Associated With Vent Passage Patents (Class 222/189.09)
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Patent number: 7594595Abstract: A device for dispensing a product may include a receptacle including at least one elastically deformable wall configured to be deformed to vary an interior volume of the receptacle, and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage. The flow reducer may at least partially include an elastically deformable, compressible material. The at least one passage may be substantially closed at at least one portion of its length when the flow reducer is in a substantially closed, at rest position. The at least one passage may be configured to enlarge when the compressible material is at least partially compressed via the effect of pressure from the product when the interior volume of the receptacle is reduced, thereby enabling dispensing of at least a portion of the product via the at least one passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: L'Oréal S.A.Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Publication number: 20090152302Abstract: This assembly is of the type including: a container (4) for containing the liquid; a liquid dispensing device (6), including: a spout (20) through which liquid can pass out and air can come in; and elements (28) for filtering liquid and air passing through the spout (20); and a cap (14) for closing the container (4). One feature of the invention is that the assembly includes elements (38, 41, 39) for encouraging the entrance of air and/or the return of a residual quantity of liquid trapped in the spout (20) after dispensing some liquid, through the filtering elements (28), into the container (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: REXAM PHARMAInventor: Guillaume Grevin
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Patent number: 7516765Abstract: Apparatus (1) for the introduction of air into enteral containers (2). A valve (14) is provided in a connection member (4) connecting the enteral set with the container (2) containing the enteral liquid and controls the introduction of air corresponding to the consumption of the enteral liquid. The valve (14) may include an oleophobic filter material that covers the air inlet (16) projecting into the connection member (4). The valve (14) on the side facing the container (2) is provided with a cutting device (20) for the foil closure of aluminum or plastics closing the container (2) in its initial delivered state. The cutting device (20) may be a circular or partly circular projection (28) rising from a low side (30) to a high side (32).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Filtertek Inc.Inventors: Brendan Hogan, Rolf Rainer Scheu
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Publication number: 20080302828Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a liquid, semi-fluid or suspended product, comprising a container which houses the product to be dispensed through a nozzle, as well as a unit for changing and filtering the air entering the container following the dispensing of the product. According to the invention, the assembly formed by the container and the nozzle with which said container is equipped comprises at least: one flexible part which, when actuated, causes the product to be discharged; and a first valve which is associated with the nozzle in older to enable the discharge of the product when the flexible part is actuated, but without allowing the ingress of external air when said flexible part is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: SIVELInventor: Jacques Pozzi
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Publication number: 20080302829Abstract: The dispensing bottle includes a dispensing head with an air inlet allowing ambient air to enter an opening of a reservoir portion of the bottle, and a filter member that fits over and seals the opening of the reservoir portion of the bottle for filtering the ambient air entering the bottle to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir portion of the bottle along with ambient air.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Fulwider Patton LLPInventor: Ronald B. Smernoff
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Patent number: 7228992Abstract: A single-use fluid dispenser cartridge, installable or installed into a host fluid dispensing apparatus, is described. The single-use fluid dispenser cartridge is provided with a fluid reservoir, a fill tube assembly, and means for controlling pressure within the cartridge by gating gas into or out of the reservoir and/or the fill tube assembly. The gas gating mean enables, in certain embodiments, use of a fluid reservoir that is “substantially rigid”.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Brett M. Belongia, Stephen P. Proulx
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Patent number: 7225949Abstract: A liquid drug container comprises a container body 1; a nozzle member 2 liquid-tightly mounted on the container body 1; and a nozzle cap 6 fitted on the nozzle member 2. A nozzle hole 231 of the nozzle member 2 is covered with a hydrophilic filer 3, and a top wall of the nozzle member 2 is provided with an air hole 24 covered with a hydrophobic filter 4. The nozzle member 2 may be provided with a filter-mounting member 8 for attachment of the filters. Also, the nozzle member 2 may be provided with a flow control member that controls air flowing into the container body through the air hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignees: Nipro Corporation, Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiko Kubo, Ikuko Asada
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Patent number: 7172097Abstract: A fluid-dispenser pump having a pump body (10) containing a measuring chamber (20) defined between an upper piston (30) sliding in an upper portion (11) of the pump body (10), and a lower piston (40) sliding in a lower portion (12) of the pump body (10). The lower piston (40) co-operates with a spring (50) disposed in the lower portion (12) of the pump body (10). The spring (50) is isolated from any contact with the fluid, and the lower portion (12) of the pump body includes an air-intake (15) enabling air to be admitted and/or expelled during actuation of the pump. Isolation is provided to prevent fluid from penetrating into the air-intake (15).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventor: Ludovic Petit
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Patent number: 7168459Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Hynetics LLCInventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley H Buchanan, Jim A Austin
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Patent number: 7150376Abstract: A double-layered fluid container which includes an upper diaphragm and a lower diaphragm, which provides alternating squeezing action so that the upper diaphragm and the lower diaphragm causes an opening and a closing action to the container. The contents in the container are isolated from the external contact with air and therefore oxidation process is inhibited and the container provides a constant delivery of the contents and the contents are prevented from back flowing into the container. The delivery of the contents can be controlled at a stable squeezing pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventor: Chang-Keng Tsai
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Patent number: 7114635Abstract: An antipollution cap comprises a base member (7) attachable to an eyedrops container (A) for containing a fluid, a overcap (8) mountable on the base member (7), a pressing member (9) inserted into and held by the base member (7) to be slidable relative thereto, with a groove portion (91) formed in a side face thereof for guiding the fluid to the outside, the pressing member being pressed toward the eyedrops container (A) by the overcap (8) to cancel a sealed condition of the eyedrops container (A), a first tight contact member (11) provided on a tip end portion (77) of the base member (7) to be placed in tight contact with the pressing member (9) from outside and yet allow the fluid to be discharged therethrough, and a second tight contact member (12) provided on an inner periphery of the base member (7) to be placed in tight contact with the pressing member (9) in a pressed position thereby preventing the fluid from being discharged therethrough and yet allowing ambient air to flow therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Yamada
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Patent number: 7051902Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway that permits air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Denfred Holdings, Ltd.Inventors: Dennis Rivard, Zhendong Liu, Fan Kun
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Patent number: 7040511Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump including a pump body (10), a piston (20) being slidably received in leaktight manner in the pump body (10) to slide between a rest position and a dispensing position, the top edge (11) of the pump body (10) being fixed in a fixing ring (5) serving to assemble the pump to a reservoir (1), an annular sealing gasket (100, 200) being disposed between the pump body (10) and the fixing ring (5), the pump further being provided with a intake air passageway (80) between the reservoir (1) and the atmosphere, the pump being characterized in that a filtration and/or treatment element (100) for filtering and/or treating the intake air is provided in the intake air passageway (80), the filtration element (100) being disposed between the top edge (11) of the pump body and the fixing ring (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Ludovic Petit
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Patent number: 6988640Abstract: An annular pan for mounting over a drum lid containing a liquid, the drum top having a hole for a pump conduit and an air hole. The annular pan has multiple parallel elongated walls increasing in height from the pump conduit to a portion of the pan containing a drain hole axially aligned with the drum lid air hole. The drain hole contains a filter for preventing particles from entering the drum. A raised edge of the pan above a top surface of the pan has an indentation for receipt of the pump conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Michael Backe
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Patent number: 6986443Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. Various different dosing and/or dispensing embodiments are disclosed which enable the liquid to be dosed or dispensed by gravity from the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Rodney Laible
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Patent number: 6979428Abstract: A system for sterilizing or microbially deactivating instruments and devices. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber for containing the instruments and devices. The chamber forms a portion of the circulation system. The system further includes a fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly. The fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly includes a manifold having an inner cavity that is in fluid communication with the circulation system, an overflow port in the manifold, and an overflow valve assembly disposed in the manifold allowing fluid flow from the cavity to the overflow port when a pressure in the cavity exceeds a pressure in the overflow port by a predetermined amount. A filter assembly is attached to the manifold. The filter assembly has a filter valve assembly in communication with the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Jethrow, Jude A. Kral, Donald A. Sargent
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Patent number: 6942124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly, Peter D. Shears, Bradley Deml, Marvin Klowak
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Patent number: 6923345Abstract: A dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the container is closed by a throat plug assembly having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container is mounted in a dispensing fixture which is closed when the container is not mounted on the dispensing system. The throat plug assembly also includes a specifically shaped valve which is opened slightly when the container is being stored or transported to vent vapor pressure from within the container should the same be necessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Rodney Laible
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Patent number: 6920960Abstract: An inline oiler cartridge assembly for a pneumatically powered instrument includes a housing, a first conduit and a second conduit. The housing includes a lower portion removably attached to an upper portion. The lower portion defines an inner cavity and an outer cavity. A source of oil is disposed in the inner cavity. A dry fiber cellulose material is disposed in the outer cavity. The first conduit has a first end for attachment to a source of pressurized air and a second end for attachment to a pneumatically powered instrument. The first conduit passes through a portion of the upper portion of the housing and defines a channel for transmission of the source of pressurized air. The channel is in fluid communication with the inner cavity such that the source of pressurized air draws oil into an air stream for delivery to the pneumatically powered instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Brian Highley
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Patent number: 6904929Abstract: A normally open check valve, incorporating a bell-shaped check valve member, and filter assembly incorporating same, wherein the specific gravity of the bell shaped member volume as defined by the throat, and exterior wall of the bell shaped member is less than one, and the bell shaped member is disposed adjacent a valve seat in a chamber with the throat opening thereof generally facing a liquid source, among other things. The low specific gravity for the bell shaped member volume may be attained by way of example, by the bell shaped member interior capturing and retaining a gas bubble when the throat of the member is exposed to a liquid-gas interface, or by a thin member covering the throat of the bell shaped member to encapsulate a gas bubble, or by a foamed synthetic resin material in the interior of the bell shaped member, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Filtertek Inc.Inventor: Rick R. Ruschke
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Patent number: 6883686Abstract: As storage and dispensing system for the storage of dispensable products under atmospherically modified conditions and for the dispensing of such products from the system. The system is for use with dispensable products, more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the product. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container, a valve for enabling a fluid communication between the container and an atmosphere modification source (vacuum pump, inert gas insertion device or other oxygen depletion mechanism), and a gateway for opening the container to the atmosphere and dispensing the product therefrom. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Community Coffee Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Carl M. Langlois, David G. Belanger, K. Randall Russ, H. Norman Saurage, III
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Patent number: 6868990Abstract: The invention relates generally to a foam dispenser having a reservoir, a housing, and a chamber. The reservoir delivers fluid to the housing and the chamber through a dip-tube. The chamber moves within the housing in response to fluid pressure or air pressure from the reservoir, allowing air and foamable liquid to enter the chamber. Foam-producing packing material inside the chamber causes the air and foamable liquid to mix and produce foam.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Emsar, Inc.Inventors: Miro Cater, Fabrizio Camplone
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Patent number: 6837400Abstract: An improvement to a bottle for storing, identifying, and dispensing liquids comprises a valve-type nozzle coupled to the outer end of the tube, a vent, and an optional identification tag. The valve-type nozzle is adjustable along a continuous range between open and closed conditions to permit dispensing of fluid in a controlled fashion and sealing of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Nalge Nunc International CorporationInventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, John D. DeLorme
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Patent number: 6808085Abstract: A first reservoir body (13) includes two necks (19, 20). One neck (19) carries a thrust piston pump (11) including a medium outlet (37). The other neck (20) carries a closed second reservoir body (14) including a second medium. When the closure (9) is opened, the second medium is transferred into the first reservoir body (13) where it is mixed with or dissolved in the first medium. Thereafter, the mixed media can be discharged by the dosing pump (11) from the first reservoir body (13) in discrete doses in sequence. Thus, the media are stored separately and are not merged until being discharged.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbHInventors: Juergen Greiner-Perth, Hans Merk, Thomas Eberhard
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Patent number: 6805301Abstract: A fluid product dispenser includes: a fluid product tank, a dispenser part comprising a pierced membrane connected directly to the tank, a mechanism to vibrate the pierced membrane, and an actuator button to activate the vibration mechanism. The tank is located above the pierced membrane such that the fluid product is supplied to the membrane from the tank using the force of gravity under normal operating conditions. The membrane is connected to the tank by a passage provided with an inlet valve capable of opening and cutting off the passage selectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Firmin Garcia
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Patent number: 6800072Abstract: A contrast dispensing system (10) reduces cost by directly connecting a check valve (210) to and between the reservoir inlet port (220) and the mating luer connector (204) of a disposable set (200). A contrast dispensing system (10) includes as part of the reservoir (212) an integrally molded cap (280) having the inlet port (200) and a lateral pipe (300) to confine contrast media (14) therein and disperse it at separate locations (334, 336) within the chamber (260) of reservoir (212). The reservoir (212) may have a vent port (284) with a flip cap (294) for selectively opening or closing same.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Medex, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Patzer
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Patent number: 6793102Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal use, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure-vent unit having an orifice and is disposed through the bottle above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Access Global, Inc.Inventors: Ah Beng Tan, Peter H. M. Chang
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Publication number: 20040173636Abstract: An improvement to a bottle for storing, identifying, and dispensing liquids comprises a valve-type nozzle coupled to the outer end of the tube, a vent, and an optional identification tag. The valve-type nozzle is adjustable along a continuous range between open and closed conditions to permit dispensing of fluid in a controlled fashion and sealing of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Nalge Nunc InternationalInventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, John D. DeLorme
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Patent number: 6736298Abstract: A filter monitor system is provided in a bottled water cooler for automatically tracking a filter service interval, and for indicating that filter cleaning or replacement is required for continued efficient cooler operation. In the preferred form, the water cooler includes a thermoelectric chiller module for chilling at least a portion of water contained within a cooler reservoir. An air filter is mounted on a filter frame which is removably positioned for filtering air drawn by a fan to circulate over a heat sink associated with the thermoelectric chiller module. The filter monitor system includes a reset switch engaged by the filter frame to initiate and track a predetermined filter service time interval, such as thirty days, and to energize a signal such as an indicator light at the conclusion of this service interval to indicate that the air filter should be removed for cleaning or replacement.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Oasis CorporationInventors: Louis M. Busick, John W. Host, Larry L. Nichols, Stephen W. Wharton
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Patent number: 6729504Abstract: The invention relates to an air-intake device for drawing air into a liquid dispenser equipped with a rigid reservoir (R) and with an atmospheric pump (P) provided, in particular, with a cylindrical and conical body (C) underlying a support flange (S) fixed to the reservoir (R), said device being characterized in that it comprises a sleeve (1) designed to be fitted around said body (C) of the pump, under said flange (S), and having its bottom portion provided with a vent-forming collar (10) whose inside wall which serves to come into radial clamping engagement against said body has a surface state such that said collar (10) is both impermeable to the liquid and also permeable to air.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Rexam Dispensing SystemsInventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Pierre Dumont
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Patent number: 6708848Abstract: A water cooler has three vertically elongate arcuate walls 2, 3 and 4 and a removable top cover 6 which is adapted to receive and support an inverted bottle with its neck passing through an aperture 15 in the top cover. An internal platform is mounted below the top cover to receive a removable coupling member which incorporates a feed tube for insertion into the neck of the container. The platform also contains an opening in registration with a thermal receptacle mounted below the platform for receiving a reservoir connected to the feed tube to receive water from the container, and may also receive other replaceable components such as an air filter. An apertured ventilation duct 5 extends vertically at the junction between the side walls 3 and 4 and is rigidly connected to two structural members by the platform, a base plinth 1 and an internal bulkhead.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Watson Enterprises LimitedInventors: Kenneth Sheridan, Ian Norman Painter, Robert Martin Finnegan, Martin Thorpe, Lionel Chew, Doug Hamilton
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Patent number: 6672479Abstract: A closing member 3 is equipped with a dispensing valve 8 and a filter 7. The valve 8 is deformed resiliently to shift its valve head 82 downstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if pressure less than a first predetermined pressure and more than a second predetermined pressure is acted on the inner surface of the valve head 82. The valve 8 returns to its original shape to shift the valve head 82 upstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if the pressure is removed, thereby sucking fluid remaining within the passage 10 back to the upstream side of the filter 7. The closing member 3 has a supporter 31d that prevents the orifice 82a of the valve head 82 from opening when a negative pressure is generated in the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: Taisai Kako Co., Ltd./Nihon Tenganyaku, Kenkyusyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Keiji Hamamoto, Hirokazu Mihashi
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Patent number: 6648180Abstract: The present invention relates to a duplex stopper-type water dispensing and water bottle supporting apparatus which is adapted to a water bottle-type water dispensing apparatus in which a water bottle is mounted in an upside down configuration for thereby effectively dispensing water. The above apparatus is formed of an upper water bottle receiving portion and a lower water draining pipe portion and is sealed by an O-ring. A water draining pipe formed of a plurality of guide plates is provided in a center of the water draining pipe portion, so that it is possible to implement a continuous and enhanced water draining operation based on a concurrent exchanging operation of water draining and air inflow in one pipe for thereby implementing a simple construction and easier cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Clover Company Ltd.Inventors: Young Mu Moon, Son Kyu Lee, Hyung Min Park
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Patent number: 6644515Abstract: A filter-valve assembly for exhausting fumes from a liquid container includes a mounting-valve assembly having a valve poppet that is moved to an open position in response to a filter-cartridge assembly being attached to a valve-assembly housing by a filter-cartridge attaching mechanism and is moved to a closed position in response to the filter-cartridge assembly being detached from the valve housing. The filter-cartridge assembly includes a coalescing filter and a carbon filter, with an orientation-activated capsize valve located in a coalescing-filter housing for preventing spills upon capsizing and litmus-like material at an exit opening of a carbon-filter housing for indicating a need to replace the carbon filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
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Patent number: 6626213Abstract: A dispenser device for refrigerated drinks (carbonated or not) for domestic refrigerators, the drinks being drawn from containers (bottles and vessels in general) removably coupled to the device and dispensed via valve means forming part of the device, said device comprising a removable component to be connected to the container and forming part of a pneumatic path valve-controlled between the atmosphere and the container, said dispensing valve means being linearly movable against elastic means, both the valving control of the pneumatic path and the operation of the valve means being effected by a single mechanical control member.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Marco Maritan, Armando Luisi, Carlo Bianchi
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Patent number: 6588630Abstract: A drinking fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal operation, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure vent with an orifice disposed through the bottle and above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Access Global, Inc.Inventors: An Beng Tan, Peter H. M. Chang
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Patent number: 6568660Abstract: A pourer (101) for simultaneously pouring a liquid from a container and mixing air into the liquid. The pourer comprises an elongated annular body (102) which defines an outer surface having a part (103) which is adapted to be fitted into an opening of the container. The annular body defines a longitudinally extending through-going channel (104) and has an air intake opening (106) extending transversely to the channel and penetrating the body, so as to allow air to be sucked into the channel when liquid is flowing from the container through the channel. The channel defines a contraction (105) near the air intake opening, so as to generate a low pressure in the area of the contraction when liquid is flowing through the channel and thereby assist in sucking air into the channel through the air intake opening. A screen (107) with perforations (108) may be provided inside the channel (104).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Torben Flanbaum
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Patent number: 6523724Abstract: The present inventors have discovered a new vent which can be used in a venting closure and particularly in venting closures for large heavy duty liquid detergent and other liquid laundry product containers. In one embodiment, the vent comprises a wall, a vent opening in the wall, and one or more spacers on the surface of a face of the wall. Most especially the spacers are protuberances, especially rounded protuberances. A liner is adhered to a portion of the surface of the face and spaced from the vent opening by the spacers. The liner is made of a material which permits air to pass through the vent hole, but preferably, the liner material does not permit liquids to pass through the vent hole. In an especially preferred embodiment, the liner is comprised of a tetrafluoroethylene polymer. In a most preferred embodiment the application is also directed to a venting closure.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: John Michael Paulovich, Edward John Giblin, Richard Chalmers, Corinne Saso
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Patent number: 6485644Abstract: A water dispenser supports a bottle having a neck closed with a holder accommodating a water filter. The cap member has an inwardly converging sleeve complementary to and engageable with the outer surface of the filter to retain the filter on the bottle neck. An air bleed hole in the bottle is located at a selected height relative to the exit openings of the filter to control maximum flow rate of fluid through the filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Henry Alan Bowler
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Patent number: 6460738Abstract: A fluid dispenser device has a fluid reservoir (10) and a dispensing member (20), such as a pump, actuated by an actuating rod (5) that is connected to a dispenser head (30) to dispense fluid selectively. The dispensing member is fixed to the reservoir by a fixing element (40), the dispenser device being provided with an air vent (50) situated outside the reservoir and outside the fixing element, an air filter element (60, 75) being disposed in the vicinity of the air vent, outside the fixing element, and the filter element being held on or in the vicinity of the air vent by an outer member (70) fixed to the fixing element and/or to the reservoir. The outer member has a fixing portion (71) which is fixed to the fixing element of the dispenser device, and a flexible membrane portion connected in leaktight manner to the actuating rod and/or to a piece (35) of the dispenser head.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Ludovic Petit
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Patent number: 6454137Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening, comprising a baffle having at one end a surface for blocking communication with the opening, an orifice at a top end of the baffle for communicating with the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Ron Sturk
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Patent number: 6451211Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: George Plester, Stijn Vandekerckhove
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Patent number: 6360919Abstract: A fluid dispenser device includes a fluid tank, a dispensing pump (10) operating without air intake, a turret (20) supporting and fixing the pump (10), the turret being fixed on the tank by a fixing ring (30), the device being characterized in that at least a portion (21) of the turret (20) is made of a plastics material that is permeable to air.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: François Brule
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Patent number: 6354469Abstract: The device comprises a rigid container, a manual pump mounted on the container for dispensing in unit doses the product contained in the container and a filter for filtering outside air entering the container when the pump is actuated. The pump has no air intake in the container and the filter is arranged in an air intake passage provided in the base of the container, which is injection-moulded. The invention is useful for packaging and dispensing of fluids, in particular liquids, which need to be maintained germ-free.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: SivelInventor: Jacques Pozzi
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Patent number: 6336571Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Laboratoires Thea S.A.Inventors: Henri Chibret, Michel Faurie, Jacques Luyckx, Alain Defemme, Thierry Coquel
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Patent number: 6257455Abstract: A retainer for holding a pump body onto a container is formed with an annular trough having a passage offset from the axis of the retainer and permitting escape of build-up pressure in the container to the outside. The trough has a radial surface in which the passage terminates. An annular laminate layer of gas-permeable/liquid impermeable material is secured to the radial surface covering the passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventors: George R. Trepina, Kenneth S. Bloom, Wing-Kwong Keung, Doraiswami Jaichandra
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Patent number: 6244472Abstract: A dispenser for substances packaged in the form of a liquid, cream, or gel, and particularly intended for cosmetic, dermatological, pharmaceutical, ophthalmic, or perfumery applications. The dispenser includes a tank (1) containing the substance (2) and is connected at one of its ends to a head provided with a pump (4) fitted with a fixing collar (3) and with a controlled shutter device for the vent (40) formed on the body (41) of the pump (4). The shutter device includes an air-permeable diffuser element (6) containing non-migratory agents for bacteriological and/or chemical treatment of air by contact. The diffuser element (6) is engaged on the pump body (41) and held by leakproof peripheral radial clamping of at least one annular zone, and by its top portion being engaged in the fixing collar.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: SOFABInventor: Pascal Hennemann
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Patent number: 6237814Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing fluid products in an aerosol form. The invention provides a pump (2) mounted on a container for storage of the product. The pump comprises a pump body (3) defining a metering chamber (7), an inlet (25) within the container and a stem (4) for discharging product from the metering chamber and recharging it. Ventilating structures are provided communicating between an exterior of the apparatus and an interior of the container. The ventilating structures comprising a filter (40) through which ambient air passes, wherein the filter is annular and comprises an axially extending sleeve portion (41) conformal with an internal surface of the pump body.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Bespak plcInventors: Wayne Blyler, Andrew Wright
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Patent number: 6234365Abstract: The invention relates to an endpiece for dispensing and/or measuring out liquid pharmaceutical substances, the endpiece comprising a cylindro-conical body (1) fitted with a bottom base (13) for receiving thrust and for coupling to a tank capable of being put under pressure, and an axial ejection duct (10) containing a central core (2) and communicating firstly at its top end with a spray nozzle, and secondly at its bottom end with the tank, it is characterized in that the top end of the ejection duct (10) is closed in temporary and leakproof manner by a wall (111) which is secured to the top portion (1a) of the body (1) and which extends perpendicularly to the duct, the wall being movable in reversible manner under drive from the substance, said wall being provided with a central orifice (110) capable of being closed in the closed position by a stud (20) secured to the core (2) being forced thereagainst, the periphery of the wall being attached to said body (1) via an elastically deformable link element (112)Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Rexam SofabInventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Pascal Hennemann, David Leuliet
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Patent number: 6209753Abstract: A water dispenser for upright stand water bottles includes a hollow post, a base plate which rests on the ground and supports an end portion of the post, a water tank assembly having a housing, a cover for opening or closing the housing, a water tank installed into the housing, and a unit for cooling or heating a water in the water tank, and which is installed to be attachable or detachable onto or from a holder to be coupled to another end portion of the post, a faucet for controlling a flow of the heated or cooled water from the water tank assembly, a suction tube one end portion of which is inserted into a water bottle resting adjacent the post so as to provide a path for supplying water in the bottle to the water tank assembly, a pump assembly which is connected to an intermediate portion of the suction tube so as to pump water from the water bottle, and a control for controlling the pump assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Hee-Bum Ohu