Totalizer For Successive Dispenser Cycles Patents (Class 222/36)
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Publication number: 20110283997Abstract: A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicants: IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND (a trading name of IVAX International B.V.), TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND (a trading name of IVAX International B.V.), NORTON WATERFORD (a trading name of IVAX International B.V.)Inventors: Declan Walsh, Derek Fenlon, Simon Kaar, Jan Geert Hazenberg, Dan Buck, Paul Clancy, Robert Charles Uschold, Jeffrey A. Karg
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Publication number: 20110266305Abstract: A dose counter for counting the number of doses of fluid or powder that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser device, said counter including a first rotary counter element (110) forming a units wheel, and a second rotary counter element (120) forming a tens wheel, said first and second counter elements co-operating with each other to define and to display, in a viewing window, said number of doses, said first counter element co-operating with an actuator member (130) that is adapted to cause said first counter element to turn each time said actuator member is actuated, said counter including an intermediate rotary element (140) that is adapted to cause said second counter element to turn on every tenth actuation of said actuator member, said first and second counter elements turning about a common first pivot pin (161), and said intermediate element turning about a second pivot pin (162) that is offset and parallel to said first pivot pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: VALOIS SASInventor: Antoine Laut
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Publication number: 20110266306Abstract: A dose counter (100) for counting the number of doses of fluid or powder that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser device (200), said counter including a first rotary counter element forming a units wheel, and a second rotary counter element forming a tens wheel, said first and second counter elements co-operating with each other to define and to display, in a viewing window (151), said number of doses, said first counter element co-operating with an actuator member that is adapted to cause said first counter element to turn each time said actuator member is actuated, said counter including a base body that incorporates a pivot pin for said first and second counter elements and an opening, said counter possibly being pre-assembled in said base body so as to form a pre-assembled counter unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: VALOIS SASInventor: Antoine Laut
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Patent number: 8025184Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush
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Patent number: 7984826Abstract: A dispensing device for use in dispensing metered dosages of substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a support block defining a longitudinal axis and an indicator member rotatably disposed in the dispenser housing. The indicator member is rotatable about a rotation axis forming an obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes an actuator member moveable along a longitudinal direction and an indicator member rotatably mounted in the indicator housing about a rotation axis forming an obtuse angle with an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. An indicating device includes an indicator housing having an upper surface with an opening formed therein and an actuator ring having a flange moveable through the opening in a longitudinal direction. An indicator member is rotatably mounted in the indicator housing. A medicament assembly and method for dispensing a metered dose of medicament are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
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Patent number: 7886934Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, an indicating device connected to the dispenser housing and a container removably engaged with the dispenser housing. A connector maintains a connection between the container and the dispenser housing as the container is moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the dispenser housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Winston Lu, Robert Morton, Joaquim Balles
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Patent number: 7882982Abstract: An indicator for a dispenser device, having an actuator element (1) displaceable between a rest position and an actuated position, a rotary counter element (5), and a drive element (6) that transforms an axial displacement of the actuator element into a rotary displacement of the counter element (5). The counter element (5) including a set of teeth (9) that co-operate with a resilient mechanism (7, 8) of the drive element (6). The resilient mechanism (7, 8) having two flexible tabs (7, 8), a first flexible tab (7) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element (5) to turn in a counting direction while the actuator element (1) is displaced towards its actuated position, and a second flexible tab (8) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element to turn in the same counting direction while the actuator element (1) returns to its rest position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Valois SASInventors: Giuseppe Stradella, Fabio Stradella
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Publication number: 20110011393Abstract: An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBHInventors: Johannes GESER, Burkhard P. METZGER, Christian GOLBERG, Michael SCHYRA, Ralf THÖMMES, Birgit WESTMEIER, Guido SCHMIEDEL, Hubert KUNZE, Georg BOECK
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Patent number: 7836880Abstract: The present invention provides a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) system, comprising a transparent or partially transparent canister which permits a patient to view the amount of medicament remaining in the pMDI system. The system of the present also comprises a dose counter which counts a dose when a dose is dispensed. The present invention provides a pMDI system which is improved over those currently used for treating respiratory diseases.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Kevin Innocenzi
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Patent number: 7828172Abstract: The invention relates to a dose indicator (A) which is intended for a fluid product dispensing device (B). The inventive indicator consists of at least one rotary counting means (10) which can move in rotation and which comprises indicator means (15), said indicator means indicating the number of doses that have been distributed or that remain to be distributed. Moreover, said at least one counting means is actuated by an actuation member (35) which is in turn actuated by a transmission element (34) that is designed to co-operate with the dispensing device each time the latter is actuated. The dose indicator comprises amplification means which are designed to amplify the movement of the transmission element (34) with each actuation, such that the movement of the actuation member (35) is greater than the movement of the transmission element (34).Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
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Patent number: 7823584Abstract: An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbHInventors: Johannes Geser, Burkhard P. Metzger, Christian Goldberg, Michael Schyra, Ralf Thoemmes, Birgit Westmeier, Guido Schmiedel, Hubert Kunze, Georg Boeck
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Patent number: 7819075Abstract: Inhaler counter (20) comprising a counter housing (390), a rocker arm (200) with a pawl (210), the rocker arm being pivotally supported by the housing and arranged to perform a rocker movement in response to a linear actuation motion, a return spring (220) for resetting the rocker arm, a ratchet wheel (230) engagable with the pawl to convert the movement of the rocker arm into an incremental rotational motion of an axle arrangement (240) advancing a display means (60), the axle arrangement further comprising a back rotation prevention means (280) in the form of a spring loaded friction brake and a worm gear, the display means comprising rotatable indicator means (120) with teeth that engage the worm-gear and a stationary scale.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: AstraZeneca ABInventors: Nic Bowman, Douglas Bradshaw, Lennart Sörby
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Patent number: 7819285Abstract: In a counter mechanism of a feeding device, in each discrete feeding operation, an amount corresponding to single delivery unit of stored material is ejected and providing a simple construction and permitting the remaining amount of stored material in the device invisible from outside to be known by counting the number of delivered units of stored material. A counter mechanism of this invention comprises a fixed member (10) fixed to the body and having cam lobes formed in circumferential direction, a gear (20) having a count number display that can be monitored from the outside, a rotating member (40) being restricted to rotate either to a position in the rotating direction to allow feeding of a single delivery unit and a position to preventing feeding of the stored material, a ring member (30) which can rotates in interlock with the rotating motion of the rotating member and comprises a resiliently deformable cam follower having a jaw formed at a predetermined position in circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Teijin Pharma LimitedInventors: Seiji Mochizuki, Dai Kawada, Yoshitaka Tsuji, Shigeto Ogino, Hitoshi Toyonaga, Hirofumi Henmi, Masatake Yamano
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Patent number: 7806295Abstract: The invention relates to a dose indicator (A) which is intended for a fluid product dispensing device (B). The inventive indicator consists of at least one rotary counting means (10) which can move in rotation and which comprises indicator means (15), said indicator means indicating the number of doses that have been distributed or that remain to be distributed. Moreover, said at least one counting means is actuated by an actuation member (35) which is in turn actuated by a transmission element (34) that is designed to co-operate with a part (54) of the dispensing device (B) each time the latter is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Valois S.A.SInventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
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Publication number: 20100229855Abstract: A dose counting device for use with a medicinal metered dose dispensing device, the device comprising an actuator having at least one finger that is designed for reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, an annular member having a helical thread segment formed about a circumferential arc on a part of its surface, and a drive nut positioned around a radial cross-section of the annular member and having an internal helical rib engaged with said helical thread segment on the annular member whereby rotation of the drive nut about the circumferential arc of the annular member results in rotational movement of the annular member, the outer surface of the drive nut comprising one or more driving surfaces for engagement by said at least one finger on the actuator during said reciprocal movement to cause rotation of the drive nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Stephen J. Howgill
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Patent number: 7780038Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising at least two annular members (11, 13) and a cog (12), each being mounted rotationally. The housing is suitable for receiving, in use, a container (1) containing a product for dispensation. Each actuation of the apparatus causes the first annular member to incrementally rotate which, after a predetermined number of actuations of the apparatus, causes the cog to rotate, the rotation of the cog causing the second annular member to incrementally rotate.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Consort Medical plcInventors: Simon Ingram, Nick Campling, Duncan Bradley
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Patent number: 7766188Abstract: A dose-indicator device for using with a dispenser device for dispensing fluid or powder, in particular a pharmaceutical, so as to indicate the number of doses that have been emitted or that remain to be emitted from the dispenser device, the indicator device comprising a first rotary disk (10) and a second rotary disk (20) that is preferably opaque, said first disk (10) including indicator numbers and/or symbols (11) that are disposed in peripheral manner about the axis of rotation (X) of said first rotary disk (10) around at least two concentric circles, and said second disk (20) including at least one viewing window (21).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventors: Andrew Gordon Pocock, Stuart Brian William Kay, Paul Greenhalgh, Wayne O'Hara
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Patent number: 7743945Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, a key device adapted to be mounted to a container and an indicating device. The key device is moveable between an engaged position wherein it is engaged with the indicating device and a disengaged position wherein it is disengaged from the indicating device. In other aspects, a resilient, flexible cap is fixedly secured to the dispenser housing and covers the container and prevents the valve stem from being disengaged from the dispenser housing. In another aspect, a dispenser housing has at least one guide and a connector has at least one arm having a catch portion. The arm is disposed through the at least one guide with the catch portion engaged with the guide such that the valve stem is prevented from being disengaged from the dispenser housing. In yet another aspect, a catch portion engages a ferrule portion of the container such the valve stem is prevented from being disengaged from the dispenser housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Winston Lu, Mark Pickard
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Patent number: 7699993Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne CorporationInventor: Thomas Joseph Larkner
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Patent number: 7678282Abstract: A method of determination of the conditions of exhaustion of a filtering cartridge for filtering carafes with replaceable cartridges is described, in which an initial identification of impedance of the water to be filtered is provided for in order to consequently calculate an important parameter for definition of the efficient lifespan on the filtering cartridge. Furthermore a carafe operating in compliance with such method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: LAICA S.p.A.Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
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Patent number: 7670479Abstract: A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: PUR Water Purification, Inc.Inventors: Richard Alan Arett, Norman Scott Broyles, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, William Joseph Cruzen, David James Emmons, John Adrew McDaniel
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Patent number: 7661557Abstract: A metering device with an applicator housing having an application orifice for medium discharge. A metering pump conveys medium from a medium store to the applicator. An electronic counting module having a stroke detection means operatively engageable with a relatively movable pump portion of the metering pump. A data processing processor evaluates signals from the stroke detection means, and an indicator unit indicates data produced by the data processing processor. A current source supplies the data processing processor with current. A module housing houses an electronic counting module. The external dimensions of the module housing are conformed to the internal dimensions of a reception space. The reception space is open on one side of the applicator housing, so that the module housing can be inserted completely into the reception space through the opening and be fastened therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbHInventors: Goebel Volker, Joachim Koerner
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Publication number: 20090320839Abstract: A dispensing device for use in dispensing metered dosages of substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a support block defining a longitudinal axis and an indicator member rotatably disposed in the dispenser housing. The indicator member is rotatable about a rotation axis forming an obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes an actuator member moveable along a longitudinal direction and an indicator member rotatably mounted in the indicator housing about a rotation axis forming an obtuse angle with an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. An indicating device includes an indicator housing having an upper surface with an opening formed therein and an actuator ring having a flange moveable through the opening in a longitudinal direction. An indicator member is rotatably mounted in the indicator housing. A medicament assembly and method for dispensing a metered dose of medicament are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090294471Abstract: Disclosed is an aerosol dispensing for dispensing a metered amount of an aerosol for dispersion in an area of use unit having a main body. The aerosol dispensing unit according to the present invention includes a reservoir within the main body for holding an aerosol, an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and arranged to dispense a metered amount of the aerosol upon activation of a trigger device, and an audio output system adapted to play a sound in response to the activation of said trigger device. The aerosol is preferably one of a deodorizing agent and a disinfectant. The trigger device is adapted to be activated either by a sensor used to detect a person within a given area, and activate the trigger device upon detection of the person, or alternatively, a timer is operatively connected to the trigger device to dispense the metered amount of aerosol and play the sound at timed intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: K-G PACKAGING INC.Inventor: Lee PAIGE
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Patent number: 7621810Abstract: A system for selling game tickets for purchase by a game player within a store, the system comprising a point of sale terminal in communication with a game monitor that detects inputted game selection data and determine therefrom the number and type of game tickets to be played. The system further comprises a ticket dispensing system in communication with the game monitor. The game monitor detecting the activation of a predetermined terminal key of the point of sale terminal and dispenses the desired number and type of game tickets from the ticket dispensing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Mark Gilmore, Vic Collucci
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Patent number: 7587988Abstract: Inhaler counter (20) comprising a counter housing (390), a rocker arm (200) with a pawl (210), the rocker arm being pivotally supported by the housing and arranged to perform a rocker movement in response to a linear actuation motion, a return spring (220) for resetting the rocker arm, a ratchet wheel (230) engagable with the pawl to convert the movement of the rocker arm into an incremental rotational motion of an axle arrangement (240) advancing a display means (60), the axle arrangement further comprising a back rotation prevention means (280) in the form of a spring loaded friction brake and a worm gear, the display means comprising rotatable indicator means (120) with teeth that engage the worm-gear and a stationary scale.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: AstraZeneca ABInventors: Nic Bowman, Douglas Bradshaw, Lennart Sörby
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Patent number: 7575130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Richard Blacker, Daniel K. Engelbreth, James N. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090151721Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a number of doses of medication to a patient, comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medication by actuation of the dispensing mechanism from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position, a dose counter for counting the number of doses dispensed by said device, a first battery-less arrangement for providing power to said dose counter in response to the actuation of said dispensing mechanism, and an electronic display for displaying a dose indication, characterised in that the device includes a second battery-less arrangement for providing power to said electronic display when said dispensing mechanism is in said non-dispensing position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Jerome Spaargaren, Derk Visser, Paul Kenneth Rand, Paul John Turner
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Publication number: 20090145925Abstract: A dispensing system is presented for providing power generation from the actuation that occurs to provide product. The dispensing mechanism includes a plunger and magnet. The magnet is secured to the dispensing mechanism so that it moves with the plunger. Surrounding the dispensing mechanism is a housing that includes a coil. The coil is positioned such that as the pump is actuated, the magnet moves relative to the coil, generating power to the coil. The generated power that is produced can be applied to electronic devices that include, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes and controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Jackson W. Wegelin
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Patent number: 7543582Abstract: An indicating device includes an indicating portion and an actuator portion. At least a part of the indicating portion is moveable with a container between engaged and disengaged positions relative to a dispenser housing. The indicating portion includes at least one indicator member. The container is moveable relative to the at least one indicator member along the longitudinal axis when the container is in the engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Winston Z. Lu, Robert W. Morton
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Publication number: 20090140004Abstract: This invention provides a liquid dispensing apparatus such as, for example, a liquid soap dispensing apparatus. The apparatus can be provided as a self-contained unit including a reservoir provided at a spaced location from a base. Sensor means are provided to allow the selective dispensation of liquid from the reservoir upon the detection of a part of a user's anatomy in a position between the liquid reservoir and the base. A motor can be connected to an outlet from the liquid reservoir which allows a portion of the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner, and the power source for the motor is typically a battery or batteries and the same are located in the base. The provision of the batteries in the base, a position remote from the liquid reservoir, protects the batteries from the liquid and means that the liquid reservoir need not be provided with a sealing cap to prevent liquid from entering the power source and damaging the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2006Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Iain Scorgie
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Publication number: 20090134183Abstract: A method and device are provided for controlling and reconciling a liquid inventory, such as a volume of liquid dispensed from a container. The device secures a pour spout for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid to a container opening, such that the spout may not be removed without detection. The device includes a counting mechanism to count and indicate the total number of pours from the container for use in sales and inventory reconciliation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Pera Odishoo
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Publication number: 20090125424Abstract: A method is presented for indicating whether a dispensable product will require refilling prior to the next scheduled service interval. The inventive method includes tracking the amount of use over a first interval, calculating a frequency based from the use over the first interval; comparing the quantity remaining with the required amount, which is the product of the number of weeks in the service interval and the calculated frequency. Based on the usage, when the quantity remaining is less that the required amount, a warning will be provided to indicate that the dispensing product should be replaced, as it will be empty before the next service interval. A dispenser incorporating such method is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Jackson W. Wegelin
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Publication number: 20090101150Abstract: A dose indicator for indicating the number of doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser device, the indicator being characterized in that it comprises an indicator body, a drive element, a rotary transmission element, a first rotary counter element, and a second rotary counter element, said first and second rotary counter elements being disposed side by side in a common plane and turning about parallel axes of rotation, said first and second counter elements co-operating to provide a common indication on each occasion the indicator is driven, said first rotary counter element being a disk having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface including first indicator means located close to the outer peripheral edge of said top surface, and said bottom surface including a first gear co-operating with a drive gear provided on said rotary transmission element, said first rotary counter element including a drive tooth adapted to co-operate on each complete revolutiType: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: Valois SASInventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
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Patent number: 7510100Abstract: A dose indicator for a fluid dispenser device, said indicator comprising: a body (4); an actuator (1) that is mounted to turn relative to said body (4) about a first axis, and including drive means (14, 15); and a cylindrical indicator element (2) that is mounted to turn relative to said body (4) about a second axis and including a set of teeth (21) that co-operate with said drive means (14, 15) of said actuator (1) so as to turn each time the dispenser device is actuated, said indicator element (2) further including numeric and/or symbolic indicator means (25) so as to indicate to the user the number of doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said dispenser device; said actuator (1) co-operating with actuator means (7) secured to said body (4), said actuator means (7) being displaced in translation each time the dispenser device is actuated, and co-operating with said actuator (1) so as to transform the translation of said actuator means (7) into said actuator (1) turning.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Valois S.A.S.Inventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
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Patent number: 7448342Abstract: The invention relates to a step-by-step mechanism, particularly for hand-held devices for the portioned delivery of medicaments to be inhaled, comprising a graduated collar, which can be moved during an actuation stroke and which encircles the center axis of the housing. In order to provide a step-by-step mechanism of the aforementioned type with a more reliable operation while, in a spatially advantageous manner, having a simplified design, the invention provides that the switching finger(s) are permitted to slope upward from a hub located in the center.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Alfred Von Schuckmann
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Publication number: 20080185395Abstract: A dispenser for monitoring content in a container which includes a holder for holding the container. The dispenser includes a lever engaged with the holder which when depressed, releases a portion of the content in the container. The depression of the lever is a dispensing event. The dispenser includes a tracker engaged with the lever for keeping track by counting the number of dispensing events. The dispenser includes an indicator in communication with the tracker for indicating how much content is remaining in the container as a function of dispensing events. A method for monitoring content in a container includes the steps of depressing a lever engaged with a housing holding the container which releases a portion of the content in the container, the depression of the lever being a dispensing event. There is the step of tracking with a tracker engaged with the lever the number of dispensing events by counting the number of dispensing events.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Andrew Graham Sahud
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Patent number: 7407066Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising an annular counter member (40) and a driving member (41), the driving member comprising a planar ring portion (50) and first and second sets of flexible teeth (51, 52) depending from opposite sides of the planar ring portion, the first set of dependant fexible teeth (51) engaging a first series of teeth (47) formed on the annular counter member, wherein on movement of the received dose-dispensing container towards the driving member the first and second sets of dependant flexible teeth are caused to flex towards the plane of the ring portion to thereby incrementally rotate the annular counter member in a first direction relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Bespak, plcInventors: Tianhong Ouyang, Geoff Brace
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Publication number: 20080173669Abstract: A dose-indicator device for using with a dispenser device for dispensing fluid or powder, in particular a pharmaceutical, so as to indicate the number of doses that have been emitted or that remain to be emitted from the dispenser device, the indicator device comprising a first rotary disk (10) and a second rotary disk (20) that is preferably opaque, said first disk (10) including indicator numbers and/or symbols (11) that are disposed in peripheral manner about the axis of rotation (X) of said first rotary disk (10) around at least two concentric circles, and said second disk (20) including at least one viewing window (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: VALOIS SASInventors: Andrew Gordon Pocock, Stuart Brian William Kay, Paul Greenhalgh, Wayne O'Hara
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Publication number: 20080135576Abstract: A source of gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance having: an inner pressurised container (1), a substance-release valve (2) device sealed across an end of the container (1), a spout (4) displaceable inwards of the container (1) against a spring of the valve (2) device for substance release; the source also includes: an outer enclosure enclosing the inner container along its length (12), at least partially its end (14) remote from the spout (4) and partially at its spout end (19), the outer enclosure ADN the inner container (1) being arranged to react force for displacement of the spout (4) on substance release; a counter (20) accommodated within the outer enclosure for counting substance release displacements of the spout (4); and a window (22) in the outer enclosure for viewing the count of the counter (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Raymond Bacon
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Publication number: 20080135575Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising at least two annular members (11, 13) and a cog (12), each being mounted rotationally. The housing is suitable for receiving, in use, a container (1) containing a product for dispensation. Each actuation of the apparatus causes the first annular member to incrementally rotate which, after a predetermined number of actuations of the apparatus, causes the cog to rotate, the rotation of the cog causing the second annular member to incrementally rotate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Simon Ingram, Nick Campling, Duncan Bradley
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Publication number: 20080105702Abstract: In a counter mechanism of a feeding device, in each discrete feeding operation, an amount corresponding to single delivery unit of stored material is ejected and providing a simple construction and permitting the remaining amount of stored material in the device invisible from outside to be known by counting the number of delivered units of stored material. A counter mechanism of this invention comprises a fixed member (10) fixed to the body and having cam lobes formed in circumferential direction, a gear (20) having a count number display that can be monitored from the outside, a rotating member (40) being restricted to rotate either to a position in the rotating direction to allow feeding of a single delivery unit and a position to preventing feeding of the stored material, a ring member (30) which can rotates in interlock with the rotating motion of said rotating member and comprises a resiliently deformable cam follower having a jaw formed at a predetermined position in circumferential direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: IDEC CORPORATIONInventors: Seiji Mochizuki, Dai Kawada, Yoshitaka Tsuji, Shigeto Ogino, Hitoshi Toyonaga, Hirofumi Henmi, Masatake Yamano
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Patent number: 7346427Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser. The dispenser can include first and second totalizers that receive signals from a pulser that identifies the flow rate of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a data acquisition unit communicating with at least the second totalizer, the data acquisition unit receives data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser from the second totalizer. The method can include receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer and a second totalizer within the dispenser. Upon receiving the pulses, the method includes generating data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser. Following generating the data, the method can include sending the data corresponding to the second totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Flymg J, Inc.Inventors: John D. Hillam, Gary I. Shellabarger
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Publication number: 20070295748Abstract: A measured quantity beverage dispenser that allows for numerous uses by using a disposable, replaceable pouch or cartridge prefilled with a specific quantity of beverage. The dispenser dispenses a unit measured quantity of beverage in response to activation of a trigger mechanism. An integrated circuit chip keeps track of the number of units dispensed and remaining and displays this information. An alarm alerts a user when the rate of dispensing falls below a certain preferred rate, e.g., 8 ounces every 20 seconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Nicola J. Luce, Richard Stinchfield
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Patent number: 7306116Abstract: A dosing device includes a body and an actuating element mounted in non-rotatable, liftable manner on the body. A counting device for the actuating strokes has a rotary counting ring forcibly coupled as a function of a lifting movement of the actuating element. A lock blocks the actuating element following a predetermined number of actuating strokes. The lock is associated with the counting ring in such a way that the latter can perform more than a complete revolution before the actuating element is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbHInventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
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Patent number: 7275660Abstract: The present invention relates to a dose indicator (A) for a fluid dispenser device (B), the indicator indicating the number of doses dispensed or the number of doses still to be dispensed. The indicator is particularly adapted to aerosols including metering valves, and presents dimensions that are very small and independent of the number of doses to be indicated.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Valois SASInventors: Fabio Stradella, Giuseppe Stradella
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Patent number: 7202780Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Beverage Metrics Holding Ltd.Inventor: David M. Teller
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Patent number: 7195134Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a (2) portion for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (141, 142), a helix-like coil (143) and transmission means (144) for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the transmission means and the at least one annular counter member.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Bespak plcInventors: Tianhong Ouyang, Geoff Brace
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Patent number: 7196624Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Beverage Metrics Holding Ltd.Inventor: David M. Teller
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Patent number: RE40310Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Larkner, Steven C. Peake, Chester E. Chomka, Joseph F. Tilp, Eric J. Willman, Kerry W. Leppert, Tina M. Timmerman