With Wick Or Absorbent Material Feed Patents (Class 222/187)
  • Patent number: 7681806
    Abstract: A passive vapor dispersing device which may be used for freshening or otherwise treating the air, characterized by both rapid and substantially linear delivery of volatizable fragrance or other materials. The device uses a packaged combination of liquid reservoir, wick and emanator which is assembled and shipped with the wick and emanator out of contact with each other, but is activated when the user opens the package and places the wick and emanator in contact. The housing for the device provides guide means for assisting the user in placing the wick and emanator in proper contact, and irreversible lock means for holding the components in contact and preventing access to the wick and emanator once activation has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Triplett, Paul Pappalardo, Mengato Pete He, David Hunt, Gilbert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7648127
    Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of evaporated scented material emitted from an air freshener device include generating a first control signal to induce the motor to rotate fan blades at a first rotational speed during a first time interval which urges air flow toward the aperture of the container to induce evaporation of the scented material in the container. The method further includes generating additional control signals to induce the motor to increase a rotational speed of the fan blades during a second time interval to increase air flow toward the aperture of the container, the second time interval being after the first time interval, such that first and second mass rates of evaporated scented material from the container during the first and second time intervals, respectively, are maintained within a predetermined mass rate range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Antonio M. Cittadino
  • Patent number: 7632462
    Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52,53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to receive said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge or from said pipette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Axis-Shield ASA
    Inventors: Jostein Holtlund, Stig Morten Borch, Thorstein Seim, Tore Janson, Hege Tøn, Jan Roger Karlson, Inger Lise Lauvstad
  • Patent number: 7597309
    Abstract: A volatile material dispensing device is provided, including a volatile material, a replaceable canister including a U-shaped outlet tube and a reservoir to hold the volatile material, and a generally cylindrical external housing sized and configured to receive the replaceable canister. The U-shaped outlet tube includes a tube inner leg, a tube crosspiece, and a tube outer leg, with the tube inner leg fluidly connected to the cavity and with the tube outer leg open to the atmosphere. The external housing includes a powered actuating unit configured to apply pressure to the flexible outer wall of the reservoir. Thereby a portion of the volatile material is forced up the inner tube, over the tube crosspiece, and down the outer tube to be received by a porous pad, providing a time-release dispersing mechanism delivering a controlled, consistent flow and producing a constant intensity of vapor release over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Stucki
  • Patent number: 7597308
    Abstract: A volatile material dispensing device is provided, including a reservoir containing a supply of any one of numerous volatile materials having an outlet port with attached tube through which the volatile material flows, a valve and valve adjustment mechanism to control the flow rate through the tube, a lower housing incorporating a pad to receive the volatile material, and a tear-off tab that initially seals the tube and prevents flow until removed by the consumer. Optionally, the device may include an active mechanism, such as a fan, to aid dispersal of the volatile material. The device gives the user control of the intensity of the vapor by providing the ability to adjust the flow through the valve with the valve adjustment mechanism. The device also provides constant vapor intensity over time with a time-release dispersing mechanism delivering a controlled, consistent flow, with an appropriate drip rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Stucki
  • Publication number: 20080308648
    Abstract: Multiple artificial wicks can be used in water or solvent based fragrance mixtures that will fully empty the mixture from the container without the need to flip the wicks. The wicks can be made from strands of woven, twisted, braided, injection molded or extruded fibers that are natural or man-made. The length to width ratio of the wick should be a minimum of 30 for effective fragrance release. The wick gets fully saturated and remains saturated while providing continuous fragrance diffusion. There is no need to flip the wick over during use to refresh the fragrance diffusion. The wicks can also be fully dyed or pigmented with color. The wicks can also be partially dyed or pigmented with color. A ceramic bisque can also be placed above the fragrance oil mixture to provide a fragrance boost when in contact with the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Bradley Duane Pesu
  • Publication number: 20080251599
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a vapor emitting device having a container, at least one liquid in the container, and a wick. The container has an interior in which the at least one liquid is disposed. The wick has a distal portion disposed in the container interior and a proximal portion. The wick is configured and positioned so as to maintain contact with the at least one liquid and allows the wick to draw the at least one liquid into and through the distal portion toward the proximal portion, thereby making the at least one liquid available for evaporation when the proximal portion is exposed to air. A change in a visible characteristic of the wick occurs upon exhaustion of the at least one liquid from the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Jian Xiang, Yelena N. Rogova
  • Patent number: 7360671
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir comprising a container (20) forming a chamber for holding the liquid (27). The container has a top wall (23) that closes the upper end of the chamber, a liquid outlet (35) in fluid communication with a lower en d of the chamber, and an air supply duct (47) through which air can enter the lower end of the chamber. In use, the reservoir finds an equilibrium position in which, due to a reduction in pressure in an air space (29) formed above the liquid (27) at the closed, upper end of the chamber, the column of liquid in the chamber is supported by atmospheric pressure acting at the opening of the air supply duct (47) to the lower end of the chamber. This opening is achieved by breaking a frangible seal (32) across the duct (47) by the axial insertion of the liquid outlet (35). While the seal was unbroken the container offered a self-contained capsule of liquid for replacement fitting with the liquid outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Slade
  • Patent number: 7281670
    Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid that has an opening therein. A porous wick is positioned in the container so that a lower region of the wick is in contact with the liquid in the container and an upper region of the wick is exposed to the ambient air. The porous wick has discrete inner and outer concentric cylindrical sections, the inner cylindrical section being made of a sand-based material and the outer cylindrical section being made of a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Lakatos, Adam Hagop Buchaklian, Robert J. Kopanic, Jr., Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Patent number: 7157057
    Abstract: A wick for a dispenser for a volatile liquid which includes a body defining an opening in the body in which the opening is adapted to receive a member associated with the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Givaudan SA
    Inventor: Kishen Gohil
  • Patent number: 7082715
    Abstract: A plant watering device for use in a growing medium, which comprises a base with an open top liquid receiving section with a discharge inlet aperture located therein. A medium engaging section is connected to the base and has a discharge outlet aperture communicating with the inlet aperture. A contamination prevention member for preventing contamination of the dispensing aperture is located adjacent thereto. A container with a discharge spout has an amount of a liquid contained therein and is filled on the base. The discharge spout is positioned into the liquid receiving section. A wick component is mounted in the liquid receiving section to receive the liquid from the container and extends between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture to automatically deliver the liquid to the outlet aperture and into the growth medium at a controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Drip-It Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: Koen De Winter
  • Patent number: 7007863
    Abstract: A composite wick for delivering two liquids with different properties to a surface includes a first section provided for delivering a first liquid to the surface of the wick and a second section provided for delivering a second liquid to the surface of the wick. Preferably, the first section is made of hydrophobic materials and the second section is made of hydrophilic materials. Also, a composite wick includes a first section made of either a porous ceramic-based material or a porous sand-based material and a second section made of a porous plastic material, wherein the first and second section preferably are formed as concentric cylinders, with the first section being disposed within the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Kotary, Adam Hagop Buchaklian, Robert J. Kopanic, Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Patent number: 6981532
    Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel container. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing is interconnectable with the container and the housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Patent number: 6982061
    Abstract: A closed system odorant chamber or wick-style odorizer and method for transferring odorant to an odorant chamber is described. Two cylinders are connected to the odorant chamber, which in turn may be connected to a gas line. The pressure differential between the two cylinders causes odorant to flow into the odorant chamber until an appropriate odorant level is reached. After filling up the odorant chamber, the two cylinders are disconnected from the odorant chamber. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37 C.F.R. § 1.72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Natural Gas Odorizing, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Brashear
  • Patent number: 6942124
    Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly, Peter D. Shears, Bradley Deml, Marvin Klowak
  • Patent number: 6823994
    Abstract: The present invention is a flow control/shock absorbing seal that will absorb the shocks transmitted to the liquids in a container during transportation to prevent leakage and maintain the separation of the liquid and the air chamber in the container and controls the rate of flow of the liquid from the container. The present invention allows the rate of flow of the liquid from the container to be predetermined and controlled economically and accurately. The present invention may also allow the forced ejection of the liquid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Garry Tsaur
  • Patent number: 6820773
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled delivery of volatile compounds is shown for the use in the treatment of honeybee colonies for different honeybee diseases. The method delivers the volatile compounds through the use of microporous membranes. The membranes can be in the form of microporous hollow fiber membranes or microporous flat sheet membranes. The membranes allow for the controlled release of the volatile compounds by the adjustment of the exposed surface area. This allows for delivery of the effective amount of compound during different seasons of the year. In the case of hazardous compounds such as the delivery of formic acid for the treatment of honeybees for parasitic mites the exposure to the beekeeper is minimized and no handling of liquid formic acid is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Apis Discoveries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert G. Orth
  • Patent number: 6786427
    Abstract: A plug and wickholder is configured to be reliably sealed to the neck of a bottle which contains a liquid to be atomized and to a cap which seals the bottle during storage. The plug and wickholder includes a first generally tubular wall which contains a wick and which fits tightly into a cap sealing wall, and it further includes a generally cylindrical sealing wall which fits tightly into a bottle neck. A second generally vertical tubular wall is interposed between the first generally tubular wall and the generally cylindrical sealing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Schram, Stephen M. Doerr, Maryann Jashinske, John A. Boticki, James L. Bournoville
  • Patent number: 6783035
    Abstract: Fluid product dispenser having a fluid product reservoir (13) containing a fluid product, the reservoir (13) and, a distribution orifice (32; 22) through which the fluid product is forced in the form of a spray when the actuation wall (36) is pressed. The reservoir includes a deformable actuation wall (36) that is pressed to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir, a bottom plate (1), an intermediate plate (2) defining an opening (24), and a cover plate (3) including the actuation wall (36), and wherein the opening (24) is formed in the intermediate plate (2) defining the useful volume of the reservoir (13) with the bottom plate (1) and the cover plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Alex Millian
  • Publication number: 20040155065
    Abstract: A fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices or for a reformer, includes (a) a container defining a volume for holding a liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the volume and into which at least one portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be metered, such as by pumping; (c) a retainer to hold the wicking structure in a desired orientation within the container; and (d) an outlet for the liquid fuel that is in communication with the wicking structure. A method of dispensing liquid fuel and a method of assembling a fuel cartridge are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mark R. Kinkelaar, Kenneth P. Overk, Salvatore C. Panarello, Joseph W. Lovette, Roeland J. Tuinman, Richard M. Good
  • Patent number: 6691329
    Abstract: A liquid delivery device is particularly suited for dosing a toilet bowl with a viscous cleaning agent. Liquid from a reservoir 10 flows through a neck 52 into a cup 18 until the liquid level reaches the mouth 54 of the neck 52. The space 14 in cup 18 is open to atmosphere. Liquid is drawn from the cup 18 by a capillary 66 formed between the wall of cup 18 and an insert 60 and delivered on to the surface 72 of a textile layer 6. Flush water runs over textile layer 6 to carry the liquid into a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Parry Slade
  • Publication number: 20040001989
    Abstract: A fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices or for a reformer, includes (a) a container defining a volume for holding a liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the volume and into which at least one portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be metered, such as by pumping; (c) a retainer to hold the wicking structure in a desired orientation within the container; and (d) an outlet for the liquid fuel that is in communication with the wicking structure. A method of dispensing liquid fuel and a method of assembling a fuel cartridge are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mark R. Kinkelaar, Andrew M. Thompson, Kenneth P. Overk, Richard M. Good
  • Patent number: 6626331
    Abstract: A tool designed to efficiently apply sealant to tile grout—it is a plastic, round bottle (4), with ounce indicator lines marked on the exterior (8); and a plastic nozzle (10) that tightly screws onto the bottle, via embedded threads inside the top of the bottle (16) and inside the base of the nozzle (18). Cellulose sponge (6 and 12) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) and nozzle (10); which controls the amount of sealant flow so that there is minimal dripping or waste of sealant. The applicator holds approximately 5 to 6 ounces of liquid grout sealant. The tip of the nozzle is marked (14) and gradated (14) so it can be cut with a razor to match the flow of sealant to the width of the grout. The application of sealant is controlled by gently applying pressure to the flexible bottle (4) and moving the tip at a 45 degree angle along the line of grout to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Floretta Beth Yenglin
  • Patent number: 6598808
    Abstract: A fluid product sample is provided in the form of a substantially flat dispenser. A preferred embodiment includes (1) at least one thermoformed shell forming part of a reservoir and defining a deformable actuation wall; (2) an additional element, such as a capsule-forming substrate or film or a thermoformed shell for finishing off the reservoir, with the reservoir formed in this way containing at least a gas; (3) a spray orifice through which the fluid is sprayed; (4) a porous material piece which is capable of retaining a quantity of fluid and which is disposed upstream from the spray orifice; and (5) a support member fixed to the thermoformed shell to hold the porous material piece in place. The spray orifice is formed by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Patent number: 6550689
    Abstract: An animal scent dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing animal scent. The animal scent dispensing apparatus provides for laying a scent trail, while a user is walking to a selected location in order to lure an animal. The animal scent dispensing apparatus provides the capability to refresh the scent trail while walking to the selected location. The animal scent dispensing apparatus includes a staff, a housing unit, a liquid absorbing dragging material and a container of animal scent. The housing unit is attached to the staff. The housing unit provides a chamber for the insertion of the container and for securing the dragging material. The container includes a spraying mechanism to release the scent from the container and onto the dragging material, when pressure is applied downward on the housing unit by the staff. Thereby, providing an easy method of making and refreshing a scent trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Hoyes, Brock A. Hoyes
  • Publication number: 20020092879
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous fluid food product from a pouch. The dispenser includes a housing configured and dimensioned for receiving the pouch. The pouch includes a food in the form of a viscous fluid therein. The pouch has first and second ends, a sidewall that can be arranged to form first and second opposed surfaces and an outlet. The dispenser incorporates an assembly that includes a roller for pressing the pouch so as to urge the viscous fluid food product toward the outlet. To do this, the roller has a pressing surface disposable in a position adjacent the first surface of the pouch and a planar surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pouch. The dispenser also includes a closure assembly arranged for engagement with the outlet for closing same. This assembly is also capable of opening the outlet so as to cause the roller to move along the pouch surface toward the outlet by gravity for expelling the viscous fluid food product through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Randall C. Chrisman, J. Antonio Gutierrez, William F. Overbaugh
  • Patent number: 6336571
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a flask (1) with variable internal volume having a rigid neck (5) wherein is arranged the body (3) of a dispensing head (2) ending in a conduit (41) discharging the liquid and containing a microporous pad (6) for generating a head loss regulating the liquid flow pushed therethrough into a distribution chamber (31) communicating with said conduit. The pad is advantageously made of a material inert with respect to the liquid and combined with an antibacterial filtering element (9) preventing outside air from entering the flask. It evenly occupies the body (3) over the whole cross-section of the liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Laboratoires Thea S.A.
    Inventors: Henri Chibret, Michel Faurie, Jacques Luyckx, Alain Defemme, Thierry Coquel
  • Patent number: 6270021
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a tubular casing having at one other end an inlet nozzle connectable to a source of gas under pressure and at its end an outlet nozzle having an orifice in communication with an expansion chamber bounded by sides which diverge away from or converge towards the orifice. The liquid dispensing apparatus containing a pen-like liquid source having an absorbent nib at least partially within the casing with the nib within or in close proximity to the nozzle orifice. The pen-like source may comprise a felt-tipped pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Terence William Bolton
  • Patent number: 6241161
    Abstract: A compact, extensible scent dispensing device adapted for being placed in a closed position, in an extended position, and in a disassembled position. The device is preferably used by a hunter for attracting a game animal. The device comprises an elongated housing, an inner tube, a string, and a clip. The housing is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner tube. The housing is adapted for receiving a predetermined volume of scented fluid and for being partially inserted into the ground. The inner tube is dimensioned and configured to fit within the housing and to receive a wick member. The inner tube has a hollow body with elongated slots and a cap. The string is attached to the cap and can be configured to form a loop so that the device can be hung from an upright structure and permit the scent to be more easily dispensed to the atmosphere. The clip is attached to the string, and is adapted for attaching to the upright structure and to a clothing member being worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy W. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6158668
    Abstract: A reusable hanging container and scent wick for attracting big game has a closed end with a hanger for supporting the container above the ground. An opening into the container is located on the bottom of the container with a cap to sealably close the container. A scent wick for receiving and disbursing a big game scent is sized to fit within the container to permit the sealing of the container with a cap. The scent wick is shaped to permit a substantial portion of the wick to fall out of the container to expose the scent wick while the container above protects the wick from falling moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: John R. Burgeson
  • Patent number: 6145241
    Abstract: An electric insecticidal apparatus comprising a vessel for storing insecticidal solution, which is oriented in a direction in use; a heating chamber in which the vessel is mounted, said heating chamber containing a heating element; a wick for drawing up the insecticidal solution in the vessel, said wick being provided in the vessel such that the insecticidal solution drawn up by the wick is heated and vaporized by the heating element; an inlet provided at a side of the heating chamber for inserting the vessel into the heating chamber, said vessel being laterally inserted into the heating chamber through the inlet by orienting the vessel in the proper direction; and a guide and holding means for guiding the wick to and holding the wick at a predetermined position at the time of insertion of the vessel into the heating chamber such that the wick confronts the heating element of the heating chamber at a predetermined distance from the heating element, which is provided in the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshitoshi Okuno
  • Patent number: 6106786
    Abstract: A blowing type aroma apparatus, involving no danger of fire and being capable of providing a natural aroma. A body of the aroma apparatus has an opening in its upper surface. A container for containing a liquid aromatic and a cylinder surrounding this container and having open upper and lower ends are located in the opening. An impregnator impregnated with the aromatic is disposed in the container. An axial flow fan is housed beneath the opening within the body and the air flow generated by the axial flow fan passes through the support member and flows into a space between the cylinder and the container. The air becomes a laminar flow and rises in the space between the cylinder and the container. The air flow permits the volatilization of the aromatic contained in the impregnator, whereby the aroma is diffused from the opening at the upper end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Akahoshi
  • Patent number: 6103011
    Abstract: A system for applying adhesive to the peripheral edge of a window glass includes a brush which is held stationary while the window glass is moved with respect to the brush to apply the adhesive. The brush includes a plastic sleeve which exposes only a specified portion of the bristles of the brush. After the bristles have worn, the brush is moved to a cutting station where a portion of the sleeve is removed to expose another portion of the bristles. This operation continues until there is no material left on the sleeve to trim. At this point, the brush is discarded and replaced with a new brush automatically. Rather than have the window glass move with respect to the brush, the brush can be moved with respect to the window glass if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: T. L. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Riera
  • Patent number: 6000579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap for a spray can which can discharge residual liquid and gas in a spray can safely at once and sufficiently afford to discharge a great deal of residual liquid. In another embodiment, the invention includes a spray can with the cap and a method for discharging residual liquid and gas in a spray can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Asahipen Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromasa Sugimoto, Shizuo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 5992700
    Abstract: Gas is generated at a controlled rate from a liquid and solid phase combination that generated gas upon contact, by using diffusive transport of the liquid toward the solid phase surface to prolong the rate of gas generation, with a variety of alternatives for controlling the rate of diffusive transport. This system is useful in infusion devices for delivering medications or other beneficial liquids from a retaining pouch at controlled rates over a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Apex Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. McGlothlin, Alice A. DePaul, Eric Schmid
  • Patent number: 5927884
    Abstract: A perfume stick having a fragile core tube holding a liquid perfume and mounted in a flexible plastic outer tube, the flexible plastic outer tube having a bottom end covered with a cotton tip, the liquid perfume flowing out of the core tube to the cotton tip for application when the perfume stick is bent by hand to break the core tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 5906298
    Abstract: The scent dispersal system of this invention includes a reservoir for holding a liquid scent, a cap to close an opening in the reservoir, a conduit extends outward from the cap, a wick extends from the reservoir's interior to the exterior via the conduit and a way is provided to attach the scent dispersal system to an individual. A wick retainer is used to prevent pulling the wick from the reservoir and to retain the end of the wick in the liquid scent. A tube plug is used to close and seal the end of the conduit. Through capillary action the scent is automatically drawn to an exposed end of the wick extending outward from the end of the conduit. The scent is automatically dissipated or dispersed from the exposed end of the wick. As one walks, the scent creates a trail by rubbing off on grasses, leaves or other flora in the woods. At a fixed location the scent is dissipated by evaporation from the wick. Strength of the scent is controlled by the amount of the wick exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas A. Ward
  • Patent number: 5850972
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing liquid at discrete time intervals, including a reservoir for containing a dispensable liquid, a dispensing tube positioned within the reservoir and in fluid communication with the liquid within the reservoir, and a dome at least partially enclosing the dispensing tube. The improved design has only two dispenser components, and use of the dome eliminates any trapping of air bubbles which can delay or prevent dispensing. A method for using the dispensing apparatus also forms a part of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5702035
    Abstract: A tubular container includes a barrel containing liquid such as medicine or perfume. The barrel has an applicator end wrapped by an absorbing element to allow liquid to flow out while another end is sealed. Upon breaking the sealed end, atmospheric pressure will cause the liquid to flow out of the barrel through the applicator end for application. The end of the container with the absorbing element has a liquid silicone stopper disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Chien-Hua Tsao
  • Patent number: 5681437
    Abstract: The present invention is a sample deposition device for depositing a plurality of samples onto a test media substrate, and a method of depositing a plurality of samples onto a planar test media substrate, such as a stationary phase chromatographic medium, agar or tissue. In broadest terms, the device of the present invention comprises (a) a substantially planar support portion defining a plane; and (b) an array of substantially planar absorbent portions permanently connected to the support portion, the absorbent portions aligned substantially parallel to said plane. The absorbent portions may be impregnated with a test sample before use. The present invention also includes a method of depositing one or more samples onto a test media substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Isolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Black, Vincent J. Greczanik, Michael E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5647170
    Abstract: A watering wick for a potted plant comprising an upper part adapted to be forced upwardly through an opening in the bottom of the pot so that it is fully positioned in the growing media. The wick includes a lower tail part which is suspended downwardly into a water reservoir. The wick is made of a hydrophilic material which is resiliently compressible, and is inserted in the pot by a special designed insertion tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: International Plant Breeding AG
    Inventor: Reinhold Holtkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5544785
    Abstract: A reservoir for gaseous fuel in a liquid phase includes an elongate cylindrical wall closed by two transverse end walls, a lower end wall provided with a draw-off orifice and an upper end wall equipped with a draw-off member such as a valve and a pressure reducer, and has an internal volume occupied by an absorbent medium. A chamber is provided above the absorbent medium, between the absorbent medium and the upper end wall of the reservoir. The volume of the chamber is at least equal to the volume of the liquid fuel not absorbed by the absorbent medium after turning the reservoir upside down. The draw-off orifice is equipped with a draw-off tube of fine bore, which is positioned upstream of the pressure reducer and is housed axially in the chamber. The length of the draw-off tube is at least equal to the height of the fuel in the liquid phase that may be in the chamber when the reservoir is in an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Cricket
    Inventor: Rene Frigiere
  • Patent number: 5542605
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispensing apparatus including a container for holding a dispensable liquid, a flow regulator which permits liquid to flow out of the container at a controlled rate which is independent of the quantity of liquid within the container, and a timing and dispensing assembly. The timing and dispensing assembly accumulates a quantity of the liquid from the flow regulator, and periodically dispenses a constant volume of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5484086
    Abstract: A perfume gas generating device including a container for containing the perfume, a cap member associated with a neck portion of the container and formed with at least one opening, a fiber-made wick member disposed in the container and serving as an upward moving path of the perfume in the container, and a heating system including a heating mechanism disposed above the wick member and contacting a top surface thereof, whereby the heating mechanism forms a high temperature area above the top surface of the wick member and the perfume is able to move upward along the wick member into the high temperature area to be vaporized into gas which dissipates to ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Kuan H. Pu
  • Patent number: 5478423
    Abstract: An improved method for making a release agent delivery device for delivery of release agent to a roller is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Sassa, Alex R. Hobson, Elizabeth M. Hamilton, Kristin E. Wiliamson
  • Patent number: 5445802
    Abstract: A disinfection rack to mount, organize, display, and sterilize vials comprising of a reservoir (16) that contains disinfection fluid, which travels along a plurality of wicks (24) into a disinfection chamber (14), where the top of vials (28) remains in contact with the disinfecting fluid. Vials (28) are suspended by the top and neck within said disinfection chamber (14), and is stabilized by a spring (22) also contained within. The disinfection rack can be mounted by attaching a mounting plate (10) to a wall, cabinet, door, or other vertical surface allowing continuous visualization and sterilization of vials while in said disinfection chamber (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Martin E. Wendelken
  • Patent number: 5364027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) comprising a container (2) which is to be partly filled with liquid active substance and has a wall that is at least locally resiliently deformable. The dispenser further comprises two immersion tube channels (9, 10) extending from a point adjacent the bottom of the container up to the top of the container (2), one channel terminating in a spray nozzle (8) and the other channel containing a wick (4) or similar absorbent material and terminating in an evaporation space that communicates with the atmosphere. In further elaboration of the invention, the spray nozzle (8), the evaporation space and at least one of the immersion tube channels (9, 10) can be formed as a single moulding which can be click-fitted in the mouth of the container (2) so as to seal it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus H. A. N. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5347661
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a water conditioner dispensing apparatus is disclosed for use with a toilet having a bowl, a bowl supply pipe, and a filler tube which emits a jet of bowl makeup water into the bowl supply pipe to refill the bowl after flushing. The apparatus has a conditioner container with a reservoir for holding liquid conditioner. A wick extends from the container reservoir for placement in a jet of bowl makeup water so that liquid conditioner is dispensed through the bowl supply pipe into the toilet bowl to selectively treat only the bowl water and not the flush water stored in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Howard G. Fly, Robert G. Cook
  • Patent number: 5273582
    Abstract: A polyurethane foam is used in combination with an ink tray having a housing having a first and second chamber. The first chamber has an overflow baffle extending laterally within said chamber to divide the first chamber into an inlet side and an outlet side. An inlet port is provided for receiving replenishing ink in the inlet side of the chamber and an outlet port is provided for removal of excess ink from said ink tray. A plurality of portals extending between the first and second chambers for directing replenishing ink to the second chamber from the inlet side of the first chamber and excess replenishing ink from the second chamber to the outlet side of the first chamber. An elongated inking roller is mounted to the housing. The absorption material is mounted in the second chamber to contact the replenishing ink. The absorption material has a portion extending from the second chamber and contacting the inking roller to allow the transfer of replenishing ink to the inking roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Bernard
  • Patent number: 5263274
    Abstract: A game luring scent diffusing device includes a supply container and a collection container suspended from the supply container by an elongated porous wick extending between the containers. A first end of the wick extends through an opening in a cap that is threaded to the supply container. A second end of the wick extends through an opening in a cap that is threaded to the collection container. The supply container is suspended in an inverted manner so that the game luring scent flows downwardly along the wick where the scent becomes airborne by air currents. Excess amounts of the scent which flow down the wick continue to flow into the collection container where it is collected and stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Speed