Insertable Cartridge Or Removable Container Patents (Class 222/325)
  • Patent number: 8348098
    Abstract: A dispensing device dispenses at least two different preparations substantially simultaneously. The device has a delivery element to deliver a first preparation from a package to its surrounding environment when an actuating element, in at least one embodiment a trigger connected to a pump, is actuated. The dispensing device has a connection line between the delivery element and at least one portion cartridge for a second preparation. The portion cartridge is detachably coupled to the dispensing device such that as the actuating element is actuated, the first and second preparations can be simultaneously dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Erik Brückner
  • Publication number: 20120325857
    Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge carrying a piston pump with a movable piston element to be coupled on insertion with an actuator plate of the housing. A ramp mechanism is provided on the actuator plate to engage the piston element and during insertion of the cartridge into the housing move the piston element to a position relative the actuator plate which facilitates proper coupling including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 8336740
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispenser of a type having a housing in which a container filled with a fluid to be dispensed is removably received. The container incorporates a pump and an adapter assembly for securing the pump within an opening or fitment of the container and for removably securing the container within the housing. In another aspect, an improved push bar-type actuator is provided. In certain embodiments, an angled receptacle for receiving the pump and adapter receptacle is provided for ease of emplacing the container within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Warren S. Daansen
  • Patent number: 8333164
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for serially coating workpieces with different shades or colors is disclosed. A metering device comprises a plunger-type dosing mechanism or a metering pump that has a separate inlet with an integrated color valve for each of the most commonly used colors is located in or near the sprayer of the coating apparatus. A separate color changer can be provided for less frequently used colors. The outlet of said color changer may be connected to another inlet of the metering mechanism or to the discharge valve of the sprayer via a separate metering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Duerr Systems, GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Publication number: 20120305605
    Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing a stock liquid is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a pump. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications, having a removably insertable cartridge and methods of dispensing a liquid are also provided. Appliances including a removably insertable cartridge and methods of dispensing a liquid are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT COFFEE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Mario E. Vassaux, Paul Van Den Hoonaard
  • Patent number: 8313009
    Abstract: A pepper spray container assembly includes a first housing, a second housing secured to the first housing, and a pepper spray bottle securely retained by the first and second housings. A portion of the first housing is configured to be pressed into the assembly and moved forward into an activation position, thereby sliding the first housing forward relative to the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Parisi, Jeffrey D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8313008
    Abstract: A foam dispenser includes a refill unit and a dispenser housing. The refill unit carries foamable liquid and provides a liquid pump portion actuated to advance foamable liquid through the dispenser. The dispenser housing provides an air pump portion actuated to advance air through the dispenser. The air pump portion communicates with the liquid pump portion when the refill unit is properly placed in the housing. The liquid pump portion includes a piston housing that reciprocally receives a piston assembly to define a collapsible liquid chamber. Similarly, the air pump portion includes a piston housing that reciprocally receives a piston assembly to define a collapsible air chamber. Upon actuation of the dispenser, both the liquid chamber and the air chamber collapse and thereby feed air and liquid to an extrusion chamber, and extrude the mixture of air and liquid therein through a premix chamber and at least one mesh screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8302816
    Abstract: A refill cartridge disposable within a spray bottle during usage thereof. The refill cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir. The cartridge body includes first and second openings, the second opening being defined by a projection of the cartridge body. A cap is connected to the cartridge body to substantially cover the first opening. The cap includes a cap base having a primary opening. A cap boss is connected to and extends from the cap base and defines a passage concentrically aligned with the primary opening. The refill cartridge additionally includes a plug having a plug body including a plug neck and a flared portion. The plug is engageable with the cap and the cartridge body and is moveable relative to the cap and cartridge body between a sealing position and a dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 8302812
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a pump that, upon actuation, progresses through a discrete dispense cycle to dispense a discrete dose of product. The dispenser further includes an actuating mechanism serving to actuate the pump, and a dispenser controller that controls operation of the actuation mechanism. The discrete dose is less than a desired dose. When the dispenser controller receives a single dispense request, the dispenser controller causes the actuating mechanism to actuate the pump through multiple discrete dispense cycles so as to dispense multiple discrete doses to achieve a dispensing of the desired dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron R. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20120267395
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge for use in a beverage dispensing system, comprising a housing, and located within the housing, a container for accommodating a beverage-related fluid substance and a pump; a drive port via which a driving torque may be delivered to the pump; and a fluid outlet port via which the fluid substance may be pumped from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are located on the same side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Tjasse Willem Biewenga
  • Publication number: 20120267396
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided including a dispenser housing that receives disposable refill units that are to be replaced when empty. The dispenser housing includes an air compressor and an inflation plug. The inflation plug includes a needle having an outlet and further includes a vent valve in fluid communication with the outlet. The inflation plug is fluidly associated with the air compressor such that the air compressor selectively advances air to the vent valve and to the outlet of the needle. The disposable refill includes a container having an interior with a liquid portion and air portion therein. The container further includes a plug receipt, and the inflation plug of the dispenser housing engages the plug receipt such that the outlet of the needle communicates with the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Quinlan, JR., Bradley L. Lightner
  • Patent number: 8272537
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a valveless cartridge assembly that has a housing with an opening at a proximal end and an outlet port for dispensing the liquid at a distal end, with the opening being configured to accept a cartridge of the liquid therethrough and communicating with an interior space of the housing. A metered dispensing device is coupled to the valveless cartridge assembly and includes a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the interior space and the outlet port for selectively dispensing the liquid through the outlet port. The apparatus may be such that at least a portion of the metered dispensing device is disposed within the housing or it may alternatively be coupled to an exterior of the housing. The positive displacement pump may be a gear pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Leslie J. Varga
  • Patent number: 8272318
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20120234869
    Abstract: A cylindrical container for preferably foam compound cylinder is described, comprising a base portion separately couplable with a head portion, said head portion comprising an attachment flange adapted to accommodate a valved head of the cylinder and couplable with an attachment flange of an application means of the substance contained in the cylinder, and attachment means engageable with a thread of the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Riccardo Rigolio
  • Patent number: 8261950
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Carolyn C. Byl, Matthew T. Wilcox, Alan P. Paal, Gregory D. Budz, Robert W. Cornell
  • Patent number: 8261945
    Abstract: A soap dispenser has a base and a cover attached to the base by two sets of hinges. A container of soap is housed between the cover and the base and is attached to a liquid or foam dispensing pump. The pump is housed within a mounting device which surrounds the pump and has several diameters and at least one shoulder. In at least one embodiment, the mounting device has a flexible arm that biases the cover to a non-actuated position. The portion of the mounting device farthest from the pump's dispensing orifice and located closest to the soap container is flat in at least one embodiment on two opposite surfaces, which assists in orienting the pump correctly. As the portion is not circular, it must be oriented correctly. In at least one embodiment, as the cover is depressed, the pump actuates to dispense foam or soap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Haworth
  • Patent number: 8261943
    Abstract: Refill assemblies are described herein that include: a bottle defining an internal reservoir and an opening which communicates with the reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled with the bottle, the refill cartridge including: a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein, a refill pouch having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein or a combination thereof; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body that facilitates the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir into the reservoir of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 8245881
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a housing and a container having an interior. The container is removably coupled to the housing for dispensing fluid from the container by the dispensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Publication number: 20120209243
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fluid delivery device and a removable cartridge system, and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Eric Yan
  • Patent number: 8240933
    Abstract: A bottle includes a product stored therein. It is configured to be removably engaged with a docking station in an inverted arrangement to be activated by the docking station and heat the product. The bottle may include a pump structure (e.g. in the form of a bellows), or be a squeezable bottle, or be a bowable bottle, or have other pumping features. Structures are provided to prevent drool after use, to help apply the heated product to the skin, and to insure proper heating and dispensing. There are combined docking stations and bottles where the bottle is positioned in an inverted manner, and methods for using these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Skalitzky, Stephen B. Leonard, Jeffrey L. Harwig, Steven C. Shirley, Richard L. Norwood, Fuk Yuen Cheng, Zhi Bin Wen, Jian Shi, Robert J. Kopanic
  • Patent number: 8240508
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson W. Wegelin, Aaron R. Reynolds, Chip W. Curtis, Dale Liff, Jason Amistadi
  • Publication number: 20120199612
    Abstract: A container has a body with a product disposed therein. A pedestal with a valving structure extends from the body. A bracket has a sidewall with at least one slot extending therein. The bracket includes a second pedestal provided interiorly of the sidewall, which is shaped to fittingly receive the pedestal of the body. The second pedestal includes at least one extending flange. Each of the at least one extending flanges extends toward the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Donald J. Schumacher, Christine D. Beilstein, Dirk K. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20120193376
    Abstract: An apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a compressible metering chamber including a first end coupled to the fluid reservoir and a second end. The apparatus further including a valve coupled to the second end of the metering chamber and a nozzle coupled to the valve. A system including linearly translatable cartridge mounting assembly having a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations and a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridges mounted to respective fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations. The system further including a plurality of compression assemblies coupled to respective fluid dispensing cartridges and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly. A method includes positioning a fluid dispensing cartridge comprising a fluid reservoir and a metering chamber over a sample retaining member, applying a compressive force to the metering chamber to eject a predetermined amount of fluid and removing the compressive force to refill the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Evans, Wolfgang Mueller, Toshiyuki Fujimaki, Shinji Tokudaiji, Yoshitake Okabe, Yoshitada Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8226319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cost effective instrument for storing a fluid material, and applying a predetermined amount of the fluid material to a surface. The instrument is comprised of few parts including an outer casing and a fluid insert, making the instrument cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products. The ability to provide dispensers in a pre-assembled form, combined with the compatibility of the fluid dispensers with industrial high speed filling machines, reduces the overall filling costs to the cosmetic company, as well as the cost to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lucas Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Francavilla, Kevin F. X. Kearsey
  • Patent number: 8225740
    Abstract: An arm of a coating robot is used to prevent external leakage of a high voltage. A tank is installed on a robotic arm and contains water as an actuating liquid. The water is supplied to a paint cartridge by a pump controlled by a controller. The water sent from the pump under pressure is supplied to the paint cartridge by a conduit tube. A high voltage generator and a bleeder resistor are combined with the tank such that a high voltage generated by the high voltage generator is supplied to the electrostatic paint applicator via the water. For replenishment of water to the tank is attained by relatively connecting a nozzle in communication with a water source to a main pipe. While the high voltage generator generates a high voltage, the nozzle and the main pipe are kept disconnected to maintain electrical insulation between the nozzle and the main pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ransburg Industrial Finishing K.K.
    Inventors: Michio Mitsui, Ryuji Tani, Sadao Inose
  • Patent number: 8215228
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8210396
    Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. The piston can also includes a membrane positioned on a side facing the valve stem configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat and to permit the fluid to be forcibly expressed from the dispensing tube when the valve body is moved from its contact position. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications, having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Coffee Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Girard, Nasser Pirshafiey, Mario E. Vassaux, Heather B. Kay, Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald
  • Patent number: 8213841
    Abstract: A container includes: a container body that is to be inserted into the device, and that has a port; and a pair of support members arranged so that the support members face each other across the port, that supports a cover for covering the port, the cover including: a covering portion that covers the port; a pair of supported members that are supported by the support members; and a pair of connecting portions arranged so that the connecting portions face each other, that connects the covering portion and the supported members, and at least one of the connecting members being configured so that the connecting member becomes narrow as an outside surface of the connecting member tapers towards its inside surface at an end of the container body inserted into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kitagawa, Kei Hirata, Kouji Fukumuro
  • Publication number: 20120152978
    Abstract: A liquid bag connecting member includes a support face and a holding part. The support face supports a bottom face of a liquid bag to be filled with a liquid and is arranged so that an opening part of the liquid bag faces in a gravity direction. The holding part is positioned lower than the support face in the gravity direction and holds the opening part. The holding part includes an opening into which the opening part is inserted. The liquid bag connecting member is connected to the liquid bag to have the liquid bag form into a funnel shape by using a difference of position between the support face and the holding part in the gravity direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: FUJIFILM CORPORATION, FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Sekiyama, Tomohisa Yoshida, Satoshi Matsuzaka, Kenji Yokota
  • Publication number: 20120152977
    Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a container, a boring part, an operation lever, a fixing member, and a coupling portion. The container includes a sealing film and is filled with a liquid. The boring part bores the sealing film of the container when the boring part is inserted into the container to discharge the liquid from the container and supply the liquid to a supply destination. The operation lever is connected to the boring part and operates the boring part so that the boring part is pulled out and inserted into the container. The fixing member fixes the operation lever when the boring part is inserted into the container. The coupling portion is installed in the container and is coupled with the operation lever when the operation lever is moved to the position where the boring part is inserted into the container to prevent the boring part from slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: FUJIFILM CORPORATION, FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Sekiyama, Tomohisa Yoshida, Satoshi Matsuzaka, Kenji Yokota
  • Publication number: 20120152976
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a liquid supply apparatus includes a liquid bag, a borer, and a discharge stop part. A liquid to be supplied to a supply destination is filled in the liquid bag. The liquid bag has an opening part in which a sealing film is installed. The borer has a radial shape in the cross-sectional view and has a tilt part that is tilted toward the center of the radial shape at the tip to be inserted into the opening part of the liquid bag to bore the sealing film. The discharge stop part is arranged at the opening part of the liquid bag, has elasticity, and is provided with a slit having a minus symbol shape which is pressed and extended by the insertion of the borer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: FUJIFILM CORPORATION, FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Yoshida, Takaaki Sekiyama, Masahiko Kondo
  • Publication number: 20120141309
    Abstract: A pump for use in an inverted dispenser is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the liquid pump includes a fluid chamber that has a top portion when in the inverted position and at least one side wall located below the top portion. A liquid intake port extends through the at least one side wall and allows fluid to flow into the fluid chamber. The pump also includes a check valve to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port that is located in the at least one side wall. Actuation of the liquid pump in a first direction causes fluid to enter the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port and actuation of the liquid pump in a second direction causes liquid to exit the fluid chamber trough the fluid chamber outlet and out of a dispensing outlet. In one embodiment, the check valve is an elastomeric valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Nick Ciavarella
  • Patent number: 8171926
    Abstract: A fire igniter of carbonaceous fuel, especially the fire igniter providing an initial operation to ignite cold and raw carbonaceous fuel, includes a barrel unit, a space of which is deformable and is collected easily. The barrel unit includes primarily a front plate, a rear plate and a side wing that are connected by hinges, so as to be deformed and collapsed for reducing a volume to be collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Freddie Chang
  • Patent number: 8166867
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20120097711
    Abstract: A dispenser comprising a base unit (2) with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit (1) insertible into the base unit (2) in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit (2), the refill unit (1) comprising an annular wall (30) projecting into the refill unit (1) and defining an outlet from the refill unit (1), the annular wall (30) being closable at its innermost end by a valve element (33) biased onto the annular wall 30), the base unit (2) comprising a hollow spigot (11) and an annular seal (14) surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot (11) whereby insertion of the refill unit (1) into the base unit (2) causes the spigot (11) to enter the annular wall (30) and to lift the valve element (33) from the annular wall (30) to define a flow path from the refill unit (1), through at least one cut-out portion formed in the top of the spigot (11) and/or the bottom of the valve element (33) and down the hollow spigot (11), and the annular
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
    Inventors: Zhou Xianzhi, Dong Xiao You, Christopher Leonard Padain, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 8162185
    Abstract: A viscous material processing system has a chamber to hold containers shaped as drums and has a plunger that presses into the interior of the drum to press out its highly viscous contents. The chamber has a hinged enclosure that has a hydraulically activated clamp that connects the two sides of the hinged enclosure that is controlled by a controller in a methodical way. The hydraulically activated clamp can be arranged in series and also has a relief cartridge and pressure sensor to prevent the drum from over pressurized. The processing system also has viscous material compounding system that receives and uses the material provided by the drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Stanton, Harry A. Bayly, Roger Knox
  • Patent number: 8157128
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, and a wall defining an elongated cavity open at the top and extending along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes a face member defining a viewing window. The face member is snap-fitted to the dispenser housing wall. The indicating device further includes an indicator member having a surface visible through the viewing window. The surface includes dosage indicia. The indicator member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An indicator actuator has at least a portion disposed in the cavity. The actuator is adapted to be moved by an actuation of the container, with the actuator adapted to rotate the indicator member upon a predetermined number of actuations of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8155706
    Abstract: A scent notification system operably coupled to a conventional cellular phone wherein the scent notification system is configured to alert the cellular phone user to an incoming communication via dispersal of a fluid having a specific aromatic property. The scent notification system further includes a housing that is operably coupled to the cellular phone. The housing has an interior volume that has contained therein at least one cartridge containing a fluid and an expansion chamber operably coupled thereto. The cartridge further includes a propellant to propel the fluid from the cartridge to the expansion chamber where the fluid converts to a gaseous phase and then propagates out of the expansion chamber via a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: David Hurst
  • Patent number: 8141744
    Abstract: A foam dispenser having a selectively pressurized cartridge that includes a dispenser housing maintaining a motor driving an air compressor with a compressed air conduit extending therefrom. Also maintained within the dispenser is a foam generating head that receives air and liquid conduits that include dispensing valves. A control circuit controls the motor and dispensing valves, and further is interconnected with a hand sensor positioned in association with the dispensing head. In one embodiment of the invention, a disposable and replaceable cartridge of liquid soap or the like is adapted to sealingly and removably receive the compressed air conduit as well as the liquid and air outlet conduits, along with a vent valve and a pressure sensor, the vent valve and pressure sensor communicating with a control circuit. In another embodiment, the various conduits, valves and sensors, as well as the dispensing head, comprise a portion of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Quinlan
  • Patent number: 8141754
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid dispenser includes a base unit and a reservoir. The base unit includes a pump and a battery compartment including electrical contacts electrically connected with the pump. The reservoir is supported by and selectively removable from the base unit. The reservoir includes an internal compartment that is in fluid communication with the pump when the reservoir is connected to the base unit. A female panel mount for an electrically operated unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael Conner, Robert Vystrcil, Jeffery Morgan, Shawn Whetsone, Terry Birchler, David Chaney
  • Patent number: 8136698
    Abstract: A hand holdable applicator for delivering solutions and materials in a pressurized fluid system. Additives of solutions or materials are contained in replaceable, collapsible cartridges or liners, responsive and compressible to external fluid pressure regulated by the operator. Upon compression, additives combine with variably controlled fluid ingress and are mixed before dispersing through a nozzle having varying spraying configurations. The applicator may hold a plurality of cartridges, and additives may be administered separately or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Sylvius Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20120057425
    Abstract: A cartridge in which bone cement is mixed and from which the cement is discharged. A blade with plural vanes is disposed in the cartridge for mixing the cement. A piston located in one end of the cartridge is actuated to push the mixed cement out of the cartridge. The blade has plural vanes, one for scraping cement off the side of the cartridge, one for scraping cement off the piston and one for scraping cement off the end of the cartridge opposite the end in which the piston is normally located. The blade is collapsible so that when the piston is actuated the blade compresses to allow the cement in the cartridge to be pushed out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce D. Henniges, Christopher M. Tague, Jared P. Coffeen, Christopher S. Brockman, Marshall K. Proulx
  • Patent number: 8127971
    Abstract: A dispenser system for flowable material includes several interchangeable cartridge assemblies for retaining flowable material, each cartridge assembly including a dispensing piston sealingly and slidably retained within a cylinder, the cylinder having a distal cylinder dispensing end to which a material passing attachment can be sealingly mounted and having a proximal cylinder mounting end, and the piston including a piston head for creating the slidable seal within the cylinder and a piston drive mechanism connected to the piston; a drive structure for engaging and mounting the cartridge assembly and for progressively driving the flowable material out of the cartridge assembly and onto a target surface, the drive structure including a cartridge assembly engagement structure and having a piston drive mechanism which drivably and releasibly engages the piston drive mechanism upon fitting the cylinder to the engagement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Steve Chininis, Mel Kennedy, Richard C. Levy, Jose Longoria, Susan Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8122920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage container tapping apparatus, with: a transporting device for transporting beverage containers from an introducing position to a first and a second position, a disinfecting device for disinfecting a beverage container fitting, said disinfecting device being assigned to the first position, a tap head device with a tap head and a unit for attaching the tap head to the fitting of a beverage container, wherein the tap head device is assigned to the second position, and a device for transporting a beverage container out of the second position into an empties region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: SafeClean EDE GmbH
    Inventor: Gisela Eberle-Rubo
  • Patent number: 8123084
    Abstract: A device for mixing a substance comprised of two constituents contained in a cartridge (12) and having a cartridge holder (32) thereabout, the device comprising a plunger rod (46) for pushing a closure member (20) to permit the transfer of a diluent in a second chamber (28) through a by-pass channel (24) to mix with a constituent in a first chamber (26), the plunger rod (48) being driven by means of a rack (48) and a pinion gear (50) arrangement to prevent overly rapid movement of the plunger rod (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Duoject Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reynolds, Daniel MacDonald, Roger McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8118137
    Abstract: A portable multiple duty grease gun is permanently housed and operated out of a portable housing. Two grease tubes feeding through a common funnel to a retractable hose with a hand held grease gun on the end. A pressure regulator, a compressor or mechanical pump with an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack, and a control panel in the housing operate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: William Cerveny
  • Patent number: 8118192
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for locating concealed objects by discharging the contents of an aerosol container. A housing encloses an inner volume, and a hollow conduit extends along the housing. An elongate rod slides within the conduit. An actuator of the aerosol container is engaged between a discharge position and a non-discharge position by movement of the elongate rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L. P.
    Inventor: Michael Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20120037659
    Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable medium has a container with an outlet on the bottom. A pump is connected to the outlet. A replaceable reservoir is placed on top of the receptacle. The container is removably disposed within the dispenser base and includes a valve inside the outlet. The valve closes the outlet when the container is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: HANS GEORG HAGLEITNER
  • Patent number: 8113388
    Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones, Zhenchun (Tony) Shi, Charles S. Charron, Ali Mirbach
  • Publication number: 20120031930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for coupling to a dosing device which may be positioned within a domestic device for dispensing at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation, the cartridge having at least one chamber for storing at least one free-flowing liquid or powder washing or cleaning agent preparation and the cartridge is protected against ingress of rinsing water into the chamber(s) when coupled to the dosing device. The cartridge is provided with at least one outlet opening on the lower side in gravity direction, in particular for gravity fed dispensing of preparation from at least one chamber and at least one ventilation opening on the underside in the direction of gravity for ventilation of at least one chamber, wherein the ventilation opening is separate from the outlet opening and the ventilation opening has a communicating connection with at least one chamber of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Salvatore Fileccia, Arnd Kessler, Dieter Eichholz, Hans-Georg Mühlhausen, Roland Schmalz, Gerold Jans, Christian Nitsch, Thorsten Bastigkeit