With Discharge Assistant For Each Source Patents (Class 222/135)
  • Publication number: 20030192135
    Abstract: A foam-type hair dye apparatus, has a container main body in which liquid hair dye containing a dye, surfactant, and thickener is stored; one, or a plurality of jetting orifices for jetting the liquid hair dye from the container main body; and a liquid reservoir member disposed opposite the jetting orifices. The jet flow of liquid hair dye jetted from the jetting orifices toward the liquid reservoir member is blended with air from outside the container and transformed into foam-type hair dye in the liquid reservoir member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenzo Koike, Keiji Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20030173377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selectively dispensing different liquids (I, II) from a single item of packaging containing a plurality of independent reservoirs (R1, R2), each reservoir having a drawing-off member (P1, P2) equipped with a dispensing head (11, 12) and suitable for being actuated by relative movement of said head, said device being characterized in that it comprises a central housing (1) supporting the reservoirs (R1, R2) peripherally and movably relative to the associated dispensing heads (11, 12) secured to or integral with said housing (1), and including a selective locking key (2) for selectively locking said reservoirs in positions in which they are fixed relative to said heads (11, 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Bloc
  • Patent number: 6612467
    Abstract: The present invention can be characterized as a tamper-proof apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising a chamber for storing the liquid; an outlet in the chamber for dispensing the liquid; and an outlet shield protecting the outlet from damage. The present invention can be characterized as a method of dispensing liquid from a dispensing unit comprising storing a liquid in a supply reservoir within a locked chamber; applying pressure to a plate within the locked chamber through a hole in a top of the locked chamber; and dispensing the liquid through an outlet in the locked chamber, the outlet being covered by an outlet shield to protect the outlet from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Keene Sanitary Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S Wertheim
  • Patent number: 6607099
    Abstract: A two-component resin or adhesive dispensing system including an air drive motor with adjustable settings which drives, by means of sprocket and chain drive systems, an activator metering pump and an adhesive metering pump as to provide a dispenser with adjustable amounts of activator material and adhesive material. The metering pumps are mounted upon adjustably movable mounting brackets such that their relative disposition may be readily altered so as to accommodate different sized sprocket members which will then alter the drive output of the metering pumps in order to change the ratio of activator material dispensed with respect to the amount of resin or adhesive material dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bhavesh Merchant, Francesco Rosselli
  • Patent number: 6604655
    Abstract: A combination of liquid containers having caps depressible for ejecting the contents includes several holding parts, and upper part, and a bottom part. The holding parts each has a depressible cap connected to an outlet portion of the top thereof. The upper, and the bottom parts are respectively connected to the tops, and the bottoms of the holding parts, which are closely arranged together, so as to provide stability to the liquid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Jung Kuo Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Kang Lee
  • Patent number: 6601733
    Abstract: A multi-component proportioning system for dispensing a multi-component coating composition is provided. The delivery system is particularly useful in providing multi-component compositions to a multi-component dispenser. The system provides very accurate mix ratios due to the consistent, reproducible displacement of components from the liquid pump assemblies used in the multi-component proportioning system regardless of viscosity. Such accuracy eliminates improper mixing of components that can lead to reworking and lost time, materials, and profits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayme L. Schnacky, Alan A. Burmester, Vincent F. Genatempo, Jr., John C. Larson
  • Patent number: 6592008
    Abstract: In automobile dealerships having a service department and wherein a plurality of flowable products in bulk containers are used, there is an improvement which comprises a storage and dispensing device which has a cabinet with a plurality of shelves thereon, the bulk containers being placed on the shelves, a plurality of dispensing outlets located in a wall of the cabinet, a plurality of individual pumping devices with first conduits extending between each bulk container in respect of one of the pumping devices and second conduits extending between each of the pumping devices and a respective dispensing outlet. The arrangement provides for control of cleaning chemicals and prevents waste thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Mario Dion
  • Publication number: 20030089738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing pump for dispensing two or as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may comprise an actuator which is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that each actuator, on each dispensing assembly, is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously actuated by movement of said operating button. The dosing pump of the present invention may have a flap valve assembly situated within plates between the liquid, gel slurry and/or paste assembly, and the container, which carries the liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA
    Inventor: Erik Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030071062
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for proportion metering multiple fluids together that are output from different pumps. The invention further provides a system and method for batch signal metering that provides feedback on the amount of fluid that has been dispensed. The invention has applications in numerous technologies, including metering together pest control fluids, such as those used for termite control; metering lawn care fluids such as herbicide and fertilizer; blending colors used in dyes, paints and the like; personal care products such as lotions; water treatment; and other technologies in which different fluids are pumped by separate pumps and thereafter mixed together downstream of the pumps prior to being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michelle Jean Miller, Kenneth Eugene Lehrke, Scott Cameron Losey
  • Publication number: 20030060925
    Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: IMX LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Richard T. Jobe, Thomas C. Bodiker, Timothy E. O'Meara, Dave Hanselman, Jim Foley
  • Patent number: 6533143
    Abstract: A multiple filling device having a hopper, multiple supply nozzles each having a rotating sleeve for transferring rotational movement to a feeding screw to distribute content material stored in a divided portion of the hopper. The rotating sleeve is motivated by a driving motor. A main driving motor is also rotatably connected to multiple agitating blades each residing inside the divided portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sanko Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shouichi Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 6530502
    Abstract: A dishwashing caddy is constructed with internal volumes for holding soap liquid and lotion as well as compartments for storing cleaning brushes and the like. The top surface is strongly slanted forward and the bottom internal partition is also slanted forward to dispense water through weep holes. Pump action dispensing of the liquids is accomplished. Suction cups mount the unit to a wall or hold it in place while on the sink or other support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mylene Neal
  • Patent number: 6520380
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing either one or both of two liquid products and includes a housing defining two liquid reservoirs. Two pump assemblies are respectively mounted in the liquid reservoirs for incrementally feeding two different liquid products out of two respective discharge outlets. Two operating levers are articulatably mounted on the housing and are respectively operatively associated with the two pump assemblies. One lever is effective to dispense one liquid product. The second lever is effective to dispense the second liquid product. The second lever is selectively operatively associated with the first lever to dispense both liquid products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Prince Castle, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren J. Veltrop, Lawrence G. Banovez
  • Patent number: 6513729
    Abstract: A base compound supply passage and a hardener supply passage supply a base compound and a hardener, respectively, fed under pressure from first and second color changing valve mechanisms to a coating gun. The base compound supply passage and the hardener supply passage have respective first and second gear pumps, and first and second pressure control valves for controlling the base compound and the hardener to be supplied under given pressures to the first and second gear pumps. Two liquids, i.e., the base compound and the hardener, can be supplied reliably at desired rates to the coating gun, and mixed and discharged at a desired mixing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ochiai, Hiroyoshi Nozaki, Hidenori Taguchi, Shinobu Tokin
  • Publication number: 20030015547
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided for dispensing plural component materials having first and second (and optionally third) components and a desired ratio between the components. The apparatus has first and second reciprocating pumps (4), each of the pumps (4) being connected to a source of one of said components, first and second reciprocating drivers (5), each driver (5) being connected to drive one of the pumps and forming a driver-pump set, a position sensor (6) attached to each driver-pump set, each position sensor (6) outputting increments of resolution corresponding to a fixed volume being pumped by the driver-pump set to which it is connected, and a controller attached to the drivers and the position sensors to alternately move one of the driver-pump sets one said increment and the other of the driver-pump sets the product of one increment and the ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: David M. Pittman, Adam R. Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20030000965
    Abstract: A precision fluid dispensing system containing at least one two-piece pump and a precision closed loop controller drive system to address the small volume precision dispensing requirements of bioscience applications. A multiple diameter pump can be combined with a pump having multiple inlet and outlet ports to allow for precision multiple outlet dispenses in a single pump that finds use with microtiter plate pipetting and other precision dispensing. Inlet ports can be located on the smaller diameter of the cylinder with outlet ports on the larger diameter of the cylinder. A micro-controller with closed loop feedback provides exact linear positioning and motion of the pump piston as well as optional control of a nozzle to provide exact micro-dispensing of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: David T. Bach, Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Gayathri S. Ragavan, Tao Song
  • Patent number: 6488184
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Schwan's Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Hammer, Scott M. Harrison, Bruce H. Koerner
  • Publication number: 20020162857
    Abstract: A dispensing system including a housing with an interior bulkhead and four progressive cavity pumps mounted within the housing on one side of the bulkhead. The pumps are mounted with the bores in vertical orientation. Gear boxes including bevel gears coupling the vertically mounted pumps with horizontally mounted motors located on the other side of the interior bulkhead. A dispensing head is located above the housing with outlet passages extending from the motors to the dispensing head defining a path to the dispensing head which is continuously upward. The dispensing head includes valves driven by a pneumatic cylinder. A solenoid controls flow of pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder from a position adjacent the dispensing head on the boom supporting both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: FLUID RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6463611
    Abstract: An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Mattia, James L. Copeland, Oliver Murphy, III, Kaye Kit-han Yuen
  • Patent number: 6457608
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus that provides for positional adjustment of multiple liquid dispensing modules. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a flow metering device which provides a flow of a liquid to a plurality of discharge orifices and a spray head attachment comprising a stationary plate, at least one movable plate, and multiple liquid dispensing modules. Flexible liquid supply lines route the liquid from the discharge orifices to the liquid dispensing modules. Each movable plate carries at least one liquid dispensing module and is movable relative to the stationary plate for varying the relative positions of adjacent ones of the liquid dispensing modules. The flexible liquid supply lines conform to the positional adjustment of the movable plates. For dispensing heated liquids, the apparatus may further include a heated enclosure through which the liquid supply lines are routed in the fluid path between the discharge orifices and the liquid dispensing modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: John Matthew Riney
  • Patent number: 6454135
    Abstract: A package for containing and applying a two-component liquid solution includes a housing having first and second liquid chambers for containing associated liquids to be applied, and first and second liquid cartridge pumps mounted in the housing and respectively disposed in the first and second chambers. Each of the pumps has an inlet for receiving liquid from the associated chamber. A surface applicator is mounted on the housing to apply the two-component solution to a surface, such as a user's skin. A manifold is connected to the outlets of the pumps to mix the liquids from the pump outlets and direct the mixed liquids to the applicator. One of the housing and the applicator has a portion that is moveable with respect to the pumps for activating the pumps and delivering liquids from the chambers simultaneously to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Leonora M. Brozell
  • Patent number: 6412658
    Abstract: A custom cosmetic powder dispensing method, including the steps of providing a body powder dispensing apparatus and operating the body powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing into a container a custom formulation of body powder ingredients at a retail purchase point of sale. The amounts and types of the body powder ingredients dispensed are determined based upon specification by a retail customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: IMX Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Charles P. Hines, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020079328
    Abstract: A two-component resin or adhesive dispensing system including an air drive motor with adjustable settings which drives, by means of sprocket and chain drive systems, an activator metering pump and an adhesive metering pump as to provide a dispenser with adjustable amounts of activator material and adhesive material. The metering pumps are mounted upon adjustably movable mounting brackets such that their relative disposition may be readily altered so as to accommodate different sized sprocket members which will then alter the drive output of the metering pumps in order to change the ratio of activator material dispensed with respect to the amount of resin or adhesive material dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Francesco Rosselli, Bhavesh Merchant
  • Patent number: 6405899
    Abstract: A dispensing system including a housing with an interior bulkhead and four progressive cavity pumps mounted within the housing on one side of the bulkhead. The pumps are mounted with the bores in vertical orientation. Gear boxes including bevel gears coupling the vertically mounted pumps with horizontally mounted motors located on the other side of the interior bulkhead. A dispensing head is located above the housing with outlet passages extending from the motors to the dispensing head defining a path to the dispensing head which is continuously upward. The dispensing head includes valves driven by a pneumatic cylinder. A solenoid controls flow of pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder from a position adjacent the dispensing head on the boom supporting both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6402364
    Abstract: A portable dispenser has at least two containers organized to enable the substances they contain to be dispensed in proportions selected by the user, and a mixing chamber into which the substances contained in the containers are dispensed and in which they can be mixed together. The substances contained in the containers have different colors, the dispenser includes at least one stirrer that is movable in said mixing chamber, and the mixing chamber is organized to enable the user to observe the color of the resulting mixture prior to extracting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Dominique Esclar, Johan Aubert
  • Patent number: 6387330
    Abstract: A method and device for storing and dispensing specified subsets from a collection of tens, hundreds or thousands of different reagents to specified locations within microtitre trays or microarray substrates or the like. The reagents of interest are stored in racks of syringe-like dispensers. These dispensers and/or substrates and/or actuators are controllably moved by automated means to a dispensing position where a single action, vibration and weighing system transfers a controlled quantity to a specified location in a microtitre tray or the like. Deficits of the prior art, such as evaporation, cross-contamination, oxidation, waste of reagents and lab-ware, and human operator non-reliability are overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: George Steven Bova, Stephen B. Leighton
  • Publication number: 20020043542
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement in a vacuum includes a container for mixing first and second components of a bone cement in a vacuum, the container having a sealed body defining an interior space and a selected quantity of the first component disposed in the interior space. The container is provided with an injection port for admitting the second component into the interior space vacuum source. A mixing paddle is disposed in the interior space and connected to a handle therefor extending out of the container. A plurality of indirect pathways extend between the interior space and the exhaust port which permit gas to pass therethrough out of the interior space, but prevent the bone cement first and second components from passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 6341717
    Abstract: A metering pump dispenser for simultaneous metered dispensing of liquid and/or pasty media has at least two separate storage chambers (1, 2), which are arranged in a common pump housing (9) and with which separate metering pumps with a priming valve and a dispensing valve each are associated. The metering pumps can be actuated by a common actuating member, which is mounted axially movably in the head part of the pump container and has one or more dispensing channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Megaplast GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Günter Auer
  • Patent number: 6341719
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device comprising: a base plate (1) fitted with heating means (25) and a pipe (7) which connects two openings, at least one (4) of which is located on the upper wall of the said plate two or more tanks (2, 2′) designed to rest on the plate, which are fitted with a connector (5) designed to be inserted into the said pipes metering means (8) designed to be connected to the other end of the said pipes (7) to convey the product from the interior of the said tanks through the said plate; the outlet of the said metering means (8) leading to a dispensing head (10) which contains two chambers (28, 29), connected to feed devices that convey the adhesive from each tank, while two nozzles (32, 33) connect the said chambers to two outlets, one of the said chambers (28) also being connected to a second pipe (37) which dispenses the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Nordmeccanica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Villa
  • Publication number: 20020008118
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Cavallaro
  • Patent number: 6325251
    Abstract: A combination fuel tank and tool holder apparatus having dual fuel compartments for gasoline and oil and hand pumps. Holders for chain saw tools such as a saw wedge, chip brush, saw files, and a screwdriver and socket wrench combination are provided on three sides of the plastic apparatus in a first embodiment. In a second embodiment, the fuel tank lacks external holders, which holders are on a canvas cover with apertures on top for the handle and hand pumps. The holders are lined with polyvinyl inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Santos
  • Patent number: 6321946
    Abstract: A two-component resin or adhesive dispensing system comprises a pair of activator and resin or adhesive metering pumps and a drive motor. The drive motor is a hydraulic drive motor driven by means of a hydraulic pump which, in turn, is driven by means of an air motor coupled thereto. The metering pumps are separately and independently driven by the hydraulic drive motor through means of sprocket and chain drive systems, and the metering pumps are mounted upon adjustably movable mounting brackets such that their relative disposition may be readily altered so as to accommodate different sized sprocket members which will then alter the drive output of the metering pumps in order to change the ratio of the amount of activator material dispensed with respect to the amount of resin or adhesive material dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bhavesh B. Merchant
  • Publication number: 20010042759
    Abstract: In automobile dealerships having a service department and wherein a plurality of flowable products in bulk containers are used, there is an improvement which comprises a storage and dispensing device which has a cabinet with a plurality of shelves thereon, the bulk containers being placed on the shelves, a plurality of dispensing outlets located in a wall of the cabinet, a plurality of individual pumping devices with first conduits extending between each bulk container in respect of one of the pumping devices and second conduits extending between each of the pumping devices and a respective dispensing outlet. The arrangement provides for control of cleaning chemicals and prevents waste thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Mario Dion
  • Patent number: 6315166
    Abstract: A device for expressing free-flowing compositions is presented having a cylindrical container (1) for accommodating a free-flowing component (2), two axially displaceable pistons (3) and (4) designed to close the cylindrical container, and a material outlet opening (5) at the lower end of the cylinder wall. The material outlet opening only releases the flow of the component (2) after the piston (4) has been moved past the material outlet opening into the end position (4′) by the expressing pressure. The device can be used with a conventional applicator for one-component adhesives, sealants or coating materials to provide the addition of a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Tenoson GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Beck, Michael Schaetzle
  • Publication number: 20010038021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Giordano Villa
  • Patent number: 6308863
    Abstract: A package for containing and simultaneously dispensing first and second pressurized, fluent products, the package having a cup-shaped outer housing and first and second containers containing the first and second products, respectively, positioned within the outer housing. Each of the containers has a dispensing end with an actuatable valve at the dispensing end, and the opposed end of each of the containers is frictionally engaged by a fitment that is releasably secured to an open end of the outer housing. The outer housing is formed from a resilient polymeric material, and the closed end of the outer housing has an end member with first and second annular members depending therefrom to engage, respectively, the actuatable valves of the first and second containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Harman
  • Patent number: 6305578
    Abstract: A compressed gas container apparatus having at least two compressed gas containers disposed side by side, each for one foamable liquid product which contains a liquidified propellant gas, wherein both compressed gas containers are each provided with a valve; both valves are actuatable in common by a top fitting, and each valve is provided through the top fitting with a connecting conduit; the connecting conduits discharge into a mixing chamber and an expansion conduit adjoins the mixing chamber and on its end has a foam dispensing opening; wherein the connecting conduits and the mixing chamber have such small cross-sectional areas that when a product is dispensed, the products flowing through the connecting conduits and the mixing chamber remain in a liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Wella Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventors: Bodo Hildebrandt, Johannes Burghaus, Heiko Eberhardt, Udo Kohn, Joerg Mayer
  • Patent number: 6296146
    Abstract: An improved fluent product dispensing apparatus is disclosed and includes a temperature indicator so that the user may view the temperature of the fluent product components prior to and during dispensing. The apparatus includes one or more supply containers of a reactive component, a dispenser and a conduit for conveying the reactive components to the dispenser. One or more of the supply containers has a temperature indicator mounted to its exterior that is viewable through a package, or carton, that encloses the supply containers. This indicator displays the temperature of the contents of the supply container so that a user can ensure proper dispensing of the reactive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Flexible Products Company
    Inventor: Michael Dean
  • Patent number: 6293434
    Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product includes a rack unit having a plurality of support structures capable of extending out from the rack unit, a plurality of dispensing units each containing a product for dispensing and arranged on the support structures and including restraining means to restrain all but a first support structure of the plurality of support structures when a first support structure is extended from the rack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Jeffrey Ellis, Stuart Sklovsky, Silvio J. DiMarchi, Jack Wuensch
  • Patent number: 6273298
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids includes a turntable rotatable around an axis of rotation. A plurality of pumps are attached to and distributed around the axis of the turntable. The pumps each have a connector for releasably connecting a fluid package thereto for dispensing fluid therefrom and have associated first positioning members. A plurality of removable rigid holders is adapted to receive a flexible fluid package therein in a predetermined position. The holders include second positioning members adapted to coact with the first positioning members to enable placement of the holders onto the turntable such that the package received therein is connected to the respective connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Hermanus Nicolaas Post
  • Patent number: 6250505
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided including (a) a flexible receptacle, having a closed end and an opposed open end, being movable from a collapsed condition to an elongate condition, and having an outer surface defining a helical thread, and (b) a helical spring in threaded engagement with the helical thread to axially compress the receptacle. Fluid introduced into said receptacle moves the receptacle from its collapsed condition to its elongate condition, producing tension in the spring, the tension being effective to move the receptacle from its elongate condition to its collapsed condition to force fluid from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Petit
  • Patent number: 6240829
    Abstract: A beverage mixture forming apparatus includes a batch vessel, a first valve distributing a mixture of hot water and a beverage concentrate into the batch vessel, a second valve for distributing cold water into the batch vessel, and a controller. The controller controls the first valve to intermittently distribute the mixture of the hot water and the beverage concentrate and the second valve to intermittently distribute the cold water in forming a batch of the beverage mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: PepsiCo. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. McGarrah
  • Patent number: 6234355
    Abstract: The invention describes a machine for filling the edge joint of insulating glass panes with a semi-liquid to paste-like sealing compound, consisting of a main constituent and a secondary constituent, which are different in chemical terms and in terms of their viscosity, having two pumps (3, 6) which convey the two constituents from two reservoirs (1, 2) into separate intermediate storage chambers (5, 8), and having separate, synchronously driven volumetric feed metering pumps (14, 19) for conveying the constituents in a predetermined composition to a mixer (16) and then on to a nozzle (17), the nozzle and the mixer belonging to one sub-assembly which is movably mounted as a whole on a frame of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Lenhardt Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Lenhardt
  • Publication number: 20010001131
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparation of custom blended fuels is disclosed. A bar code on a fuel tank or vehicle, such as an automobile, is scanned by a bar code reader operatively associated with a fuel dispensing means to convey information about a fuel required or desired to a computer controlled customized blender associated with the fuel dispensing means. Multiple fuel components, such as gasoline and replenishable fuel components such as methanol and ethanol may be custom mixed at the point of purchase. Preferably an octane analyzer and other fuel property analyzers, such as RVP analyzers, are associated with individual component or blended gasoline streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Charles B. Miller
  • Publication number: 20010000611
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: FLUID RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6217294
    Abstract: There is provided a combination container and portable electrically operated fan unit combination pursuant to which the fan unit may be carried on a mounting surface associated with the container. Holding means is provided for retaining the fan unit in position on the mounting surface portion of the container such that the apparatus presents a combination container and cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Terry E. Arnieri, Gregory A. Steiner
  • Patent number: 6206238
    Abstract: A dispenser to dispense material onto a person's hand, comprising: a dispensing device to dispense material from an outlet when the dispensing device is activated, a fingerprint reader adapted to read a fingerprint of a user's finger when located proximate thereon, a control system to activate the dispensing device to dispense material from the outlet when a user's finger is proximate the reader, the outlet and the reader positioned relative each other such that when a user's finger is located proximate the reader material dispensed from the outlet engages a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • 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: 6196016
    Abstract: Devices and methods for multiple-dose injection of a liquid, e.g., a leak detection dye or a compressor lubricant, into a closed system, e.g., a refrigeration system, are disclosed. Fluid flow through the closed system is used to flush the liquid into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Knowles, Terrence D. Kalley
  • Patent number: 6193109
    Abstract: A postmix beverage dispenser which includes pair of one-way valves to provide more continuous flow of concentrate into a metered water flow. The configuration according to the present invention has the cost advantages of a single-acting pump and the smooth-flow advantages of a double-acting pump. The single-acting reciprocating pump has a flow pattern that is similar to double-acting reciprocating pumps. The pump readily folds up into the package to facilitate shipping and can be constructed of rigid plastic materials to make for easier loading and unloading the package into the dispenser. The pump can be constructed primarily from inexpensive commodity plastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: William S. Credle, Jr., Alfred A. Schroeder