Axially Slidable Only Patents (Class 222/453)
  • Patent number: 11958737
    Abstract: A dispensing tap for liquids containers includes a main containing body equipped on one side with a liquid dispensing end and on the opposite side with an end designed to perform a connection with a container of liquids; a cap for actuating dispensing operations placed above the liquid dispensing end; and a stem for opening and closing the dispensing of liquids, placed inside the dispensing end and operatively coupled to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Vitop Moulding S.R.L.
    Inventor: Diego Nini
  • Patent number: 11931314
    Abstract: A capsule for dosing a substance to be administered orally, comprising:—a dosing chamber (2) for the substance;—an access route (6) for access of the substance into the chamber (2);—a valve (3) which permits/prevents the supply of the substance to the dosing chamber (2) through the access route (6);—a connection means (4) for connecting to a mouth of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BORMIOLI PHARMA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Ruggieri, Riccardo Trabattoni, Andrea Maldifassi, Gianluca Brugnerotto
  • Patent number: 11845646
    Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein, along with contemplated variants thereof, provide several advantages over known systems for actuating the faucet of a beverage server. In conventional designs, a faucet of a beverage server is provided in the lower portion of a reservoir, such that a beverage from the reservoir is distributed to the spigot through a gravity-driven process. In operation, many of these servers are utilized as service industry coffee servers for restaurants and banquet halls. Employees who are handling the brewing equipment will often place servers used with the brewing equipment directly in a sink for cleaning or filling, such that the base of that sink acts as a horizontal surface. Absent the ability of the lever assembly to fold into an up position, this operation would result in putting unnecessary force on the lever assembly. Accordingly, a multi-position, hands-free actuation system is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Jason M. Banning, David Helbling
  • Patent number: 11807426
    Abstract: A lid assembly includes an internal component assembly having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a button disposed at the first end. An external component receives the internal component assembly. The external component is configured for engaging a container. The internal component assembly cooperates with the external component to translate axially upon a first pressure to the button to permit a fluid to enter the external component adjacent the second end of the internal component assembly and to militate against the fluid to enter the external component adjacent the second end of the internal component upon a second pressure to the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SCRIBE OPCO, INC.
    Inventor: Tian Fengke
  • Patent number: 11709084
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a liquid supply cartridge, and a reservoir disposed in the housing that holds a volume of the product. The reservoir includes an access port for receiving the liquid supply cartridge and placing the liquid supply cartridge and the reservoir in communication. A dosing tank is connected to the reservoir and configured to hold a metered volume of the product. A control valve is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein when the control valve is in the opened position, product in the dosing tank is permitted to flow from the liquid dispenser and product flow from the reservoir to the dosing tank is prevented, and when the control valve is in the closed position, product in the dosing tank is prevented from flowing from the liquid dispenser and product flow from the reservoir to the dosing tank is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Teeling
  • Patent number: 11447279
    Abstract: A distribution assembly for product delivers and deposits a precise quantity of product on a support. The assembly includes a cylinder, a piston, displaced in the cylinder by an actuator, a route for taking in the product, an ejection head with a slide valve movable between a first closed position and a second open position, and an outlet nozzle, a preparation chamber, a transfer passage, connecting, selectively the preparation chamber with the outlet nozzle. When the cylinder comes towards the support, the physical contact with the support moves the slide valve from the first position to the second position and triggers delivery of the product, pushed by the piston, via the transfer passage. When the piston arrives at the forward end of range, the piston moves the slide valve from the second to the first position, closing the passage for the product via the transfer passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: NBREAD-PROCESS
    Inventor: Olivier Paurd
  • Patent number: 11097938
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: fairlife, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 9598225
    Abstract: A child-resistant feature or lock for a sprayer including a collar and a sleeve wherein the sleeve may be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow actuation of an actuator and pump for distribution of a product from a container to which the child-resistant feature is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Bipin Raman Patil, Douglas B. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 9259133
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning composition container and a dispensing section. The dispensing section is operable to eject an amount of cleaning composition from the cleaning composition container. The dispensing section comprises a domed surface comprising a plurality of projections adapted to work the cleaning composition into an item to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Fabio Corradini, Cecile Moine, Sara Quaggia, Ralf Wiedemann, Daniel Wong, Jenny Xiao, Eason Xu
  • Patent number: 8985390
    Abstract: A composition dispensing apparatus which can deliver an repeatable and accurate unit dose of a composition including: a compressible container; a unit dose delivery system comprising an entry element, an exit element, side walls and a dosage chamber; a dispensing aperture; wherein the linear movement ratio of the exit element to the entry element is about 1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Sean Donald Riggenbach
  • Patent number: 8657159
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a that is longitudinally movable in a second chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber. An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. The intermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at least one flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the first chamber is moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow of the liquid product when the first chamber is moved in an opposite second longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mezureware, LLC
    Inventor: Keld Krogh Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8636179
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a sub-chamber (12) that communicates with a main container (11). In use, prior to filling the sub-chamber (12) it is pressurised to greater than or equal to the equilibrium pressure required to keep the dissolved gas in solution. This has the effect that the beverage does not froth out of a dispenser nozzle. It also has the effect of keeping beverage in the main container (11) from losing carbonation. The invention has particular application to “Optic” devices for dispensing carbonated spirit drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Diageo Great Britain Limited
    Inventors: Auguste Menard, Justin Walshe, Paul Smith, Guy Hansson
  • Patent number: 8485397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring actuator, a measuring cap, a protective cover, a measuring unit, and a device for fixed and variable measuring and discharging of fluid from a container. The actuator being configured for detachable and movable connection to the cap and adapted for sealing off fluid when in a non-actuated state and to discharge fluid when in an actuated state, the actuator including at least two openings, a discharge opening and a fluid inflow opening; the cap-including at least three openings, a discharge opening and an actuator receiving opening and a fluid inflow opening; the measuring unit including the cap, the actuator, and a spring; the cover for protecting the measuring unit being configured for attachment to the cap and/or the measuring unit; and the measuring device including the cover, the cap, the actuator, the spring, and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Antula Healthcare AB
    Inventor: Hans Borje Hammarin
  • Patent number: 8292125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-saver faucet to prevent wastage of water by allowing the user to pre-measure and use the desired quantity of water. The water saver faucet has a spout integral with faucet body. A knob is attached to a sliding shaft situated at the front end of the faucet body. A water pipeline is attached to other end of the faucet body. Seal assemblies are provided within the faucet body for sealing or releasing the flow of water. A graduated measuring vessel, attached to the faucet body, enables the user to directly pre-measure the quantity of water that will flow out of the water saver faucet. An air vent valve, provided on top of the graduated measuring vessel, facilitates the in/out flow of water through the graduated measuring vessel. An adopter facilitates the assembly of the graduated measuring vessel and the faucet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Chenicheri Vadakkil Venugopalan
    Inventor: Chenicheri Vadakkil Venugopalan
  • Patent number: 8191735
    Abstract: A dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the container is closed by the improved throat plug assembly of this invention having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container is mounted in a dispensing fixture which is closed when the container is not mounted on the dispensing system. A plastic spring yieldably urges the valve to its closed position. In the preferred embodiment, a retainer and plastic spring are of one-piece molded construction. The throat plug assembly also includes a specifically shaped valve which is opened slightly when the container is being stored or transported to vent vapor pressure from within the container should the same be necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20120061425
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes an improved venting means to ensure that the liquid being dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains. A novel throat plug assembly is provided for insertion into the throat of the bottle. The throat plug assembly is comprised entirely of a recyclable plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: RODNEY LAIBLE
  • Patent number: 8066157
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes an improved venting to ensure that the liquid being dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains. A novel throat plug assembly is provided for insertion into the throat of the bottle. The throat plug assembly is comprised entirely of a recyclable plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7967172
    Abstract: A dispenser for a container has an annular ring with a central portion which has at least one aperture. The annular ring is attached to a valve dimensioned to close an opening of the dispenser. The valve is operatively associated with the opening and biased in the closed position. Depressing the annular ring acts as an actuator to cause the valve to move inwardly into the container and away from the opening, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed from the container through the at least one aperture of the annular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Gary J. Albaum
  • Publication number: 20100301072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring actuator (30), a measuring cap (20), a protective cover (60), a measuring unit, and a device for fixed and variable measuring and discharging of fluid from a container. The actuator (30) being configured for detachable and movable connection to the cap and adapted for sealing off fluid when in a non-actuated state and to discharge fluid when in an actuated state, the actuator comprising at least two openings, a discharge opening (31) and a fluid inflow opening (32); the cap-comprising at least three openings, a discharge opening and an actuator receiving opening and a fluid inflow opening; the measuring unit comprising the cap,’ the actuator, and a spring (50); the cover (60) for protecting the measuring unit being configured for attachment to the cap (20) and/or the measuring unit; and the measuring device comprising the cover (60), the cap (20), the actuator (30), the spring (50), and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ANTULA HEALTHCARE AB
    Inventor: Hans Borje Hammarin
  • Patent number: 7841492
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with an inverted liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes an improved venting device to ensure that the liquid is dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains; and an anti-drip valve is provided to prevent liquid from dripping from the discharge end of the dosing bowl of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7832599
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as an inverted. bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes a throat plug assembly, wherein the throat plug assembly includes a normally closed, vertically movable first valve therein; a mounting ring having an inner face including threads thereon adapted to threadably receive the throat of the container; a knob having an actuator rod, wherein the actuator rod includes second and third vertically spaced valves mounted thereon for movement; and an improved venting device to ensure that the liquid is dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20100213219
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a sub-chamber (12) that communicates with a main container (11). In use, prior to filling the sub-chamber (12) it is pressurised to greater than or equal to the equilibrium pressure required to keep the dissolved gas in solution. This has the effect that the beverage does not froth out of a dispenser nozzle. It also has the effect of keeping beverage in the main container (11) from losing carbonation. The invention has particular application to “Optic” devices for dispensing carbonated spirit drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: DIAGEO GREAT BRITAIN LIMITED
    Inventors: Auguste Menard, Justin Walshe, Paul Smith, Guy Hansson
  • Patent number: 7770761
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and with a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container and has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis, so that the delivery- and closure element can be moved out of, as well as into, the outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Siegfried Zeiss
  • Patent number: 7621427
    Abstract: A device in an automatic machine feeds metered quantities of a paste substance to be introduced into containers by a filling nozzle. In the device, a central body has a bore defining a cylinder closed at top by a cap, and a parallel inlet channel leading to the bore through an inlet aperture. An inlet conduit block is fastened to the central body and connects the inlet channel with a hopper. An exhaust conduit is fastened to the central body and connects an outlet aperture, made in the cylinder, with a conveying device associated to a filling nozzle. A piston having a longitudinal groove is slidingly inserted in the cylinder. A power apparatus moves and rotates the piston along the cylinder, so as to bring the groove to face respectively the inlet opening, during a suction step with a downward motion of the piston, and the outlet aperture, during a delivery step with an upward movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7614528
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid dispensing apparatus capable of regulating a discharged amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Barflex Corporation
    Inventor: Jin-Do Jeong
  • Publication number: 20090159619
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. An anti-drip valve is provided to prevent liquid from dripping from the discharge end of the dosing bowl of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7497359
    Abstract: A dosing device is described, in which a predetermined amount of a material such as a concentrated fluid can be dispensed from the device by finger pressure. In one embodiment, the device includes a shuttle that can move between first and second positions. In the second position, fluid can escape from a dosing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cathleen A. Bergin, John J. Dyer, Steven J. Maxa, Gary L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20090026229
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes an improved venting means to ensure that the liquid being dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20080251544
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid dispensing apparatus capable of regulating a discharged amount of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Jin-Do Jeong
  • Publication number: 20080237270
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquor has a thimble of pre-determined volume with a valve-controlled inlet (12) from a container for liquor and an outlet (10) for the liquor, the connection between the container including a shear (28) one side of which is for flow of liquor into the thimble and the other for flow of air from the thimble into the container as liquor flows into the thimble, a valve-controlled air vent (50) for entry of air into the thimble to replace the liquor flowing out of the thimble, and the valves (14, 16) for the inlet from the container and the outlet for liquor being mounted on a common shaft (20) and arranged for the outlet (10) to be closed when the inlet (12) is open and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Warren Garvie
  • Patent number: 7093738
    Abstract: The present invention is a narrow neck dosage device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of product. An insert is installed in a narrow neck of a container with a bottom disk protruding into the body of the container and a top device within the neck of the container. The bottom disk initially hangs within the container body, while the top device rests on a divider that separates the neck from the container body. The top device can be upward angled blades, angled blades or a circular disc. A shaft connects the top devices and the bottom disk. The shaft also can have multiple configurations, such as spiral, flat helix, or random kinks. The shaft spins, rocks or oscillates and passes through a hole in the center of the divider. The divider has pre-sized holes that allow product to pass through. When the container is tipped into a dispensing position, fluid pressure moves the insert up the neck of the container until the bottom disk reaches the divider and seals the neck off from the body of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Union Street Brand Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Christopher Gieda
  • 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: 6997358
    Abstract: A device (2) for fitting to the neck of a deformable bottle (4) to give a metered dose of liquid when the bottle is squeezed. The liquid dispensed through outlet (30) has to pass through a metering chamber (34) in which it is directed around or through a freely-moving shuttle (8), movement of the shuttle (8) with the flow being resisted by the creation of a partial vacuum in the expanding control chamber (42) behind the shuttle, so that the rate at which the shuttle moves to the outlet end of the metering chamber (34) to close the outlet (30), and hence the amount of liquid dispensed, is controlled by the rate at which liquid can enter control chamber (42). Because it is configured so that all the liquid enters metering chamber (34) at its inward end, the chamber may fitted either inside or outside the neck of the bottle (4) and the dose may be adjusted by moving the outlet (30) closer to, or further from, the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Charles Lammond Wass
  • Patent number: 6814505
    Abstract: An image recording material magazine is provided that has a constitution such that a roll-form image recording material rotatably provided within a casing is drawn out through a slot provided along its whole length in the longitudinal direction with a resilient plate having a force pressing it so as to close the slot and with a cloth member abutting against the plate, the plate being fixed to a support part, which is provided within the magazine in the vicinity of the slot, at an angle that allows a force pressing the material in its thickness direction to be generated when the material is drawn out. The plate is formed from a polyolefin based resin plastic sheet having a water absorption of 0.01 wt % or less, has its surface embossed, and has its tip portion formed with a curved surface so that the embossed surface abuts against the image recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Hara, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6748610
    Abstract: A toilet tank cleanser dispenser has a receiving holster suitable to receive an inverted container of cleaning composition and suitable to dose liquid from the container. The adapter has an internal dosing shuttle for metering an aliquot of cleanser through an opening at the bottom of the adapter defining a valve seat. A float can move up and down with respect to the liquid level in the tank to drive an outlet valve against an outlet of the adapter. The valve head can have a balloon-like structure driven by the float. For example, a low density thin wall polyethylene valve head can be supported by a trapped air pocket to reduce leakage, permit some flexibility, and avoid permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Zach, Kevin Harrity
  • Publication number: 20030146246
    Abstract: A dosing device is described, in which a predetermined amount of a material such as a concentrated fluid can be dispensed from the device by finger pressure. In one embodiment, the device includes a shuttle that can move between first and second positions. In the second position, fluid can escape from a dosing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Cathleen M. Arsenault, John J. Dyer, Steven J. Maxa, Gary L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6571993
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of an active composition into a washing, drying or dishwashing machine has a supply chamber which holds at least double the amount of an individual dose of the active composition. A dispensing chamber is connected to the supply chamber by a passage in order to receive an individual dose of the active composition and to discharge the composition by way of a discharging passage. The closing of the passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber, either beforehand or simultaneously, is actuated by means which are activated by conditions inside the machine, existing exclusively during a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber is re-opened and, beforehand or simultaneously, the discharging passage from the dispensing chamber is closed, so that the dispensing chamber can be re-filled from the supply chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Timothy Rodd, Graham Fuller, Peter T. M. Nott, Richard Harbutt
  • Patent number: 6547103
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving a heated alcoholic beverage is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes supplying an alcoholic beverage mix, such as a mulled wine mix, which is connected to a serving tap. The mulled wine is heated between leaving the source and being serviced from the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Richard Elliott
  • Patent number: 6536634
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing solenoid valve includes a plunger tube that forms an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A plunger that forms a fluid chamber is slidably disposed within the plunger tube. The plunger is movable between a fluid fill configuration, wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the inlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be filled and a fluid dump configuration, wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the outlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be emptied. The fluid dispensing solenoid valve is used to dispense a very accurate quantity of fluid in very controllable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Axel H Berndorfer, Ivan Rafael Samalot
  • Publication number: 20020100773
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of an active composition into a washing, drying or dishwashing machine has a supply chamber which holds at least double the amount of an individual dose of the active composition. A dispensing chamber is connected to the supply chamber by a passage in order to receive an individual dose of the active composition and to discharge the composition by way of a discharging passage. The closing of the passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber, either beforehand or simultaneously, is actuated by means which are activated by conditions inside the machine, existing exclusively during a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The passage between the supply chamber and the dispensing chamber is re-opened and, beforehand or simultaneously, the discharging passage from the dispensing chamber is closed, so that the dispensing chamber can be re-filled from the supply chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V,
    Inventors: Timothy Rodd, Graham Fuller, Peter T.M. Nott, Richard Harbutt
  • Patent number: 6357627
    Abstract: A metering device (2) for a storage container (1), the storage container (1) having an attachment piece (21) on which the metering device (2) is secured, the metering device (2) having a closure piece (4) which can be activated by means of a closure lid (3) and which is in operational engagement with the closure lid (3) in such a manner that when the closure lid (3) is opened, the closure piece (4) closes the outlet opening of the storage container (1), whereas when the closure lid (3) is shut, the closure piece (4) frees the outlet opening of the storage container (1), the metering device (2) having, prior to its first use, an integrally connected sealing element in the area of the outlet opening of the storage container (1), and the closure piece (4) having means (24) for establishing a liquid-perneable connection between the storage container (1) and the metering device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Compo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mathias Pasbrig, Gisela Fockenbrock, Oliver Langlois, Gerard Fani, Johannes Hins
  • Patent number: 6343723
    Abstract: A device for assisting in the dispensing of liquid comprising a shaft having a substantially hollow passage therein, a first cap disposed on a first end of the shaft, a second cap disposed on a second end of the shaft, the second cap having an opening therein which is substantially aligned with the hollow passage, and, a spider guide disposed between the second cap and the shaft, wherein the shaft has at least one hole therein disposed at a position closer to the first end of the shaft than the second end of the shaft. The device is preferably inserted into a container which holds liquid to be dispensed. The device provide a venting and dispensing controlling system whereby defined quantities of liquid can be dispensed from the container quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick R. Hickerson
  • Patent number: 6199724
    Abstract: A store display, for one handed dispensing a measured volume of bulk items such as hard candy, has a storage compartment. The storage compartment has a sloping floor for gravity feeding a dispenser. A chute, attached to the separator and moveable with it, prevents dispensing in a low position, in which low position a separator allows bulk items to flow towards the chute. One hand holding a bag drives the assembly of chute and separator up to where the separator separates the measured volume of bulk items, and the chute communicates between the measured volume and an exit. The chute thereby permits the measured volume of bulk items to flow out the exit, and into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: P.O.P. Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Yeranossian
  • Patent number: 6039221
    Abstract: An improved materials feeder equipment includes highly efficient, durable, and wear and abrasion resistant sliding contact elements. In particular, the equipment has a feeder box and a ware plate arranged for sliding contact, each having high precision tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) ceramic or, alternatively, zirconia-alumina composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6026992
    Abstract: A dispenser (1,1a) provides for filling a dosing chamber (15,15a) by gravity and then emptying it by closing an inlet valve (39,39a), by opening an outlet valve (40,40a) and by shortening the dosing chamber (15,15a) with the assistance of air flow through a discharge port (7,7a) and into a cup (80) which in one embodiment is assembled as part of the dispenser (1a) and which is removable so that its medium contents can be dispensed. Such a dispenser (1,1a) achieves a highly accurate dosing with simple handling and construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Kaefer, Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5971216
    Abstract: A measuring canister including a bottom and a side wall connected to the bottom defining an interior of the canister, a partition dividing the interior into a storage compartment and a measuring dispensing compartment, and an upwardly domed cover including a dispensing orifice removably attached to an upper margin of the side wall so that the dispensing orifice is located only over the measuring dispensing compartment. A closure is slidably disposed inside the cover, and is movable between an open position allowing material to be dispensed from the measuring dispensing compartment and a closed position preventing the material from being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5899245
    Abstract: A measure for dispensing measured quantities of two liquors from a pair of bottles has a pair of measuring and receiving bowls associated with the bottles. Sleeves engage within necks of the bottles for delivery of liquid from each bottle to an associated bowl. Valve members in each bowl have normally open inlet liquid seals which cooperate with the sleeves to control filling of the bowls. Outlet liquid seals on the valve members normally close liquid outlets of the bowls. An actuating lever is operable to raise the valve members, moving the seals upwardly for opening the outlets and closing the inlets of the bowls. Thus, liquid measures flow from the bowls substantially concurrently into a glass or the like placed below the liquid outlets. The outlets are arranged to direct the two liquids to opposite sides of the glass so that the liquids remain separated within the glass. Release of the actuating lever drops the valve members closing the liquid outlets and opening the inlets for recharging the bowls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: R & A Bailey Company Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholson Wrigley, Vaughan Bycroft
  • Patent number: 5839618
    Abstract: An improved materials feeder equipment includes highly efficient, durable, and wear and abrasion resistant sliding contact elements. In particular, the equipment has a feeder box and a ware plate arranged for sliding contact, each having high precision tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) ceramic or, alternatively, zirconia-alumina composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 5823392
    Abstract: A device for filling cups with yogurt and a portion of corn flakes, kiwicha or similar product, wherein portions of two flavors of yogurt are and measured portions of the selected yogurt and solid food product are dispensed into a cup by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Paquetes Especiales S.R.L.
    Inventor: Carlos Cano Madico
  • Patent number: 5713492
    Abstract: The mouthwash dispensing device includes a frame having first and second reservoirs secured thereto, the first reservoir having a first port and the second reservoir having a second port, the first and second reservoirs adapted to contain mouthwash therein. A valve assembly is associated with the first and second reservoirs for selectively gating the first and second ports. An actuating assembly is associated with the valve for opening and closing the ports to release mouthwash from the reservoirs in response to user manipulation. The frame is adapted to store both drinking cups and a bottle of mouthwash therein. A locking cover is provided to restrict access to the stored cups and mouthwash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Consumer Promotions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DeGennaro