Fluid Pressure Generating Pump Or Pulsator And/or Removable Flexible Wall Closures Patents (Class 222/209)
  • Patent number: 6805267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispenser of the type comprising a reservoir (R1, R2) provided at its top with an outflow orifice (V) which is closed off by an inlet valve (a) and which opens out into a metering chamber (10) of variable volume, which chamber communicates, via an outlet valve (e), with a discharge duct (c) provided in a dispensing head (T), the dispenser being characterized in that the metering chamber (10) is defined by a wall of a bellows (1) that is elastically deformable, at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Bougamont
  • Patent number: 6789354
    Abstract: A disposable dispensing capsule for a plant injectable liquid composition includes a flexible cap hermetically sealed to a receptacle. The capsule is pressurized when the cap is forcibly flexed inwardly. In one embodiment flexure and thereby pressurization are maintained by an interference fit between a spindle in the receptacle and a socket depending downwardly from the cap central portion. In another embodiment flexure is maintained by engagement of hook-shaped posts in the receptacle with a lip in a collar depending downwardly from the cap central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Wells
  • Patent number: 6783035
    Abstract: Fluid product dispenser having a fluid product reservoir (13) containing a fluid product, the reservoir (13) and, a distribution orifice (32; 22) through which the fluid product is forced in the form of a spray when the actuation wall (36) is pressed. The reservoir includes a deformable actuation wall (36) that is pressed to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir, a bottom plate (1), an intermediate plate (2) defining an opening (24), and a cover plate (3) including the actuation wall (36), and wherein the opening (24) is formed in the intermediate plate (2) defining the useful volume of the reservoir (13) with the bottom plate (1) and the cover plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Alex Millian
  • Publication number: 20040140326
    Abstract: The invention provides a soap dispenser. In general, the soap dispenser includes a handle having a hollow interior, and a coupling on a first end of the handle. The first end of the handle also has a fluid passage for transferring a fluid from the hollow interior to outside the hollow interior. The coupling is adapted to receive a soft attachment having a coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Tracy Smart, Chris Sticht
  • Patent number: 6763973
    Abstract: An expandable single use liquid containment vessel that can fit into restricted spaces such as the trunk or glove compartment of a passenger transport vehicle. The vessel contains a top and bottom wall integrally connected via an outer wall embodying accordion type pleats to allow for vessel compression and expansion. A single piece pouring nozzle is permanently attached to the containment vessel subsequent to introduction of a fluid the containment vessel's interior portion. One end of the filling nozzle secures the nozzle to the containment vessel. At the second end of the nozzle is an exiting orifice which has been dimensioned to preclude insertion therein of publicly accessible fueling nozzles commonly associated with motor vehicle refueling stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Eric Hudkins
  • Patent number: 6758374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and dispensing device for applying a cosmetic and/or care product, in particular to the hair and/or the scalp, the device comprising a receptacle including a bellows having first and second regions that are moved towards each other when the bellows is compressed. On being compressed, the bellows enables a quantity of substance to be dispensed. The device also has an adjustment member for modifying the compression stroke of the bellows, and thus the quantity of substance that is dispensed. The device is arranged in such a manner that the bellows is compressed by thrust exerted by the user substantially on the axis of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 6755327
    Abstract: A container-mounted dispensing pump incorporates an elastically deformable pump wall and elastomeric valves for controlling the flow into and from the pump chamber. A mechanism at the movable end of the deformable pump wall engages the outlet valve to effect positive closure thereof when the actuator is disposed in an extended, shipping position. With the pump actuator placed in the shipping position, the close outlet valve will preclude leakage of the container contents though the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Richard H. Davey, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hazard, Frederick R. Handren
  • Patent number: 6752295
    Abstract: A dispenser drain attachment includes a threaded cap having a tapered drain socket and an associated drain tube. The interior of the drain tube has a double diaphragm which seals the drain tube, as well as an elastic gas bellows for dispensing liquid portions by alternating deformation of the diaphragm disks of the double diaphragm, which acts as a one-way valve. Such deformation is the result of pressure conditions which change when the gas bellows is compressed and then again released. The dispenser drain attachment is assembled from only two one-piece structural parts, each of which is produced by a two-component injection molding procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Createchnic AG
    Inventor: Thomas Weber
  • Patent number: 6742676
    Abstract: In this invention there is provided a pouring vessel of the squeezable, delaminated bottle type, which can be squeezed smoothly to the last moment of discharge operation so that little content remains in the vessel. The vessel or container of a delaminated bottle type comprises the outer shell layer that forms a squeezable outer container and the inner layer that forms an inner container for receiving its content inside and capable of being deflated and deformed inward with the decrease in inner pressure; and the container is also provided with a discharge cap. In this configuration, a pair of vertically extending adhesive resin strips is formed by adhering the outer shell layer and the inner layer over the roughly entire height of the container. The relationship of the peripheral length between the two adhesive resin strips to the width of each strip is determined to give such a range that the inner container can be almost completely deflated and deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakamura, Masashi Yoneyama, Takayuki Goto
  • Publication number: 20040094570
    Abstract: An operating element for a hand operated bottle pump includes a housing for engaging a plunger of a pump, a sound module located within the housing, and an activation means for activating the sound module when the plunger of the pump is depressed. The housing comprises two portions engaged at an equator for movement between a first position and second position. The activation means is secured to one portion and the sound module is secured to the other portion for activation when the two portions are in the second position. The two portions are biased in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yau Fook Ho
  • Publication number: 20040094578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispenser of the type comprising a reservoir (R1, R2) provided at its top with an outflow orifice (V) which is closed off by an inlet valve (a) and which opens out into a metering chamber (10) of variable volume, which chamber communicates, via an outlet valve (e), with a discharge duct (c) provided in a dispensing head (T), said dispenser being characterized in that said metering chamber (10) is defined by a wall of a bellows (1) that is elastically deformable, at least in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Bougamont
  • Publication number: 20040074923
    Abstract: An air pumping type fixed quantity dispensing container for dispensing food stuff, the container having a dispensing opening, including a cap, formed at a lower end of the container for dispensing the food stuff; a lid portion disposed at an upper end of the container, the lid portion including an air pumping unit for injecting the air into an inner portion of the container by the predetermined amount of distribution; and an isolating plate arranged inside the container, the isolating plate isolating the food stuff stored in the container from the air input into the container by the air pumping unit, wherein the isolating plate floats on top of the food stuff due to viscosity of the food stuff and moves along inner sidewalls of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Won-Seo Bang
  • Patent number: 6719173
    Abstract: A package for dispensing a liquid product that includes an outer shell having a flexible resilient sidewall, a base wall and a finish surrounding an outlet opening. An inner bag-shaped liner is disposed within the outer shell, and is unattached to the sidewall and the base wall of the outer shell so as to be collapsible with respect to the outer shell as product is dispensed from the liner. A dispensing structure is secured to the finish. An opening in the base wall of the outer shell vents the volume between the shell and the liner to atmosphere. An atmospheric vent valve includes a base secured over the base wall of the outer shell, a valve pocket within the base having an atmospheric vent opening, and a valve disk received in the valve cup so that air pressure holds the valve disk against the base over the atmospheric vent opening when the container sidewall is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Safian
  • Publication number: 20040050870
    Abstract: A kit for dispensing liquid includes a cap for attachment to a container, the cap defining an outlet. An inner tube is attached to the cap for insertion into the container, a first end thereof being in communication with the outlet and a second end telescopically extending below the container's liquid level. A pump is situated on the cap for selectively pumping air into the container through the inner tube. In one embodiment, a cap vent enables air to be drawn into the pump for transfer into the container so as to urge liquid to flow through the inner tube to the outlet. In another embodiment, a cap vent is positioned to maintain a continuous flow of liquid through the inner tube after the pump has initiated a siphon effect. In either embodiment, an outer tube connects the cap outlet with a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040040985
    Abstract: A container-closure assembly comprising a container having a body portion and a neck finish having external threads, a cap of cup-like form having a top and a skirt with internal threads to mate with the container threads for application and removal of the cap from the container, an elongated tubular dispensing member having a discharge opening at one end and mounting a bulbous member at the other end to draw liquid products in the container into the dispensing member, the body portion of the container having a downwardly dished bottom defining the lowest point at about the center of the bottom and means defining a series of circumferentially spaced protrusions projecting downwardly from the bottom wall defining support pads for supporting the container on a flat surface, the lowest point of the pads disposed in a common plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container and wherein the peak or apex of the slanted bottom wall is disposed above said common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Michael Gatton, John D. Buehler
  • Patent number: 6698627
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing member (1, 2) and packaging (4) surrounding said dispensing member at least in part, said dispensing member (1, 2) comprising a fluid reservoir (1) defining a neck (11) and at least one deformable actuating wall (10) serving to be pushed in to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir, said dispensing member (1) being provided with a dispensing orifice (25) through which the fluid is delivered by pressing on the actuating wall (10) of the reservoir (1), said packaging (4) having at least one deformable face (41) situated facing the actuating wall (10) of the reservoir, so that the actuating wall can be pushed in via the deformable face of the packaging, said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the packaging (4) is connected to the dispensing member (1, 2) at a fixing appendage (21) that is secured to or integral with the dispensing member and that has a fixing zone (210) for fixing to the packaging (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Alex Milian
  • Publication number: 20040035885
    Abstract: A readily collapsible viscous fluid dispenser is constructed in the general shape of a bellows to maximize the amount of fluid that can be stored while being kept small enough for one hand applied pressure dispensing. Rigid members are positioned on opposite sides of the readily collapsible bellows shaped viscous fluid enclosure. The rigid members are pivotably secured on either side of the discharge or the discharge end of the dispenser that can store and dispense different fluids by providing independent containers side by side with independent closures for each.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6672486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery pump to be coupled to the neck of a container filled with a liquid to be delivered comprising: a hollow body defining a suction and compression chamber for the liquid having a suction duct for the liquid, a tight piston sliding in the hollow body, a delivery duct for the liquid communicating with the suction and compression chamber; calve mechanism adapted to regulate inflow and outflow of liquid into and from the suction and compression chamber, elastic mechanism arranged between the tight piston and the hollow body. The delivery pump comprises first constraint mechanism fixed to the hollow body and selectively cooperating with second constraint means fixed to the tight piston to define the stroke of said tight piston. The stroke can be varied according to the mutual position of the first and second constraint mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taplast SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Santagiuliana
  • Patent number: 6669056
    Abstract: A foaming device, capable of generating foam by mixing a volume of air with a quantity of liquid, optionally connected to a tank of the liquid and provided with valves for controlling the flow of air and liquid, comprises an air chamber enclosed in a resiliently deformable diaphragm, and a liquid chamber. The diaphragm is shaped in such a way as to produce an increasing rate of flow of expelled air during deformation by an air piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Guala Dispensing, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Bistolfi
  • Publication number: 20030217962
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Childers, Don Busby
  • Patent number: 6616067
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispenser attachment to be mounted on a standard bottle having exterior threads at its neck. The attachment has two side arms emanating from a center. One arms has at its outer end a pressuring air bulb attached thereto. The outer end of the bulb has a one-way ball valve attached therein and another one-way ball valve is attached within the other end of the bulb. The pressurized air generated by the bulb enters directly into the interior of the bottle by way of a passage way. The passage way has a bypass just downstream of said one-way ball valve to accommodate the inward movement of the ball. The pressurized fluid in the bottle is controlled by a single unit ball valve assembly having a push button under a bias of a spring. The push button is located at the top of the attachment and is flush with its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: William E. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20030160067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging system intended to simplify the usage of multiple medications stored separately and used together, thereby minimize the non-compliant use of the multiple medications. Generally, the separate medication components are contained in a plurality of compartments, which when a deforming force is applied are released into an outer containment pouch. The medication components can then be mixed together and dispensed from the outer pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Pramod Gupta, Rajneesh Taneja
  • Patent number: 6607103
    Abstract: A touch free dispenser includes a sealed collapsible bottle assembly for containing a dispensable fluid, the assembly including a collapsible container with a depending coupler, a fluid pump disposed within the coupler and a dispensing tip, in fluid communication with the pump and container, for both activating the pump and dispensing the fluid. A support frame is provided for removably receiving the bottle assembly with the container supported on a topside of the frame, the frame having an opening therethrough for enabling the tip to dispense fluid therethrough. A pump actuator, disposed on a bottom side of the frame is provided for engaging the tip in order to actuate the pump. A driver assembly, disposed on the frame bottom side operates the pump actuator in response to the electronic signal, and a controller senses a presence of a user's hand proximate the dispensing tip and provides the electronic signal to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Gerenraich Family Trust
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Gerenraich, John J. Cogger
  • Publication number: 20030146242
    Abstract: A dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes is described. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may be in mechanical contact with an actuator which in turn is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that on movement of said operating button, liquid, gel slurry and/or paste is dispensed simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030075565
    Abstract: A touch free dispenser includes a sealed collapsible bottle assembly for containing a dispensable fluid, the assembly including a collapsible container with a depending coupler, a fluid pump disposed within the coupler and a dispensing tip, in fluid communication with the pump and container, for both activating the pump and dispensing the fluid. A support frame is provided for removably receiving the bottle assembly with the container supported on a topside of the frame, the frame having an opening therethrough for enabling the tip to dispense fluid therethrough. A pump actuator, disposed on a bottom side of the frame is provided for engaging the tip in order to actuate the pump. A driver assembly, disposed on the frame bottom side operates the pump actuator in response to the electronic signal, and a controller senses a presence of a user's hand proximate the dispensing tip and provides the electronic signal to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Gerenraich, John J. Cogger
  • Patent number: 6540105
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing a desired amount of liquid from a bottle, without leakage or dripping. The bottle is mounted in a fixture attached to a wall. The bottle includes an inlet and an outlet, with one-way valves operatively sealed in the inlet and outlet ports. A foam-filled foot pump is operatively connected to the inlet valve for the inlet port, such that air may be pumped into the bottle to pressurize the contents thereof. Upon pressurization, the liquid is forced through the outlet valve in the outlet port. An air filter is provided for the pump, so as to preclude contamination of liquid in the bottle. Excess pressure is released through a relief valve to preclude over-dosing of liquid from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Healthpoint, Ltd.
    Inventors: H. Paul Dorman, John W. Feik, Shawn Gentry
  • Patent number: 6531098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable, preselected-volume, capillary pipette device for picking up and transferring a selected volume of a liquid sample such as blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Drummond Scientific Company
    Inventor: James W Kenney
  • Patent number: 6527202
    Abstract: A spray gun includes a main body which is provided in the interior with an upright tube, a guide tube, and a compression structure by which a fluid contained in a container is dispersed in the form of a spray via a spray head. The compression structure includes a compression tube located in the interior of the main body, and an elastic tube compressibly received in the compression tube such that the elastic tube is compressed by a connection rod which is actuated by a trigger lever pivoted at one end to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Living Fountain Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Lung Tseng
  • Patent number: 6516976
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of a viscous liquid includes a liquid reservoir and a pump chamber having an opening in communication with the reservoir. A dispensing orifice is defined in the pump chamber. A pump mechanism is configured with the pump chamber and is movable from a rest to a pressurizing position upon actuation thereof to pressurize liquid within the pump chamber. A check valve mechanism is disposed in the opening. A restriction device is disposed in the dispensing orifice and maintains a closed configuration to prevent leakage of liquid from the dispensing orifice. The restriction device opens upon sufficient liquid pressure build-up within the pump chamber upon actuation of the pump mechanism. The restriction device also may vent the pump chamber upon release of the pump mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 6478195
    Abstract: A packaging assembly, including a fluid dispenser defining substantially parallel opposite side edges, and a housing having two substantially parallel opposite sides. Each side defines an inside wall, with the two inside walls facing each other, and each inside wall is provided with a respective longitudinal groove which extends over at least a portion of the length of the side. The two resulting grooves are parallel, and at least a portion of each of the opposite side edges of the dispenser are slidably engaged in the corresponding one of the grooves in the housing, so as to enable the dispenser to be slidably extracted from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Duquet, Hervé Pennaneac'h
  • Patent number: 6457607
    Abstract: A dispensing unit for a fluid dispensing machine comprises at least an inlet duct and an outlet duct for fluid products, connected to a variable-volume pumping chamber comprising at least one flexible wall. Two non return valves mounted in counter-phase are located in the inlet and outlet ducts, respectively. The pumping chamber is coupled to actuator means comprising a stepper motor, a screw-nut screw unit and a carriage. The carriage moves the pumping chamber from a zero position in which the chamber has a maximum volume to an upper limit in which the chamber has a minimum volume. An optic sensor defines the zero point of the pumping chamber so as to guarantee precision and repeatability of the dispensing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Corob International AG
    Inventors: Parrino Andrea, Manfredini Giorgio, Mazzalveri Leopoldo
  • Publication number: 20020108969
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Timothy Rodd, Graham Fuller, Peter T.M. Nott, Richard Harbutt
  • Patent number: 6409406
    Abstract: An applicator is provided with a flexible container, a discharge passage, a valve seat, and internal springs having first ends attached to one end of a rod that has a valve on its other end. The second ends of the leaf spring are secured to the container. The springs are in an arcuate configuration so as to press the valve into a closed position. Pressure on the flexible container presses on the arcuate shaped springs, straightening them to some degree. Due to the longitudinal increase in the length of the springs, the valve is lifted off of its seat, opening a passage for fluid flow from the container interior through the discharge passage of the applicator nib or pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Gilbert Schwartzman
  • Publication number: 20020074359
    Abstract: A dispenser drain attachment includes a threaded cap having a tapered drain socket and an associated drain tube. The interior of the drain tube has a double diaphragm which seals the drain tube, as well as an elastic gas bellows for dispensing liquid portions by alternating deformation of the diaphragm disks of the double diaphragm, which acts as a one-way valve. Such deformation is the result of pressure conditions which change when the gas bellows is compressed and then again released. The dispenser drain attachment is assembled from only two one-piece structural parts, each of which is produced by a two-component injection molding procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Weber
  • Publication number: 20020070240
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing a desired amount of liquid from a bottle, without leakage or dripping. The bottle is mounted in a fixture attached to a wall. The bottle includes an inlet and an outlet, with one-way valves operatively sealed in the inlet and outlet ports. A foam-filled foot pump is operatively connected to the inlet valve for the inlet port, such that air may be pumped into the bottle to pressurize the contents thereof. Upon pressurization, the liquid is forced through the outlet valve in the outlet port. An air filter is provided for the pump, so as to preclude contamination of liquid in the bottle. Excess pressure is released through a relief valve to preclude over-dosing of liquid from the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: H. Paul Dorman, John W. Feik, Shawn Gentry
  • Patent number: 6401985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container, a base and an air pressure device; the liquid container has an internal reservoir for containing the liquid and a dispensing conduit connected to a dispensing nozzle; a part of the dispensing conduit may be situated within the reservoir and is adapted to transfer the liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle; the base has a surface for holding a liquid receiver; the dispensing nozzle of the liquid container may be positioned above the surface of the base so that when the liquid receiver is situated upon the surface, the liquid from the dispensing nozzle will go into the receiver; the air pressure device is designed for creating pressurized air and is mounted in conjunction with the base; the pressurized device is connected with the internal reservoir of the liquid container, whereby upon operation of the air pressure device, pressurized air is supplied to the internal reservoir of the liquid container which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 6398074
    Abstract: This invention relates to a reservoir (10) for a fluid product containing a single dose, the reservoir (10) comprising an air inlet (11) and a product outlet (15), the air inlet (11) comprising a product retention device (12 and/or 13) to keep the product in the reservoir (10) until dispensation of the product, and the product outlet (15) being blocked, preferably in a sealed fashion, by a closing ball (16) which is removed from its blocking position by the flow of air when the product is being dispensed. This invention also relates to the method of filling the reservoir and a dispensing device for the product contained in the reservoir using an air blast (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Bruna, Jean-Louis Guiffray
  • Patent number: 6394316
    Abstract: A pump for dispensing particulate-ladened or heavily viscous fluids such as grit-ladened or granulated hand soap or lotion, has a compressible pump cavity with an inlet and a streamlined outlet, with a backflow check valve associated with the inlet and a nozzle assembly connected to the outlet. In the nozzle assembly, a spring loaded outflow ball valve resists outflow until sufficient fluid pressure is applied from the pump cavity. A minimally flow restrictive spring base support structure holds the base of the spring apart from the nozzle tip, creating a fluid flow path around the check ball and spring to the nozzle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Warren S. Daansen
  • Patent number: 6394315
    Abstract: A foam dispenser for use in association with foaming liquid is disclosed. The squeeze operated foam dispenser includes a resiliently deformable bottle and a cap. The resiliently deformable bottle has an at rest position and an under pressure position. The bottle has an interior and a throat. The cap is attached to the throat and the cap has a nozzle extending inwardly into the interior of the bottle. The nozzle defines a nozzle fluid passageway. A nozzle cover is attached to the cap and spaced from the nozzle and a cap chamber is defined therebetween. An air tube defining an air passageway extends inwardly from the nozzle cover and the air passageway is in communication with the cap chamber and an interior portion of air formed between the liquid and the bottle in the interior thereof when the nozzle is positioned downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Deb IP Limited
    Inventor: Stewart Banks
  • Patent number: 6367659
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a preselected amount of liquid includes a base; at least one bellows at least partially disposed in the base and configured and dimensioned to hold a first preselected amount of liquid, and a manually actuable actuator in telescopic relationship with the base for compressing the bellows therebetween and discharging a second preselected amount of liquid from the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Concept Workshop Worldwide LLC
    Inventor: David Seidler
  • Patent number: 6367662
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing a desired amount of liquid from a bottle, without leakage or dripping. The bottle is mounted in a fixture attached to a wall. The bottle includes an inlet and an outlet, with one-way valves operatively sealed in the inlet and outlet ports. A foot pump is operatively connected to the inlet valve for the inlet port, such that air may be pumped into the bottle to pressurize the contents thereof. Upon pressurization, the liquid is forced through the outlet valve in the outlet port. An air filter is provided for the pump, so as to preclude contamination of liquid in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Healthpoint, Ltd.
    Inventors: H. Paul Dorman, John W. Feik, Jr., Shawn Gentry
  • Publication number: 20020027143
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle and fixed clean agent fire suppression system. The system stores gas fire suppressant in a liquefied state separate from propellant gas. Upon demand, the propellant charges the gas fire suppressant to provide a piston flow system that pushes the gas fire suppressant in the liquid state through a pipe network to the protected area of a building. The system includes a plurality of atomizing nozzles for atomizing the gas fire suppressant where it more easily vaporizes. Each atomizing nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a deflector body secured together in fixed relation. A conical flow passage is formed between the nozzle body and deflector body. The conical flow passage extends radially outward to a circumferential outlet slot that spreads the liquid clean agent out into a thin liquid conical fan that breaks up into droplets and atomizes quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Schoenrock, Jonathan S. Meltzer, David Rausch, Joseph A. Senecal
  • Patent number: 6343717
    Abstract: A pre-filled disposable pipette for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products which has a hollow, round pipette body (40). The body consists of a hollow, rigid bulb section (44) forming a reservoir for storage and dispersion of the liquid pharmaceutical or cosmetic product which is pre-filled within the body. The body (40) further includes a hollow tubular section (46) that is smaller in diameter and contiguous with the bulb section, for ease of handling the pipette. The preferred embodiment has a hollow, frangible upper tube (42) with a distal end that is sealed for introducing air into the body (40) when the seal is broken, thus releasing the liquid from the tubular section. The liquid is dispensed from the body by breaking the upper tube allowing air to enter the pipette with the liquid flowing by gravity. The second embodiment has a resilient bulb section and omits the upper tube. A tapered section (90) is added to the tubular section, with a hollow tip (86) on the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jack Yongfeng Zhang, Frank Zhishi Xia, Mary Ziping Luo
  • Patent number: 6336571
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a flask (1) with variable internal volume having a rigid neck (5) wherein is arranged the body (3) of a dispensing head (2) ending in a conduit (41) discharging the liquid and containing a microporous pad (6) for generating a head loss regulating the liquid flow pushed therethrough into a distribution chamber (31) communicating with said conduit. The pad is advantageously made of a material inert with respect to the liquid and combined with an antibacterial filtering element (9) preventing outside air from entering the flask. It evenly occupies the body (3) over the whole cross-section of the liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Laboratoires Thea S.A.
    Inventors: Henri Chibret, Michel Faurie, Jacques Luyckx, Alain Defemme, Thierry Coquel
  • Publication number: 20010038798
    Abstract: A hand-held and hand-operated fluid pump capable of inflating recreational equipment, as well as directing a stream of air to clean delicate electronics or hard to reach locations, is provided. The simple design of the inventive fluid pump permits it to be equally useful for creating fluid streams to dislodge foreign particles stuck in difficult to reach areas, such as corners and enclosed pipe structures. Because the inventive pump uses only human energy to transmit fluids or gases, it is ecologically efficient exemplifying a “green technology” design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: FRANCIS X. FOSTER
  • Publication number: 20010035432
    Abstract: A dropper assembly comprising a pipette portion, having a proximate end and a distal end, the distal end of said pipette having an opening through which fluid is adapted to flow in the pipette pr9otion; a cap portion having a top wall, the proximate end of the said pipette portion being integrally formed with the top wall of said cap portion on one side thereof; a bulb portion having a flange at one end thereof, said cap portion having an annular wall extending axially outwardly from the opposite side of the top wall thereof, the flange of said bulb portion being positioned on said opposite side of said top wall, and said annular wall being swaged over the flange of said bulb portion, to thereby integrally connect said bulb portion to said cap portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: John D. Buehler
  • Patent number: 6289784
    Abstract: A spring water pump comprising: a housing sealably connected to a water container and having a sealing member for sealing the connected portion between the water container and the housing; a pressure member of bellows type located inside the housing, the pressure member being compressed by an user's pressing action and expanded by its restitutive force; a push cap having an upper portion exposed over the housing and a lower portion positioned on the pressure member, the push cap pressed down by the user's pressing action; a connecting pipe for drawing up spring water from the water container; a discharging pipe for discharging spring water pumped upwardly through the connecting pipe; and guiding means for guiding vertically smooth sliding of the push cap in the housing. By the guiding means, the push cap can smoothly slide in the housing under any pressure condition, and the user can easily push the push cap by small power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Kyung-seo Park, Kuk-seo Park
  • Patent number: 6267270
    Abstract: The invention provides a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid medicaments, in particular, in metered droplets, in which an upwardly open container (2) can be closed off by means of a deformable diaphragm (3) and liquid is dispensed from the container (2) in the form of droplets through an outlet tube (12) leading out of the interior of the container when slight pressure is exerted on the diaphragm (3), the opening of the outlet tube (12) pointing at the upper surface of the diaphragm (3). This allows an instrument used to exert the pressure on the diaphragm (3), e.g. pincers holding a piece of cotton wool, also to be used at the same time to take up the liquid displaced from the container (2); single-handed operation is thus possible. Any unused liquid cannot run back. The instrument comes into contact only with the diaphragm (3) and the liquid dispensed onto it, and the diaphragm (3) can be exchanged before each re-use, thus satisfying even the high hygiene requirements in the medical sector. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Alfred Schaffner
  • Patent number: RE37675
    Abstract: A reservoir body (101) contains a product (102) and is provided with at least two openings, one (P) of these openings being provided with a part (103) for increasing the pressure, and the other opening (R) being provided with a part (110) for braking and retaining the product (110). This device permits easy manipulation, allows a controlled dispensing, and optionally precise dosing, while ensuring a good preservation of the product over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: RE37734
    Abstract: A dispensing bulb having a squeezable body portion and integral squeezable neck portion having a pair of diametrically disposed vent holes. An adaptor is mounted in the neck portion and is provided with a cylindrical portion extending into the bulb neck portion beyond the vent holes and spaced radially inwardly therefrom. A dispensing tube is connected to the adaptor and communicates with the interior of the bulb. The neck portion of the bulb is squeezed to draw liquid into the tube, and the cylindrical portion of the adaptor limits the squeezing of the neck portion to prevent liquid from being drawn through the tube into the body portion of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Buehler