liquid to a machine in a terminating liquid lubrication system. A machine and a cartridge containing a lubrication liquid are connected to each other so that the lubrication liquid is supplied to the machine. Some embodiments may include a monitoring system, a backup source of lubrication liquid, and/or a second cartridge that automatically provides lubrication liquid to the machine when the cartridge is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: THE SLOAN BROTHERS CO.
    Inventors: Christopher Sloan, Michael Bechtold
  • Patent number: 11033919
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening provides a first path of fluid communication between a first interior volume of the housing and an exterior of the housing. The second opening provides a second path of fluid communication between a second interior volume of the housing and the exterior of the housing. A divider is positioned in the housing between the first interior volume and the second interior volume. The divider defines a third opening that provides a third path of fluid communication between the first interior volume and the second interior volume. A valve allows fluid to flow from the second interior volume, through the third opening, and into the first interior volume and prevents the fluid from flowing from the first interior volume, through the third opening, and into the second interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Frank Hom, John Crawford
  • Patent number: 10843863
    Abstract: A cooler assembly for the storage of one or more objects includes a cooler portion having a main portion and a cover portion that is removably or pivotable relative to the main portion. First and second main portion securement features are disposed on a side wall of the main portion, and the first and second main portion securement features may be identical. First and second attachment assemblies, which may include a container, have identical first and second attachment securement features, respectively, which may releasably engage either of the first and second main portion securement features to allow the first and second attachment assemblies to be transported with and stored on the cooler portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Alan V. Morine, Matthew M. Glanzer, Todd Eichinger, Cory R. Bloor, Jonathan B. Rayeski
  • Patent number: 10677513
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a body, an external door that can pivot relative to the body, and an internal door which can pivot relative to the body and the external door and which is immobilized between the body and the external door in the closed position of the external door. A dispensing or output recess of a dispenser is provided in the internal door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Staud, Thomas Tischer, Philipp Kleinlein, Andreas Kessler, Graham Sadtler, Heather Kamper, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Bernd Brabenec
  • Patent number: 10617132
    Abstract: A kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream may include with a liquid-topping dispenser assembly having liquid-dispensing faucets which are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TIKIZ FRANCHISING, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Tollefson, David S. Tollefson
  • Patent number: 10548390
    Abstract: A wearable fluid reservoir configured to contain liquids includes a swinging suppressing mechanism to inhibit horizontal and vertical swinging of a reservoir main body in relation to a hydration pack in which the reservoir main body is inserted. The pack includes a connecting mechanism that mates with the swinging suppressing mechanism to form a detachable, yet secure fit between the reservoir and the pack. A sipping tube is coupled to the reservoir main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Shinji Marui
  • Patent number: 10543974
    Abstract: A pressure control system provided for maintaining a constant predetermined excess pressure in a fluid dispensing container comprises a high-pressure plastic vessel having an inner chamber, and a pressure control device having a valve and mounted on the open end of the high-pressure vessel, whereas a passageway is provided from the inner chamber to the outside, which is controlled by the valve. A piston with a protruding stem is provided in a guide member, whereas between the guide member and the piston a chamber with a gas with a reference pressure smaller than the high pressure is enclosed, and the high pressure vessel is closed by a closure with a central bore of smaller diameter than the diameter of the stem, and the piston end remote from the protruding stem is pressurized by the fluid in the fluid dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: AIROPACK TECHNOLOGY GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Quint Kelders
  • Patent number: 10456797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable spray apparatus having a carrier frame, a blower and a storage vessel for a medium to be discharged. An upper unit with the storage vessel and a lower unit with the blower are retained on the carrier frame. The two units are located in the vertical direction of the carrier frame at a spacing (z) from each other. The spacing (z) is selected so that a movement gap is formed between the upper unit and the lower unit. To limit the resilient deflection of the upper unit, there is arranged on one of the units a damping stop which limits the movement gap and damps a resilient deflection of the upper unit by abutment of the damping stop on the other one of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Wiedmann
  • Patent number: 10427927
    Abstract: In a method for filling a bottle, a balloon body extends through an axial through bore of a cap and is connected seal-tightly with an upper circumferential rim to the cap above a radial opening of the cap. An elongate support associated with the balloon body is connected to the cap. Balloon and elongate support are inserted into the bottle. The cap is positioned at a spacing above the bottle neck to form a ring-shaped intermediate gap. Air contained in the bottle interior is forced out through the intermediate gap by inflating the balloon body with an expansion medium. Subsequently, the cap is fluid-tightly fitted on the bottle neck. The expansion medium is allowed to escape from the balloon body and liquid is supplied through radial and axial openings of the cap into the space between outer surface of the balloon body and inner bottle wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Leibinger GmbH
    Inventor: Benedikt Leibinger
  • Patent number: 10351442
    Abstract: The invention relates to filter-as-you-pour water filtration container systems. Such a system may include a container body, an outlet through which water within the container body may be poured and simultaneously filtered, a lid that may be releasably attachable over the container body, and a filter assembly attachable to at least one of the lid or the container body. The filter assembly may be disposed so as to be in a flow stream of the water, as the water is poured out of the container body through an outlet of the system, so that the stream of water exiting through the outlet is simultaneously filtered as it is poured from the container body. The system may further include a flow control device (e.g., a valve, grating, screen, etc.) disposed proximate (e.g., in or over) the outlet to regulate an exit flow rate of water being poured through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Brita LP
    Inventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Jonathan McDonald, Nicole Doan, Jonathan Taylor Wiegele
  • Patent number: 10281193
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet (10) configured to define a first storage region in which food is stored, a door (20) rotatably connected to a first rotating shaft via a first hinge member (40) to open or close the first storage region, the first rotating shaft being located at the front of the cabinet (10), a gasket provided at the door (20) and a container (100) configured to define a second storage region, the second storage region being received in the first storage region, the container (100) being rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft via a second hinge member (200), the second rotating shaft being located at the door (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungwoo Choi, Myunghwan Kim, Jisu Park, Hyunbum Kim, Jindong Kim, Jihyun Im
  • Patent number: 10260798
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet (10) configured to define a first storage region in which food is stored, a door (20) rotatably connected to a first rotating shaft via a first hinge member (40) to open or close the first storage region, the first rotating shaft being located at the front of the cabinet (10), a gasket provided at the door (20) and a container (100) configured to define a second storage region, the second storage region being received in the first storage region, the container (100) being rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft via a second hinge member (200), the second rotating shaft being located at the door (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungwoo Choi, Myunghwan Kim, Jisu Park, Hyunbum Kim, Jindong Kim, Jihyun Im
  • Patent number: 10189694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a yeast cream-dosing device and method. According to the invention, the yeast cream is disposed in an interchangeable transport container (20) which is located inside a refrigerating compartment (10), the aforementioned container being connected to an extraction opening (27) by means of an outlet conduit (26) which can be opened and closed by an opening/closing mechanism (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: LESAFFRE ET CIE
    Inventors: Karel Alfons Frans Blomme, Peter Rene Anna Smet
  • Patent number: 10189697
    Abstract: A big bottle format dispenser includes a housing in the form factor of a large bottle, the housing defining an outer reservoir. An inner reservoir is carried within the housing. The inner reservoir is filled with an alcoholic beverage, and the outer reservoir is not filled with an alcoholic beverage. An illumination means within the dispenser illuminates the inner reservoir, which in some embodiments is constructed in the form factor of, or contains portions in the form factor of, a company name, logo, symbol, or other branding indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron Dean, Jeffrey Brill, John Koutsoumpas, III, John T. Koutsoumpas, Jr., Christian Koutsoumpas
  • Patent number: 10101353
    Abstract: A liquid sample loader for an analytical instrument includes a sample holder with a sample well for holding a liquid sample and a sample passageway extending upwardly at an inclined angle from a bottom portion of the well, a pump positioned upstream from the sample holder and an upstream passageway coupled between the sample and the pump. A controller controls the pump to push the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Rudolph Research Analytical Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Wagner
  • Patent number: 9504308
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid reservoir shell that provides protection for the fluid reservoir of a personal hydration system. The fluid reservoir shell is rigid and does not collapse easily under external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell is sized to contain the fluid reservoir but still fits in a personal hydration system pack. The shell protects the fluid reservoir and prevents the fluid reservoir from leaking due to excessive external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell disclosed includes a shell top piece and a shell bottom piece, which couple together to enclose the bladder of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir shell provides ready access to the fill port and the drink tube of the fluid reservoir when the fluid reservoir is contained in the fluid reservoir shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Leonard B. Wood
  • Patent number: 9499391
    Abstract: A multi-purpose utility caddy can be manipulated for dispensing a fluid trough a pumping mechanism, while holding and organizing at least one item. The caddy comprises a mobile housing for storing, organizing, and protecting the at least one item and a fluid. A mobile portion that enables transport of the housing. A lever extends from the housing to enable manipulation of the housing. Multiple compartments and mounting members are used to hold the items. Lids hingedly regulate access to the compartments. The lids include slots and depressions for holding additional items. A fluid compartment contains a fluid that is dispensed directly from the housing through a pumping action. A pump handle enables a pumping action to generate air pressure inside the fluid compartment. A sealing member seals the fluid compartment to restrict air loss. A fluid discharge tube carries the pressurized fluid from the fluid compartment for directional dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Reginald M. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9440805
    Abstract: A seed container rack system for dispensing a selected variety of seeds from a plurality of seed containers. The seed container rack system generally includes a support frame having a lower frame for supporting at least one lower seed container and an upper frame for supporting at least one upper seed container above the upper edge of the lower seed container. A lower conveyor is positioned within a lower portion of the support frame to receive seed from the lower seed container and the upper seed container. A chute having an upper end and a lower discharge end extends from beneath the upper seed container to a side of the lower seed container to transfer the seed from the upper seed container to the lower conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Mathew G. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9360248
    Abstract: A beverage cooler having an insulated housing wherein the housing has a bottom and top with the top including a (i) center opening configured to receive a removable lid and (ii) a threaded member on an underside thereof and substantially circumscribing the center opening with the threaded member configured to removably receive a first shaker receptacle within a portion of a total volume defined by the housing. The first shaker receptacle may receive a second shaker receptacle therein such that the first shaker receptacle acts as a sleeve to keep the second shaker receptacle out of contact with a liquid in the beverage cooler. The first and second shaker receptacles may be removed by removing the top and unscrewing the first shaker receptacle from the threaded member on the underside of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Stan Efferding
  • Patent number: 9027794
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a liquid control mobility receptacle for storage, filtration, distribution, and transportation of liquids. The liquid control mobility receptacle has a main body that encloses a front security enclosure, a pump enclosure, and a main enclosure for storage of liquids. The main enclosure is disposed between the pump enclosure and the front security enclosure. An internal power source is enclosed within the front security enclosure and is electrically coupled to a pump, which is enclosed in pump enclosure. A fill line is provided to pump liquid from a liquid source into the main enclosure. A recirculation line is provided to recirculate fluid in within the main enclosure. A supply line is provided for pumping fluid out of the main enclosure. In some examples, the liquid control mobility receptacle has an internal power source that is a diesel engine, and the security enclosure further houses a fuel enclosure that is fluidly coupled to the diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Edward Mahar
  • Patent number: 8875751
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Moses Nueman, Jr., Wayne Grubaugh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140319166
    Abstract: A system and method for providing custom colored sealant are generally provided with a dispensing container, containing a quantity of sealant base solution. A bottom wall of the dispensing container is positioned to limit any headspace within the interior of the dispensing container until the contents are ready to be mixed. The bottom wall is moved prior to adding a coloring agent to the dispensing container, which is mixed with the sealant base by agitating the dispensing container, until a desired color is attained. A sealant thickener may then be added and mixed by similar agitation of the dispensing container. A rod may be provided to engage and move the bottom wall. A pull string may also be provided to move the bottom wall. A nozzle is then coupled with the dispensing container and the custom-colored sealant is ready to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne Summons, Elliot Summons
  • Publication number: 20140312059
    Abstract: An air removal and wine dispenser device for a wine bottle has a bottle seal and a balloon. The balloon is inflated with a pump to displace air from the bottle. Additional inflation forces wine through a dispensing tube. Wine flow is controlled by a wine valve. In one embodiment, a single control valve is used to vent air and dispense wine, and a cam lever is used to expand a cam seal and to operate a balloon deflation valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy W. Dziuk, Roy Paul Prosise
  • Publication number: 20140263405
    Abstract: A device for preventing air from displacing wine poured from a bottle. A retainable spout assembly comprises a bottle seal, a base having a liquid channel and vent channel, and a spout. A disposable bag assembly comprises folded limp inflatable bag attached to a vent tube which is attachable to the vent channel. As wine is poured, air enters the vent tube and inflates the pliable bag. After the bottle contents are consumed, the retainable subassembly may be removed from the disposable subassembly by leaving the disposable subassembly in the bottle or container. The retainable subassembly may be cleaned, and a replacement subassembly attached to the vent channel before inserting into a new container. The air displacement device may be inserted into a bottle before or after pouring wine. A pump or manual blow tube can be used to remove air from a partially-filled bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: JETT INNOVATION, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy W. Dziuk, Roy Paul Prosise
  • Patent number: 8777057
    Abstract: A pressure vessel, a system and/or a method dispense a comestible mixture. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method are used to cool, freeze and/or entrain a gas into the comestible mixture before dispensing the same. The pressure vessel may have a lid and a body that are connected to form an air-tight compartment. The compartment is sized to receive a deformable bag of the comestible mixture. The bag has an opening to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag and/or the compartment through a hole in the lid. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a compressor or other source of a compressed gas a hose to communicate the compressed gas from the compressor into the compartment. Further, the hose communicates the compressed gas to a freezing chamber and/or a cooling chamber of the machine. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a tube to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag to the freezing chamber and/or the cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Armin Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20140166696
    Abstract: The dispensing device provides dispensable material in a closable container in concert with a corresponding accessory so that the container and the accessory can be commonly stored when not in use, and further provides a ventilated storage volume within the device that can facilitate drying and aerating the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DIGITAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tony J. Abfall, Kara Lineal, Paul Holbrook
  • Patent number: 8746506
    Abstract: A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Jersey, William W. Segiet, Tom Siegel, Eddie Kali, Joseph Boggs, Robert Balstad
  • 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: 8701929
    Abstract: The improved portable gas can includes adjustable legs along a bottom surface, which aid in stabilizing the gas can on a floor of a vehicle while in transit. The gas can includes an extension leg that is also located on the bottom surface, and which is able to secure the gas can by engaging between the truck bed surface and the tail gate. The extension leg is comprises of a lateral member and a second member pivotably engaged thereto. The second member of the extension leg is configured to extends and engage in between the truck bed and tail gate of a truck thereby securing the gas can in place while in transit. The gas can further includes a recess handle along a front surface as well as a handle positioned atop of the gas can to aid in manipulating and carrying the gas can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Cheri Long, Jerry Long
  • Publication number: 20140072669
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system is provided. The liquid is preferably a grain-based distilled spirit. The system comprises a liquid container such as a Mason jar having a two-piece lid. The system also has a circular pouring cap. The pouring cap has at least two through-openings punched through the pouring cap. The circular pouring cap has a diameter dimensioned to enclose the open upper end of the jar and to be sealed between a screw-type ring and the upper end. In this way, the blank circular cap and the circular pouring cap are interchangeable. The system may also have at least two corks. The corks are dimensioned to be frictionally received within the at least two through-openings. In this way, the through-openings are selectively sealed. A method for pouring an alcoholic liquid from a Mason jar is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Stanley P. Brown, III
  • Publication number: 20130263398
    Abstract: A modular cleaning device including a handle assembly having a container, a dispensing element in fluid communication with the container, and a cleaning element. A backpack including a bladder in fluid communication with the dispensing element is also included. The handle assembly is configured to dispense a fluid from at least one of the backpack and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: John T. Irwin, Jeffrey C. Gayer, Stephen A. Dukes
  • Patent number: 8485392
    Abstract: A system for dispensing solvents removes the need for storing solvents in multitudes of small containers or containers which are not suitable for storing the solvents for a long duration. The system minimizes laboratory space requirements for the storage and handling of solvents. The system minimizes waste generation. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly and are able to be dispensed in small quantities for use as needed. The system for dispensing solvents also includes leak detection, a spill tray, a fume hood and other precautionary measures to ensure a safe handling environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wilson Tarter
  • Patent number: 8393493
    Abstract: A drink cooler with cold storage that includes an inner wall disposed circumferentially around a central cavity, the central cavity configured to releasably receive a cylindrical storage shaft slidingly insertable to, and retracable from, the central cavity, wherein items stored inside the storage shaft are kept cool by means of a chilled solution (such as ice water) stored within, and dispensible from, an interior cavity disposed between the inner wall and an insulated outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gordon Christensen
  • Patent number: 8387828
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a beverage includes a main body. A first vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives and displays a display bottle in an upright configuration. A second vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives an inverted dispensing bottle. A dispensing tap spigot is in valved fluid communication with the inverted dispensing bottle. Opening the dispensing tap spigot enables liquid fluid within the inverted dispensing bottle to flow from the dispensing tap spigot under the influence of gravity and closing of the dispensing tap spigot terminates the flow. A thermoelectric temperature control member selectively generates cold or heat and is positioned in heat transfer relation to the inverted dispensing bottle. The main body is aesthetically designed to provide a connotation of coolness when a cooled beverage is to be dispensed and of heat when a heated beverage is to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Moothart
  • Patent number: 8313007
    Abstract: The portable multipurpose food and beverage insulated container and water dispensing alternative consists of the cooler body, a press fit top lid, a content support assemblage, a cup support assemblage, a nozzle access door and rubber skid strips. The cooler body is a rigid plastic multilayer housing with thermal insulator foam deposited between the general plainer outer shell and inner shell for reducing heat transfer through the cooler body. The press fit lid covers the top of the cooler body. The plastic content support assemblage supports the weight of the unit's contents in one of two possible orientations and collects condensate from the ice pack and or content defrosting. The cup support assemblage seats cups on a level surface and captures spills during water dispensing. The nozzle access door positioned on the frontal face of the cooler body opens to allow access to the water container's nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Kolaco Kpabar
  • Patent number: 8302817
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed having a storage chamber for storing a liquid, a collection assembly for collecting a portion of liquid, a pump assembly, and a tube extending from within the storage chamber to within the collection chamber through which the portion of liquid is pumped into the collection assembly. The pump assembly includes one or more pump actuators, and the fluid dispenser may have multiple storage chambers, each having a corresponding tube. In addition, the fluid dispenser may have multiple collection chambers. The pump actuators may be, for example, a flexible diaphragm or a trigger-actuated pump mounted on the side of the fluid dispenser. The pump mechanism may be incorporated into the capillary, and it may be, for example, a piston pump or any other type of pump known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Darren Saravis
  • Publication number: 20120205397
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: FAIR OAKS FARMS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8220663
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system featuring a dispenser for providing fluid from multiple reservoirs to an appliance or other suitable device; and a multiple tubing arrangement coupled between the dispenser and the multiple reservoirs of fluid, the multiple tubing arrangement being responsive to a vacuum provided from the dispenser, for drawing the fluid from the multiple reservoirs so as to deplete the multiple reservoirs at relatively equal amounts based on the Venturi effect. The multiple tubing arrangement comprises a primary inlet tube for arranging in a primary reservoir, an auxiliary inlet tube for arranging in an auxiliary reservoir, and a feed connector tube arranged between the primary inlet tube and auxiliary inlet tube. The primary inlet tube is coupled to the auxiliary inlet tube so as to provide a proportional vacuum and siphoning effect. The multiple tubing arrangement siphons and depletes the fluid from the primary reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir based on the Venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: David L. Phillips, Gerard Caldwell, Nikhil Jitendra Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20120138630
    Abstract: A shipping container is converted into a storage and transport tank including a liquid reservoir room and a control room having a pump and a control system for the pump. The pump communicates with the liquid reservoir room via a fill line and a suction line. In operation, the control system activates the pump and opens flow control valves of the inlet line and the fill line to deliver liquid into the liquid reservoir room. Conversely, the control system activates the pump and opens flow control valves of the outlet line and the suction line to remove liquid from the liquid reservoir room. The control system further activates the pump and opens the flow control valves of the suction line and the fill line to recirculate liquid within the liquid reservoir room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: E. Wayne Kinsey, III, Gordon Randall Dixon, Dale Lamborn
  • Publication number: 20110089121
    Abstract: Dispensers, principally of water-treatment chemicals, are detailed. The floating dispensers may be inherently unstable in use, rotating approximately ninety degrees (from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal one) over the useful lifespan of the chemicals initially contained within. Movement of the dispensers to horizontal positions signals users to replace the depleted chemicals. The dispensers also may be stacked into smaller volumes for transit and storage and need not include a separate component for flow adjustment. Rotation of its components additionally may create a “dial-a-dosage” feature of the dispenser, effectively varying depletion rate of the chemicals contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: HENDRIKUS JOHANNES VAN DER MEIJDEN, Alexis Adrian Felipe Wadman, Robin Owen Ellis
  • Patent number: 7926682
    Abstract: Combined applicator container and concentrate cartridge with the container including a holder for releasably holding the cartridge thereon and a transfer device interposed between the container and cartridge for transferring selected quantities of concentrate from the cartridge to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Steven D. Nelson, Leona I. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7896199
    Abstract: A portable, liquid-dispensing bag that has a bag within one or more bags. A fitment portal aligns openings in the one or more inner bags and outer the outer bag, which in at least one embodiment accommodates a tap. A variety of arrangements and variations are possible, including having a re-sealable opening in both the inner bag or bags and a re-sealable opening in the outer bag. A gas vent can be added to either the inner or outer bags. It is contemplated that a drinkable liquid is stored in an inner bag, and ice or cold water is stored in the outer bag to keep the drinking fluid cold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Steven Kaczmarek
  • Patent number: 7896037
    Abstract: A water cooler caddy device for use in conjunction with a water cooler or other beverage dispenser. The water cooler caddy has an arcuate inner surface as an interface with the water bottle and is sized such that it may be placed over the water bottle and slid down so that it either rests on an upper surface of the water cooler, or is supported by the side of the water bottle. The water cooler caddy may have a gap in the circumference so that the radius of the inner surface may be temporarily increased to facilitate installation. Partitions are used to form compartments to contain service items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Square 1 Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Alsberg, Mikael Bäckström, Matthew A. Cowen
  • Patent number: 7837076
    Abstract: A combination backpack and granular material dispenser that includes an upper compartment, a lower compartment extending downwardly from the upper compartment, at least one carrying strap, a valve assembly, and a valve assembly actuator. In use, the present invention enables a user to stow equipment and personal items in the upper compartment while stowing and dispensing a granular material from the lower compartment. The lower compartment is collapsible into and expansible from the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Welker Wildlife Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Welker, Brian H. Welker
  • Patent number: 7828178
    Abstract: A caulking gun cartridge caddy has back to back cartridge clamps which surround a portion of the circumference of two caulking gun cartridges, holding them in parallel juxtaposition whereby one cartridge is held in readiness for replacing another while the latter is in use. The caddy holds the cartridges oriented in opposite directions to minimize interference by the spare cartridge with using the caulking gun. The caddy may include a tool holder on its side for also holding a smoothing tool commonly needed by users to smooth a bead of the fill material after it has been distributed from the cartridge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Karen S. Kovac
  • Patent number: 7823753
    Abstract: A caulking gun barrel system fits into caulking guns designed for pre-filled cartridges. The caddy system utilizes soft-sided recharge packs of fill material ordinarily designed for more expensive caulking machines with built-in barrels. The caddy system includes at least one tubular barrel having a removable cap for providing access to the barrel interior for insertion of a recharge pack. A shuttle disposed within the tube articulates between ends of the tube and interfaces between the soft-sided refill pack and the caulking gun piston. Built into the removable cap is an elongate, coaxial nozzle for distributing the fill material. In a preferred embodiment, two such barrels are coupled together by a spine adapted to hold them in linear alignment. After inserting into each barrel a recharge pack opened at one end, a user inserts one of the barrels into a caulking gun and employs its plunger and piston to force fill material out the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Karen S. Kovac
  • Patent number: 7815077
    Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly has a container housing having an interior that retains soap. The container housing has an opening which communicates with the interior. A pump unit secured to the top of the container housing at a location separate from the opening. The pump unit includes a dispensing assembly through which soap from the interior is dispensed. A lid that is removably coupled to the opening to allow for a quick replenishment of the soap without having to remove the pump unit. The pump unit can also include an actuator that has a soap outlet, with the actuator is pivoted to draw soap from the interior of the container housing to the soap outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Adam C. Wade, Joseph Sandor