With Discharge Assistant For Each Source Patents (Class 222/135)
  • Patent number: 5709317
    Abstract: A hand held dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions is disclosed that is particularly useful for foam-in-place packaging systems. The hand held dispenser comprises a housing; a motor in the housing; a transmission in the housing and driven by the motor; and a valving cartridge in the housing and driven by the transmission for dispensing foamable compositions upon demand. The motor is positioned below the valving cartridge for providing a clear line of sight along the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Bertram, John J. Corrigan, III, Patrick S. Lacombe, Michael R. Knaak
  • Patent number: 5697527
    Abstract: A machine for dispensing a plurality of ingredients includes stepped arrays of canisters providing a source of materials. The bottom ends of the canisters are generally coplanar, and are positioned immediately above a low profile drive train mounted on a tray. A drive train includes two spaced arrays of pumps with a motor providing a common drive for the pumps, mounted between the arrays. A valve tray is located above the canisters and includes a low profile dispense head, an array of tubing members arranged side-by-side in a common, generally horizontal plane, and an array of dispense valves attached at the back of the valve tray. The dispense valves are coupled to the pumps by pairs of fluid lines, so as to circulate materials between the pumps and dispense valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Altieri, Jr., John Lewis Fortin, Richard David Bothmann, Sandra Jean Liakus, Philip DiGangi, Dietrich M.E. Heyde, John Petersen, James M. Mayer, Errol Olsen, Robert Stewart, deceased
  • Patent number: 5690254
    Abstract: A device for operating pumps in an installation for the foaming of polyurethan comprising two vertical tanks each containing a component for obtaining polyurethan, a pump provided on the lower part of each tank to pump the material from said tank towards a mold for foaming, a shaft passing vertically through each tank, a pump connected to one end of said shaft, a plate for covering the tops of said tanks, the other end of said shaft passing through said plate, and means attached to said other end of each of said shaft and connected one to the other by which said pumps are driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Bruno Moretti
  • Patent number: 5690255
    Abstract: Integrated organizational centers including storage areas and liquid dispensing pumps are included. A first embodiment includes a storage container with rollable door that is attached to and is located in between identical liquid pump dispensing containers. The entire device is mounted on rubber pads allowing it to be portable and movable to desirable locations along side sinks in kitchens and bathrooms by rubber mounting pads and the like. The pump dispensing containers can dispense liquids such as liquid soaps and hand and moisturizing lotions. A second embodiment includes a similar arrangement of components except that the door is comprised of double exterior opening doors with mirrors on the inside portion of the walls. The second embodiment can use the same liquids in addition to shampoos and conditioners where the device itself can be permanently mounted to the interior wall of a shower by double sided tape and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Horace S. White
  • Patent number: 5664557
    Abstract: A releasably engageable inhaler including a housing for holding medicine to be delivered to a patient through a discharge port. A connector allows the selective engagement of the inhaler to other inhalers which may contain the same or a different medication. An indicator on the surface of the housing allows the patient to distinguish the contents of the inhaler or the sequence in which the medicine in two or more engaged inhalers should be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Respiratory Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Makiej, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5653157
    Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Eric R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5651478
    Abstract: An oil-feeding apparatus of the present invention includes a main body housing containing oil-feeding pumps and flow meters therein. An indicator housing is placed on the main body housing with supplied oil amount indicators, and a strut is stood at one side of the main body housing. A top housing has one end connected to the top of the strut, and the other end extended to a part above the main body housing. A hose guide is provided between the main body housing and the top housing, which guide oil-feeding hoses, each with an oil-feeding nozzle at a free end thereof, the other end being connected to a discharge pipe provided at the outlet side of the flow meter at a lower part of the hose guide. Retractors are provided in the top housing with wires drawn from the retractors. The midportion of each of the hoses is joined to the wire so as to be suspended in an inverted U-shape in the hose guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Tatsuno Corporation
    Inventor: Hiyoshi Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 5638992
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing, mixing and dispensing multiple component products, wherein the components are maintained separate from one another until immediately prior to use, and the components are then mixed together to form a product for use. The apparatus includes a pressurized outer container for holding a primary component, and a pressurized inner container supported inside the outer container for holding a secondary component separate from the primary component. The inner container is openable when the pressure inside the inner container exceeds that in the outer container by a predetermined amount, whereby the interiors of the inner and outer containers are in communication with one another to enable admixture of the two components. In use, the primary component is introduced into the outer container and pressurized to a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Walter K. Lim, Arthur A. Krause
  • Patent number: 5636972
    Abstract: A device for the extrusion of two component or two-part synthetic resins, in particular in underground mining and tunnel construction, which essentially consists of an extrusion pump in the form of an axial piston pump, exhibiting or having two pump stages or steps, located in a transportable frame, whereby each pump stage or step is connectable to reservoirs containing the synthetic resin components or parts via hose lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Carbotech
    Inventors: Archibald Richter, Udo Nielbock, Heinrich Rutter
  • Patent number: 5634571
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing two sprayable substances in a user selectable ratio. The dispensing apparatus comprises first and second pressurized containers for holding first and second sprayable substances. The dispensing apparatus further includes a manifold member having first and second inlet openings and an outlet opening. The inlet openings receive the dispensing ends of the first and second pressurized containers. The manifold member includes two passages which are in fluid communication between the first and second inlet openings and the outlet opening, respectively. A selector member having a single opening extending therethrough is provided in fluid communication with the first and second passages in the manifold member. The selector member is selectably rotatable with respect to the outlet opening in the manifold member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Innavision Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph J. Cataneo, Robert J. Tannenbaum
  • Patent number: 5632413
    Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming apparatus for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling apparatus for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: James M. Herring, Jr., Bruce N. Greve
  • Patent number: 5632415
    Abstract: A dispensing machine is particularly intended for dispensing semi-solid products such as ice cream or frozen yogurt. The machine utilizes a container for the product which container is open at one end and is deformed to discharge the product by the application of a plunger to the opposite end. A sealing plate is releasably located in the open end of the container and the plate includes a discharge outlet for the product which leads to a discharge nozzle. The plunger is driven by a piston and cylinder device and the container, the plate and its housing is movable in and out to replace the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Unice International Limited
    Inventor: Gary S. McGill
  • Patent number: 5628430
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for withdrawing liquids from one or more containers having a mouth and bottom and side walls joined at a juncture comprised of a container support to position the containers with their mouths over the lowermost part of the wall juncture, a probe support spaced above the container support, and a plurality of probes slidably supported on the probe support above the container support, each probe including a lower end with a curved face corresponding to the curvature of the juncture, each probe being moveable between a raised position above the mouth of a container, and a lowered position extending through the mouth of the container and into contact with the lowermost part of the interior of said container at the juncture, and a pump to draw liquid from the container upwardly through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: U.N.X., Incorporated
    Inventor: David J. Barbe
  • Patent number: 5624055
    Abstract: A device for dispensing the contents of a receptacle that is pressurized or that has a pump, includes a dispensing head forming a discharge orifice. A shutter is slidable in the head for opening or closing the outlet orifice. The shutter is slidably mounted in a bore of the dispensing head which communicates with the inside of the receptacle. The device also includes a control member for actuating the shutter to open the outlet orifice and simultaneously operating an actuating member (e.g., a valve or pump) of the receptacle for supplying the contents to the bore. The control member is pivotable about an axis and includes portions operably connected to the dispensing head and shutter. The actuating member is spring-biased to a rest position. Upon returning to its rest position, the actuating member displaces the dispensing head and control member to their rest positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Frank Clanet, Anne Dellerm
  • Patent number: 5611462
    Abstract: A portable cleaning device dispenses at least a first cleaning fluid and a second cleaning fluid. The device includes at least two user controllable fluid dispensing devices, a frame means, a first fluid reservoir for holding the first cleaning fluid, a first pump for pumping the first cleaning fluid from the first reservoir, and a first manifold for receiving the first cleaning fluid from the first pump, and distributing it to a first line set comprising a plurality of lines. The lines deliver the first cleaning fluid to the fluid dispensing devices. A second fluid reservoir holds a second cleaning fluid, such as water, and delivers it to a second pump which pumps the second cleaning fluid to a second manifold. The second manifold includes a plurality of exit ports for distributing the second fluid to a plurality of second lines which deliver the second cleaning fluid to the fluid dispensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Pure Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Barkes
  • Patent number: 5605252
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately and efficiently metering at least one compressible fluid and at least one incompressible fluid for mixing, whereby pressure and therefore density is regulated with regard to each compressible fluid, and volume is regulated with regard to each compressible fluid as well as each incompressible fluid. Compressible fluids in particular are metered more accurately because the mass of each fluid is used as the variable measurement standard, both the density and the volume of each fluid being maintained at controlled and predictable levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David P. Owen, Wayne C. Jones, David E. Johnson, George V. Nagle
  • Patent number: 5597093
    Abstract: This is a dispensing unit for condiments such as mustard, catsup, etc. or industrial liquids such as soap, chemicals. The condiment is contained in a container such as a bottle with a neck portion which is attached to a dispensing nipple. When the device is hanging upside down, the condiment in the container flows into the dispensing tip, which has a valve such that no fluid flows out the end of the tip until pressure is applied by squeezing the plastic bottle. A dispenser nipple passes through a hole in a plate or tray in a housing. A back resilient pad is on one side of the hole, and on the front side of the hole is a front pad. The dispensing nipple extends through this hole between the two pads. A push rod connects to a push plate on the front side of the front pad, and the application of force on the push rod forces the two pads towards each other. When the nipple is between them, it causes the nipple to be squeezed, thus dispensing condiment out the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5595324
    Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 5595325
    Abstract: A portable liquid supply device including a container support frame, a pair of liquid storage containers interlinked by a transfer conduit having a transfer valve, a drinking tube assembly in connection with one of the liquid storage containers, and a spray nozzle assembly in connection with the other liquid storage container. Each liquid storage container includes a bottom reservoir member having a loading mouth in connection with an internal storage cavity, and a loading mouth lid, securable over the loading mouth aperture, having a tube aperture. Each bottom reservoir member includes a loop stop in connection with the exterior surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Stalios C. Leres
  • Patent number: 5590816
    Abstract: A hand held dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions is disclosed that is particularly useful for foam-in-place packaging systems. The hand held dispenser comprises a housing; a motor in the housing; a transmission in the housing and driven by the motor; and a valving cartridge in the housing and driven by the transmission for dispensing foamable compositions upon demand. The motor is positioned below the valving cartridge for providing a clear line of sight along the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Bertram, John J. Corrigan, III, Patrick S. Lacombe, Michael R. Knaak
  • Patent number: 5584417
    Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed which is made up of two telescoping sections. One section holds at least one volume of a substance to be discharged. Telescoping motion of the sections compresses the substance to be discharged to force it through a passage in the section not holding the substance volume to be discharged therefrom. Motion between the section is limited to ensure precise metering of a charge to be dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar Graf, Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5568880
    Abstract: A new and improved compartmentalized vitamin dispensing system for use in association with vitamins and minerals in either liquid or powdered form, the apparatus comprising, in combination: a housing unit formed as a hollow rectangular shaped box, the hollow interior being divided into a plurality of dispensing columns, the housing unit including a lower wall angled in a downward direction from each side edge to the approximate centerpoint thereof; a plurality of dispensing tubes, each tube being positioned in a dispensing column and adapted to contain vitamins and minerals therein, each tube including an aperture at its lowermost extent; and a plurality of dispensing knobs, each including a valve rotatably coupled below the dispensing tubes, each valve including a device to retain and dispense materials residing in the dispensing tubes upon turning of the knobs, materials dispensed being caused to slide down the lower wall, a spout extending through the center point of the lower wall, the spout including a d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Ronnie C. DiBartolomeo
  • Patent number: 5566863
    Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing condiments for items of food, including a plurality of condiment containers, a dispenser head having a plurality of input passages, an outlet nozzle, and valves for controlling fluid flow from each of the input passages to the outlet nozzle, a plurality of fluid flow lines, with a line connecting each condiment container to a corresponding dispenser head input passage, and a fluid pump in each of the fluid flow lines whereby an operator can dispense selected condiments from the nozzle onto a food item. Arrangements for daily and bi-weekly sanitizing of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Dispenser King, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Mesenbring, Lawrence J. Patriquin, Rory F. Ramirez, Dell W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5558251
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering pigments for paints and the like is provided with a bearing framework on which is disposed a rotary carousel supporting a plurality of pigment vessels, each of which is provided with a delivery or metering assembly. The main feature of the invention is that the delivery assembly has a valve including a closure stem which can be located at a closing position, an opening position and a draining position in which the stem partially projects from the delivery nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Giuseppe Neri
  • Patent number: 5547110
    Abstract: The metering device comprises a housing, defining at least one inlet for the material to be metered and at least one outlet for that material, and at least one rotatable ball driven by a shaft, the ball having a transverse bore containing a shuttling ball moving linearly in the bore between two seats and seals against the one or the other seat. The rotatable ball is captured between the seats and seals under pressure against the outlet seat. Such a metering device allows an exact metering, in shot or rapid shot resulting in near continuous flow form, has great simplicity of construction with few working parts such as that it may easily be placed at the dispensing end of a pressure transfer system for liquids and gases and acts as shut off valve between metering use such that it prevents stalled hydrostatic fluid pressure behind the metering device from causing a flow surge ahead of the metering device at start up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Wilhelm A. Keller
    Inventors: Wilhelm A. Keller, Laurence R. Penn
  • Patent number: 5542760
    Abstract: A device and method for filling a conventional disposable plastic syringe with a mixture of insulins. The mixing device includes a pair of disposable cartridge assemblies each containing a different type of medication to be mixed in the syringe and a pair of medication dispensing mechanisms for dispensing the medication out of a respective cartridge. Each dispensing mechanism permits one to specify the dose of medication to be dispensed and drives a plunger into its respective cartridge a specific distance based on the specified dose. The mixing device also includes a syringe holder assembly that holds a syringe until a mixed dose of medication must be dispensed and provides proper alignment of the cannula of the syringe with each cartridge assembly during mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Chanoch, John B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5531357
    Abstract: A foam delivery system includes a pump for delivering a pressurized flow of material to a dispenser through a flexible hose. The hose is encased in a flexible, expansible sheath which contains any material which may leak along the hose. The sheath expands in the region of the leak to accommodate the released material and to indicate the presence of the leak. The system also includes a monitor which senses a leak condition and then terminates the pressurized flow of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Foamseal, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce T. Guilmette
  • Patent number: 5529212
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing, transporting and conditioning casting materials, wherein said materials are stored and transported in holding tanks capable of being connected to casting machines and being equipped with extruders having plungers for discharging discrete amounts of the stored material to the casting machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Verfahrenstechnik Hubers GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Terhardt
  • Patent number: 5507412
    Abstract: A multichannel metering system, for metering preselected fluid flows from individual fluid flow sources, includes a control device, and data fields which are located in the control device (memory) and describe at least the metering of the individual fluid flows, and can be polled to an operating surface connected to the control device with a data input circuit and with a data output circuit. The data field associated with a fluid flow source can be selected in a simple manner using selector switches associated as part of the data input circuit with individual fluid flow sources by which selector switches at least segments of the fluid flow source belonging to the fluid flow source selected can be represented on the operating surface. At least part of the data input circuit are switched into functional connection with the data field belonging to the fluid flow source selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventors: Holger Ebert, Bernt Klinger, Matthias Heimermann, Uvo Holscher
  • Patent number: 5505340
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a controlled quantity of a hair care preparation comprising a flat, generally rectangular wall bracket, a dual dispenser outer housing, the housing being integrally molded and further including at least two identical hollow cylindrical sections for containment of liquid therein, round upper caps, knob members provided on the top of the round caps and positioned in the central portion thereof and being oriented such that the knobs may rotate about the upper cap, threaded dispensing screw rods wherein there is provided a single screw rod extending vertically within each cylindrical section, guide rods being oriented vertically and further being positioned on each side of the central dispensing screw, a square drive being provided about each screw rod, a piston being provided about each screw rod, the piston being movable in a vertical direction within the hollow cylinder about the screw rod, a bottom cap, gravitational hoses in fluid communication with the interior of the cylindrica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Glenie W. McBride, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5497914
    Abstract: A car care self-service device capable of carrying out a plurality of different car care operations comprising a housing defining an internal space, the housing having a front wall having an aperture for displaying a plurality of spray devices; a plurality of supply tanks for storing different car care agents, each of the plurality of supply tanks being in fluid communication with a respective one of each of the plurality of spray devices; a conduit for communicating each tank with a respective spray device, the conduit includes a hose mounted on a reel within the housing for allowing the hose to be unwound from the reel by pulling on the spray device thereby allowing the spray device to be moved to a work site; and a control within the housing internal space for selectively controlling the feed of car care agents from the supply tanks to the spray devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Panos Maltsis
  • Patent number: 5494112
    Abstract: A fire fighting system introduces a liquid chemical foam concentrate into a water stream. The system may incorporate either or both of a hydraulic motor driven pump under control of a microprocessor-based hydraulic valve driver and an electric motor driven pump under control of a DC motor drive circuit. The DC motor drive circuit is adapted to be connected in electrical communication with the hydraulic valve driver and with a display/controller also incorporating a microprocessor. When operating in the dual mode, when the quantity of chemical foamant that must be added to the water stream to maintain a desired percentage mixture exceeds the capacity of the electric motor driven foam pump, control is transferred, via the hydraulic valve driver, to allow a hydraulic motor to drive a separate foam pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hypro Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Arvidson, Robert S. Horeck
  • Patent number: 5474211
    Abstract: Dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of storage containers, each container having two or more metering pumps associated therewith. The containers and metering pumps are located on a turntable which is indexed to move a particular metering pump to a dispensing station. Automated dispensing equipment operate the metering pump at the dispensing station and the turntable is thereafter indexed a smaller amount to bring the other pump associated with the same container into a dispensing position. In this manner, a single actuator system can be employed for multiple discharge cycles associated with a particular canister, and can accommodate multiple canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Leendert Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 5460297
    Abstract: A paint tinting system includes a plurality of colorant dispensing subsystems interconnected with a clear filler dispensing subsystem. Recipes maintained within a microprocessor control the dispensing of fixed volumes of colorant into dispensing tubes with such volumes being maintained between volumes of clear filler. Valve actuation introduces the colorant into a can of base paint, along with sufficient clear filler to assure a full measure of paint is generated. The subsystems provide for recirculation of the colorants and clear filler to assure that the same remain homogenous at the time dispensing is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: ABCC/Tech Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Shannon, Thomas S. Green
  • Patent number: 5460209
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber.The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Louise Jandura, Amy B. Smith, Susan D. Ward
  • Patent number: 5458262
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching in alignment a mixer to a dispensing cartridge. A ledge or recess is provided on the mixer while a corresponding groove or nose is provided at the dispensing end of the cartridge. A mixing element such as a mixing helix is aligned within a guide in the mixer housing. The mixing helix further includes an extended wall having a slot which matches a separating wall in the dispensing cartridge. When the mixer is coupled to the dispensing cartridge, the mixer and its mixing element are aligned simply and safely relative to the dispensing cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 5452825
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser device comprising a shell (24) adapted to be wall-mounted substantially vertically in a bathing or washing area and to removably and replaceably receive and hold one or more elongate bottles (20) for liquids useful before, after, or while bathing, each bottle (20) having a valve assembly (22) operable by a push button (74) along an axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of its associated bottle as positioned substantially vertically for use. The shell (24) has a hinged and preferably lockable cover part (28) that can be propped open when raised for allowing a bottle (20) to be removed for refilling. Most of the components of the dispenser device are preferably fabricated from a thermoplastic, as by well-known injection molding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Better Living Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Comstock, Ryan K. Tischner, Wayne E. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5439137
    Abstract: In order to form an extemporaneous mixture of two components (S, A) isolated from each other, the first component (S) is placed in a can (1) in which a resupply capsule (5) under relatively high pressure is disposed, a valve (12) being provided and controlled depending on the value of the ambient pressure relative to a reference pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Grollier, Daniel Bauer
  • Patent number: 5437393
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling, sorting, apportioning, packaging and dispensing bulk food products is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is connected to a reservoir containing a supply of a dry, granular foodstuff. The dispenser receives and dispenses a predetermined portion of the foodstuff from the reservoir through a dispensing opening. In one embodiment, a predetermined portion of the foodstuff is received by the dispenser by rotating a manually operated rotatable member. The reservoir is rotatably attached to a mounting rack, the rotation of the reservoir permitting access to its interior to fill it with foodstuff to be dispensed. A plurality of dispensing systems, each containing a different foodstuff, can be juxtaposed to form a foodstuff dispensing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: System Feed Inc.
    Inventors: Steen Blicher, Logan Langballe
  • Patent number: 5431198
    Abstract: An improved product filling machine adapted to dispense product into containers that are advanced by standard conveyor systems. The component parts of the product filling machine are modular, permitting rapid repair, cleaning and flexibility in adapting the machine to various product packaging apparatuses. The product filling machine has clean-in-place capability and structure for flushing the machine with sterile air after cleaning and maintaining pressurized sterile air within portions of the product filling machine during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Autoprod, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfons Turtchan, Paul DeSocio
  • Patent number: 5431307
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus 10 for dispensing multiple component fluid material. The apparatus 10 includes at least first and second flexible tubes. The tubes each have an inlet and an outlet, and each of the inlets is supplied with a different component of the fluid material. A roller or rollers are provided for pressurized engagement with the tubes. The stop plate is engaged with the tubes at a location opposing the pressurized engagement of the roller. A driver mechanism independently moves the roller in pressurized engagement with the tubes, opposed by the stop plate, in a linear direction. Such linear movement carries the desired and variable amounts of fluid material to the tube outlets. An engagement frame supports the tubes, roller, stop plate and driver mechanism. A mixing reservoir is provided having multiple inlets, each of which is engaged with a flexible tube outlet, and a single outlet, such that the fluid material components are combined within the mixing reservoir and provided to the single outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, Max J. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5429681
    Abstract: An electronic condiment dispenser may dispense a plurality of condiments. The condiment dispenser may include a bag support module for holding a plurality of condiment supply bags. A pump regulator module may be connected to each condiment bag and may pump a condiment from the bag to a manifold diffuser module. The pump regulator module may include a multi-chambered pump having separate chambers for isolating the pump working fluid from the condiment, so the pump working fluid does not contaminate or react with the condiment. A main case may house at least one manifold diffuser module and may be configured to support a tray carrying a large number of food targets, i.e., 6 or 12 food targets, such as hamburger buns or taco shells. A programmable control module may be connected to the pump regulator module for controlling and selectively dispensing a predetermined amount of condiment and/or number of condiments to a predetermined number of food targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Condiment Master, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Mesenbring
  • Patent number: 5417346
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventors: Edward T. Ferri, Jr., J. Tobin Geatz
  • Patent number: 5409139
    Abstract: The installation is intended to apply a lining in one or more layers to a surface, such as the interior of a metallurgical vessel. The installation comprises a silo (1) containing a scraper (13) driven in rotation about a vertical shaft and including, at its lower part, a compartment which emerges via openings within the silo (1) and into a tubular body (2) for propelling the material towards a spray nozzle (7). A dispenser (10) with radial small blades is driven in rotation within the compartment. The installation is particularly useful for coating the interior of metallurgical vessels with one or more layers of an insulating and refractory lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Daussan et Compagnie
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Daussan, Gerard Daussan, Andre Daussan
  • Patent number: 5390825
    Abstract: A self-contained device for dispensing two-part adhesive comprising a cart, first and second cartridge holders on the cart, each holder having an adhesive dispensing outlet and a seal-piercing die at the lower end, and an opening at the upper end for receiving a pre-filled adhesive cartridge sealed at its discharge end. A plunger assembly having first and second plunger is mounted at the cartridge receiving openings of the cartridge holders. The plungers are operatively connected to a hydraulic cylinder so that the plungers and hydraulic cylinder move in unison. The plunger assembly is pivotable from locked to unlocked position to permit loading and unloading of pre-filled cartridges. Each plunger has an expandable plunger cup which engages the adhesive component in the associated cartridge as the plunger moves downwardly in the cartridge, thereby forcing the adhesive and seal against the die to rupture the seal and discharge the adhesive component through the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Christopher M. Rockel
  • Patent number: 5379917
    Abstract: A dual dispenser dispenses both soap and fragrance for washrooms. The dispenser has a mounting plate for mounting on a surface in the washroom and has a lower support for a box containing a flexible bag of soap with the bag having a flexible tube extending out of the box. A container with a fragrance source is mounted in the top of the box and a fan is located thereabove which is driven by a small motor mounted on an upper support of the mounting plate. A battery is also located on the box adjacent the fragrance container. Switch contacts are in circuit with the motor and the battery for operating the motor and fan when the switch contacts are closed. A cover for the mounting plate has a hand-operated actuating plate which squeezes the tube to dispense soap and closes the contacts to operate the fan when the actuating plate is pushed, thus dispensing both soap and fragrance in a single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
  • Patent number: 5370269
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurate measuring and mixing of chemicals is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more metered vessels having a container of predetermined volume and at least one constricted vent tube therein. By mounting a sensor on the constricted vent tube, a greatly amplified measurement of the precise chemical volume in the metered vessel is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention readily lends itself to a variety of applications and can be adapted to handle virtually any form of chemical mixing, diluting, or generating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventors: Eugene W. Bernosky, J. Tobin Geatz, Edward T. Ferri, Jr., Glenn A. Roberson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5370274
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning with a mixture of various chemicals. The cleaning apparatus includes a compressor for compressing and transferring a solution medium, at least one jet pipe, one end of which is connected to the compressor and the other end of which is open, and a plurality of suction pipes, connected to the jet pipe at a specified interval, respectively. The apparatus further includes a plurality of chemical tanks with an open end of the suction pipe being inserted into each of the chemical tanks, respectively. The invention permits a number of objects to be cleaned sequentially without being contaminated by making use of the principal of aspiration. In addition, the compressor is used only to pass the solution medium therethrough inside of the compressor and is never corroded by the mixture of chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Tadashi Shibata
  • Patent number: 5368196
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquid and pulverulent materials provides a cabinet with a pressurized chamber for electrical control equipment. Materials to be dispensed are controlled by a pilot valve and a dispense valve, for each different material to be dispensed. A dispense head is cantilevered from the cabinet, so as to overhang a container receiving the dispensed materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Leendert Hellenberg, Johannes H. Mink
  • Patent number: 5366117
    Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing condiments for items of food, including a plurality of condiment containers, a dispenser head having a plurality of input passages, an outlet nozzle, and valves for controlling fluid flow from each of the input passages to the outlet nozzle, a plurality of fluid flow lines, with a line connecting each condiment container to a corresponding dispenser head input passage, and a fluid pump in each of the fluid flow lines whereby an operator can dispense selected condiments from the nozzle onto a food item. Arrangements for daily and bi-weekly sanitizing of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Bar Master International
    Inventors: John M. Mesenbring, Lawrence J. Patriquin, Rory F. Ramirez, Dell W. Smith