Including Mixing Means Patents (Class 222/145.6)
  • Publication number: 20080121657
    Abstract: A number of surgical devices for the mixing and dispensement of a dual component surgical adhesive onto tissue are described. The surgical devices can provide adhesive storage chambers for the adhesive components within the surgical device and can have removable cartridges that draw and mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. The removable cartridges can be easily replaced when clogged with set adhesive. Alternately, an adhesive dispensing device can comprise an adhesive dispensing gun containing the dual components of the adhesive and a plurality of rotatable orifices that can dispense the adhesive. One orifice can be selected and aligned with the adhesive dispensing gun to mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. A fresh orifice can be rotated into alignment with the gun should a prior orifice become blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: James W. Voegele, Jessica M. Liberatore
  • Publication number: 20080123466
    Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Richard T. Thompson, Edward K. Welch
  • Publication number: 20080110930
    Abstract: A mixing device for use atop a plurality of containers that contain constituents that are to be mixed and dispensed is described. The device includes a head having an outlet and a cartridge that has inlets for accepting constituents from each of the plurality of containers, a mixing chamber, and a nozzle for dispensing a mixed product extending through the opening in the head. The device includes a means for securing the head to the containers. A mixing system can include the device together with the containers holding the constituents to be mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MIXTEK SYSTEM, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Wittkamp, James R. Gentry, Jr., Albert J. Scott
  • Patent number: 7367475
    Abstract: The device for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions is distinguished in that a cap (10) acting as a closure initially closes the outlet openings (5) of the components and can be moved into the open position by pressure of the components while they are being discharged, so that the components can be mixed by the mixing helix (13) and emerge from the outlet tube (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ernst Muhlbauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Hörth, Steffen Reuss, Hans-Dieter Höhnk
  • Publication number: 20080089173
    Abstract: A mixer includes a mixer housing provided with two annular skirts respectively extending downward to form a receiving space for communicating with an interior of the tubular housing, a mixer element having a helix extending into the tubular housing, and a mixer inlet portion with a connection plate having two top openings selectively communicating with the two openings such that components received inside the two tubes are able to be selectively forced into the interior of the tubular housing for dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Li-Chuan Lu, Phillip Phung-I Ho
  • Patent number: 7334706
    Abstract: A reconstituting device including a control system reconstitutes product concentrates. The reconstituting device is further able to pre-wet a mixing device of the dispense circuit, dispense the reconstituted product, and rinse the mixing device during a dispense interval without affecting the mix ratio of the reconstituted dispense. Pre-wetting and rinsing of the mixing device of the dispense circuit is accomplished by moving a portion of a concentrate dispense from an earliest and a latest dispense interval to a mid-range dispense interval, thereby flowing reconstituting fluid alone during the earliest and latest dispense intervals. Pre-wetting allows the reconstituting fluid to form a boundary layer on contact surfaces of the mixing device. Rinsing is accomplished by flowing reconstituting fluid through the mixing device after the mixing sequence of the dispense is completed. The control system may conduct the pre-wet or the post-rinse sequence, or may conduct both within a same dispense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 7331488
    Abstract: An apparatus for selective eductive dispensing of multiple chemical fluids from separate fluid containers includes a motive fluid inlet; an eductor in fluid communication with said motive fluid inlet; a selector switch defining at least one inlet and an outlet therein, said inlet and outlet in fluid communication with one another and said outlet in fluid communication with said eductor and wherein said selector switch inlet is in selective fluid communication with said fluid containers depending on the position of the selector switch; and a valve located between said motive fluid inlet and said eductor, said valve selectively opened and closed by movement of said selector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Dema Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Naslund, James Schuleter
  • Patent number: 7331483
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a post-mix beverage is characterized by a beverage concentrate metering system comprising a reservoir of beverage concentrate, a disposable pump unit containing a pair of piston pumps and inlet and outlet valves from each piston pump. The inlet valves are coupled to the reservoir of beverage concentrate and the outlet valves are coupled to a mixer. A control valve introduces diluent to the concentrate intermediate the outlet valves and mixer and a reusable pump drive operates the piston pumps. The control valve and pump drive are operated by a control system in a manner such that a predetermined ratio of diluent to concentrate is delivered to the mixer. Downstream from the mixture the admixture of diluent and concentrate is dispensed as a beverage into a cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: IMI Vision Limited
    Inventors: Alan Bhimani, Richard Nighy, Hugh Christopher Bramley
  • Patent number: 7328572
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment device has a turbulator provided by a tube having a perforated star-plugged downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. McKinley, Randolph G. Zoran
  • Patent number: 7328815
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, method and apparatus for controlling the flavor of a beverage produced from a concentrate, based on the conductivity of the beverage being produced. The apparatus includes a conductivity sensor which provides a controller with real time conductivity data from the beverage being served. The controller is capable of comparing the real time conductivity data to a preprogrammed range of conductivity readings and adjusting a variable speed pump to keep the real time conductivity data within the preprogrammed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7320541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixer element for a mixer for producing a paste by mixing components, the mixer comprising a mixing chamber. The mixer element comprises a body portion comprising a longitudinal axis extending from a rear end to a front end of the body portion, mixing vanes or blades provided at the body portion, and closure elements for closing the inlet openings to the mixing chamber. The closure elements are arranged at the rear end of the body portion adjacent to the inlet openings, and provide a paste-tight closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Ingo W. Wagner, Helmut Pauser
  • Patent number: 7316330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery system for fluid substances, which comprises a plunger-type syringe in the form of a cartridge having at least one injectate chamber, which injectate chamber is provided with an injection plunger, and an attachment mounted on the cartridge at its delivery-side end, characterised in that the attachment is mounted on the cartridge by means of a releasable snap closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Coltene/Whaledent GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Barbara Müller, Werner Mannschedel
  • Patent number: 7311225
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a non-carbonated beverage mixture comprises a manifold having a mixing chamber. A first inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a first liquid into the mixing chamber. A second inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a second liquid into the mixing chamber. The first and second liquids are combined into a mixture in the mixing chamber. An outlet communicates with the mixing chamber. The mixture exits the manifold through the outlet. A first constant flow valve is in communication with the first inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the first liquid to the first inlet. A second constant flow valve is in communication with the second inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the second liquid to the second inlet. A dispensing mechanism is in communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7311226
    Abstract: A mixed liquid dispenser head (7) is provided with a carbonated water supply port (39), raw material exits (33), and a diluting water exit (35) within a head main body (11); a nozzle (13) that is attached to the head main body so as to cover the carbonated water supply port (39), the raw ingredient exits (33), and the diluting water exit (35); valve devices (49) that are provided in the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exits and that open and close due to liquid pressure changes; a flow straightening plate (41) for making carbonated water discharged from the carbonated water supply port flow along an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle; and low pressure caps (57) and (59) provided for each of the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit and covering the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit together with the valve devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuuji Kado, Toshinari Hirakawa, Yushi Yonekura
  • Publication number: 20070289996
    Abstract: A novel applicator for use in applying polyurethane and epoxy adhesives or cement to roofing components is disclosed where the applicator comprises a paired set of cartridges that are held together in spaced relation by at least one face plate, and where the cartridges include retainers for retaining a cap installed on the plunger end of each of the cartridges. The cap further comprises a plunger well for the receipt of the end of a plunger member of a dispenser and where the cap is displaceable within the inner bore of each of such cartridge under the urging of the dispenser resulting in the extrusion of a component of a two-part adhesive or cement into a mixing tube for mixing and dispensing through the tip of the mixing tube. The present invention preferentially includes two face plates for the display of product related information, one on each of the front and rear of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Todd Alan Wheatcraft, Timothy James Leonard, Tony Lee Leonard, James David Leonard
  • Publication number: 20070278247
    Abstract: A foam dispenser for dispensing foam from a first and a second liquid includes a first and a second liquid container for first and second liquids respectively. The dispenser includes a pumping mechanism for pumping the first liquid, second liquid and gas. The dispenser also includes a first foaming mechanism for forming a first foam. It is in flow communication with the first liquid container and a gas inlet and it includes a first mixing zone. A second mixing zone is in flow communication with the second liquid container and the first foaming mechanism wherein the first foam is mixed with the second liquid to form a final foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Stewart Banks, Shaun Kerry Matthews
  • Patent number: 7275661
    Abstract: A pump for discharging bubbles is provided on a neck portion of a container body. The pump for discharging bubbles comprises a cylinder for liquid in which a first piston slides, a cylinder for air in which a second piston slides, a pump head on which a nozzle is provided and which is connected to the first piston and the second piston so as to drive the both pistons, a vapor-liquid mixing chamber in which liquid delivered from the cylinder for liquid and air delivered from the cylinder for air are joined and a bubbling member provided between the nozzle and the vapor-liquid mixing chamber. Liquid within the container body and outside air are pumped up to be joined in the vapor-liquid mixing chamber and the vapor-liquid is bubbled via the bubbling member to be discharged in a foamy state from the nozzle by depressing the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Iizuka, Hiroshi Mizushima, Haruo Tsuchida, Tadao Saito
  • Patent number: 7275699
    Abstract: A method and a self-contained, mobile dispensing system, wherein the material to be dispensed is formed by mixing several reactants. A generator provides power to the overall system. Storage tanks are provided for storing the reactants. A chiller unit chills the reactants, and a heating unit heats the reactants. The reactants flow separately through the system until they reach a mix head nozzle operative to combine the reactants. The mix head nozzle has an elongated straight cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of orifices oriented to allow mixing of the reactants in a dispense mode of operation. A metering pump controls and supplies the reactants to the mix head nozzle, in stoichiometric proportions and at predetermined temperature and pressure. A hose connects the mixing tank to the mix head nozzle for dispensing the foam in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thermal Science Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alex Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070205220
    Abstract: The present application describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device includes an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber includes a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Philips, Gregg Carpenter, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Publication number: 20070205221
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Philips, Arthur C. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 7225946
    Abstract: An improved microprocessor-controlled dual piston-pump viscous fluid dispensing system as for dispensing uniform sealing beads and the like (as well as other types of uniform deposits), wherein the pressure throughout the fluid path is maintained constant including during the switching alternately between filled and emptying pumps of the pair, assuring a constant dispensing rate, including during the switchover of the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: DTIC Dispensing Technologiesa a Division of Stainless Steel Coatings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Gardos
  • Patent number: 7222753
    Abstract: A foam chemical dispenser device that includes a dispenser housing having a body portion defining a mixing module reception area, and a mixing module positioner adjustably supported by the dispenser housing between a mixing module hold position and a mixing module access position. Further included is a finger releasable locking device which, when in a locking mode, locks the mixing module positioner in the hold position and when in a release mode provides for positioner adjustment to the access position. Also included is a dispenser having a dispenser housing with a chemical inlet section and a chemical outlet section, and a closure device dimensioned for contact with a mixing module positioned to receive chemical from the chemical outlet section of the dispenser housing, and the closure device being pivotable between a mixing module hold position and a mixing module access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Intellipack
    Inventor: Matthew Hayduk
  • Patent number: 7201293
    Abstract: A pump for discharging bubbles is provided on a neck portion of a container body. The pump for discharging bubbles comprises a cylinder for liquid in which a first piston slides, a cylinder for air in which a second piston slides, a pump head on which a nozzle is provided and which is connected to the first piston and the second piston so as to drive the both pistons, a vapor-liquid mixing chamber in which liquid delivered from the cylinder for liquid and air delivered from the cylinder for air are joined and a bubbling member provided between the nozzle and the vapor-liquid mixing chamber. Liquid within the container body and outside air are pumped up to be joined in the vapor-liquid mixing chamber and the vapor-liquid is bubbled via the bubbling member to be discharged in a foamy state from the nozzle by depressing the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Iizuka, Hiroshi Mizushima, Haruo Tsuchida, Tadao Saito
  • Patent number: 7201292
    Abstract: A liquid flow-restriction device has a plurality of flow-restriction passages connected to a common outlet. Each flow-restriction passage has a magnetically operable valve having a valve member movable between an open position and a closed position. The valves are operated by a common actuating element selectively positionable with respect to the valve members to open the valves. The actuating element is a permanent magnet. The device is simple and allows easy selection of a flow rate to a dilution dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry William Crossdale, Christopher John Webb
  • Patent number: 7182221
    Abstract: A mixing module for use in a dispenser system having a housing with a front end, a rear end and an interior opening between the front and rear end, and the housing having a cap covering at the front end. A rod and a mixing chamber are received within the interior opening in the housing and have a rod reception passageway which receives the rod. The mixing module has at least one chemical inlet opening into the rod reception passageway, and the rod is adjustably received within the rod reception passageway with a forward end of travel that places the rod at the front end of the housing. A solvent feed passageway extends in a rearward to forward direction entirely within a wall portion of the housing. There is also a cap covering the housing defining a solvent feed space (e.g., a double wall combination) at the front end with the solvent feed space extending radially inward for solvent feed to the rod upon rod positioning at the front end).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliPack
    Inventors: Todd Hanna, Michael P. Jones, Matthew Hayduk
  • Patent number: 7178974
    Abstract: A plural component polymer grout plant device for mixing, batching and distributing a multiple component polymer having a filler additive. The polymer grout plant device comprises a frame, at least two primary mixing containers, two batching containers, attached to the frame, a pump assembly operatively attached to the batching containers, and a distribution system operatively attached to the pump assembly. Each batching container includes a floor and distribution opening space from the floor for the removal of the individual components and filler of the polymer. The pump assembly is designed to transport the components and filler of the polymer from the batching containers to the distribution system wherein the distribution system combines the polymer components and distributes the polymer to the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Marcus O. Bell
  • Patent number: 7172338
    Abstract: A stirring mixer for a dental impression material to decrease bubbles to be generated in a mixed dental impression material and the material to be left in a tubular main body, the mixer has a tubular main body wherein a discharging portion is provided following the mixing portion via a throttling portion from an injecting portion to which two pastes are injected, and a stirring rod with protruding stirring blades is rotated by a motor, leading ends of 1st blades are positioned in a largest diameter portion of the throttling portion, leading ends of 2nd, 3rd and 4th blades are positioned in an inner diameter portion of the mixing portion, 1st blade in a rotational direction and interval between 3rd and 4th blades is wider than that between the other adjacent blades, and opposing faces of 3rd and 4th blade to each other bulge towards the other blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kamohara, Nobutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7168464
    Abstract: A dual service system and method for selectively compressing and dispensing methane, hydrogen, and variable mixtures of methane and hydrogen for use as a gaseous fuel. The use of an in-line gas density meter, hydraulic intensifier, pressurized gas cooler, optional intermediate storage and multiple dispensers are disclosed. An inline gas density meter is used in combination with a programmable logic controller and a control valve on the hydrogen supply line to create a closed feedback loop for selectively controlling the hydrogen content of the resultant pressurized fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Pinnacle CNG Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Diggins
  • Patent number: 7156260
    Abstract: A foam dispenser component drive mechanism which includes a foam dispenser component drive transmission comprising a crank and slide assembly, and wherein said drive transmission includes a transmission housing and the crank and slide assembly includes a crank pivotably supported by said housing and a slide assembly. The invention also features an apparatus for driving a reciprocating rod of a foam dispenser having a full retraction position and a full extension position relative to a mixing module of the dispenser, having a driver, a drive transmission system with said drive transmission system being arranged to coincide maximum rod reciprocation force application coincident with the full extension and full retraction positions of the reciprocating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliPack
    Inventor: Matthew Hayduk
  • Patent number: 7152758
    Abstract: A dispense system stores a scented material or materials and is provided with an electrical interface that is compatible with a hand-held device. The dispense system can be connected to the hand-held device and driven with the help of the hand-held device to dispense the scented material. The dispense system can be configured to store different scented materials that can be mixed to create different scents. Logic within the hand-held device supports the mixing and dispensing of the scented materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald Shane Fazzio, Richard Ruby, Kevin Patrick Killeen, Daniel B. Roitman, Jeremy Alfred Theil
  • Patent number: 7152396
    Abstract: A lean NOx trap operating in a lean NOx exhaust stream is progressively regenerated, sector to sector, for efficient operation of the trap and conservation of reducing gas used in the regeneration. A reductant gas distributor is inserted in the exhaust upstream of the trap. Reductant gas is carried into the exhaust duct through a conduit portion and the reductant gas stream diverged and directed through a distributor into selected cells of the trap. The NOx in the selected cells is reduced to N2 while lean NOx exhaust continues to flow through the remainder of the trap. By relative movement of the reductant gas distributor and the trap, the entire trap is progressively and continually regenerated while still preforming as a NOx trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Shi-Wai S. Cheng
  • Patent number: 7140797
    Abstract: A multi-cartridge powered dispenser includes a frame having base and top cartridge supports, wheels and a handle. A piston/cylinder is mounted on the frame and at least three cartridges are clamped between the support plates. Each cartridge has a shuttle at the lower end and a discharge opening at the upper end. The piston/cylinder assembly has push rods extending through the base support to move the shuttles in the cartridges. A pressurized fluid supply conduit is connected to the piston/cylinder, and a valve in the fluid supply conduit controls the flow. Discharge cannulae communicate with the outlets the cartridges. Discharge conduits extend between the cannulae and a handpiece for applying the contents of the cartridges to a work surface. The application handpiece can be a sprayer, a roller applicator, or a pour/extrude applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Plas-Pak Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hunter, Albert E. Sandholm
  • Patent number: 7111759
    Abstract: A sanitary, disposable dispensing assembly especially useful in producing a substantially contaminant-free reconstituted mixture of diluent and pure, preservative-free concentrate includes an inner member linearly slidable between open and closed positions in an outer member provided with a concentrate inlet. The dispensing assembly features a vent arrangement for enabling a complete draining of the mixture and preventing bacterial growth. A rib arrangement improves mixing of the combined diluent and concentrate, and prevents dispersion of the mixture when dispensed. The dispensing assembly is utilized in mechanical pump type and non-mechanical pump type applications on a post mix food and beverage dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Karma, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris W. Gorski, Jerry D. Scheiber
  • Patent number: 7059761
    Abstract: A command module, draw switch, blending and dispensing assembly, and multiple ingredient storage and delivery modules are added to a conventional milk shake freezer and dispensing machine. A selector panel is provided to enable the operator to dispense a shake-like product according to a customer flavor or mix order, upon raising the standard draw handle on the original dispenser head of the conventional machine. The blending and dispensing assembly includes a high speed auger with backflow inducers for blending and moving the base and ingredient product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co.,
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 7048153
    Abstract: A foam dispensing article is provided which includes a reservoir for receiving a liquid product and an operating unit for dispensing foam as an air-liquid mixture. The unit includes an air pump, a liquid pump concentrically surrounded at least partially by the air pump, an operating component positioned above the pumps containing a foam forming screen device, and a spring system. The spring system functions to return pistons of the air and liquid pumps to an unactivated position and includes an inner spring positioned internally concentric to the air piston. The improvement of the present invention is characterized in the spring device having a return force greater than 4 lbs. (17.8 N). In one embodiment, the spring device includes both an outer spring conically tapered and surrounding an inner spring. The outer spring provides the required force in excess of 4 lbs. (17.8 N). Less liquid drip and piston stickage is achieved with the improvement to the spring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: James Louis Gentile
  • Patent number: 7048148
    Abstract: A drink dispensing head incorporating a Venturi valve to utilize the motive force of a high pressure liquid to draw a low pressure liquid into the dispensing head without the need for a pumping means. A Venturi valve incorporated into a remote valve structure for adding a bonus flavor to a regular beverage dispenser without altering the existing valve structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgens Roekens, Paul Haskayne, Gary A. Short
  • Patent number: 7048147
    Abstract: A drink dispensing head incorporating a Venturi valve to utilize the motive force of a high pressure liquid to draw a low pressure liquid into the dispensing head without the need for additional pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgens Roekens, Willy Van Esch, Gary A. Short
  • Patent number: 7044336
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flavored beverage. The apparatus comprises a hopper adapted to hold a common base powder and having a hopper outlet, the hopper being operative to dispense the base powder via the hopper outlet in accordance with a powder dispense signal, and a water dispenser having a water outlet, the water dispenser being operative to dispense water via the water outlet in accordance with a water dispense signal. The apparatus further comprises a flavor dispensing unit adapted to store a plurality of supplies of flavoring syrups, the flavor dispensing unit being operative to dispense via at least one flavor dispensing outlet at least one of the flavoring syrups in accordance with a respective one of a plurality of flavor dispense signals. A mixing unit is adapted to receive and admix base powder from the hopper outlet, water from the water outlet, and the at least one of the flavoring syrups from the at least one flavor dispensing outlet to produce the flavored beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Bertone Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio Bertone
  • Patent number: 7036688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the mixing of dry beverage mixes with water. It presents an apparatus for whipping a fluid slurry comprising of an inlet for receiving an unwhipped fluid slurry, a whipping chamber connected to the inlet for whipping the unwhipped fluid slurry, an impeller located in the whipping chamber, one or more indentations in the surface of the whipping chamber, wherein the impeller induces fluid turbulence that produces a whipped fluid slurry when the impeller rotates above the indentations, and an outlet for discharging the whipped fluid slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Stettes, Franklin D. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 7036686
    Abstract: A system for dispensing and mixing metered amounts of first and second liquid components of a soft drink. The system comprises a mixing chamber connected by separate feed conduits to pressurized sources of the first and second liquid components. First normally closed valves are located in and demarcate the feed conduits into upstream and downstream sections. The first valves are opened automatically in response to pressure above a threshold level in their respective upstream conduit sections, and are operative when open to deliver a constant flow of liquid through their respective downstream conduit sections to the mixing chamber. Second normally closed valves are located in the upstream conduit sections. The second valves are opened in response to a command signal, and each second valve automatically closes in response to a drop in pressure below the threshold level in the upstream conduit section of the other second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Global Agricultural Technology and Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7036687
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system method and apparatus for mixing a beverage produced from a concentrate. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber having a removable cover with at least one protrusion formed thereon for disrupting a flow of beverage into the mixing chamber. Additionally, an area of reduced size within the mixing chamber may be provided which causes a beverage entering the mixing chamber to pool therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7036685
    Abstract: The technical field is that of simultaneous dispensing of viscous materials. Many compositions comprise viscous components which must be kept separate until they are used. Known methods of application of separate components do not guarantee proper ratios. This invention solves this problem by presenting a single aerosol container (4) having a multi-valve body (8) wherein the valves (10, 12) are activated by a single actuator (26) and the viscous materials are kept separate until used. The system (2) may use multiple collapsible bags (16), a barrier liner (42), a dip tube (46), and a spray-any-direction valve (50) having an omnidirectional attachment (60) which contains a check valve container (122) made up of a constricted lower end (132), a top surface (134), a lateral opening (136), and a check ball (138) for opening and closing passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald D. Green
  • Patent number: 7007822
    Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Forshey, Kenneth A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6997350
    Abstract: Apparatus for adding liquid fertilizer to a water line of a sprinkler system includes a mechanical injector device powered by a paddle wheel turned by water flowing through the water line. The mechanical injector device includes a plunger that moves back and forth in the plunger chamber. Movement in one direction allows liquid fertilizer from a liquid fertilizer reservoir to flow into the plunger chamber and movement of the plunger in the opposite direction injects the liquid fertilizer from the plunger chamber into the water. The mechanical injector device is coupled to the paddle wheel which causes movement of the plunger in the plunger chamber in at least one direction. Spring bias can cause movement of the plunger in the other direction. The mechanical injector device can be disabled to stop fertilizer injection while still allowing rotation of the paddle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fertile Earth Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight N. Johnson, Glen Grizzle, Kary Burns, James Marsden, David Morton
  • Patent number: 6997347
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a low concentration of gas within a carrier gas flow employing one or more miniature one-piece cylinders filled under pressure with a pure gas, or a concentrated gas balanced with an inert gas or gas mixture. Released from the cylinder through a pierced or other controlled opening, the flow of the gas is regulated by a pressure regulator and a micro orifice to be blended into a steady stream of diluent gas, typically ambient air, to form a desired gas concentration. No gas is generated if the pressure of the gas in the cylinder, which is monitored constantly by a pressure transducer, is below a predetermined level. The apparatus can be built into a portable device, or an automated docking station (or calibration station) for testing and calibrating gas detection and monitoring instruments, or into a fixed gas detection system for performing such functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Wenfeng Peng, David C. Green, Robert G. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6971787
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly used with a conventional caulking gun for mixing and dispensing components of a material. The cartridge assembly includes a component carrying body that has a plurality of separate component reservoirs and a component flow directing housing at a forward end of the reservoirs. A mixing unit extends between the component flow directing housing and a discharge nozzle secured to the front end of the carrying body. The mixing unit mixes the components and delivers them to the discharge nozzle. The mixing unit includes a plurality of mixing cylinders that each have a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component carrying body. The mixing cylinders and guiding channels that extend between them form at least a portion of a component mixing path. The mixing cylinders can each include one or more mixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Chemque, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alex Botrie, Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6955277
    Abstract: A dispensing device and method, especially adapted for use in sealing high pressure fluid leaks, is disclosed. Such use requires high pressure dispensing of sealant. Such sealants are formed by an exothermic reaction of at least two liquid substances that generates high pressures within the dispensing device. Such pressures could potentially harm the feeding system of the device due to pressure backflow. This problem is solved by providing a check valve in the mixing and reaction chamber of the device to protect the feeding system. A static mixer is disposed within the chamber to enhance mixing and reaction of the substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Eric W. Smith, Homer D. Libengood
  • Patent number: 6935534
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus, which is capable of delivering precise quantities of a liquid product less than one mm3 in size, includes a drive mechanism, a housing made up of at least two input channels coupled to a chamber made up of a first portion and a second portion. First and second component liquids are delivered via the first and second input channels respectively to the chamber and the first and second input channels are disposed so that interaction is hindered between the first component liquid and the second component liquid in either input channel. At least one feed screw with a helical thread is disposed in the chamber such that when the at least one feed screw is rotated by the drive mechanism the first and second component liquids are mixed to form a liquid product and the feed screw rotation also discharges the liquid product from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Strecker
  • Patent number: 6932237
    Abstract: The device for generating a multi-component compound, in particular for dental purposes, by pressing out and mixing its components from cartridges (5), which open into a mixer (10), is characterized in that the advance speed of the motor (15) is regulated by the pressing-out behaviour of the components, which pressing-out behaviour can be determined by sensors (III-VIII).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Ernst Muhlbauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Heymann, Frauke Röbel, Hans Hörth
  • Patent number: 6932243
    Abstract: A dynamic mixer configured to a double cartridge or a dispensing appliance, wherein the mixer includes two similarly configured inlets that are configured to connect to respective outlets of the double cartridge or the dispensing appliance, the outlets having either equal diameters wherein the inlets are inserted into the outlets of equal diameters, or the outlets have different diameters wherein one of the inlets fits over a smaller one of the outlets while another of the inlets fits into a larger one of the outlets. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a dynamic mixer assembly including a dynamic mixer as just described, further attached to a double cartridge or a dispensing appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Mixpac Systems AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller