With Material Treatment Or Conditioning Means Patents (Class 222/190)
  • Patent number: 8596494
    Abstract: A gas recovery system for a beverage dispensing system is provided. The system includes a mechanism for drawing gas from an at least partially used beverage container, a compressor downstream of the at least partially used beverage container, a gas separator downstream of the compressor, and a gas storage vessel downstream of the gas separator. The gas recovery system is configured to draw gas from the at least partially used beverage container, to separate the gas into component gases by passing the gas through the gas separator, and to selectively direct at least one of the separated component gases to the gas storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stanwell Technic Limited
    Inventor: Glyn Jones
  • Publication number: 20130313285
    Abstract: Provided is a foam dispenser that is capable of preventing water or the like from entering an air cylinder. In the foam dispenser, a liquid piston is fitted in a liquid cylinder portion, and an air piston is fitted in an air cylinder portion, and upward and downward displacement of the actuator causes a content liquid within the liquid cylinder portion and air within the air cylinder portion to be mixed and foamed and then dispensed from a nozzle, and a partition wall is provided with an ambient air introducing hole, and from at least a portion of a hole periphery of the ambient air introducing hole, a water entering prevention side wall portion stands for preventing water from entering the ambient air introducing hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeo Iizuka, Hiroshi Mizushima
  • Publication number: 20130306678
    Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Buckeye International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Criswell, Casey B. Stahl, Mark Hirte, Lawrence R. Happ
  • Publication number: 20130299517
    Abstract: Foam dispenser systems, pumps and refill units are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a foam pump connected to the container. The pump incorporates a simple and inexpensive valve arrangement to move liquid through the pump and to create the foam. For example, a liquid foam pump may include a housing and a valve stem that moves in two directions. The valve stem has an inlet liquid pathway and an outlet liquid pathway to convey liquid to a mixing. In addition, a moveable valve body is movable by the valve stem in a first direction to move the valve body to the first position to open a liquid inlet pathway, and moveable in a second direction to move the valve body to the second position to open the outlet liquid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Robert L. Quinlan, John J. McNulty, James M. Yates
  • Publication number: 20130299518
    Abstract: A refill unit for a foam dispenser that has an air compressor permanently attached to the dispenser is provided herein. The refill unit includes a liquid container and a body portion having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body portion is fluidly coupled to the liquid container. A liquid chamber is located in the pump body, the liquid chamber having an expanded state and a contracted state. An outlet nozzle is located proximate a second end of the body portion. A mixing chamber is located within the body portion. An air inlet is located through the body portion and is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet. The sanitary seal allows air to enter into the mixing chamber and prevents liquid from traveling out of the body portion through the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Nick E. Ciavarella, Robert L. Quinlan, David D. Hayes, David J. Smith, Jonathan E. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 8579159
    Abstract: A foam dispenser includes a foam pump communicating with the contents of a container holding a foamable liquid. The foam pump includes a pump body, a passage extending through the pump body from an inlet to an outlet, an inlet valve including an inlet flow regulator, and an outlet valve including an outlet flow regulator. The inlet receives foamable liquid from the container. The inlet valve and outlet valve are positioned in the passage to define (a) an inlet stage, (b) an outlet stage, and (c) a transition stage. A liquid port extends through the pump body and communicates with the transition stage, and an air port extends through the pump body and communicates with the outlet stage. A liquid bellows surrounds the liquid port and an air bellows surrounds the air port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Publication number: 20130292419
    Abstract: Embodiments of foam dispensers including a housing, an air compressor connected to the housing and an actuator for actuating the air compressor are disclosed herein. The air compressor releasably mates with a refill unit. The dispenser has an “empty state” and a “refilled state.” The empty state occurs when there is not a refill unit positioned in the dispenser, and the refilled state occurs when the refill unit is positioned in the dispenser. The air compressor remains connected to the housing during the refilled state and remains connected to the housing during the empty state. One refill unit for a foam pump dispenser includes a container for containing a foamable liquid and liquid pump housing connected to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Robert L. Quinlan, Mark E. Rosenkranz, Aaron R. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130292420
    Abstract: Provided is a foam dispenser in which upward and downward displacement of an actuator causes a content liquid within a liquid cylinder and air within an air cylinder to be mixed and foamed, such that the foam so generated is dispensed from an outlet of a dispenser head. The dispenser head has a structure with a minimized thickness to thereby increase the dispensing amount. The dispenser head includes two members, i.e., a first member and a second member, that have special configuration for allowing the two members to be easily removed from a die and formed in a small thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mizushima
  • Publication number: 20130284763
    Abstract: A foam assembly connectable to a liquid container includes a main pump body, a resiliently deformable piston dome, an air chamber, a liquid chamber, a mixing zone and a porous member. The main pump body has an exit nozzle with the porous member therein. The air chamber and the liquid chamber are each defined by the piston dome and the main pump body. The liquid chamber has a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. The mixing zone is in flow communication with the air chamber and the liquid chamber. The volume of the air chamber and the liquid chamber are each dependent on the position of piston dome and during an activation stroke the piston moves from the at rest position to the depressed position and responsively the volume of the air chamber and the volume of the liquid chamber are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: PIBED LIMITED
    Inventors: Stewart BANKS, Christopher James LANG, Dean Philip LIMBERT, David Michael Ross CREAGHAN
  • Patent number: 8561919
    Abstract: A foam spray head assembly includes a head, a first piston unit, a valve unit, a link, a second piston unit, a cylinder, a resilient member and a resilient valve. The valve unit is directly connected to the head to allow the valve unit to receive the pressing force of the head to quickly respond in the form of reciprocating motion. The parts made of metal such as the spring is isolated from the liquid to ensure that the liquid is not affected by the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Derxin (Shanghai) Cosmetics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ya-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 8561849
    Abstract: A foam spray head assembly includes a push head, a mounting member, a netted member, an air valve, a main plunge, a piston unit, a rod unit, a resilient member, a cylinder unit and a valve. The netted member has a first net and a second net. The air valve has a first groove and a second groove. The main plunge has a first plunge and a second plunge. The first plunge is located in the second groove and defines a first chamber. The piston unit has a first piston and a second piston. The rod unit extends through the main plunge. The resilient member is mounted to the second plunge. The cylinder unit has a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The first piston is movable in the first cylinder and forms a second chamber. The second piston is movable in the second cylinder and forms a third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ya-Tsan Wang
  • Publication number: 20130270300
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a diluted form of a concentrated product includes: a supply of concentrated product; a dilution chamber; an actuation assembly and a product pump mechanism having a water staging chamber. The actuation assembly receives water under pressure from a pressurized water supply. In a staging state, water from the pressurized water supply is fed to the water staging chamber, increasing the volume thereof and causing the actuating of the pump mechanism thereby driving a dose of product into the dilution chamber. In a return state, (a) water within the water staging chamber exits the water staging chamber, (b) water is advanced to the dilution chamber and mixes with the dose of product to create diluted product, and (c) a dose of concentrated product is drawn from the supply of concentrated product into the product pump mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Paul R. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 8550307
    Abstract: A dispensing device comprising an enclosure and a pump, in which the enclosure comprises a base and a cover, in which the cover is attached to the base with a hinge and is rotatable about said hinge towards and away from said base, in which the pump comprises an operating plunger, in which the cover is connected to said plunger by a pivoting linkage adapted to convert the rotational movement of the cover into a linear movement of the operating plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Limited
    Inventors: Etienne Bunoz, Jeremy Rossall, Caryi Kwong
  • Publication number: 20130255716
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for cleaning a microwave oven, and a suitable foaming microwave cleaning composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MYKAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Kenneth George Underwood, Miriana Dimma McGuire
  • Patent number: 8544698
    Abstract: Dispensers are provided including pumps for dispensing a foamed product out of an outlet provided in a dispensing tube. The foam is created from the mixing of a foamable liquid and air, with separate pumps being provided for each component. The dispensing tube is stationary, although the pumps themselves have parts that must move to dispense the foamed product. A single actuator operates both the liquid and air pumps. Additionally, in some embodiments, the air pump advances air before the liquid pump advances liquid. These pumps are particularly suited to the dispensing of a foamed skin care or skin sanitizing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130254136
    Abstract: A customizable fluid product dispensing system includes a container including a volume of fluid product, a pump secured to the container and in fluid communication with the fluid product, and a cover assembly positioned over a portion of the pump and secured to the pump or container. The pump may include a plastic component infused with a fragrance for imparting the fragrance to the fluid dispensed from the system. The cover assembly may also include a plastic component with an infused fragrance for providing an air freshening function to the dispensing system. A vignette may be provided on the cover assembly, and may correspond to the fragrance of one or both of the pump and cover assembly. An air freshener base unit is provided to interact with the dispensing systems or with common desktop type dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E Ciavarella, Matthew J. Archer, Todd Cartner, Diane Hillman, Amanda Jo Copeland
  • Publication number: 20130236579
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to anti-microbial cleanser compositions comprising linalool, hinokitiol and dipropylene glycol. The present invention further provides methods for using these compositions to maintain eyelid hygiene, to treat an ocular disorder or to clean a skin surface. The cleanser compositions of the present invention can be in the form of a foam, gel or liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Vision Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey GILBARD, Yanick DOUYON, Robert B HUSON
  • Patent number: 8523019
    Abstract: A very compact, stopper style pourer that can be inserted in a wide range of container neck sizes. The above mentioned end stopper is multifunctional, combining pouring, aeration, provision for preservation and capping in an integrated innovative design. The pourer is equipped with an internal aeration system, based on the Venturi principle, a non-protruding, non-drip spout, built inside the stopper, an access opening for a preserving gas supply, a telescopic extension in the container that regulates the aeration and improves the preserving gas usage. The stopper is also fitted with a hinged lid that has a co molded seal and lock, to provide a positive capping. The front face of the lid is suitable in size to carry any logo/marking, similar to any wine container cork-sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Drobot, Adam Balogh
  • Patent number: 8517350
    Abstract: An improved venturi apparatus for the incorporation of air into a liquid as it is poured from a bottle. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an entry section, a constricted intermediate section, and an outflow section. Lateral tubes extend from the constricted intermediate section so as to form an acute angle relative to both the central and cross-sectional axes of the constricted intermediate section, thereby preventing leakage of liquid out through the lateral tubes during use and subsequent handling. The device includes a ventilation tube with a ventilation cavity for capturing backwash of the liquid as pouring is terminated, and for preventing leakage from the ventilation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Franmara, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Tsai, Frank O. Chiorazzi, F. David LaRiviere
  • Patent number: 8511516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for hygienically reconstituting and delivering food preparations, such as drinks, comprising a metering and mixing device (3) connected to a container (4) containing a base liquid, in the form of a package (2) configured to be connected to a base station (5). The metering and mixing device comprises a pump for metering the liquid, a diluent intake and a mixing chamber. Coupling means (51) are provided for providing the diluent supply and the means for driving the liquid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Klopfenstein, Elmar Mock, Christoph Rusch, Naomi Bitmead
  • Patent number: 8505776
    Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Criswell, Casey B. Stahl, Mark Hirte, Lawrence R. Happ
  • Publication number: 20130200109
    Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of foam soap. In some embodiments, the dispenser can include a venturi device with an air inlet and a soap inlet. In certain implementations, the dispenser can include a flexible impeller pump. In some such embodiments, the pump can be configured to draw liquid soap through the soap inlet of the venturi device and air through the air inlet of the venturi device. The soap and air can mix to form foam, which can be drawn into the pump and dispensed via a nozzle in communication with the pump. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a screen, which can modify the texture of the foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventor: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130200098
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foaming pump mechanism for dispensing a foamable or foaming liquid composition, as well as dispensers for delivery of a foaming or foamable liquid composition therefrom, which is operable by a non-contact interaction with the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER LLC
    Inventors: MingDong Li, ZhiHao Liang, XianZhi Zhou
  • Patent number: 8499981
    Abstract: Foam dispensers having a housing and an air compressor connected to the housing are disclosed herein. The air compressor releasably mates with a refill unit. The refill includes a container and liquid pump housing. The liquid pump housing includes: a liquid reservoir; an inlet valve; an outlet valve; an air inlet opening through the liquid pump housing; a foaming screen; and a foam dispensing nozzle secured to the liquid pump housing. The liquid pump housing is configured to releasably mate with an air compressor that is not part of the refill unit but is secured to a foam pump dispenser housing, and the refill unit is configured to be removed from the foam dispenser without removing the air compressor from the foam dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Quinlan, Mark E. Rosenkranz, Aaron R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8499982
    Abstract: Embodiments of foam pumps and refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of a foam pump includes a housing, a mixing chamber located within the housing, an inlet into the mixing chamber and an outlet valve located downstream of the mixing chamber. In addition, a sealing member movable in a first direction and a second direction is included and provided in the housing, the sealing member being movable in the first direction by pressurized air. The pressurized air causes the sealing member to move in the first direction and open a pathway for pressurized air to travel through the inlet and enter the mixing chamber. Upon a decrease in the air pressure, the sealing member moves in the second direction and closes off the inlet from pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene W. Ray
  • Publication number: 20130193233
    Abstract: An aerosol actuator and manifold for dispersing an aerosol product wherein the manifold includes one or more air vents to promote the foaming of an aerosol product dispersed from the aerosol actuator. In some embodiments, the one or more air vents may be positioned downstream of an orifice cup mounted on the orifice of the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CALMAR, INC.
    Inventor: Steven A. Sell
  • Patent number: 8496142
    Abstract: The foam-dispensing pump container according to the present invention has the valve seat portion which protrudes inwardly below the air-liquid mixing unit and which is formed of the flexible member that can come into contact with the outer peripheral face of the latch portion of the rod-shaped valve body, and immediately after the nozzle head starts rising, the flexible valve seat portion comes into contact with the rod-shaped valve body before the upper opening end of the liquid chamber comes into contact with the rod-shaped valve body, thereby significantly reducing a backflow of the foam or liquid into the air passage, and consequently improving the usability of the foam-dispensing pump container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Shouji Uehira, Daisuke Saito
  • Patent number: 8496898
    Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for conveying hydrated lime is provided with ambient air for the pneumatic conveying system from a scrubber that removes carbon dioxide from the ambient air used in the conveying system. The scrubber includes a bed of hydrated lime through which ambient air is passed, to react carbon dioxide in the air with the hydrated lime in a reaction that forms limestone and water. The air that has passed through the fluidized bed, which is essentially carbon dioxide free, is also passed through a filter to remove particles suspended in the carbon dioxide free air. The carbon dioxide free air from the filter is provided to the pneumatic conveying system. The use of carbon dioxide free air ensures that the hydrated lime being transported in the conveying system will not react in the various conduits and ducts of the pneumatic conveying system to cause problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nol-Tec Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Mooney
  • Patent number: 8490833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, in particular in the form of a foam, at least comprising a liquid container and a dispensing assembly, the dispensing assembly comprising a liquid pump (4) and an actuating head (10). The actuating head comprises a discharge duct (12) and a dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid, and a circular protective cap (14), which protective cap can be guided into a space which is formed between a protective inner wall (29)and a protective outer wall (30) the dispensing assembly. One or more discharge openings (31) are provided near the bottom of the space which discharge to the outside. According to a first aspect of the invention, the one or more discharge openings discharge over a section (30A) of at most 180 degrees, preferably at most 90 degrees, of the periphery of the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Airspray N.V.
    Inventor: Edgar Ivo Maria van der Heijden
  • Publication number: 20130175306
    Abstract: A valve for forming a foam from a fluid, the valve includes an outer valve wall including a first end and a second end in fluid communication with each other and defining a chamber within the valve; an air intake bore intermediate outer valve wall first end and outer valve wall second end that provides fluid communication between a space outside of valve and the chamber; and at least two barriers within the chamber, wherein each of the at least two barriers defines an aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HIM FIRST, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Frailey
  • Patent number: 8474664
    Abstract: A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Publication number: 20130153685
    Abstract: A very compact, stopper style pourer that can be inserted in a wide range of container neck sizes. The above mentioned end stopper is multifunctional, combining pouring, aeration, provision for preservation and capping in an integrated innovative design. The pourer is equipped with an internal aeration system, based on the Venturi principle, a non-protruding, non-drip spout, built inside the stopper, an access opening for a preserving gas supply, a telescopic extension in the container that regulates the aeration and improves the preserving gas usage. The stopper is also fitted with a hinged lid that has a co molded seal and lock, to provide a positive capping. The front face of the lid is suitable in size to carry any logo/ marking, similar to any wine container cork-sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Drobot Michael J., Adam Balogh
  • Publication number: 20130139853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing dry ice snow, comprising a storage container (10) for receiving dry ice snow and vibrating means (102) and/or scraping means (103). An insert plate (105) with through-openings (106) is provided. The insert plate is located in the interior of the storage container (10), divides the storage container (10) into two regions, and can be set vibrating by means of the vibrating means (102) and/or scraped by means of the scraping means (103).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: DESISA GMBH
    Inventors: Jürg Solenthaler, Max Zeintl
  • Publication number: 20130140331
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser having an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means, and gas supply means, the outlet, mixing means, liquid supply means and/or gas supply means are so arranged that in a first condition liquid and gas may be supplied by the liquid supply means and gas supply means respectively through the mixing means to the outlet thereby dispensing foamed liquid from the outlet, or in a second condition liquid may be supplied to the outlet, thereby dispensing unfoamed liquid from the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Wallgate Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Boulton Renfrew
  • Publication number: 20130140380
    Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Allen Pelfrey, Richard C. Sayers, Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty, Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Publication number: 20130140323
    Abstract: The present application relates to a foaming soap dispenser. The soap dispenser includes a housing, a liquid storage tank, a pump, a main control assembly and an output assembly. The arrangement of the pump allows for control of the output which prevents the air-liquid mixture from freely back flowing or dripping. The soap dispenser includes a controller configured to reverse the fluid pumping direction of the pump allowing for some liquid provided to the outlet to be returned to the liquid storage tank. Return of some liquid to the liquid storage tank prevents contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130119083
    Abstract: A method of generating ozone containing fluid comprising: drawing atmospheric air into an air compartment, generating ozone within the air compartment from air in the air compartment by conversion within the compartment of oxygen in the air within the compartment into ozone to form ozonated air, discharging the ozonated air from the air compartment, mixing the ozonated discharged air with a flowable fluid to form a ozonated fluid-air mixture, and passing the ozonated fluid-air mixture out a discharge outlet. Preferrably the method is carried out in a dispenser utilizing a piston pump to draw air through a corona discharge ozone generator and to draw liquid from a liquid reservoir and simultaneously pass both the ozonated air and liquid through a foam generator to generate foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20130119090
    Abstract: Foamable sanitizing compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain alcohol, water, a foaming agent, and a foam strengthening agent. The foaming agent which may comprise a derivatized dimethicone has been found to cause the alcohol solution to foam even though alcohol has various defoaming properties. The foam strengthening agent may comprise, for instance, a betaine that contains organic molecules wherein at least 90% of the organic molecules have a carbon chain length of 18 carbon atoms or greater. In one embodiment, the composition can be contained in a non-aerosol dispensing container that mixes the composition with air causing the composition to foam when dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8439232
    Abstract: A manual pump action dispenser for dispensing at least one liquid from a container, the dispenser comprising a base and a cap (114) having an outlet (144) for the liquid, the base being mountable to or forming part of a container and the cap (114) being mountable to the base for movement relative to the base between a rest position and an actuated position, the dispenser further comprising a flexible insert (116) locatable between the base and the cap (114) to define a first pump chamber (122) for dispensing said at least one liquid, the insert being adapted to engage with the base to define an inlet through which said at least one liquid to be dispensed can enter the first pump chamber, the dispenser further comprising an inlet valve operable to enable liquid to enter the first pump chamber (122) through the inlet and an outlet valve arrangement operable to control the release of liquid from the first pump chamber through the outlet, in which the insert also defines a second pump chamber (123) for dispensing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Leafgreen Limited
    Inventors: Keith Laidler, Timothy Rodd
  • Publication number: 20130112715
    Abstract: A pump assembly with a first pump which draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to a second pump. The second pump receives the discharge from the first pump and air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump utilizes the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. Preferably, the second pump discharges in the withdrawal stroke, that is, while moving from a retracted position to a withdrawn position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GOTOHTI.COM INC.
    Inventor: GOTOHTI.COM INC.
  • Publication number: 20130105519
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a replaceable liquid container. A nozzle cap is arranged to at least partly enclose a foam pump during storage, transport and use of the replaceable liquid container. The nozzle cap is integral with the replaceable liquid container and is displaceable in the first direction so as to activate the foam pump in said first direction. The first end surface of the nozzle cap includes a dispensing opening aligned with the foam pump through which a quantity of liquid in the form of a foam is discharged upon activation of the foam pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Robin Sundberg, Per Möller
  • Publication number: 20130108679
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a foam or gel personal care composition having a disinfectant action including: 0.03-0.08% w/w of a biocide; a surfactant; a gelling agent; and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: ALETHEIAN INNOVATIONS LIMITED, THE PREMIERE POLISH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: The Premiere Polish Company Limited, Aletheian Innovations Limited
  • Publication number: 20130108748
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle comprising an ultrasound emitter is disclosed. A wall of the ultrasound emitter defines a channel. The ultrasound emitter comprises an inlet, a top and a bottom. The bottom of the ultrasound emitter may comprise a conical outlet. The conical outlet comprises an outer diameter that decreases in size in a direction towards an outlet opening defined by the conical outlet. The channel may extend from the inlet to the conical outlet. The dispensing nozzle further comprises a tube. The tube may be configured to deliver free-flowing material to the inlet. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to deliver ultrasound waves to free-flowing material flowing through channel. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to induce cavitation in free-flowing material passing through the conical outlet. The cavitation may be sufficient to destroy microorganisms and reduce microbial contamination of the free-flowing material dispensed from the dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventor: PepsiCo., Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130104939
    Abstract: A dispenser used when attached to an opening of a squeeze bottle to discharge a content liquid when inverted. The dispenser has a first channel to discharge a straight forward-moving liquid and a second channel to discharge a foaming liquid. The first channel has a first through channel connecting a first inlet for the content liquid to a first outlet. The second channel has a conduit that has an opening at an inner bottom of the bottle, extends to a foaming chamber, serves as an air supply channel, and has an inner diameter; the foaming chamber is connected to the conduit and mixes the content liquid with air to foam the content liquid; and a second through channel connecting the foaming chamber to a second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MENICON NECT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miduho Shibata, Tomio Nagao
  • Patent number: 8430107
    Abstract: A foam output device easy to produce foam is composed of a nozzle seat, a one-way air intake valve, a nozzle and a filter. When conducting assembly, the filter is firstly set into the housing aperture of the nozzle seat. In turn, an through hole of the one-way air intake valve is engaged with sleeve of the nozzle seat, then the nozzle is assembled on the nozzle seat in such a manner that a clamping pieces of the nozzle clamp the coupling tabs on the nozzle seat, and that a hook on the clamping piece is in hooking engagement with a hook on the coupling tabs so as to fix together. The assembly of the present invention is thus completed in simple manner. In this way, a foam output device having simple element constitution, easy assembly and low manufacturing cost is thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Yu Chang Esthetics Consultant Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Sen Huang
  • Patent number: 8430274
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foam dispensing assembly comprising a liquid piston pump, comprising a liquid cylinder and a liquid piston delimiting a liquid pump chamber, and a liquid inlet and outlet, an air piston pump comprising an air cylinder and an air piston delimiting an air pump chamber, and an air inlet and outlet, a common actuation button for actuation of said liquid pump and said air pump, a dispensing channel for mixing and dispensing liquid and air pumped by said liquid and air pump, respectively, and a securing collar for attachment of said dispensing assembly to a container. The invention is characterized in that said air cylinder is formed by a cylindrical skirt of said actuation button, and said air piston is at least partially formed by a cylindrical extension of said securing collar and in that said air chamber at least partially surrounds said liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rexam Airspray N.V.
    Inventors: Edgar Ivo Maria van der Heijden, Peter Jozef Jan Albertz, Sylvia Boshuizen, Marcus Cornelis Jacobus Tepas, Casper Kleiman
  • Patent number: 8430273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser unit particularly suitable for a liquid container, including an air pump with an air cylinder and an air piston axially displaceable in the air cylinder, an air space defined between the air cylinder and the air piston, supply-closing structure for closing the air supply to the air pump, discharge-closing structure for closing the air discharge from the air pump, an axially displaceable activating element for activating the air pump, and an air inlet opening in the activating element, wherein the air inlet opening debouches in the air space, and at least a part of the air piston forms the supply-closing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar Netherlands BV
    Inventor: Markus Fransicus Brouwer
  • Patent number: 8418889
    Abstract: An inverted dispenser pump is used to dispense foam. The dispenser pump includes an air cylinder with an air piston to pump air to form the foam along with a liquid cylinder that has a liquid cylinder piston to pump liquid to form the foam. A conduit shell is received over the liquid cylinder in order to draw fluid when in an inverted state. An intake valve member is received around the opening of the conduit shell. The intake valve member has a seal flap configured to seal against the conduit shell opening in order to reduce flow restrictions of liquid drawn into the liquid cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: David John Pritchett, Brian Robert Law
  • Patent number: 8409500
    Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Neverest Travel Solutions
    Inventor: Eric James
  • Publication number: 20130068794
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a foam dispensing container that can homogenize foam quality and can discharge foam of stable quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: DAIWA CAN COMPANY, KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kodama, Shoji Uehira, Hiroya Morita, Daisuke Saito