Supply Container Delivering To Receiving Chamber Patents (Class 222/207)
  • Patent number: 6012613
    Abstract: An improved extruding mechanism for auto soap dispenser which comprises, a soap dispenser equipped with an under outlet, a sleeve positioned underneath the dispenser, an output port locating at the bottom of the sleeve, and there is a valve seat which is installed inside the sleeve and therein sliding up and down, more particularly the valve seat consists of a disk block which includes several circulated holes and a mandrel, therefrom the mandrel on the top of valve seat is inserted with a spring and moreover the mandrel at the bottom of valve seat is equipped with a diaphragm; and there is a side tube positioned on the flank of sleeve and thereon connected to an extruding hose, and a link that pivoted at external end of the extruding hose is also pivoted by a motor driven eccentric wheel at its opposite end; according to the structure described above, the elastically reciprocating motion on the extruding hose which caused by motor driven eccentric wheel will put the squeeze on valve seat and then have it sli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 5988434
    Abstract: An adjustable amount of liquid is reproducibly withdrawn from a container having a pre-chamber in free flow communication with the interior of the container. The pre-chamber is initially filled with an amount of liquid from the container and is in communication with a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber has an adjustably pre-set volume and is in communication with a closeable outlet. Thus, after the amount to be withdrawn from the measuring chamber has been adjusted, discharge of the preset volume is effected through the outlet without the necessity of additional manipulations such as shaking the container or separating the dosage metering part from the container to effect the discharge of a precise amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Merz & Co. GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Keil, Karl Heinz Zulauf, Hartmut Erlinghagen
  • Patent number: 5984146
    Abstract: Dispensers for liquids are provided having structure for containing a pool of liquid in the dispenser, to a predetermined level. A discharge chamber contains air above the level of liquid and a discharge device extends upwardly at least partly through the discharge chamber from below the level of the pool and has an external outlet. The discharge device includes a foamer chamber having a wall defining very small holes located above the pool level, and pressure means is coupled to the discharge chamber and operable to increase the pressure in the discharge chamber so that a pressure applied on the pool level drives liquid into the discharge device. Simultaneously air is forced through the small holes in the foamer chamber to meet the liquid passing through the foamer chamber where progressive foaming takes place before the resulting foam is forced through a discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: John G. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5975364
    Abstract: The invention provides a dispenser for dispensing one or two liquids simultaneously. For two liquids the dispenser has a pair of inverted containers defining bottom openings with the containers arranged in side-by-side relationship. A base is sealingly attached to the containers and has two reservoirs and associated dispensing openings. The arrangement is such that liquid from the containers will pool in the reservoirs below the dispensing outlets creating a condition of equilibrium in the containers. When the user disturbs the equilibrium, liquids from both containers flow out through the respective dispensing outlets for mixing in use, and then after dispensing air, flows into the dispenser to replace dispensed liquid thereby allowing equilibrium to again be established.When the invention is used for dispensing a single liquid, one container contains liquid and the second container is squeezed to disturb the equilibrium and cause dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5971224
    Abstract: A pasty or creamy substance dispenser comprising a bottle having a cylindrical chamber for containing a substance to be dispensed, and an elastically deformable cap mounted on the bottle and defining a compression chamber for the substance with an elastically deformable wall formed integrally with the bottle, the cylindrical chamber of which is closed by a piston movable under sealed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Capsol S.p.A. Stampaggio Resine Termoplastiche
    Inventor: Giuseppe Garibaldi
  • Patent number: 5971223
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser and cap valve assembly therefor is provided to dispense a controlled dose of liquid. The liquid dispenser and cap valve assembly therefor is particularly suitable for dispensing liquid soaps and lotions. The liquid dispensing cap valve assembly comprises a dosing cap having an upper portion and a lower portion, a divider piece mounted in the dosing cap, and two oppositely acting check valves. The lower portion and the divider piece defines a dosing reservoir. A first check valve mounted on the divider piece serves to open and close a liquid passageway from a storage container to the dosing reservoir, depending on a fluid pressure in the dosing reservoir. A second check valve fixedly mounted to the lower portion serves to open and close a liquid passageway from the dosing reservoir to an outlet orifice, acting oppositely to the first check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Abraham J. Fisscher
  • Patent number: 5967377
    Abstract: The present invention is a metered liquid dispenser. A liquid dispenser has a liquid volume metering element located on a base attached to the top of the neck of a liquid dispenser. Using a lift fill mechanism, the metering element is vertically slid relative to the base to dispense a measured liquid volume. One-way valves located in the base and the top of the metering element alternately act to displace air from the element, and then provide suction to draw a measured liquid volume from the liquid dispenser through a dip tube into the element. The liquid is dispensed by inverting the metered liquid dispenser. The metering element has liquid level markings to indicate the liquid volume being entered to the element for dispensing, and is preferable partly transparent to visually display the liquid in the metering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Primary Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5950878
    Abstract: A dispensing valve assembly for dispensing a fluid product and preventing air from being drawn into the fluid product through the valve includes a flexible diaphragm valve (10, 50, 100) and a valve seat insert (12, 58, 102). The flexible diaphragm valve flexes from a concave closed position to a convex open position in which fluid product is dispensed through a dispensing opening (26, 56, 116) in the diaphragm. The valve seat insert is positioned adjacent an inside surface of the diaphragm valve in its closed position to prevent the valve from buckling inward and prevent air from passing into the fluid product through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Allan E. Wade, Keith D. Alsberg, Jon B. Taylor, David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5947335
    Abstract: A dispenser having at least two compartments wherein the amount of product dispensed from at least one of the compartments can be adjusted prior to dispensing. Advantageously, products in both compartments are dispensed using the same actuator. Different volumes of product can be dispensed from at least one of the chambers even through the volume of product dispensed from the other chamber need not be varied and even though the same actuator may be used to effect the dispensing of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Ronald John Milio, Kevin Joseph Markey
  • Patent number: 5945076
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined toilet bowl cleaning brush and storage container system. The brush is provided with a support which rests on an upper edge of a container wherein the container forms upper and lower volumes and includes a resilient vertically compressible bellows section. Disinfectant fluid is provided in the lower volume. When the support is forced downward, the bellows compresses and fluid is squirted on the brush. When released, the bellows expands and the brush is suspended above the fluid. A restrictor web can be placed at the throat of the lower volume to discourage refill use of the lower volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Leonard, Gary F. Prokop, William A. Lee, Donald J. Musiel
  • Patent number: 5918776
    Abstract: The invention is a metered dispensing cap system for containers of medicinal salve, comprising a stiff base element of finite thickness and defined by an outer perimeter threadably attachable to the externally threads located about the neck of a collapsible tube of medicinal salve, and having an opening formed in the base element and an opening formed in the neck of the collapsible tube, the openings arranged in mutual axial alignment, for outflow of salve from the tube, a one-way valve located in the base element at the aligned openings permitting flow of salve from the collapsible tube through the openings and preventing backflow thereof into the tube; and, a meter element comprising a manually collapsible chamber formed of a thin, flexible chamber wall directly attached to the base element, about the perimeter and covering over the one-way valve, to hydraulically seal the chamber from outside thereof, the chamber adapted to receive therein salve squeezed from the tube, through the one-way valve, and contai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Al Atkinson
  • Patent number: 5904272
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for liquids which responds to actuation either by squeezing or by some other action to cause dispensing. Liquid is stored in an enclosure and an outlet structure has an outlet passageway which carries liquid from the enclosure to exit outside the dispenser. A buoyant bell combines with the passageway to trap liquid in the enclosure. If preferred, upon actuation liquid will flow initially, and then the bell can be made to seal the outlet structure to stop liquid flow thereby simulating a pumping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kaufman, Edmond L. Rampen
  • Patent number: 5894960
    Abstract: A non-aerosol fluid dispenser includes a pump defining a fluid chamber associated with the fluid path extending between the container and fluid outlet. The pump comprises a base presenting a chamber opening, a generally non-deformable panel, a hinge about which the panel swings relative to the base, and a hollow, collapsible bellow section extending between the panel and the base. The dispenser includes a boss sealingly received within the chamber opening, with the fluid path extending through the boss and into the chamber between the supply and discharge valves. Accordingly, when the panel is swung toward the base, the bellows section uniformly collapses, whereby positive pressure created within the chamber closes the supply valve and opens the discharge valve for discharging fluid through the dispenser outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: 3D Design and Engineering
    Inventors: Edward J. Rodden, Jr., Randy F. Reeve
  • Patent number: 5894961
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquid is provided having a relatively stiff or rigid container above a resiliently deformable reservoir structure. The container is coupled to the reservoir structure and the container has a bottom outlet inside the reservoir structure which also includes a discharge structure leading from the inside to the outside of the reservoir structure. Liquid is dispensed when the user causes relative movement between the container and the reservoir structure to increase the pressure in the reservoir structure and to thereby force liquid from the reservoir structure through the outlet passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kaufman, Edmond L. Rampen
  • Patent number: 5884816
    Abstract: A liquid measuring device comprises a cap which is adapted to fit on a liquid container. A reservoir adapted to hold a dose of liquid is mounted on the cap. The reservoir has a opening in the top which is covered by a removable reservoir cap. A tube runs from the inside of the liquid container through the cap and upward into the reservoir. The liquid is forced from the container, through the tube and into the reservoir by squeezing the sides of the container inwardly. Similarly, liquid can be forced back into the container by turning the device upside down and squeezing inward on the sides of the reservoir. The liquid measuring device is adapted to fit any size pharmaceutical bottle or other liquid containers and may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: John F. Hinze
  • Patent number: 5884817
    Abstract: The invention provides dispensers for liquids having a dispensing opening in the side of the dispenser and liquid is stored in a main body of a resiliently deformable container coupled to a neck structure which has a bottom outlet inside a base structure. In use, the dispenser is first lifted and then tilted through about 30 to 50 degrees before squeezing the container. The tilting action causes some of the air in the base structure to be trapped thereby minimizing the effect of temperature compensation on response rate. Consequently, the squeezing action is immediately available to force liquid to pass through the base structure and issue from the side dispensing opening. Various structures can be made consistent with the invention to accommodate a range of liquids having different properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kaufman, Edmond L. Rampen
  • Patent number: 5875936
    Abstract: A refillable dispenser and refill cartridge is described for dispensing a product through a pumping mechanism that draws product from the cartridge. Product is pumped upwards from the refill cartridge through a connector tube, across a one-way check valve into a collecting chamber from which it is dispensed through a one-way monitoring valve and exits a nozzle. Flow is initiated by compression of a domed elastomeric wall covering the collecting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lynn Turbett, Mark John Iaia
  • Patent number: 5871125
    Abstract: A liquid delivery pumping device for the delivery of liquids enterally or parenterally comprises a housing including a gas generating chamber, wherein a gas is generated intermittently when two reactants, such as the components of an effervescent couple, are caused to react, a pumping chamber for a reciprocating pumping unit operable by the gas and to which chamber the gas is conveyed once generated, the pumping unit forming part of a mechanism which receives and regulates the liquid to be delivered in response to the reciprocation of the pumping unit, and means for controlling the gas pressure within the pumping chamber to enable controlled reciprocation of the pumping unit. The device provides precisely controlled rates of liquid delivery to a patient irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Elan Medical Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Gross
  • Patent number: 5871126
    Abstract: A pump dispenser is described for dispensing a product through a pumping mechanism that draws product from a storage container upwards through a dip tube, across a check valve, into a collecting chamber from which it is dispensed through a one-way monitoring valve and exits a nozzle. Flow is initiated by compression of a domed elastomeric wall covering the collecting chamber. A vent system of conduits including a conical ring valve brings air into the container to equalize pressure upon release of compression against the elastomeric wall. The one-way monitoring valve, downstream from the collecting chamber, may be formed as a duckbill valve of elastomeric rubber having an exit slit at the dispensing end. This slit, normally closed, will open upon pressure from a product flow. Excellent control of dispensing amounts is achieved through the pumping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, James Lynn Turbett, Mark John Iaia, John Bengston
  • Patent number: 5862956
    Abstract: A dispensing system for flowable liquids that includes a dispensing base for holding a refill package of a flowable liquid. A door is pivotally mounted to the dispensing base by a first pivot so that the door can have an open position and a closed position. The system has a push handle pivotally mounted to the door by a second pivot and a latch integral with the dispensing base to pivotally secure the push handle at the second pivot when the door is closed so that the door is held secure in the closed position and the push handle may be used for dispensing. The dispensing system also includes a release for disengaging the push handle from the latch so that the door may be moved to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Eugene Brandenburg, John Ethan Maldonado
  • Patent number: 5855302
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser and cap valve assembly therefor is provided to dispense a controlled dose of liquid. The liquid dispenser and cap valve assembly therefor is particularly suitable for dispensing liquid soaps and lotions. The liquid dispensing cap valve assembly comprises a dosing cap having an upper portion and a lower portion, a divider piece mounted in the dosing cap, and two oppositely acting check valves. The lower portion and the divider piece defines a dosing reservoir. A first check valve mounted on the divider piece serves to open and close a liquid passageway from a storage container to the dosing reservoir, depending on a fluid pressure in the dosing reservoir. A second check valve fixedly mounted to the lower portion serves to open and close a liquid passageway from the dosing reservoir to an outlet orifice, acting oppositely to the first check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Abraham Fisscher
  • Patent number: 5853111
    Abstract: The invention is a tubular two-chamber liquid metering device for leaktlight insertion into a container opening. The metering device consists of a cylindrical wall with a closed base and a cover which is provided with a passage for a pouring duct. The wall has at least one opening in the region of the cover and at least one further opening is located on a peripheral line between the opening and the base. Disposed in the outer cylindrical chamber defined by the wall, the base and the cover is a tubular body which at one end is connected in a leaktight manner to the pouring duct and at its other end maintains a distance from the base. The tubular body has at least one opening on a peripheral line in the region of the connection to the pouring duct. A freely movable body with a circular cross-section is provided in the main metering chamber defined by the inner cylinder between the opening and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Bernhard Bongers, Andreas Flohr, Stefan Meurer, Volker Weiss
  • Patent number: 5829640
    Abstract: A dispensing pump including an actuator coupled to a resilient bellow, wherein the bellow is in fluid communication with the contents of a container via an inlet valve. Expansion of the bellow, caused by the resilience of the bellow, creates negative pressure causing the contents of the container to be drawn through the inlet valve and into a space defined by the bellow. The dispensing pump also includes an outlet valve in fluid communication with the bellow such that compression of the bellow caused by the application of pressure to the actuator creates positive pressure within the bellow causing the contents held within the bellow to be forced through the outlet valve and out of an outlet of the dispensing pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Hershey, Eric R. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 5819990
    Abstract: A dispensing pump made of plastic for dispensing paste-like materials from a paste container. It is provided with a bellows, which connects an upper housing part to a lower housing part. The housing parts are guided telescopically in one another. A paste channel is located within an annular wall. A second hollow body is inserted into the upper housing part, and the second hollow body forms the paste storage space, which is in connection with the paste channel and in which an elastic diaphragm wall having a plug-like closing member is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Megaplast Dosiersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Haluk Cimentepe, Gunter Auer
  • Patent number: 5813573
    Abstract: A dispenser for the simultaneous delivery of at least two paste-like products, comprising a container with a head and internally formed with two separate cylindrical chambers which lie side by side parallel to their longitudinal axes, each chamber being open towards the head and having an associated end wall which sealingly slides in a single direction towards the head. A resilient pump member under the head includes a tubular sleeve and is formed from a resiliently flexible cup-shape membrane for each cylindrical chamber of the container with the concave part facing towards these latter. An operating lever for pressing and releasing the pump member is pivoted about an axis which is fixed with respect to the container disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the said cylindrical chambers and which is turnable about the said axis from a rest position to a paste delivery position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Guala S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Battegazzore
  • Patent number: 5810203
    Abstract: A pressure responsive dispensing pump has a hollow housing having walls forming a chamber coupled via an inlet to a supply of dispensable material. An inlet valve controls the flow of the material through the inlet into the chamber. The housing also has an outlet through which material may be discharged from the chamber under the control of a self-sealing outlet valve. At least one wall of the housing is displaceable inwardly of the chamber to reduce the volume thereof and force material out of the chamber via the outlet. The displaceable wall is connected to a flexible hinge which also moves inwardly of the chamber in response to the inward movement of the displaceable wall and thereby assists in discharging the contents of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Novapharm Research Pty. Limited
    Inventor: James Brennan
  • Patent number: 5810204
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid soap or other liquid from either a bag-in-box liquid container or from a bottle of liquid includes a housing. A dispenser actuator is movably mounted on the housing. A first module is provided for insertion into the interior of the housing, the first module including a bottle support and a liquid pump for pumping liquid from the bottle. A second module can also be inserted into the housing interior, the second module including a bag-in-box container support. The modules are selectively alternatively mountable within the housing interior and each of the modules is cooperable with the dispenser actuator when in the housing interior to dispense liquid from the housing interior to a location exterior of the housing responsive to movement of the dispenser actuator relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: James River Corporation
    Inventors: John Devlin, Dave Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5803315
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquids is provided having a container including a bottom opening and an envelope structure surrounding the container. A bottom wall on the envelope structure is adjacent the bottom opening so that liquid from the container will collect in the envelope structure about the bottom opening. A dispensing passage is coupled to the envelope structure and leads from inside the envelope structure below the bottom opening upwardly and terminates outside the envelope structure. At least a portion of the envelope structure is resiliently deformable for deflection to create pressure in liquid in the envelope structure to thereby cause liquid to exit through the dispensing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5799828
    Abstract: A water gun which utilizes a piston movable within a piston cylinder by a manually operated handle. Movement of the piston to a retracted position within the piston cylinder will result in supplying water from a water reservoir into the piston cylinder. Moving of the piston in an inward position within the piston cylinder will result in expelling water from the piston cylinder into an elastic bladder. The quantity of water being expelled from the piston cylinder within the elastic bladder will cause the elastic bladder to expand substantially, and at the point of full inward motion of the piston, the handle will come into contact with a discharge valve which will be moved to cause release of the water that is confined within the elastic bladder. This water is to be expelled through a nozzle to be emitted into the ambient in a form of a stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Robert A. Demars
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5791521
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing bag includes a bag body portion having a surface wall and a back wall formed of a flexible material having high gas barrier properties, and an elongated spout portion in which the surface wall and said back wall are projected in an elongated manner from a lower portion of the bag body portion. A flowpassage division area has the surface wall and the back wall welded integrally to divide a flowpassage toward the lower portion of the bag body portion. The flow passage division area is formed at a position close to the lower portion from the center of the bag body portion. The flowpassage division area is provided upwardly thereof with a pressure regulating area in which the surface wall and the back wall are welded. The flowpassage division area is formed in the central portion with a central flowpassage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Tokan Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Kitamura, Tetsuo Fukuoka, Kenji Ozawa, Kunio Yamada, Hajime Yamada
  • Patent number: 5788124
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid substance (P) in which a substance (P) in a receptacle (1), which is closed in a sealed manner firstly at a top by a cap (2) and secondly at a bottom by an internally movable punt (5), is compressed. The device includes an elastically deformable membrane (4) received in the top of the receptacle (1). The membrane (4) is formed by a substantially frustoconical axial valve (40) having a top portion provided with a central ejection orifice (41), a middle portion running into a channel section ring (42) and a bottom portion provided with a stretchable thin skirt (43) connected to a flange (44). The skirt (43) extends upwards along an internal wall of the receptacle (1). The flange (44) fixes the membrane (4) to the receptacle (1). A nozzle-forming tube (3) passes axially through the cap (2) of the receptacle (1). The tube (3) has a top end (31) projecting outside the receptacle (1) and an internal bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: SOFAB
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Pierre Dumont, Herve Lompech, Pierre Amiel
  • Patent number: 5784087
    Abstract: An ink containment and dispensing device for an inkjet printer is provided with a main reservoir in the form of a flexible pouch panel, which is typically maintained at ambient pressure. The main reservoir is coupled to a variable volume chamber via a one-way valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and prevents the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet, which is normally closed to prevent the flow of outward ink. However, when the ink supply is installed in a printer, the fluid outlet establishes a fluid connection between the chamber and the printer. The chamber is part of a pump provided with the ink supply that can be actuated to supply ink from the reservoir to the printer. The pump has a linearly acting pumping member and a flexible diaphragm that overlies the pumping member, the diaphragm being impervious to the transmission of oxygen and moisture therethrough to prevent degradation of the ink within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: James Kenneth Wallace, David C. Kamp, William E. Fillmore
  • Patent number: 5775545
    Abstract: A metering valve to be fitted to an aerosol container comprises a dispensing member (6) in the form of a tube and a metering member (2) in the form of a cylindrical cup which receives the inner end of the tube (6). The dispensing tube (6) is slidable in an opening in a valve housing (11). A bellows (1) extends between the inner end of the dispensing tube (6) and the housing (7) to seal against escape between the dispensing tube (6) and the opening in the valve housing (7). The inner end of the dispensing tube (6) bellows (1) seals against a seat (9) in the floor of the metering cup (2). The upper end of the metering cup (2) seals against a seat (3) which lies against the upper end of the bellows (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Howard Michael Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5769585
    Abstract: A toothbrush is formed with a resilient annular pump having a conical chamber formed by an inner annular surface of the pump and two axially spaced and swingable flap valves inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush in respective closing positions thereof and with a projection between a piston of the pump an one of the flap valves preventing automatic delivery of the paste into the chamber and creating sufficient pressure for pushing the paste toward the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Grigory Podolsky
  • Patent number: 5749501
    Abstract: The shroud and skeletal body assembly for a trigger sprayer comprises: a skeletal body including a lower portion, an upright body portion extending upwardly from the lower portion and having a forwardly extending piston receiving portion, a waterway defining portion above the piston receiving portion and extending forwardly of the upright body portion, and hook structure extending rearwardly from the upright body portion; and a shroud having a top wall, spaced apart side walls, a back wall, and a short rear bottom wall extending forwardly from the back wall, and latch structure extending between the side walls at a position to be engaged by the hook structure when the shroud is brought into engagement with the skeletal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: AFA Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus J. J. Maas, Petrus L. W. Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 5746728
    Abstract: A pump for delivering a fluid contained in an elastic phial includes a pump body and a movable piston fitted inside the pump body. The front end of the pump body is located on a fluid-outlet side, and the front end includes an outlet orifice (11) sealed off by an elastic membrane (24). The outlet orifice is connected to a pump duct (18) inside the pump body, and the pump duct 18 is in turn connected to a fluid-inlet orifice (15). An end (2) of the movable piston is hermetically fitted within the pump duct (18) with slight friction, and the displacement of the end (2) of the piston relative to the portion of the pump body between the inlet orifice (15) and the a stop position (16) near the outlet orifice (11) determines the quantity of fluid expelled from the pump body. The inlet orifice allows a predetermined quantity of fluid to be trapped at the end of the pump duct (18) before being expelled through the outlet orifice (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 5738251
    Abstract: A trigger sprayer has a housing with an integral front component including an orifice plate to which is hinged by "living" hinges a sealing door for the orifice and a trigger lever. It includes an integral fastener on the plate for securing it to the housing. In one embodiment a vent passage is closed off by the same sealing door. In other embodiments the vent is operated by a leg integral with the trigger lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 5730327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for portioning or dispensing viscous material from a pack, whereby the pack is positionable in an outer container and a portioning or dispensing unit includes a non-return valve which prevents the material from flowing back to the pack during portioning or dispensation. For being able to quickly place the pack in the outer container and quickly and safely lock a retaining portion as well as ensure than vital valve members of the non-return valve are not damaged during handling and operation of the portioning unit, the outer container is divided in a special way into two container members, whereby retaining members of the retaining device are integrated in the container members and whereby the valve seat of the non-return valve is surrounded by the retaining members of the retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Asept International AB
    Inventor: Leif Einar Stern
  • Patent number: 5704519
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a) a push button containing a dose chamber, the chamber being defined by a peripheral wall and an upper wall and being traversed centrally by a tube which communicates with the ejection opening and is pierced radially, near its lower end, by at least one opening; b) a support which can be fitted on the container containing the material to be dispersed, on which the push button fits and on which it can slide axially; the upper part of the support is closed by a wall which comprises a central opening which permits the passage of the tube of the push button, and at least one orifice having an axis which is parallel to the opening, and made in the periphery of the support; c) a part of elastic deformable material, arranged between the push button and the support, the part comprising an extendable tubular portion which is closed at its base by a wall and which contains the tube of the push button; the lower end of the tube comes against the base wall; around the upper edge of the tu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Jean-Marie Dulery
  • Patent number: 5697526
    Abstract: This includes a condiment, such as mustard, catsup, etc. dispensing unit. The condiment is in a container such as a bottle with a neck portion which is attached to a novel plastic dispenser cap. When the device is hanging upside down, the condiment in the container flows into the dispensing tip which has a valve mechanism such that no fluid flows out the end of the tip until pressure is applied by squeezing the plastic tip. A push rod with two spaced apart arms has a roller at the end of each arm. The rollers are a lesser distance apart than the diameter of the dispensing nipple. When the rod pushes the arm, the rollers roll against the dispensing nipple, squeezing and compressing it, and forcing its condiments out the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5664703
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing pump is provided with a supply container venting system and a shipping seal. The pump device includes an upper and lower housing which are axially movable relative to each other between open and closed shipping seal positions. The dispensing pump includes a collapsible pump chamber with at least one shipping seal functional element integral with the chamber. The pump includes actuation elements which cooperate to prevent pump actuation when the shipping seal is closed. The pump may also include a tamper evident device to prevent pump actuation prior to tamper evident tab removal. The chamber may also include an integral valve which has the valve member biased against the valve seat. A supply container venting system for the pump comprises a resilient annular flange angled downward from the bellows at the liquid entry end. The annular flange presses against an interior surface of the lower housing to seal a supply container vent opening against communication with ambient air and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John E. Reifenberger, Robert J. Peterson, Robert E. Stahley, J. Randall Stigall, Michael D. Webb, Geneva G. Otten, William Joseph Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5638986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for quantitatively dosing small amounts of liquid, especially in clinical or other similar wet-chemical analyzers. The dosing employs a liquid space, the volume of which can be changed and which is connected to a dosing channel so that, by increasing or decreasing the volume of the liquid space, a suction or an injection through the dosing channel is achieved. The liquid space is formed by flexible bellows which are freely movable back and forth to provide the reversible deformations which change the volume of the liquid space. The movements are effected using an actuator which is connected to the bellows without transmissions containing sliding surfaces. The actuator comprises precisely repeatable positions and is calibrated according to the invention by measuring the sizes of the dosages produced by the movements between the positions. The dosing is effected after that by selectively repealing the calibrated movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Fluilogic Systems Oy
    Inventors: Pertti Tuominen, Niilo Kaartinen, Unto Okkonen
  • Patent number: 5638994
    Abstract: A bottle for spraying or dispensing liquids comprising a principal chamber, a siphon tube extending alongside the chamber and a separate trigger bulb connected to the top of the siphon tube. The siphon tube is also pinch molded so that a valve seat is formed therein. When the trigger bulb is decompressed, the liquid that is drawn up into the siphon tube cascades over into the trigger bulb. When the trigger bulb is fully primed, any pressure subsequently applied to the trigger bulb will cause the liquid to be sprayed out of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Jeffrey M. Libit
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Libit, Sidney M. Libit
  • Patent number: 5636765
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metered dispensing cap with manifold cover for containers such as tubes and the like. The metered dispensing cap with manifold cover has a base element, a meter element housing a one-way valve, a manifold cover and a open-close valve for permitting flow of material from a meter chamber to a manifold chamber and out through the manifold cover. The present invention provides for an even, metered dispensing of material through the manifold cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Primary Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart DeJonge
  • Patent number: 5611458
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the dispensing of a primary liquid from a pressurized source of primary liquid. Primary liquid is admitted through an inlet valve to a primary chamber having a primary element which is biased toward an initial position but is movable away from the initial position when subjected to the source pressure of the primary liquid. A sensor determines when the primary element has moved away from an initial position to a predetermined final position, and the inlet valve is closed in response thereto. The difference between the initial and final positions defines a predetermined dispensing volume. An outlet valve is opened to dispense the dispensing volume under the biasing force of the primary element which returns to the initial position. A sensor determines when the primary element has returned to the initial position, and the outlet valve is closed in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: John E. Ogden, Kent D. Abrahamson, Peter L. Bryant, Thomas P. Joyce, John S. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5603434
    Abstract: A trigger sprayer has a housing with an integral front component including an orifice plate to which is hinged by "living" hinges a sealing door for the orifice and a trigger lever. It includes an integral fastener on the plate for securing it to the housing. In one embodiment a vent passage is closed off by the same sealing door. In other embodiments the vent is operated by a leg integral with the trigger lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 5601212
    Abstract: A dispenser comprising a condiment supply container, a squeezeable dispensing nipple, and a connector connecting the container and nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5598950
    Abstract: A water toy that ejects a stream of water under pressure and in one embodiment is particularly suited to serve as a water-sword toy and in another embodiment to serve as a pump-action water gun toy is disclosed. In both embodiments, the water toy includes a wide mouth reservoir that accepts ordinarily available ice cubes which cooperate with water so that chilled water is emitted, under pressure, which may have some soothing benefits, especially during hot summer conditions. The water-sword toy not only emits water upon contact of its tip by an object, but also has provisions for emitting water out of its tip without contacting any object. The pump-action water gun toy has provisions to provide for a straight or spread water trajectory so as to simulate a rifle-water toy or a shotgun-water toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: LCD International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dexter C.-T. Liu, David Weindel, Peter Cooper
  • Patent number: 5597093
    Abstract: This is a dispensing unit for condiments such as mustard, catsup, etc. or industrial liquids such as soap, chemicals. The condiment is contained in a container such as a bottle with a neck portion which is attached to a dispensing nipple. When the device is hanging upside down, the condiment in the container flows into the dispensing tip, which has a valve such that no fluid flows out the end of the tip until pressure is applied by squeezing the plastic bottle. A dispenser nipple passes through a hole in a plate or tray in a housing. A back resilient pad is on one side of the hole, and on the front side of the hole is a front pad. The dispensing nipple extends through this hole between the two pads. A push rod connects to a push plate on the front side of the front pad, and the application of force on the push rod forces the two pads towards each other. When the nipple is between them, it causes the nipple to be squeezed, thus dispensing condiment out the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5593093
    Abstract: A low cost trigger sprayer has a housing with a first liquid passage containing a spinner assembly. An elastomeric pump element is positioned generally horizontally such that pulling the trigger retracts the element and releasing the trigger allows the element to extend. The sprayer includes a low cost spinner assembly and low cost valving to control the flow of liquid within the sprayer. In one aspect of the invention, the housing has front and rear sections with the rear section having a saddle portion and being hinged to the front section for pivotal movement from an open position for molding the housing to a closed position for operating the sprayer. In another aspect of the invention, the container has a rear portion which extends upwardly past the neck and defining a saddle recess, with the housing connected to the neck of the container and positioned forwardly of the upwardly extending container portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Contico International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson