Processes Of Dispensing Patents (Class 222/1)
  • Patent number: 9163349
    Abstract: A domestic appliance having a metering device into which a storage insert containing additive substances can be inserted and by means of which additive substances can be dispensed in metered fashion during a number of cleaning operations. The metering device is distinguished in that it has an interface device for interacting with different storage inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Caroline Heiligenmann, Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 9162241
    Abstract: For the straightforward, easy-to-assemble construction of a metering dispenser (1) for dispensing a substance consisting of a number of components, having at least two containers (6a, 6b) in an outer sleeve (8) for accommodating the components of the substance, and having a pumping unit (2a, 2b) on each of the containers (6a, 6b), and having an adjusting device (3), which makes it possible to adjust the quantity ratio of the components in relation to one another, and having a movable actuating device (4) for the pumping units (2a, 2b) and/or containers (6a, 6b), and having a dispenser element (5) for the substance which is to be dispensed by the metering dispenser (1), it is proposed to provide a force-transmission element (7), in particular in the form of an intermediate wall, which, with the actuating device (4) activated, can be displaced relative to the outer sleeve (8) and in the axial direction (A) of the metering dispenser (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Anton Brugger
    Inventors: Werner Holzmann, Anton Brugger
  • Patent number: 9146247
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a sample applicator relative to a substrate include: (a) obtaining an image of the sample applicator in proximity to the substrate, where the image includes a direct image region corresponding to the sample applicator and a first reflected image region corresponding to an image of the sample applicator reflected from a surface of the substrate; (b) determining a position of an edge of the sample applicator in the direct image region; (c) determining a position of a reflected edge of the sample applicator in the first reflected image region; (d) determining a distance between the edge of the sample applicator and the reflected edge of the sample applicator; and (e) determining the position of the sample applicator relative to the substrate based on the distance between the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Zahniser, David Zahniser, Stephen Conroy, Eric Leknes, Michael Zahniser, Frank L. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 9133011
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customized renewable fuels are disclosed. The present invention can provide customized renewable fuels to users after communicating with users and receiving the information regarding the fuel requirements and their preference. The present invention also provides quality control mechanisms to maintain the qualities of renewable fuels and heat exchangers to improve the energy efficiency of the whole system. The system of the present invention includes: a first storage tank for storing a first renewable fuel; a second storage tank for storing a second renewable fuel; a communicator for receiving a first set of information from the user; a controller for receiving the first set of information from the communication device and generating a second set of information by analyzing the first set of information; and a dispenser for dispensing the first and the second renewable fuels to the user according to the second set of information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 9126352
    Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Vervant Limited
    Inventor: James Joseph O'Callaghan
  • Patent number: 9120616
    Abstract: Systems are described for delivery of a wide variety of materials in which liquid and gas or vapor states are concurrently present, from a package preferably including a fluid-containing collapsible liner. Headspace gas is removed from a pressure dispensing package prior to liquid dispensation therefrom, and ingress gas is removed thereafter during dispensation operation. At least one sensor senses presence of gas or a gas-liquid interface in a reservoir or gas-liquid separation region. A gas removal system including an integral reservoir, at least one sensor, and at least one flow control elements may be included within a connector adapted to mate with a pressure dispensing package, for highly efficient removal of gas from the liquid being dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Ware, Glenn M. Tom, Paul Dathe, Amy Koland, Jason Gerold, Kirk Mikkelsen, Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Michael A. Cisewski
  • Patent number: 9089639
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, which can be operated as a hemodialysis apparatus, hemofiltration apparatus or hemodiafiltration apparatus, are disclosed. The method and device make provision, apart from balancing the fluids as a function of the weights of the containers, for the measurement of the weight reduction or increase of at least one of the containers in the time interval in which the pump assigned to the respective container performs a preset number of revolutions or pump strokes. The change in the weight of the container for a half or one pump revolution can be determined. The delivery rate of the respective pump is ascertained from the measured weight reduction or increase in the specific time interval, thereby permitting the precise determination of the actual delivery rate of one or more pumps. The actual delivery rates of all the pumps are preferably monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Breuel, Thomas Lindner, Josef Beden, Martin Herklotz, Georg Verch
  • Patent number: 9089244
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a decomposition chamber having a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide and a foaming soap are provided in separate first and second chambers of a product reservoir portion of a refill unit. Decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide produces oxygen gas and water that may be used as a propellant for the creation of the foamed product, or may be used to power a pump. Additionally, the oxygen gas may be used to power a scavenger for the creation of electricity for charging a battery within the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Gray, Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Patent number: 9085779
    Abstract: There is provided a process for producing H2S comprising: a) continuously providing an electron donor at a variable rate to a biosolution comprising sulphur-reducing bacteria; b) reacting elemental sulphur with HS? to from soluble polysulphide; c) providing said polysulphide to a bioreactor having the biosolution, thereby producing H2S gas in the bioreactor; and d) continuously removing H2S gas from the bioreactor, wherein an average rate of providing polysulphide to sulphur-reducing bacteria is equal to an average rate of polysulphide consumption by the sulphur-reducing bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: BIOTEQ ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: David Kratochvil, Maxmillian Nodwell, Michael Bratty
  • Patent number: 9067236
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser gun (14) for mixing first and second liquid components of a two-component mixture (11) and dispensing the two-component mixture (11) includes a gun body (78), a mixing manifold (82), and a nozzle plate (84). The gun body (78) includes a gun body fluid passage (94) in fluid communication with gun body inlets (38, 50, 56) and the mixing manifold (82). The gun body fluid passage (94) is a groove in a bottom surface (79) of the gun body (78) having a generally non-linear shape such that the second component has a generally laminar flow through the gun body fluid passage (94) while a flushing component may be introduced in the gun body fluid passage (94) in a manner to produce turbulence in the flushing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Gould, Leslie J. Varga
  • Patent number: 9062667
    Abstract: In a piston pump having a piston axially slidable in a chamber in a piston chamber forming body between a one-way inlet valve and an axially spaced one-way outlet valve to dispense fluid, an arrangement for varying the volume of the chamber by varying the axial location of the one-way inlet valve within the chamber by engagement of the one-way inlet valve with the piston to move the one-way inlet valve to different axially spaced locations within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GOTOHTI.COM INC.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones, Zhenchun Shi
  • Publication number: 20150144650
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for the purchase of and/or free sampling of products. The systems, methods, and/or apparatus may permit push notifications of purchased products and/or free product samples being available and may permit the use of mobile devices and/or mobile device applications to be used to purchase products or dispense free samples of products via a product dispenser or vending machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Kline, Denise Lisa Salvucci
  • Publication number: 20150144651
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliances for use with single serve dispensers, and methods for operating refrigerator appliances, are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes an outlet conduit configured for flowing a liquid therefrom, the outlet conduit disposed in the dispenser recess, a housing for supporting the single serve dispenser, the housing disposed in the dispenser recess, and a flow control device upstream of and in fluid communication with the outlet conduit, the flow control device outputting liquid at a generally constant pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Justin Daniel Berger, Bradley Nicholas Gilkey, Christopher Francis Bird, Robert Lee Lewis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150144653
    Abstract: A product dispenser is configured to dispense products subject to a warning and products not subject to a warning, the product dispenser further configured to transmit a product warning notice only in response to a request to dispense a product subject to the warning. In another embodiment, a product dispenser is configured to dispense a food or beverage product and provide information indicative of an attribute of the food or beverage product, such as nutrition facts, as it is being dispensed. In another embodiment, a product dispenser is configured to enable a user to request a customized product from the product dispenser, to determine a first profile for the customized product blend, compare the first profile to a second profile, and reformulate the customized product blend to a dispensed product blend comprising a third profile approximating the second idealized profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Kline, Denise Lisa Salvucci
  • Publication number: 20150144652
    Abstract: A product dispenser includes a product sampling portion configured to contain a product to be sampled. The product sampling portion includes a product sample dispenser. A packaged product portion is configured to contain and dispense a packaged product corresponding to a product to be sampled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Kline, Denise Lisa Salvucci
  • Publication number: 20150144654
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for dispensing a frozen confection is provided comprising: an insulated chamber (2) housing a container (3) of a frozen confection; a refrigeration system (8); a nozzle (4) having an inner end which is connected to the container (3); and an outer end which is located outside the insulated chamber (2); means for applying pressure to the frozen confection thereby to dispense it from the container (3); a cap (7) which can enclose the outer end of the nozzle (4) when closed and which allows external access to the outer end of the nozzle (4) when open; and one or more channels which allow cold air to flow from the chamber (2) into the region around the outer end of the nozzle (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER
    Inventor: Tommaso D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 9038855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering fluid-containing feed materials to process equipment are disclosed. A liner-based pressure dispensing vessel is subjected to filling by application of vacuum between the liner and overpack. Multiple feed material flow controllers of different calibrated flow ranges may be selectively operated in parallel for a single feed material. Feed material blending and testing for scale-up may be performed with feed materials supplied by multiple liner-based pressure dispensing containers. A gravimetric system may be used to determine concentration of at least one component of a multi-component solution or mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Lurcott, John E. Q. Hughes, Peter Wrschka, Thomas H. Baum, Donald D. Ware, Peng Zou
  • Patent number: 9038674
    Abstract: A paint can lid assembly having a universal paint cup port member adapted to receive and retain a paint spray cup in an inverted position such that unused paint will drain from the paint spray cup back into the paint can. The paint cup port member has a tubular main body that extends through the upper surface of the mixing lid, the internal bore of the main body being sufficiently sized so as to receive the mating spout of any type or brand of paint spray cup. In a preferred embodiment, the paint cup port member is provided with an annular locking shoulder to better secure paint spray cups possessing retention clip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SPS Lid Technology II, LLC
    Inventor: Shane Steele
  • Publication number: 20150136802
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a container for holding a quantity of liquid material, the container having an access opening and a connector structure to operably connect a fluid inlet/discharge structure to the container. Optionally, the liquid dispensing system may include a gaseous fluid treatment component. A method of operating the liquid dispensing system is an aspect of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew A. Rapin
  • Publication number: 20150136803
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Nilton Carlos Bertolini, Jorge Sanchez, David L. Hall
  • Publication number: 20150136302
    Abstract: A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve impact type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The valve impact type dispensing pump can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve impact type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve impact type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Seung Min Hong, IL Kang
  • Patent number: 9033311
    Abstract: A fluid flow connector and a method of manufacturing the same wherein the fluid flow connector utilizes a valve having a plunger which is made by overmolding a soft exterior to a hard core. The soft exterior being overmolded to the hard core by either insert or multi-shot methods. The method also including attaching the soft exterior to the hard core mechanically and/or by molecular bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9033185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag of variable volume able to contain fluids and designed to be introduced into a container through the container's neck, said bag consisting of a pouch with one closed end and one open end, the open end being dimensionally stable over temperature ranges of from ?30 to 55° C., to a device incorporating said bag and to a process for filling it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Power Container Corp
    Inventors: Chris Nimmo, Olivier Bertaud
  • Publication number: 20150129104
    Abstract: A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The valve accelerating type dispensing pump can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Seung Min HONG, IL KANG
  • Patent number: 9027789
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Cutler Crowell, Erik Fiske, Horatio Quinones, Brian Sawatzky
  • Publication number: 20150122833
    Abstract: Head for spraying a product in a spraying direction, for example a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant, this spray head comprising: a body, comprising: a channel for conveying the product, a housing in which the conveying channel emerges, the spray head also comprising: a spray nozzle mounted on the housing, this nozzle comprising at least two, better still three, spray orifices, respective feed channels being formed between the nozzle and the body, these channels connecting the conveying channel to the said corresponding spray orifices, and being obliquely inclined relative to the spraying direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Publication number: 20150122832
    Abstract: An air vent tube for liquids and beverages allows air to flow into a bottom portion of a container from which the liquid or beverage is poured. This reduces agitation and congestion that occurs when air attempts to flow into the container opening at the same time the liquid is attempting to flow out of the container opening. The air vent tube is a single open tube with no moving parts that assures the pressure inside the container is equalized with the ambient air pressure. The air vent tube is especially useful, for example, for pouring carbonated beverages from bottles. The air vent tube saves time, reduces the risk of overflow from foaming or head, reduces costs, and results in a more aesthetically appealing pour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene James Rodgers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150122834
    Abstract: A fluid application device includes a clamp portion including two clamp arms, at least one of the clamp arms including a sponge. The fluid application device includes a reservoir to store a fluid and a grip portion including a trigger to move the clamp arms towards each other when pressed a first distance and to pump fluid from the reservoir to the sponge when pressed a second distance greater than the first distance. The fluid application device includes a shaft extending between the clamp portion and the handle portion and a first tube extending along the shaft to transmit the fluid from the reservoir to the sponge based on activation of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Adam C. Ellsworth, Daniel T. Ellsworth
  • Publication number: 20150122831
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus with a child-safety feature which, in one preferred embodiment, does not permit dispensing unless both a dispensing handle and an associated lever are each independently moved. In another embodiment, dispensing is prevented unless a manually-depressable, rotatable dispensing lever and a rotatable safety lock are both simultaneously actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: MTN PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chun Yen Wang, Tony Xiao
  • Publication number: 20150114986
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a first viscous fluid includes a support structure, a cartridge including a first wall and a first interior space. The first interior space receives a first collapsible tube holding the first viscous fluid. The first collapsible tube is formed from a flexible material and has a length with generally opposite sidewall portions defined along the length. The first collapsible tube is positioned against the first wall and further includes a closed end and a dispensing end. An actuator is operatively coupled to the support structure and moves through the interior space of the cartridge along the length of the collapsible tube and against one of the generally opposite sidewall portions to compress the one generally opposite sidewall portion against the other sidewall portion along the length and squeeze the viscous fluid from the dispensing end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Ngu, Robert W. Springhorn
  • Publication number: 20150114989
    Abstract: A cooled hot melt adhesive material storage system includes a bin and a cooling unit. The bin receives and holds a supply of hot melt adhesive pieces, and includes an outlet for communicating hot melt adhesive pieces to a melter device. The cooling unit is operatively coupled with the bin, and is configured for cooling hot melt adhesive pieces contained in the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wesley C. Fort, Laurence B. Saidman, Sang Hyub Shin, Raymond L. Townsend, Leslie J. Varga
  • Publication number: 20150114988
    Abstract: The substance of the invention is a method of fluid feeding by means of at least one nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) onto a carrier (2) in a machine of the tobacco industry wherein the fluid is fed to the nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) from a fluid container (10) by means of a feeding device (11), whereas the nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) comprises a body (12, 12A) and at least one movable member (13, 13A, 13C, 13E, 13F, 30), and the fluid is fed onto the carrier (2) through an outlet orifice (15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D) of the nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E). The nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) comprises also an adjusting mechanism (19, 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D) by means of which the reciprocal position of the movable member (13, 13A, 13C, 13E, 13F, 30) and the body (12, 12A) of the nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E) is varied by altering the surface area of the outlet orifice (15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D) of the nozzle (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Riedel
  • Publication number: 20150114987
    Abstract: A precision dispensing system and method of use is disclosed. The system includes a hand-holdable dispensing gun and a flexible pouch for dispensing metered amounts of a flowable material. The pouch is formed of a pair of panels of a flexible sheet material that are sealed together to form a pair of nozzles in communication with the flowable material in the pouch. The panels are cut along lines to form finger grip portions enabling one to tear open the nozzles, while leaving the portion of the pouch that is torn still attached to the pouch. The dispensing gun includes a pair of hinged sections defining an interior chamber. A piston is located at one end of the chamber and an end wall is located at the other end thereof. The end wall has passageway in it and is formed by the hinged sections when they are closed. The pouch is arranged to be disposed within the chamber with its nozzles extending out of the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Barry Lee Pritchard
  • Patent number: 9016523
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: FBD Partnership, LP
    Inventor: Matthew Gates
  • Patent number: 9016530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis
  • Publication number: 20150108159
    Abstract: To minimize headspace in a storage container and thereby reduce or eliminate alcohol evaporation, concentrated surfactant solutions stabilized by a diluent of higher volatility than the surfactant, such as alcohol, are stored in a flexible bladder fabricated from fabric including an impermeable or semipermeable membrane, such as polyurethane coated fabric. Because the bladder automatically deflates as the fluid level decreases, minimal head space is maintained and evaporation of the alcohol is thus constrained. A rigid support structure may be employed to hold the flexible bladder. With such a storage system, concentrated surfactant solutions may be manufactured at a convenient location for transport to and storage near an injection well, with considerable time between manufacture and application allowed before the surfactant solution degrades by an unacceptable amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Chad Barrett Roller, Daniel Warren Phelps
  • Patent number: 9010580
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Rolek
  • Patent number: 9010367
    Abstract: The controller of the plural component proportioner (10) dispenses both components (or all three if a three component material) as necessary to maintain the correct mix ratio. The fluid displacement measuring technique described allows this proportioning to take place with the “A” or main component pump always able to supply fluid to the spray gun without being stopped. The “B” component, at a higher pressure, is added as necessary to control ratio. The control can determine whether the pumps were properly loaded with fluid, and the fluid was properly compressed for accurate measurement. This technique allows for the proportioned fluids to be provided to the spray gun(s) at high flow rates and consistent spray pressure without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P. McCormick, Richard T. Mallum, Jeffrey G. Zinn
  • Publication number: 20150102054
    Abstract: A fuel container includes a container, a spout, an outlet valve, an air intake valve, and an actuator. The spout is coupled to the container at a bottom end portion of the container. The outlet valve is positioned at the bottom end portion and operable to control fluid flow into the spout. The air intake valve is positioned at a top end portion of the container. The actuator is operable to open both the outlet valve and the air intake valve concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Brad C. Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20150102053
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a decomposition chamber having a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide and a foaming soap are provided in separate first and second chambers of a product reservoir portion of a refill unit. Decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide produces oxygen gas and water that may be used as a propellant for the creation of the foamed product, or may be used to power a pump. Additionally, the oxygen gas may be used to power a scavenger for the creation of electricity for charging a battery within the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Robert L. Gray, Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Publication number: 20150102055
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Richard R. Carroll, John D. Morey, Andrew Schultz, Ryan Drake, John E. Thomas, Troy A. Anderson, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Patent number: 9004323
    Abstract: A system for forming an acoustic texture coating on a surface, the system having an aerosol dispenser, a liquid portion of a propellant material, a gas portion of the propellant material, a base material, and a plurality of discrete particles of at least one of urethane foam and melamine foam, where the discrete particles define a physical structure. The liquid portion of the propellant material, the gas portion of the propellant material, the base material, and the plurality of discrete particles are disposed within the aerosol dispenser. The propellant material does not alter the physical structure of the discrete particles when combined within the aerosol dispenser. When the aerosol dispenser is operated, the base material and the discrete particles are deposited on an uncoated portion of the surface such that the base material dries to adhere the discrete particles to the uncoated portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester R. Greer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9004316
    Abstract: A composition for forming an acoustic texture material on a surface has a propellant material and acoustic texture material. The propellant material includes di-methyl ether. The acoustic texture material includes a coating portion including a base, a filler, and a binder and chips of chip material having a physical structure. When the propellant material and the acoustic texture material are mixed together, the propellant material does not substantially alter the physical structure of the chip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Floyd R. French
  • Patent number: 8998035
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Ford
  • Patent number: 8998034
    Abstract: A device includes a first part having a co-molded first support, valve cover and elastic actuator, and a second part having an injection molded second support, valve seat, and variable-volume storage chamber pre-form. The pre-form is blow molded into a flexible pouch defining the variable-volume storage chamber. The one-way valve includes a semi-annular, curvilinear, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions. A flexible valve member is superimposed on the valve seat and defines axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed onto the first mid-portion of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Py Institute LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8991649
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a housing and a refill container carrying a dispensable material and received in the housing. A pump mechanism is coupled to the refill container and movable from a first position to a second position and back to the first position. An identifier is carried by either the refill container or the pump mechanism, and a detection device is carried by the housing. The detection device monitors a status of the identifier and allows operation of the pump mechanism based on a status change of the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gojo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Wegelin, Christopher Cole
  • Patent number: 8991648
    Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Smith, John J. McNulty, Robert Quinlan, James M. Yates
  • Patent number: 8991436
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cover device may include a body, a pad, and a grip. The body may include a first opening and at least two arms. The first opening may be in a first end of the body. At least one arm may include a first end and a second end. A first end may be coupled to a wall of the body forming the first opening. At least one arm may extend away from the body further defining and extending the first opening in the body. The pad may be positioned in the first opening in the first end of the body. The pad may absorb, during use, fluids. The body may couple, during use, to a first end of a conduit connector such that the first end is positioned in the first opening such that the first end of the conduit connector is inhibited from contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Evan Tyler Birch
  • Patent number: 8991654
    Abstract: A method of spraying a posterior portion of a human person includes disposing an aerosol container in an aerosol container receiving bay of a strap-based aerosol delivery assembly. The aerosol container has product therein and a dispensing button. The aerosol delivery assembly includes: the aerosol container receiving bay having a fixed length perimeter; left and right grip sections disposed on opposing lateral sides of the aerosol container receiving bay. The method includes disposing the aerosol delivery assembly such that the aerosol container receiving bay is disposed posteriorly relative to the person, and while so positioned, dispensing product from the aerosol container toward the person's posterior by pulling the left and right grip sections away from each other, so that a vertical height of the aerosol container receiving bay is decreased to thereby depress the dispensing button of the aerosol container. Related assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Solotan LLC
    Inventor: Neil Ross MacIntyre, III
  • Patent number: 8985390
    Abstract: A composition dispensing apparatus which can deliver an repeatable and accurate unit dose of a composition including: a compressible container; a unit dose delivery system comprising an entry element, an exit element, side walls and a dosage chamber; a dispensing aperture; wherein the linear movement ratio of the exit element to the entry element is about 1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Sean Donald Riggenbach