By Electrical Energy Patents (Class 222/146.5)
  • Publication number: 20080099508
    Abstract: A dispense for dispensing a liquid on a substrate is provided, including a nozzle through which to dispense on the substrate the liquid contained in a syringe, moving relative to the substrate, a valve unit for controlling dispensing of the liquid through the nozzle, including a valve which is opened and closed to control a flow of the liquid from the syringe to the nozzle and a valve controller controlling opening and closing operation of the valve, and a temperature-maintaining unit maintaining a temperature of the liquid passing the valve at a preset temperature. The present invention provides an advantage of dispensing a constant amount of liquid with no effect of a change in temperature on viscosity of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Seo-ho SON, Myung-jin JIN
  • Patent number: 7354255
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved vibratory pumping mechanism that increases the efficiency of utilization of the vibratory motion within a mechanism. More specifically, the mechanism includes a central chamber within which a piston is oscillated to draw fluid into the chamber and expel fluid from within the chamber outwardly through a nozzle connected to the chamber. The chamber includes a pressure tube connected to a rearward end of the chamber and to a secondary chamber positioned around and in fluid communication with the chamber. The pressure tube allows the negative pressure generated by the motion of the piston in either direction to be utilized in preventing any fluid from being directed out of the mechanism in a direction other than through the nozzle, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Grigori Lishanski, Oleg Lishanski
  • Publication number: 20080078782
    Abstract: A rotary pump plural component applicator apparatus is provided for dispensing plural components, such as resins and adhesives or the like, with an activator for the resins or adhesives. A plural component applicator uses an electric motor gear box driving first and second rotary pumps. The use of an electric motor driving plural rotary pumps improves the plural component applicator performance in the application of the plural components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Frank C. Bien
  • Publication number: 20080041233
    Abstract: A temperature control system and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage contained within a beverage server. The temperature control system enabling a user to control of a plurality of attributes of temperature of a beverage from the making of a beverage until the dispensing and disposal of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur H. Bunn
  • Publication number: 20080041880
    Abstract: A handheld dispenser of foodstuff including a housing having an interior chamber. An outlet is in communication with the chamber. The motor is disposed within the housing. A drive mechanism is operatively associated with the motor for moving the foodstuff within the chamber towards the outlet. The handle is movably disposed on the housing between a first operative position and a second operative position. The handle on the housing defining a hand opening when the handle is in the first operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Roger Babineau, Nicholas Seager, James J. Tracy
  • Patent number: 7331482
    Abstract: A heated dispense pump overcomes the limitations of conventional systems providing for reliable and efficient heating of the dispensed material in a system that is compact, lightweight, and accurate. A pump housing and cartridge body are formed of a thermally conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or an alloy combination thereof. A heater element is applied directly to the body of the pump housing, and a thermocouple is included to provide for closed-loop controllability. The material flows though the cartridge body and is heated prior to release at the dispense tip. The heated elements, including the pump housing and cartridge body, are thermally insulated from the pump motor and pump gantry to prevent the escape of heat from the system and to protect those adjacent components from heat damage. An optional syringe heater is provided for heating the material in the syringe, and for controlling the temperature of the material, in closed-loop fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7326884
    Abstract: A butter heating and dispensing system for facilitating dispersal of melted butter. The system includes a container assembly, a spray assembly, and a heating assembly. The container assembly includes an interior space for receiving a quantity of butter to be melted and dispensed. The spray assembly is operationally coupleable to the container assembly. The spray assembly includes an intake for liquid butter, and a spray nozzle for dispersing the liquid butter. The heating assembly is for providing thermal energy to melt the butter received by the container assembly. The heating assembly is thermally coupleable with the container assembly. Most preferably, the container assembly has a sloped bottom wall, which slopes downwardly towards the intake of the spray assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: William Arthur Anderson, Mary-Lynn Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080023489
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a remote metering station for receiving a supply of hot melt adhesive material from an adhesive supply unit (ASU), a plurality of applicator heads for depositing hot melt adhesive material onto different substrates, and a plurality of relatively short hose structures respectively fluidically inter-connecting the remote metering station to the plurality of applicator heads. Oppositely disposed terminal end portions of each one of the relatively short hose structures are respectively provided with universal connectors so as to effectively overcome or counteract the inherent inflexibility characteristic of the relatively short hose structures per se and thereby in fact permit the plurality of applicator heads to be moved to different locations, depending upon the various different requirements attendant particular hot melt adhesive deposition requirements, in order to perform a particular hot melt adhesive deposition operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Mel Steven Lessley
  • Patent number: 7316331
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Gabryszewski
  • Patent number: 7316249
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing infant formula including, a steriliser (2) for sterilising a bottle, a milk powder container (4) for dispensing milk powder into the bottle, a water container (3) for dispensing water into the bottle and a controller (8) to control operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: How Onn Cheong
  • Patent number: 7315691
    Abstract: A hot wax dispensing device designed to minimize the risk of cross contamination caused by “double dipping” into a community hot wax pot. This device receives bulk wax, melts the wax, allows the melted hot wax to collect in a bowl that is not directly accessible by a user. Hot wax is then dispensed in single client portions in a disposable insert for use in depilatory waxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Wax Figures, Inc.
    Inventors: Mia Palkie, Megan Palkie
  • Patent number: 7299948
    Abstract: A thermally-insulated reservoir 9 for a dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, has an inner wall 23 and an outer wall 24 defining a sealed and evacuated heat-insulating cavity 30 at least partially surrounding a liquid space 22. In one application of the invention the reservoir takes the form of a cooling vessel with the thermal means provided by a cooling coil 26. The invention may also be applied to reservoirs which form a hot tank with the thermal means provided by an electrical heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: EBAC Limited
    Inventors: Philip Andrew Walton, Clyde Pittaway, Gary Squire
  • Publication number: 20070269251
    Abstract: A bottle is disclosed that includes a product stored therein. It is configured to be removably engaged with a docking station in an inverted arrangement to be activated by the docking station and heat the product. The bottle may include a pump structure (e.g. in the form of a bellows), or be a squeezable bottle, or be a bowable bottle, or have other pumping features. Structures are provided to prevent drool after use, to help apply the heated product to the skin, and to insure proper heating and dispensing. Also disclosed are combined docking stations and bottles where the bottle is positioned in an inverted manner, and methods for using these devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Michael J. Skalitzky, Stephen B. Leonard, Jeffrey L. Harwig, Steven C. Shirley, Richard L. Norwood, Fuk Yuen Cheng, Zhi Bin Wen, Jian Shi, Robert J. Kopanic
  • Patent number: 7296707
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing controlled precise amounts of a hot-melt adhesive. A positive displacement dispenser which is mounted on a programmable motion system is connected to a hot-melt cartridge feed assembly by an inlet block. The dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block contain electric heaters and thermocouples for maintaining the adhesive at a desired elevated temperature. A computer control system regulates the temperature in the dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block and controls a dispensing motor in the dispenser. A preheater heats an adhesive cartridge prior to placement in the feed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Raines, Hank W. Gonzalez, George E. Blumb
  • Patent number: 7296706
    Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a gun manifold, the gun manifold includes a shelf portion that extends outwardly from its front face and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped aperture configured to engage the shelf portion so that the dispensing module rests, or hangs, on the gun manifold without being held into place. From this position, the module can be easily and readily attached to the manifold. The shelf and aperture have complementary shapes and can be keyed so as to require the mating of the manifold and module in only one orientation. Additionally, an adaptor can be provided between the module and manifold so that smooth face manifolds and modules can still be coupled to corresponding manifolds and modules having shelves or apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Raterman, Christopher R. Chastine, Alain Chouinard, Greg A. Craig, David Pullagura, Matthew R. Tinaglia
  • Patent number: 7296714
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, which includes a heated dispenser body having a liquid passage in communication with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The dispenser body further includes a valve element having a circumferential groove therearound cooperating with a recessed portion of the dispenser body to define a cavity about the valve element. A flexible seal is situated within the cavity between the liquid passage containing the heated liquid and an upper area of the dispenser body. A first portion of the seal is configured to form a fluid tight seal within the recessed portion and a second portion is configured to form a fluid tight seal about the valve element during reciprocation thereof relative to the recessed portion, thereby preventing liquid from leaking out of the liquid passage past the flexible seal and into the upper area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David J Byerly
  • Patent number: 7288745
    Abstract: A pan including a shelf dividing the interior thereof into a lower chilling element and an upper portion disposed in heat relationship with the lower portion and a lid for covering the top of the container and having a serving surface for display of food thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Colonna
  • Patent number: 7285752
    Abstract: A merchandiser for elongate loaves of bread includes at least one rack having a rear wall, a front wall spaced apart from the rear wall, a pair of sidewalls disposed between the rear wall and the front wall along opposite sides thereof, and a bottom wall disposed between the rear wall, the sidewalls and the front wall along lower portions thereof. The walls support the bread loaves in a generally vertical, freestanding, side-by-side relationship. At least one heater is disposed along at least one of the rear wall or the front wall of the rack with the heater selectively heating the air disposed therein, such that air heated in the interior of the rack heats the vertically stacked bread loaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Rick A. Barker
  • Patent number: 7278550
    Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a manifold or service block, the manifold includes an vertically oriented interactive portion that extends, for example, outwardly from a front side and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped interactive portion configured to engage the manifold so that the dispensing module is automatically aligned. The increased surface area in contact between the module and manifold improves their sealing engagement and heat transfer with one another, reduces leakage, and permits increased operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Bezema, Ronald Buerger
  • Patent number: 7216777
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Raterman, Harold T. Patterson, Jr., Gregory J. Gabryszewski
  • Patent number: 7214885
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system equipped with a modular cord set for powering an electrically-operated dispensing module of the system. The cord set includes a plug removably inserted into receptacle extending through a manifold of the system. The manifold heats and supplies liquid to the dispensing module. When the plug is positioned in the receptacle, electrical contacts on the plug are coupled with corresponding electrical contacts on the dispensing module. The cord set and dispensing module can be independently disconnected from the manifold without disturbing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Byerly
  • Patent number: 7207358
    Abstract: This invention relates to a safety cut-off for any type of device for domestic use which is designed to produce pressurized vapor for different purposes. The invention also relates to a safety cut-off for any type of device for domestic use which is designed to produce pressurized steam for different purposes, such as to avoid the risk of accidents by scalding when filling with water, when pressurized steam exists in the steam chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Luis Moreno-Jordana
  • Patent number: 7201294
    Abstract: A dispenser for heating a liquid in and dispensing a foam introduced from a canister. The dispenser has a heater for providing heat to the foam/liquid, a chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port and a base having an aperture and a first member. The chamber is in contact with the heater, and the outlet port is connected to a nozzle. The nozzle dispenses the heated foam. The dispenser also has a base adjoining. The first member is slidably retained over the aperture to adjust a size of the aperture and to receive a number of different diameter canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Vito James Carlucci, Martin A. Cohen, Paul J. Carrubba
  • Patent number: 7188783
    Abstract: A home fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion into the reservoir, and the combined unit is a capillary pump. A fan in the dispenser cabinet forces fragrant vapor out into the surrounding. A selector dial on the front of the cabinet permits selection of one of several fragrances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tri Senx Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellwood G. Ivey, Cedric Stratton
  • Patent number: 7162949
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Burton L. Hart
  • Patent number: 7161120
    Abstract: There is disclosed a garment warming device providing a portable electrically-heated insulated water resistant and weather resistant clothing warmer having a clamshell design that warms clothing, robes, slippers, towels, blankets or other cloth-like materials placed inside it. The device further comprises a liquid tight seal preventing moisture from entering the device, as well as safety features to ensure cloth materials placed inside the device do not become dangerously hot. The device may easily stand due to a neutral center of gravity and may comprise latches and a handle capable of folding flush against the outer surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Maurice Stroud, Veronica Viloria Stroud
  • Patent number: 7156261
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing module and methods for dispensing a heated liquid onto a substrate. The dispensing module includes a dispenser body receiving liquid from a heated liquid distribution manifold and an actuator having a housing with an air piston movable in an air cavity and a solenoid valve for pressurizing the air cavity. Movement of the air piston controls a flow-regulating mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid from the dispenser body. A thermally insulating shield may be provided for reducing heat transfer from the manifold and/or dispenser body to the actuator so that the solenoid valve can be mounted directly to the housing and the effective volume of the air cavity can be reduced. The cycle time of the liquid dispensing module may be specified by selecting an initial volume of the air cavity and an effective valve flow coefficient for the actuator that characterizes the air flow to the air cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence B. Saidman, Hans Joachim Seedorf
  • Patent number: 7147134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a dispensing device for rapidly and efficiently heating/cooling a flowable food product whereby removable cassettes are provided for receiving a pouch containing food; the cassettes comprising pairs of opposed thermal conductive surfaces wherein the surfaces delimit together a limited spacing adapted to contact a pouch and means for applying heat to said at least pair of cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: J. Antonio Gutierrez, Balakrishna Reddy, Robert Greene
  • Patent number: 7137532
    Abstract: A strainer for a hot melt adhesive system is fixed to the side wall(s) of a tank without fasteners to strain the adhesive flow and protect a pump of the system. The strainer may also be configured to act as a shield for a level indicator located within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Jeter
  • Patent number: 7100841
    Abstract: A capillary pump for a fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion of the capillary tube and heating element into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Tri Senx Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellwood G. Ivey, Cedric Stratton
  • Patent number: 7094992
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for storing and warming a plurality of stacked flexible wipes includes a heater coil, electrical circuitry controlling operation of the heater coil and a cover closing the housing interior and having a cover opening selectively opened or closed by a closure to allow access to wipes even when the cover is in closed position. Projections in the housing interior support the wipes in elevated condition to promote even heat distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Anton Wray, Joan Wray
  • Patent number: 7095954
    Abstract: A fountain apparatus for use with a flowable food media includes a recipient for receiving the food media therein, a recipient and an output port. The recipient is heatable within a predetermined temperature range for maintaining the food media within the temperature range. The output port connects to the recipient downstream of an aperture extending through a wall thereof and has a passageway extending there through for receiving the food media from the aperture. The passageway defines an inlet opening that is in fluid communication with the recipient via the aperture and an outlet opening that has an opening mechanism to selectively control the opening thereof. A heating member is thermally connected to the output port for warming up the same to maintain the food media therein within the temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Michel Esnault
  • Patent number: 7091455
    Abstract: An electric thermos jug comprises generally from the top to the bottom a lid assembly, a spout assembly, a double-layer vacuum body, a heating element, an underbody, and a base. An insulating plate and an insulating material layer are provided under the heating element inside the underbody of the jug. The lid is two-layer structure comprising an upper lid and lower lid with an air plenum in between. The electric thermos is convenient for use and effective in heat insulation due to the excellent air tightness of the components. The temperature inside the jug can be maintained for a long time without the need of repetitive heating. As a result, it can maintain a good water quality and is energy efficient. A safety valve is also employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Shiu Po Fung
  • Patent number: 7051904
    Abstract: An pump for use with a dispensing unit of a hot melt adhesive system includes a removable filter. The filter is coupled with a cartridge which is threaded into a chamber of the pump. The chamber is located between the inlet and outlet of the pump so that this portion of the flow path through the pump ensures passage of the hot melt adhesive through the removable filter. The pump provides convenient access to the filter for service and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Jeter
  • 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: 7036291
    Abstract: An output supply assembly has a horizontal base receiving a container of a flowable material. A platen is positionable in the container. A pump feeds the pressurized flowable material from the container. A dispensing and handling assembly has two film-forming dies of similar configuration. A pair of hoses is provided between the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly. A control assembly couples the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly. Flowable material is fed through the assembly to form film. A pair of film-movers are beneath the film-forming dies. A pair of rotary dies are beneath the film-movers. An injector is located above the film-movers for periodic dispensing of particulate material. Containers are formed upon the solidification of the flowable material moving between the dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Patricia A. Stark, Jon Zook
  • Patent number: 7032789
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Gabryszewski
  • Patent number: 7025230
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a heated fluid or flowable food product from a package while maintaining the product at or above a preset elevated temperature. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a flowable product from a product package through a dispensing outlet at or above a preset elevated temperature comprises a container in which to dispose the product package. The container includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A dispensing outlet is provided to dispense the flowable product from the product package, and is disposed adjacent the gas outlet. A pump is coupled between the product package and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the product package to the dispensing outlet. A heated gas flow controller is configured to direct a heated gas flow in the container to heat the product package, the pump, and the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Juha K. Salmela
  • Patent number: 7025081
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Paul K. Colangelo, Peter J. Petrecca, Alan Ramspeck, Michael Walker
  • Patent number: 7022945
    Abstract: A portable baby wipe warmer and container comprising a container for storing baby wipes, a heat source thermally coupled to the container, and a temperature regulating component coupled to the heat source for regulating the heat provided to the container by the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Stephanie Western
  • Patent number: 7015423
    Abstract: A heating device into which a compule of dental material can be inserted to elevate the temperature of the dental material to above ambient temperature prior to clinical use having a base for housing a heating element, a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the heating element, a power connection for electrically connecting the temperature control mechanism to a source of power and a heating receptacle removably mounted on the base. The heating receptacle comprises a heating tray composed of a conductive material and an upstanding section extending from the heating tray and having a heating chamber open to the atmosphere which is adapted to receive one end of a conventional dispenser in which the compule of dental material is stored for raising the temperature of said dental material in said compule to an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Joshua Friedman
  • Patent number: 7015427
    Abstract: An apparatus including a tank having at least one side wall for receiving solid or semi-solid thermoplastic material and a base member supporting the side wall(s) for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. The base member has a heated upper surface sloped downwardly towards the side wall(s) for directing the flow of melted material, and is configured to provide a collection trough for receiving the melted material. A strainer is positioned above the collection trough to filter the melted material. The strainer is adapted to support the remaining solid or partially solidified thermoplastic material above a portion of the heated upper surface to provide a less restricted flow path for the melted material to the collection trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Jeter
  • Patent number: 7012218
    Abstract: A warmed display fixture includes a housing enclosing a tree step display compartment and having an opening providing access thereunto. A three step panel divides the display compartment into an upper air well above the three step panel and a lower air well below the three step panel. The three step panel has ceramic tile on both horizontal and vertical risers. An air recirculation passageway in the housing has an inlet in the upper air well of the display compartment and an outlet in the lower air well. Heaters mounted under the horizontal steps and in air passageway provide heat. Fans circulate the warmed air through the air passage ways and into the upper air well of the display compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Gary L. Flinn
  • Patent number: 7005615
    Abstract: The food warmer is a subdivided individual sectioned compartments that holds a multiple portion of foods with transparent covers and is operated by a motorized turntable that the foods. The heating is an option of electricity or battery power. The two unit heating system operates from either side of the warmer, independently of sides, with no turntable rotation when this mode is in operation. The temperature is regulated by control led heat settings to keep foods from scorching and warmer safe from overheating. The warmer is compacted to hold most of your needs with ease of access to all selections. Alternatives are: this warmer has subdivided, individual sectioned compartments that permits more ease to access selections of foods with a turntable that rotates for serving convenience without containers being spread to only select one dish from each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ellen Lelita Thomas
  • Patent number: 6996336
    Abstract: A used cooking oil and grease storage tank is comprised of a plastic material such as, polyethylene. Advantageously, a metal heating element or member is secured to a top cover member of the tank and extends downward into the used cooking all and grease stored with in the plastic tank member. Input and drain connections are also preferably made through the top cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: John Mahoney, Donald Onken
  • Patent number: 6978912
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided that heats and dispenses a gel or lotion prior to the gel turning into lather. The dispenser can be selectively engaged with different sized and/or shaped cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Harold Taylor, Vito J. Carlucci
  • Patent number: 6966346
    Abstract: This gas supply apparatus supplies a gas by vaporizing a liquefied gas filled in a gas container. This apparatus includes an installation stand having an upper surface on which the gas container is placed; at least one nozzle which discharges a heating medium towards a bottom surface of the gas container and is provided in a hole formed in the installation stand; and a heating medium discharge path which discharges the heating medium from a space between the bottom surface of the gas container and the upper surface of the installation stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Tanaka, Takashi Orita, Makoto Echigojima
  • Patent number: 6957748
    Abstract: A fouling resistant fluid dispensing assembly including a metering device and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly generally includes a nozzle holder including a body defining a cylindrical bore. The nozzle has a cylindrical portion proportioned to be inserted into the cylindrical bore in a close fitting relationship. The nozzle holder is pierced by a passage oriented substantially perpendicular to the bore axis and passing through the cylindrical bore on a non-diametrical chord and the nozzle has a complementary passage that can be aligned with the nozzle holder passage. Once the holder passage and the nozzle passage are aligned, a retaining member proportioned to pass through the nozzle holder passage and the nozzle passage retains the nozzle in the cylindrical bore. The fluid dispensing assembly further includes a floating head and a mass distribution to maintain a viscous fluid at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Erdman Automation Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney V. Erdman, Eric J. Berns
  • Patent number: 6951166
    Abstract: A unit heats water to a specified temperature and then alerts a user or automatically mixes the heated water with dry baby formula and dispenses the mixture into a baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Gary C. Sickels
  • Patent number: 6935535
    Abstract: A hot wax storage tank is supported by an arm extending vertically upward from a base. A heating element on the tank heats the wax to its vicious liquid state suitable for application on a client. A conduit connects an outlet in the bottom of the tank to the input of a control valve. The output of the control valve is directed to an application dish located beneath control valve outlet. By means of the control valve, an operator can dispense only what is required for each client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Great Bodies Ahead, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Pandolfi, Celmira Castillo, Julio Castillo