Pressure Lock Trap Chamber Patents (Class 222/402.2)
  • Publication number: 20100327026
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser valve comprising a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) that is slidable in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position so as to dispense the contents of said metering chamber (20) selectively, said valve member (30) being urged resiliently towards its rest position by a spring (8) that co-operates firstly with the valve body (10) and secondly with a radial collar (320) of the valve member (30), said radial collar (320) being of a shape that is polygonal, the vertices (325) of said polygon being substantially rounded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Fontela, Frederic Pirou, David Goujon
  • Patent number: 7814900
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises a can (2) and body (3). The can is an aluminum extrusion with a valve crimped into its mouth, the valve having an outlet spout (4). The crimped region (5) of the can surrounding the valve has a lesser diameter than the can has through the main part (6) of its length. The body has a mouthpiece (11) with a pivotal cover (12) drivingly connected to a cam (13). This bears on the underside of junction member (14), into a socket (15) of which the spout 4 fits. A breath actuated dose release mechanism (16) is provided. The body has a tubular section (7) for receiving the necked down region (5) of the can. A printed paper label (21) is wrapped around the joint between the body and the can to unite the can to the body in position such that when the cover is opened, a dose is dispensed by the cam (13) lifting the junction member and depressing the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Clinical Designs Limited
    Inventor: Raymond John Bacon
  • Patent number: 7793806
    Abstract: A metering valve for a pressurized fluid reservoir with an immobile fixed chamber body sealed off by a plug with at least one opening that serves as an inlet into the metering chamber that also serves as the outlet of any temporarily stored pressurized gas, with a valve stem that surrounds the metering chamber that it is co-axially aligned and slidable with respect to the metering chamber such that the valve stem's attached seals and its dispensing opening expose the metering chamber's opening to the dispensing opening of the valve stem as the valve stem is actuated to overcome the biasing forces of a spring, and subsequently close the metering chamber's opening when not actuated from the valve stem's dispensing opening and expose the metering chamber's opening to the pressurized fluid reservoir so that a metered dose of pressurized fluid is dispensed during each cycle of actuation of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Consort Medical plc
    Inventor: Paul Allsop
  • Patent number: 7793807
    Abstract: A metering valve for dispensing fluid, the metering valve having a valve body (10), a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) that is slidable in the valve body (10) so as to dispense the fluid contained in the metering chamber (20). The wall (27) of the metering chamber (20) is curved, at least in part, in axial section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: David Goujon, Christophe Jacuk, Christophe Marie, Frederic Pirou
  • Patent number: 7793805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metering valve comprising a valve stem (11) co-axially slidable within a valve body (14), the metering valve comprising a metering chamber (13) having no moving parts therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Consort Medical plc
    Inventor: Paul M. Allsop
  • Publication number: 20100199983
    Abstract: A metered dose valve for use in a pressurized metered dose dispenser for dispensing a metered dose of an aerosol formulation comprising particles of a medicament suspended in liquefied propellant, optionally in combination with one or more excipients, said valve comprising a metering chamber and at least one porous, fluid permeable, particulate semi-permeable body, said at least one porous body being positioned within a region of the interior conduit of the valve, for example within the metering chamber, or a pre-metering chamber and/or an internal channel upstream of the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Philip A. Jinks, Graham R. Purkins, Peter D. Hodson, Paul E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7762436
    Abstract: A metering valve (2) and a device (1) provided with it for metered dispensing of a preferably cosmetic liquid (3) and a process for producing such a metering valve and a use of such a metering valve. The metering valve preferably has a sealing element (14) which is injection molded onto the valve element (6) or a valve housing (7) or attached in some other way so that simple and economical production by injection molding is enabled. Optimum sealing is achieved in that the sealing element, at least in sections, is made at least annular or sleeve-shaped, seals radially with the inlet valve closed, and is supported either radially inside or outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Neuhaus, Bernhard Jasper
  • Patent number: 7735696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metering valve comprising a valve stem (11) co-axially slidable within a valve body (14), the metering valve comprising a metering chamber (13), wherein the metering chamber is constructed wholly from rigid components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Consort Medical plc
    Inventor: Paul Allsop
  • Patent number: 7699192
    Abstract: A discharge device with a metered dose valve is proposed. The metered dose valve comprises an inlet valve, a metering chamber and an outlet valve. In order to allow discharge of fluid from the metering chamber in multiple steps, a user can depress and release an actuation member multiple times in a selected discharge state wherein refill of the metering chamber with new liquid is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim microParts GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen Terence Dunne
  • Publication number: 20100051651
    Abstract: A metering valve (10) for dispensing metered doses of a pressurised product derived from a bulk supply of a pressurised product, the metering valve comprising a valve body (14), a valve stem (11), and sealing means (17,18), the valve stem (11) comprising an outlet for the pressurised product, the valve body (14) defining an internal volume (33), the metering valve further comprising a metering chamber (12), the valve stem being movable between a non-dispensing position in which the metering chamber is, in use, in fluid communication with the bulk supply of pressurised product and a dispensing position in which the metering chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet, characterised in that, in use, the bulk supply of pressurised product is wholly contained within the internal volume (33) of the valve body (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Allsop
  • Patent number: 7658338
    Abstract: A subdivided fixed amount distributing apparatus for aerosol containers is provided in which aerosol contents exceeding a specified amount is prevented from being used in one cycle by keeping constant in total number of injection times at all times. A structure is simplified by making it possible to eject total amount to the outside every one time by means of a fixed amount injection valve, so that damage to the distributing apparatus due to outside air temperature is prevented and movement of the distributing apparatus is made smooth when it is pushed and released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignees: Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Toyo Aerosol Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiko Matsumoto, Ken Ogata
  • Patent number: 7651014
    Abstract: A metering valve (2) and a device (1) provided with it for metered dispensing of a preferably cosmetic liquid (3) and a process for producing such a metering valve (2) and a use of such a metering valve (2) are suggested. The metering valve has a valve element (6) with a spring section (21) which is elastic in the direction of motion and which bears a sealing element (14). This allows especially sealed contact with the assigned valve seat when the inlet valve (9) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Neuhaus, Bernhard Jasper
  • Publication number: 20090188949
    Abstract: A powder or liquid dispenser comprising: at least one reservoir that is suitable for containing powder or liquid to be dispensed; a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve; an actuator member that is suitable for actuating said dispenser member; and a dispenser orifice through which powder or liquid is dispensed; at least one portion of the dispenser that is in contact with the powder or liquid being made of a non-stick material comprising at least one inherently electrostatically dissipative polymer (IDP) that can inherently dissipate electrostatic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Christophe Jacuk
  • Publication number: 20090145932
    Abstract: A metering valve having a contiguous double wall structure including an inner wall defining the metering chamber and an outer wall which defines a crimping and support wall against which the inner rim of the mounting cup of the container can be crimped. The outer wall may be maintained at the same diameter and thickness for use with generally any mounting cup which are approximately an inch in diameter as well as any mounting process and machinery. The inner wall may however be sized differently in order to accommodate different dosages for metering of product. A radial space between the inner and outer wall permits the both the axial elongation of the metering chamber as well as a radial expansion of the inner wall and hence the valve chamber relative to the outer wall due to the space between the inner and outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: SUMMIT PACKAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel E. DAVIDEIT, Kevin G. VERVILLE
  • Publication number: 20090065533
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing container assembled with a metering valve. The dispensing container defines a storage volume for a product and the dispensing container comprises a neck terminating in an open top for receiving the metering valve. The open top extends radially outwardly relative to the neck to define a support surface. The metering valve comprises a valve assembly and a ferrule, wherein the valve assembly comprises: a metering chamber body surrounding a metering chamber volume; an inner seal, for sealing an inlet of the metering chamber volume; an outer seal, for sealing an outlet of the metering chamber volume; a valve stem; and a biasing means for biasing the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Warby, Paul Allsop
  • Patent number: 7497214
    Abstract: An adaptor for use with a container equipped with a dispensing valve that comprises a valve stem movable between an inner closed or priming position and an outer dispensing position, for dispensing doses of pressurized aerosol formulation as well as dispensers comprising such an adaptor and container; said adaptor being adapted to receive the container and comprising an actuation mechanism, said actuation mechanism being arranged such that the user will operate the mechanism by applying a depressive or squeezing force and the dose will be dispensed upon said depressive or squeezing force and said actuation mechanism being arranged such that upon release of the mechanism by the user, the valve stem of the dispensing valve will be moved automatically into its inner closed or priming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Peter D. Hodson
  • Patent number: 7494075
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve reduces the increased internal pressure in an aerosol spray can, filled with compressed gas, to a working pressure level for a spray valve (12). A regulating piston (52) is kept in equilibrium by a restoring force, and a sealing point (66, 68) is provided, which is closed at a pressure in the pressure regulation chamber (84) that is above the regulated pressure level. To prevent the precision of regulation from being adulterated by the decreasing internal pressure of the can as its contents are progressively withdrawn, a sealing means (86, 66; 67) is proposed, which seals off one free end of the piston (52, 74) from the internal pressure of the can and the regulated pressure. The variable internal pressure of the can is therefore no longer able to act on any axial face of the piston (52), and despite what may be a smaller piston face area, the precision of regulation is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080312612
    Abstract: A subdivided fixed amount distributing apparatus for aerosol containers is provided in which aerosol contents exceeding a specified amount is prevented from being used in one cycle by keeping constant in total number of injection times at all times. A structure is simplified by making it possible to eject total amount to the outside every one time by means of a fixed amount injection valve, so that damage to the distributing apparatus due to outside air temperature is prevented and movement of the distributing apparatus is made smooth when it is pushed and released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Keiko Matsumoto, Ken Ogata
  • Publication number: 20080272155
    Abstract: A metering valve (2) and a device (1) provided with it for metered dispensing of a preferably cosmetic liquid (3) and a process for producing such a metering valve and a use of such a metering valve. The metering valve preferably has a sealing element (14) which is injection molded onto the valve element (6) or a valve housing (7) or attached in some other way so that simple and economical production by injection molding is enabled. Optimum sealing is achieved in that the sealing element, at least in sections, is made at least annular or sleeve-shaped, seals radially with the inlet valve closed, and is supported either radially inside or outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Seaquist Perfect Dispensing GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Neuhaus, Bernhard Jasper
  • Publication number: 20080190967
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser valve for mounting on a neck (2) of a receptacle (1) containing the fluid, said valve comprising a valve body (10) including a metering chamber (15) and a valve member (20) movable in said metering chamber (15) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said metering chamber (15) having a top gasket (30) and a bottom gasket (40) co-operating in leaktight manner with said valve member (20), said valve including a neck gasket (50) co-operating in leaktight manner with said valve body (10) and with said receptacle neck (2), said neck gasket (50) being made integrally as a single piece with one of said top and bottom gaskets (30, 40) of the metering chamber (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventor: Christophe Jacuk
  • Publication number: 20080185402
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser valve for assembling on a fluid reservoir, the valve comprising a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) that is slidable in leaktight manner in said valve body (10) between a rest position and an actuated position, said valve containing an inlet passage (40) enabling said metering chamber (20) to be filled with fluid, said valve including a closure element (50) that co-operates with said inlet passage (40), said closure element (50) being movable between an open position in which said inlet passage (40) is open, and a closed position in which said inlet passage (40) is closed at least in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Fontela, Matthieu Savalle
  • Publication number: 20080135584
    Abstract: A metering valve (1) is provided for a pressurised container (14) containing a pharmaceutical formulation. The valve has a stem (2) with a central flange (11) and a hollow open end (19) with a side port (20). The stem slides in a body (3) having larger and smaller diameter portions, and being closed off by a seal (4) against which the flange (11) rests in an inoperative position. A second seal is located around the stem on the opposite side of the flange and trapped by a spring (6) which urges the stem into its inoperative position. When the stem is depressed, the inner seal (5) forms a sliding seal with the smaller diameter portion of the body to define a metering chamber (13) filled with the pharmaceutical. Continued depression opens the side hole (20) to allow the contents of the metering chamber to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: BIO-DEL LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Wickman
  • Patent number: 7383970
    Abstract: A valve that includes a valve body, a valve stem having a dispensing passage, and a sealing ring that contacts the valve stem is described. The sealing ring includes a flexible component and a rigid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Gregor John McLennan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080121666
    Abstract: A valve stem (13) for use with a metering valve, said valve stem (13) comprising an elongate stem element (12) having an elastomeric sleeve (9) molded onto at least a portion thereof and a sealing element (16) having an inner surface (7), said sealing element (16) being affixed onto the elongate stem element (12), such that at least a portion of the inner surface (7) of the sealing element (16) is overlying at least a portion of the elastomeric sleeve (9); as well as methods of manufacturing such a valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Graham R. Purkins
  • Patent number: 7350676
    Abstract: Valve for an aerosol container for dispensing a suspension of a substance in a liquid propellant contained therein. The valve comprises a valve body (1) having at least one orifice (16) to allow a quantity of the suspension to pass from the container into the valve. The valve further comprises a ring (18) disposed around the valve body (1), the ring being positioned below the at least one orifice to reduce the volume of suspension that can be accommodated within the container below the at least one orifice when the container is orientated with the valve at the bottom, the ring having at least one portion of reduced axial thickness to provide a trough (19) around the valve body below the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Di Giovanni, Cheryl Vanessa Rogerson
  • Publication number: 20080023498
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser head for mounting on a fluid reservoir (1), the head comprising: a fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, comprising a body (20) that is mounted in stationary manner relative to the reservoir (1), and a valve rod (21) that is axially displaceable down and up; a pushbutton (5, 7) that is axially displaceable down and up, driving the valve rod (21); and a dispenser orifice (60) that is connected to the valve rod; the dispenser head being characterized in that it further comprises actuator means (4) for driving the pushbutton in axial displacement relative to the valve rod (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Romain Bertin, Florent Pouliaude
  • Patent number: 7278556
    Abstract: Fluid product dispensing valve, comprising a valve body (10), a valve stem (20) moving in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position, and an annular ring (30) mounted around said valve body (10), characterised in that said annular ring (30) is attached to said valve body (10), said attachment being substantially radially non-clamping onto said valve body (10), said annular ring (30) comprising an axial edge that is proximal with respect to outlet orifice of said valve stem (20), said annular ring (30) comprising one or more attachment means (35) co-operating with the valve body (10) and provided on or close to said proximal radial edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: David Goujon, Jean-Marc Pardonge
  • Patent number: 7234460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David J. Greenleaf, Peter D. Hodson, Graham R. Purkins, Gary D. Mahon, Heinz G. Klein
  • Patent number: 7195139
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Nathan R. Westphal, Padma P. Varanasi, Darren K. Robling, Joel E. Adair, Chris A. Kubicek
  • Patent number: 7168597
    Abstract: A metering valve that includes a valve body defining a metering chamber having an inlet valve adapted to be reversibly actuable from an open position to a closed position located at the inlet, and an outlet valve adapted to be reversibly actuable from a dispensing to a non-dispensing position located at the outlet, where the outlet valve includes an outlet valve seat adapted to be in biasable contact with an outlet valve poppet is described. Aerosol containers and inhalation devices that include such metering valves are also described, as are methods of using such inhalation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Patrick Jones, Gregor John McLennan Anderson, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 7086571
    Abstract: A valve for use with a pressurized dispensing container containing a liquid, the valve including a slidable valve stem, the valve stem including an inlet port for conveyance, in use, of liquid from the pressurized dispensing container into the valve stem, and a flange against which biases the valve stem into a non-dispensing position, wherein an external opening of the inlet port is located within the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Bespak PLC
    Inventors: Richard John Warby, David Howlett
  • Patent number: 7014072
    Abstract: Valves for use with a pressurized receptacle are disclosed comprising a housing including an orifice for dispensing a fluid, a shutter disposed in the housing and movable along the axis of the housing under the action of gravity between a closed position in which the shutter substantially closes the orifice when the valve is in a predetermined orientation and a dispensing position in which the shutter releases the orifice, and at least one surface adapted to prevent movement of the shutter parallel to the axis of the housing over at least a portion of the patch between the closed position and the dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Yquel
  • Patent number: 6978916
    Abstract: A metering valve assembly comprising a ferrule and a valve housing defining an internal cavity. The valve housing accommodates an annular flange and a compression spring therein with a valve gasket closing the internal cavity. The valve housing is attached to the ferrule such that a stem portion of the valve stem protrudes through apertures provided in both the valve gasket and the ferrule. A stem portion has a discharge passageway which is normally closed by the valve gasket. Either an undersurface of the annular flange or a mating surface of the valve housing is provided with a compressible sealing member while the other is provided with an annular edge. The compressible sealing member and the annular edge form a seal therebetween, when the valve stem is sufficiently depressed, to partition the interior cavity into a metering chamber and a separate filling chamber whereby product may only be dispensed solely from the metering chamber when a product flow path is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6978915
    Abstract: Valve for an aerosol container for a chemical formulation. The valve including a valve body having an inlet port through which the chemical formulation may enter the valve body, an outlet port through which the chemical formulation may exit the valve body, and an open/close mechanism. The open/close mechanism controls flow through the outlet port. The internal surfaces of the valve that come into contact with the chemical formulation include a material with an electrical conductivity greater than 3.8×107??1m?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventor: David Joseph Russell
  • Patent number: 6971556
    Abstract: A pressurized aerosol dispenser comprising a container (2) for material to be stored therein and dispensed therefrom, and a metering dispensing valve (1), said metering dispensing valve (1) comprising a generally cup-shaped metering vessel (7) held in place by means of a cap (3) fixedly mounted upon said container (2), and a sealing member (9) disposed between the metering vessel (7) and the cap (3), said sealing member (9) having an opening within which a valve stem (8) is mounted for sliding movement along a longitudinal axis, the metering vessel (7) having an open mouth, an internal surface of which defines an annular contact surface (24, 25) against which said sealing member (9) bears, wherein said contact surface (24, 25) comprises a first outwardly-flared portion (24) disposed at a first angle to said longitudinal axis and a second outwardly-flared portion (25) disposed at a second angle to said longitudinal axis, said second angle being greater than said first angle such that an annular ridge (26) is f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Aventis Pharma Limited
    Inventors: David W Shadwell, Samir Mizban
  • Patent number: 6971560
    Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed which can dispense chemicals, such as insect control ingredients, from an aerosol container. The actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes a solid plug that, upon initial activation, will be caused by the pressure of the chemical in the aerosol container to move to an unsealed position. Movement of the plug is retarded by a frictional engagement of the plug with an associated passage/conduit. The device can be manually activated, but is designed so that thereafter it does not need to be manually held open. The consumer has time to leave the room before spraying begins, and does not need to be present in the room before spraying has finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Healy, Nathan R. Westphal, John C. Mehnert
  • Patent number: 6966467
    Abstract: Valve for an aerosol container for dispensing a suspension of a substance in a liquid propellant contained therein. The valve comprises a valve body (1) having at least one orifice (16) to allow a quantity of the suspension to pass from the container into the valve. The valve further comprises a ring (18) disposed around the valve body (1), the ring being positioned below the at least one orifice to reduce the volume of suspension that can be accommodated within the container below the at least one orifice when the container is orientated with the valve at the bottom, the ring having at least one portion of reduced axial thickness to provide a trough (19) around the valve body below the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: SmithKlineBeecham Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Di Giovanni, Cheryl Vanessa Rogerson
  • Patent number: 6926178
    Abstract: A valve for an aerosol container including a valve body, a valve stem having a dispensing passage, and a sealing ring contacting the valve stem. The valve stem is slidably moveable relative to the sealing ring from a valve-closed position to a valve-open position in which the interior of the valve body is in communication with the dispensing passage. The sealing ring includes a flexible component and a rigid component. The valve is preferably a metering valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Gregor John McLennan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6910606
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a metering chamber and an elongated stem. The stem is axially movable with respect to the valve housing for dispensing liquid and is rotatable for adjusting the length of the stroke of a piston to thereby select the volume of liquid dispensed with each actuation of the stem. A sliding float member is fitted around the stem within the chamber and is axially slidable with respect to the stem but is locked for rotation with the stem. The lower surface of the sliding float is locked for axial movement with the piston but is independently rotatable with respect to the piston. A pair of spaced poles extends parallel to the axis of the float and engages vaginations in a surface of the housing to thereby limit the length of the stroke of the piston. The poles of the float and the complementary pairs of vaginations in the housing are angularly spaced a distance of less than 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: James H. Martin, William M. Cannon, Yuri Mauricio Gallegos-Cevallos, Aaron L. Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 6871763
    Abstract: A gas spray valve permits easy recharging of gas containers after use. The gas spray valve is of considerable strength and rigidity and can be manufactured in a less costly manner. One of the openings of a gas conduit of a valve pin is positioned so that, when the valve pin is in the raised position, the opening is positioned above a second seal ring and, when the valve pin is pushed into a first stop position, the opening is positioned below the second seal ring. When the valve pin is in the raised position, a bottom end of the valve pin is positioned above a first seal ring, and as the result, the interior of a gas container is connected with a metering chamber. When the valve pin is pushed into a second stop position, the opening of the gas conduit is positioned below the first seal ring so that the interior of the gas container communicates with the gas conduit. This permits recharging of the gas container with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Bio Actis Limited
    Inventor: Tatsuo Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6871799
    Abstract: A gas spray valve permits easy recharging of gas containers after use. The gas spray valve is of considerable strength and rigidity and can be manufactured in a less costly manner. One of the openings of a gas conduit of a valve pin is positioned so that, when the pin is in the raised position, the opening is positioned above a second seal ring and, when the valve pin is pushed into a first stop position, the opening is positioned below the second seal ring. A gas supply passage is provided that connects the interior of a gas container with a metering chamber on the inside of a first seal ring only when the valve pin is in the raised position. When the valve pin is in the raised position. When the valve pin is pushed into a second stop position, the opening of the gas conduit is positioned below the first seal ring so that the interior of the gas container communicates with the gas conduit. This permits recharging of the gas container with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Bio Actis Limited
    Inventor: Tatsuo Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6863195
    Abstract: Valve stems for use in an aerosol metering valve are described herein. The valve stems include structures designed to limit the likelihood and extent to which a gasket can intrude into an opening in the valve stem. The valve stems described herein also limit the likelihood and extent of damage to the gasket caused by repeated use of the metering valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew M. Bryant, Gustavo H. Castro, David J. Greenleaf, Peter D. Hodson, Gary D. Mahon
  • Patent number: 6837396
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Donald J. Shanklin, Nathan R. Westphal, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 6832704
    Abstract: A metering valve assembly comprising a ferrule and a valve housing defining an internal cavity. The valve housing accommodates an annular flange and a compression spring therein with a valve gasket closing the internal cavity. The valve housing is attached to the ferrule such that a stem portion of the valve stem protrudes through apertures provided in both the valve gasket and the ferrule. A stem portion has a discharge passageway which is normally closed by the valve gasket. Either an undersurface of the annular flange or a mating surface of the valve housing is provided with an compressible sealing member while the other is provided with an annular edge. The compressible sealing member and the annular edge form a seal therebetween, when the valve stem is sufficiently depressed, to partition the interior cavity into a metering chamber and a separate filling chamber whereby product may only be dispensed solely from the metering chamber when a product flow path is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6820778
    Abstract: A gas spray valve permits easy recharging of gas containers after use. The gas spray valve is of considerable strength and rigidity and can be manufactured in a less costly manner. One of the openings of a gas conduit of a valve pin is positioned so that, when the pin is in the raised position, the opening is positioned above a second seal ring and, when the valve pin is pushed into a first and second stop position, the opening is positioned below the second seal ring. A gas supply passage is provided that connects the interior of a gas container with a metering chamber on the inside of a first seal ring only when the valve pin is in the raised position. When the valve pin is pushed into a second stop position, the portion with the smaller diameter of the valve pin is pushed down below the first seal ring so that the interior of the gas container communicates with the metering chamber and the gas conduit. This permits recharging of the gas container with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Bio Actis Limited
    Inventor: Tatsuo Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6799701
    Abstract: A packaging unit has a cartridge for storing material and pressurized gas operating with it and a dispensing head connected to the cartridge. A sliding piston is positioned in the internal space of the cartridge, the piston divides the internal space into a product chamber and a pressurized gas chamber that have a gas-tight seal between them. A plug is fitted into the pressurized gas chamber end of the cartridge and a valve to the product chamber end, the valve has a valve house, a valve stem, and a disc spring with plate segments. The valve stem has a discharge opening at the end coming out of the cartridge, the end in the product chamber of the cartridge has a conical surface, the plate segments of the disc spring are pushed up against the conical surface of the valve stem, while the disc spring is snapped onto the valve house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Vilmos Weiperth
  • Patent number: 6783027
    Abstract: An underarm product and a spray package having a metered-dose valve assembly. The underarm product is contained and pressurized inside of the package. The underarm product being in the form of a liquid or emulsion. The underarm product is an antiperspirant or a deodorant. The underarm product contains a solubilized and/or non-solubilized propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Elaine Hilvert, Theresa Louise Johnson, Kenneth Michael Schroeder, Scott Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 6780929
    Abstract: A valve or pump gasket for sealing a fluid dispenser device comprising a valve or a pump mounted on a fluid container, said gasket being characterized in that it comprises one or more of the following elastomer materials: a) a hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR); b) an octene-ethylene copolymer (OEC); and c) a butyl or a halobutyl rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Patrice Leone
  • Publication number: 20040112923
    Abstract: A gas spray valve permits easy recharging of gas containers after use. The gas spray valve is of considerable strength and rigidity and can be manufactured in a less costly manner. One of the openings of a gas conduit 111 of a valve pin 104 is positioned so that, when the valve pin 104 is in the raised position, the opening is positioned above a second seal ring 108 and, when the valve pin 104 is pushed into a first stop position, the opening is positioned below the second seal ring 108.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Tatsuo Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6695175
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a metering chamber and an elongated stem. The stem is axially movable with respect to the valve housing for dispensing liquid and is rotatable for adjusting the length of the stroke of a piston to thereby select the volume of liquid dispensed with each actuation of the stem. A sliding float member is fitted around the stem within the chamber and is axially slidable with respect to the stem but is locked for rotation with the stem. The lower surface of the sliding float abuts, and floats above the upper surface of the piston, and the lower end of the stem is rotatable within the piston. A spring extends between a prong on the stem and the sliding float for urging the stem axially outward of the container and for urging the piston in a direction which maximizes the volume of the metering chamber such that the spring rotates with the stem and the stem rotates free of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: James H. Martin, Reuben Oder