With Selecting Means Patents (Class 222/144.5)
  • Publication number: 20120325855
    Abstract: Bar guns having a body constructed from a multiplicity of color contrasting laminated acrylic sheets. The bar gun body has a nozzle, a heel, and a button assembly. Internal parts, including pistons, engage fluid channels in the bar gun body to control the flow of fluid to the bar gun nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
    Inventors: Sam Brown, A. A. Jud Schroeder, David Santy, Jason Minica
  • Patent number: 8336736
    Abstract: A device for controlled delivery of pressurized fluids from a multiplicity of pressurize fluid sources having a multiplicity of pressurized fluid lines engaged therewith to a bar gun. The device comprises a flow control assembly with a multiplicity of flow channel assemblies. Each flow channel assembly has a high pressure tube receiving port adapted to receive a fluid pressure line from a high pressure fluid source. Each flow control assembly has an on/off valve and flow control structure downstream thereof. The flow control structure may be self-adjusting or mechanical control. The flow control assembly includes a housing for engaging the fluid flow channel assemblies thereon. A manifold assembly is adapted to engage the flow control assembly. The manifold assembly includes a multiplicity of connector fittings, each having an upstream and a downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, Dave Santy, Deborah Absalon
  • Publication number: 20120318820
    Abstract: A Multiple Liquid Dispenser of the invention holds at least one or a plurality of liquids that are dispensed from a single appliance. The dispenser may contain liquids including beverages, sanitizers, hand soap and dish washing soap. The dispenser also has an elongated spout, a stable wide base and the option for a liquid temperature controller. Using a single appliance minimizes the amount of separated liquids containers that might be otherwise placed near the sink of the bathroom or kitchen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAKAR INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: Allan Amsel, Eliyahu Horowitz
  • Publication number: 20120298694
    Abstract: In order to provide a simple and installation-friendly design of a setting unit of a dispenser (10) for dispensing a substance consisting of at least two components from at least two containers, each having a pump unit (12a, 12b), by means of a moveable actuating device (40) for the pump units (12a, 12b) and a dispenser nozzle for the substance to be dispensed, according to the invention the setting unit (38) can be varied with respect to the distance thereof to the containers or pump units (12a, 12b), or with respect to the distance of the projections (61a, b) thereof in relation to a pivot axis (43) of the actuating device (40), in particular in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Werner Holzmann
  • Publication number: 20120279990
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MOUSE TRAP DESIGN, LLC
    Inventors: Melanie R. Werner, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 8286831
    Abstract: A dispenser 10 creates a use solution. The dispenser 10 includes a diluent inlet for receiving a source of diluent. A first aspirator 38 is in fluid communication with the diluent inlet. An operator valve 27 controls flow of the diluent. A second aspirator 46 has a diluent inlet, diluent outlet and a venturi port. A vacuum switch 63 is operatively connected to the first venturi port and the flow of the diluent through the aspirator 46 creates a vacuum that activates the vacuum switch. A control board 69 is activated by the vacuum switch and a dosing pump 76 is activated by the control device 69. The dosing pump dispenses a liquid product into the diluent stream, wherein a use solution is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Blansit, Henry Louis Carbone, II, Aron David Dahlgren, Warren Dale Pannkuk
  • Publication number: 20120255973
    Abstract: A chemical concentrate reservoir system for use with a hand held trigger sprayer device and a bottle reservoir includes a chemical reservoir for containing a chemical concentrate; a first adapter connected with the chemical reservoir and having a mixing chamber with at least one inlet and an outlet; wherein the bottle reservoir and the chemical reservoir are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber through said at least one inlet; a first valve at the inlet of the mixing chamber for selective control of fluid flow into said mixing chamber; and a fluid conduit connected with the outlet of the mixing chamber and with the hand held trigger sprayer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: DEMA ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Schlueter, Paul E. Naslund, Frederick B. Jedlicka, Kenton Marsh
  • Publication number: 20120248137
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing liquids, such as paint colorants. The apparatus comprises container assemblies with a container and a pump. A pump conduit connects the pump to a valve assembly. A recirculation conduit connects the container to the valve assembly bypassing the pump. The valve assembly is configured to be switched between a dispensing position and a recirculation position closing off the dispense conduit. Method of preventing segregation of a multiphase liquid in a pump conduit between a container and a dispense conduit. A valve assembly between the pump conduit and the dispense conduit closes off the dispense conduit while it opens a recirculation conduit between the container and the valve assembly. The liquid is circulated via a circuit formed by the container, the pump conduit, the valve assembly and the recirculation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Baak, Bas Peeters, Marcus Johannes Voskuil
  • Publication number: 20120248147
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of liquids, in particular colorants for paints, comprising a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, defining a plurality of positions and a plurality of containers holding a liquid, mounted on the support at the positions, and provided with a pump and/or a valve for dispensing the liquid from the container. At least some of the containers form, together with a respective liquid and pump and/or valve, a cartridge, which cartridge is releasably mounted in the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Peter Krom, Goran Aleksijovski, Johannes Hermanus Nicolaas Post
  • Patent number: 8272536
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved retention of O-rings and easier O-ring replacement by using an O-ring retainer in a bar gun. Furthermore, the assembly of the butterfly plates of the bar gun is improved by using molded ball bearing clusters that fit in recesses in the butterfly plates, thus eliminating the welding of the balls to the butterfly plates and the need to purchase such precise and intricately small balls. The O-ring retainer and molded ball bearing cluster are preferably made from bearing quality acetal plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Mojtaba Valiyee, Juha K. Salmela
  • Patent number: 8240513
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing liquids including an inner displacement member nested in an outer displacement member. The inner member is moveable between two end positions within the outer member by an actuator. The actuator is arranged to move the outer displacement member into a dispensing position when the inner displacement member is in one of its end positions. The displacement members can be pistons and/or bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark Voskuil, Jan Post, Mart Verschoor
  • Patent number: 8240497
    Abstract: A bottle including a body portion having a dividing wall extending from a base portion to a connection region; a first chamber for holding a first liquid; a second chamber for holding a second liquid; and a removable oblique cap; wherein a height of the dividing wall is less than an overall height of the body portion and the connection region is configured to be a maximum height of the dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Theodosios Kountotsis
  • Publication number: 20120199616
    Abstract: A mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: KONA ICE, INC.,
    Inventors: Tony Lamb, Tony M. Guard
  • Patent number: 8235250
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a flexible outer tube, a flexible inner tube in the outer tube, a plunger switch, a spring biased valve assembly having a rotation actuator, and a cap. After cap removal, a rotation of the rotation actuator enables an extrusion of a material in the outer tube out of the spout of the valve assembly via a material dispensation tunnel of the rotation actuator when the outer tube is depressed. A further rotation of the rotation actuator enables an extrusion of a material in the inner tube out of the spout of the valve assembly via the material dispensation tunnel when the outer tube is depressed. A still further rotation of the rotation actuator enables a mixed extrusion of the materials in both the inner and outer tubes out of the spout of the valve assembly via the material dispensation tunnel when the outer tube is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Allen & Thomas Cosmetic Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8230774
    Abstract: An all-in-one home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing and heating of multiple infant bottles, is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a countertop appliance with three (3) reservoirs comprising water, formula, and cereal, respectively. Inside the base of the appliance is a turnstile that holds up to five (5) empty bottles that have been previously sterilized by the user. In operation, the user would select the bottle size and the necessary recipe of water, formula, and cereal, respectively, using an integral control panel. At this point, internal control circuitry dispenses pre-heated water and dry ingredients in proper ratios into a mixing chamber. After mixing of the ingredients, the mixture is delivered into the proper sized bottle. Finally, internal heaters maintain the bottles at a constant selected temperature. An automatic alarm is then sounded when the prepared bottles are ready. This apparatus ensures preparation of baby bottles having consistent ingredients, mixing, and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Karen A. Hunte
  • Publication number: 20120175385
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a dispenser for fluids includes a housing having at least an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a further opening connected or connectable to a fluid displacement mechanism, and a valve member comprising two parts translatably disposed within the housing, a first part for closing and opening the inlet and a second part for opening and closing the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Johannes Voskuil
  • Publication number: 20120175383
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, includes a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, a plurality of containers for holding a fluid and mounted on the support, pumps and valves connected to respective containers, at least one common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves to dispense fluid and a drive mechanism for moving the support, and thus the containers, pumps, and valves on the one hand and the actuator on the other relative to each other. The common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves and the drive mechanism for relative motion of the support are integrated in a module, the module is releasably mounted in the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Hendrikus Petrus Engels, Martin Kruit, Nico Van Beelen, Ronald Peter Krom, Marcus Johannes Voskuil, Mattijs Oostendorp
  • Patent number: 8201711
    Abstract: An individual hydration unit includes a bag having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber is connected with a first hose and the second chamber is connected with a second hose. A regulator is connected to the first and second hoses and connected to a third hose. The regulator includes a cylindrical body which has a first passage, a second passage and a third passage. An operation rod is rotatably inserted in the body and includes two first paths, two second paths, a third path and two fourth paths. The first, second, third and fourth paths are in communication with each other. By rotating the operation rod, the first, second and third passages are controlled to be opened and/or closed so as to mix the liquids in the two chambers as desired. A connection assembly is attached to the body for convenience of carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ho Chan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120132670
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, Kenneth A. Ritsher, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20120118914
    Abstract: Device for dosing dyes in solution or dispersion for the preparation of dye baths for textile materials, comprising a plurality of pipettes (1) individually connected to corresponding bottles or containers (6) containing the said dyes, the said bottles or containers being respectively connected to a dosing head (8) through corresponding ducts (9) from which the dyes exit. The device comprises programmable means (EU) which individually control the said pipettes (1) and respective electrovalves (4) and which, depending on the formulation programmed to realize a dye bath, operate the automatic subdivision or selection of the electrovalves (4) in two groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Mario Scatzzi
  • Patent number: 8177100
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage, for use with pressurized sources of one or more fluids, includes a handle having one or more valve chambers; a fluid valve in each valve chamber; one or more butterfly plates, each configured to bias one or more of the valve stems of the valves towards a valve-open position when the butterfly plate is pressed, thus opening fluidic communication from each of the fluid sources to a corresponding discharge opening; and a ball bearing cluster which provides one or more pivot points for the butterfly plates. The ball bearing cluster includes a retainer and at least one ball-shaped projection projecting from the retainer. The ball-shaped projection remains in a substantially fixed position and orientation with respect to both the retainer and the handle when one or more of the butterfly plates is pressed. The ball bearing cluster and butterfly plate may be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Juha K. Salmela, Mojtaba Valiyee
  • Patent number: 8167173
    Abstract: A tap is provided that allows multiple streams of draught beers to be dispersed from one keg handle. The tap has one tap handle, one spigot, at least three fluid streams for connecting to at least three pressurized tanks corresponding with the fluid streams. A floating transfer block functions as a selection valve that aligns with a selected fluid stream no that multiple streams of draught beers to be independently dispersed from said one tap handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: 3Habto, LLC
    Inventors: Scott K. Simmonds, Michael D. Calvelage
  • Patent number: 8161865
    Abstract: An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert T. Tso, James Martin, John Hsing, Ryan Hanawalt, Anton Obrecht
  • Patent number: 8162182
    Abstract: A bar gun handle having a housing assembly including an inlet in fluid communication with a valve bore, an outlet in fluid communication with the valve bore and in further fluid communication with an output nozzle, a valve element operatively mounted in the valve bore to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the output nozzle, with an actuator coupled to the valve element, and a cladding layer disposed on a side of the bar gun handle that substantially covers the side of the bar gun handle. The present invention also includes a kit used to provide a protective cladding to a bar gun handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Martindale
  • Patent number: 8162181
    Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8157132
    Abstract: A fuel and oil mixing device secured to and used with a fuel container storing a quantity of fuel includes an oil reservoir, a mixer body, an oil metering valve, and an adjustment knob. The oil reservoir stores oil, defines an orifice for oil to exit, and defines an orifice for fuel to pass through. The mixer body is secured to and in fluid communication with the oil reservoir for receiving oil and fuel. The oil metering valve is housed within the mixer body and defines a plurality of slots on an exterior surface thereof, each such slot controlling flow of oil into the mixer body. The adjustment knob is operably connected to the oil metering valve, such that manipulation of the adjustment knob effectively selects one of the slots, such that a mixture with a desired fuel-oil ratio can be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: R. Scott Johnson, Benjamin Lee Kessinger, III, Thomas M. McCullough, Kenneth M. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8152515
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a burner. The apparatus can also include an intake valve that includes an input for receiving fuel from either a first fuel source at a first pressure or a second fuel source at a second pressure. The intake valve can include a first output for directing fuel received from the first fuel source and a second output for directing fuel received from the second fuel source. The intake valve can include an actuator configured to permit fluid communication between the input and the first output or between the input and the second output. The apparatus can include a pressure regulator that can include a first inlet for receiving fuel from the first output of the intake valve and a second inlet for receiving fuel from the second output of the intake valve. The regulator can also include an outlet for directing fuel from the pressure regulator toward the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Appliances Inc
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Publication number: 20120074170
    Abstract: A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle. The backing plate has a multiplicity of O-ring retainers fixedly engaged therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: A.A. Jud Schroeder, David Santy
  • Publication number: 20120074169
    Abstract: A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle and provides for mixing the syrup and the soda water. The nozzle assembly includes walls adapted to substantially coat an inner wall of a nozzle housing with a first fluid and a lower portion of the inner wall with a second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, David Santy
  • Patent number: 8132697
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz, Kenneth Ritsher
  • Publication number: 20120055952
    Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: FBD Partnership
    Inventors: Jimmy I. Frank, Thomas L. Guy, Kristan L. Dawson, Raymond A. Glatt, Richard E. Frankenberger, Carl R. Martin, Craig Cloud
  • Patent number: 8127966
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
  • Publication number: 20120048888
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Switch Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacella, Domenico Leone
  • Patent number: 8123080
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
  • Publication number: 20120031926
    Abstract: A delivery device for fluid products including a plurality of containers, to contain a predetermined fluid and connected to an associated delivery unit provided with a piston unit. The device also includes a support on which the containers are mounted. The support rotates to position sequentially, at different moments of time according to one or more predetermined sequences, at least some of the delivery units in a predetermined delivery seating, to deliver corresponding quantities of fluid to obtain a desired fluid composition. Each delivery unit is provided with at least a disk type delivery valve, able to be activated between at least two distinct open conditions and a closed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CPS COLOR EQUIPMENT SPA CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Mirko Bertoli, Roberto Avanzi, Anna Guerra, Michele Abelli
  • Publication number: 20120031925
    Abstract: A multi-chamber dispenser may be provided and may include one or more chambers that may be removably fastened to a rigid frame and/or one or more chambers that may be permanently fastened to the rigid frame. A chamber may be actuated by rotating a cap, or an actuator, or both, to an application position and then pressing the cap or actuator in order to dispense the substance of one or more chambers. The substance may be dispensed via an independent dispensing conduit or a shared dispensing conduit. The multi-chamber dispenser may operate in any orientation and may operate when less than all of the chambers are fastened to the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Evan Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20110315711
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system including a control unit and a touch screen. Inputs are made to the touch screen to dispense beverages and apply system adjustments. The control unit controls a plurality of beverage dispensing valves according to inputs made to the touch screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hecht, Jun Feng, Boris Brodsky, Richard A. Martindale
  • Publication number: 20110309108
    Abstract: A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of a cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, wherein the directing means is movable relatively to the cartridge to bring an opening in the directing means selectively into alignment with an inlet opening in each chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Brandt, Thomas Enkel, Karl-Ludwig Gibis, Michael Hahl, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Brendyn Rogers
  • Patent number: 8079495
    Abstract: A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
  • Patent number: 8074825
    Abstract: A container assembly with a closure and the structure of the closure. The container has multiple compartments for holding different materials. The container has a closure with a fitment that attaches to the container. The fitment has separate bottom receptacle areas on one side and a top receptacle on the other. The separate receptacle areas are each exposed to different compartments within the container. The top receptacle area is connected to each of the separate receptacle areas by conduits. A selection head is provided having a pour spout and a plurality of baffle chambers. The pour spout has an open central conduit, wherein only some of the baffle chambers are open to that central conduit. The baffle chambers are received within the top receptacle area of the fitment. Different combinations of the baffle chambers selectively align with different conduits as the selection head rotates within the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Robert A. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20110297699
    Abstract: An O-ring retainer is disclosed that is integral with a valve stem of a valve. The valve is intended to move in a valve chamber, which valve chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. When manually actuated, the valve moves between a first position, where it is seated against walls of the valve chamber and prevents flow through the chamber, and a second unseated position where it allows flow of the fluid through the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. An O-ring, used in conjunction with the valve and the valve chamber, is maintained in place by an outward projection from the valve stem, which projection is located just below the normally seated O-ring. Thus, if the O-ring becomes unseated, the projection, upon movement of the valve towards the seated position, bumps the O-ring back into its normal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: David Santy, A. A. Jud Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20110290823
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110272435
    Abstract: A detergent dispensing device for an automatic washing machine, the device having a cartridge with a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a selecting means to selectively expose each chamber to wash liquor allowing the detergent, in use, to be washed out of the chamber; a manual operating means being movable from a first position to a second position for loading mechanical energy into the device which provides a restoring force for the operating means, and a thermal element to retain the operating means in the second position, the thermal element being arranged to move when subjected to an elevated temperature prevailing in an interior of the machine during a wash cycle, thereby moving the operating means or releasing the operating means, the operating means being arranged to advance the selecting means to an adjacent chamber as the cartridge remains stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Brandt, Thomas Enkel, Karl-Ludwig Gibis, Michael Hahl, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Brendyn Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20110259918
    Abstract: Colorant fluid dispensing device (1) for dispensing multiple colorant fluids, comprising more than one fluid container (2) at least one dispenser outlet (3), wherein the fluid containers are in fluid connection with the at least one dispenser outlet via pumping means (4) the pumping means comprises more than one piston pump (5), each piston pump comprises a central pump tube (15) in which a piston (20) is provided with a piston rod (21) for moving the piston inside the central pump tube, the colorant fluid dispensing device further comprises driving means (36) for moving the piston rods of said piston pumps, control means (38) for controlling the driving means, and the driving means comprises a movable selector (37) configured to engage the piston rods of a selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: FÜLL PROCESS S.A.
    Inventor: Renatus Petrus Cornelis Meeuwisse
  • Publication number: 20110253746
    Abstract: A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Edward L. O'Keefe, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110253747
    Abstract: A dispensing tool is disclosed which includes an exchangeable container having a main component A, a container having a minor component B, a mixer for the components A and B, and an expelling device for at least one of the containers, the expulsion into the mixer of at least one of the components being controllable independently of the other components. In addition, a method is disclosed for refilling the container of the minor component B of a dispensing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: David Tobler, Michael Schlumpf, Manuel Buck, Dana Maiwald
  • Publication number: 20110248044
    Abstract: A multi-station liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a first pocket for supporting a first container and a second pocket for supporting a second container, a first door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the first pocket, and a second door pivotably coupled to the housing opposite the first door. The first door includes a first window through which the first container can be identified. The second door encloses the second pocket and includes a second window through which the second container can be identified. The apparatus also includes a valve coupled to the housing to control flow of chemical concentrate to at least one of the first container and the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael H. Bertucci, Curtis H. Hubmann, Christopher F. Lang, Steven E. Schiller
  • Publication number: 20110226803
    Abstract: A portable nail polish creator is provided. The portable nail polish creator may include a user interface to allow a user to select a nail polish color. Additionally, the nail polish creator may include a processor that can receive the selection of the nail polish color via the interface. Once the selection is received, the processor may determine an amount of at least one of a plurality of nail polish colors to create a nail polish corresponding to the selection. The nail polish creator may further include an arm assembly that may receive a signal from the processor to move a nail polish bottle in position to receive the nail polish based on the amount of at least one of the plurality of nail polish colors determined by the processor. Moreover, the nail polish creator may include a mixer assembly for mixing the nail polish in the nail polish bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Eric D. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8021342
    Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser includes a housing that has open top and bottom. The housing includes a central channel and a plurality of internal compartments disposed around the central channel. Each internal compartment is configured to hold liquid medication. The central channel is provided with symmetrically disposed bottom apertures configured to open into respective internal compartments. A shaft is configured to rotate and advance within the central channel. The shaft has a bottom hollow portion and at least one lateral aperture thereon configured to align with each one of the bottom channel apertures. The lateral shaft aperture aligns with a respective bottom channel aperture to allow transfer of liquid medication under gravity from the corresponding internal compartment into the bottom hollow portion of the shaft. The bottom hollow portion is apertured at one end to allow for transferred liquid medication to drip out of the dispenser in a controlled fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Deborah Girgis, Victoria Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20110209625
    Abstract: Provided is a baby formula maker including: a body for accommodating a water container and a powered formula container; a heater installed in the body and for heating water contained in the water container; a cooler including a radiator for cooling the heated water by receiving the heated water from the heater, a heat sink combined with the radiator to cool down the radiator, and a cooling fan for increasing cooling efficiency of the heat sink; and an operator for controlling operations of the heater according to a temperature of the water contained in the water container. Accordingly, the baby formula maker provides speed and convenience since a baby formula is promptly made by remarkably reducing a baby formula making time. Moreover, the baby formula maker has a sanitary, compact, and simple structure, and is economical since it is mass-productible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mi Seon Kang