Internally Extending Outlet Pipe Patents (Class 222/464.1)
  • Patent number: 8323378
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying oxygen to meet a user demand in which oxygen is separated from air by an electrically driven oxygen separation device to supply oxygen to meet the user demand and to charge an adsorbent bed with all or part of the separated oxygen. When a user demand exists, oxygen can be supplied from both the electrically driven oxygen separation device and from oxygen desorbed from the adsorbent bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sadashiv Swami, Philip A. Barrett, Richard Martin Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120273522
    Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a partially-open container for retaining a supply of the product, a mechanism for dispensing a quantity of the product from the container, and a remotely-activated security device for selectively restricting the dispensing of product from the container. In one embodiment, the security device is in the form of a spherical enclosure that is mounted over the inlet port for a draw tube of the dispensing mechanism. In use, the security device includes an activation mixture, such as an expandable adhesive, that transitions the security device between a first state and a second state in response to an application of certain non-mechanical stimuli, such electromagnetic energy of a particular profile, the security device restricting the passage of the product through the draw tube when disposed in the first state and permitting the passage of the product through the draw tube when disposed in the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: PROTEQT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dimitar B. Bentchev, John S. Berg, David A. Waldman
  • Patent number: 8297479
    Abstract: Described is a shrink sleeve label for a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an external integral dip tube formed at the bottle front surface and separated from the bottle by a partition. The integral dip tube fluidly connects to the bottle interior at a landing below the top of the bottle neck. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The shrink sleeve label covers the bottle, the integral dip tube and the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hoefing, Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20120241474
    Abstract: Described is a multi-chamber fluid dispensing container with multiple dip tubes, and a package including the container and trigger sprayer having multiple supply lines for fluid connection to the multiple dip tubes. The container includes a body having a first wall defining a first interior volume and a second wall defining a second interior volume, a first dip tube fluidly connected to the first interior volume, and a second dip tube fluidly connected to the second interior volume. The package may include the container and a trigger sprayer coupled to the container, and fluidly connected to the first dip tube and to the second dip tube. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20120241475
    Abstract: Described is a multi-chamber trigger sprayer, and fluid dispensing apparatuses, including a sprayer housing including a pump piston and at least two pump chambers, a closure attachment configured to couple the trigger sprayer to an opening of a container, at least two fluid discharge passageways, each passageway in fluid communication with one of the pump chambers, wherein axes of each of the at least two pump chambers and at least portions of each of the at least two fluid discharge passageways are configured to be parallel to the axis of the opening of the container, and a biasing element configured to bias the pump piston. Axes of the first and second pump chambers, at least portions of the first and second fluid discharge passageways, and the biasing element, may be configured to be parallel to the axis of the opening of the multi-chamber fluid dispensing container. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20120234873
    Abstract: A fragrance product is disclosed including a container containing liquid fragrance and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the liquid fragrance including a transport assembly and a tube connected to the transport assembly and extending into the liquid fragrance. The tube and the liquid fragrance each have a refractive index, and the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the liquid fragrance is not greater than about 0.04.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corp.
    Inventors: James Thomson, Julia DiCorleto Gibson, John Boyle, Kevin Gray
  • Publication number: 20120234872
    Abstract: A pump system may include a blown-in dip tube connected to a valve body and having a connection which may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector having one or more of a lip for sealing with a blown-in dip tube, a seal ring configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube and seal therewith, a dip tube lock for mating with a blown-in dip tube, or an o-ring for providing an improved seal with a blown-in dip tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CALMAR, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Good, David L. Dejong, Joseph R. Krestine
  • Patent number: 8267282
    Abstract: A quantitative dropper structure includes a resilient bottle body, a nozzle detachably sealingly connected to a bottle opening of the bottle body, and a transfer mechanism having a flow path formed of a first transfer pipe, a remaining liquid reservoir and a second transfer pipe. The nozzle has a dispensing orifice and a bottom wall formed with a perforation. The first transfer pipe has a first end communicating with the remaining liquid reservoir and a second end downward extending near to a bottom section of the bottle body. The second transfer pipe has a front end passing through the perforation to communicate with the liquid reservoir and a rear end communicating with the remaining liquid reservoir. When compressed, the liquid flows in the flow path into the liquid reservoir. After a predetermined volume of liquid is contained in the liquid reservoir, the liquid is quantitatively dispensed from the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Hsi-Wen Pai
  • Publication number: 20120228315
    Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CamelBak Products, LLC
    Inventors: JEFF DAVIES, DEREK GAVIN SULLIVAN
  • Patent number: 8245889
    Abstract: The fuel delivery system is assembled from a large capacity refillable fuel tank and a refillable pressurized compressed gas or air tank to provide a portable fuel supply system to deliver fuel to a variety of different vehicles and equipment without requiring the use of a manual or powered fuel pump within the system, providing the fuel delivery system without any need for a powered source to dispense fuel from the fuel tank, the compressed gas tank providing a positive pressure within the fuel tank to dispense the fuel from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jon Starns
  • Patent number: 8245890
    Abstract: An intake nozzle for the inlet pipe of a pump has a vertical duct with a downwardly facing mouth and a surrounding disk shaped intake portion with a bottom surface which faces a flat surface such as a floor or tank bottom to take liquid from the floor down to a shallow depth. The bottom surface is shaped with a flat outer part and an upwardly and inwardly curved inner part converging to the mouth. The surface is shaped and spaced from the flat surface with annular areas defined therebetween so that the liquid enters the peripheral edge slowly and accelerates up to an inner edge of the flat portion and then remains at constant velocity from the inner edge of the flat portion through the mouth and the pipe to the intake of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Edward John Koch
  • Publication number: 20120199614
    Abstract: A system for storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a plurality of flexible walls bounding an interior for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. At least one port is connected to a first wall of the walls and provides fluid communication between the interior and an exterior to allow a draining of the interior. A collapsible conduit includes a plurality of perforations along the conduit. The plurality of perforations is configured to allow flow of the biopharmaceutical materials from the exterior to the interior of the conduit. The conduit has a cross-sectional area transverse to a length of the conduit and the conduit extends from one of the at least one port toward an opposite end of the interior. The conduit is collapsible by the flexible walls and forms a reduced cross-sectional area to allow a flow of the biopharmaceutical materials through and/or along the conduit to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SARTORIOUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan CUTTING, Oscar Werner REIF
  • Publication number: 20120181305
    Abstract: A container for dispensing a liquid comprises a body portion comprising a fibrous material having a coating and a pump portion comprising biodegradable latex. In an alternative embodiment the dispenser can include a biodegradable latex adaptor that couples the body to the pump, wherein the pump draws the liquid from the reservoir using a vacuum. It is contemplated that the structural material of the body portion could be formed out of a biodegradable material. Preferred coating can be used solely for rendering the walls of the body portion substantially impermeable to the liquid, or may perform the function as an adhesive for holding the wall layers together, or to perform both functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ellery West, Gail West
  • Publication number: 20120104047
    Abstract: A composition to relieve itch, pain and swelling associated with a bite or sting, comprising a proteolytic enzyme dissolved in water, an anti-bacterial agent, and a pH lowering agent. The composition is in a dispensing container, and is devoid of other ingredients that may mask the effectiveness of the enzyme. In one form a liquid propellant floats on the composition and a dip tube extends from a discharge valve into the composition. In another form, a piston separates the composition from a pressurized gaseous propellant. In another form, the composition is in a bag in the container and pressurized gaseous propellant surrounds the bag. In a further form the bag is an elastic material that exerts pressure on the composition. In other forms the container is a single use bladder or pouch. The proteolytic enzyme preferably is a meat tenderizer such as Papain or Bromelain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Walter K. Lim
  • Publication number: 20120085789
    Abstract: A package for enabling the dispensing a flowable material therefrom by use of dispensing apparatus, e.g., a soft drink making machine. The package is in the form of a flexible bag having wall portions defining an internal cavity and a fitment secured to at least one wall portion. The fitment is arranged to receive a probe of the dispensing apparatus to pump the contents of the package through the fitment. The fitment includes an anti-blocking member which prevents the walls of the package from collapsing to block the fitment when the contents of the package are pumped out. The fitment also includes a valve which is normally closed and which opens upon the creation of negative pressure within the fitment as occasioned by the operation of the pumping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: Barry Pritchard
  • Patent number: 8136704
    Abstract: This device for applying a deodorant comprises a chamber (1) which is a transparent bottle, which contains a saturated alum solution (2) and alum crystals (3). The device is equipped with a conventional hand pump (4) provided with a push-button (5) to allow the solution to be extracted and sprayed onto the body. The bottom of the pump has an inlet (6) via which the solution is drawn up when the pump is operated. A cylindrical second chamber (8) is fixed around the bottom of the pump via its upper end (9). The lower end (12) of the second chamber extends down to the bottom (10) of the bottle, but leaving a gap to allow the solution drawn up by the pump to pass through the passage (11) left open. The interior volume (13) of the second chamber (8) is at least three times greater than the volume of the solution that the pump can extract in a single press of the push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Francis Verdan
  • Patent number: 8132697
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz, Kenneth Ritsher
  • Publication number: 20120024910
    Abstract: A pump type dispenser that is able to suction a maximum amount of product that is held within a container. In order to achieve this result, the pump type dispenser utilizes a suction mouth portion that is positioned along a bottom portion of the container. The pump type dispenser may also utilize a plurality of straw type extensions to reach a plurality of locations along the bottom portion of the container in order to suction a maximum amount of product that is held within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Yoon Ki KIM
  • Publication number: 20120018431
    Abstract: A bottle cap assembly includes a mount, a hose unit connected to the mount, a mouthpiece unit and a dust cap. A lug is connected to the mount and the dust cap is pivotably connected to the lug. A tubular portion is located in the mount and has two spiral ribs. The mouthpiece unit includes a rotatable member, a seal ring and a mouthpiece. The rotatable member is engaged within the tubular portion and has spiral grooves with which the spiral ribs are engaged. The rotatable member has a knob and has a passage is defined therethrough. The seal member seals the mouthpiece unit when the rotatable member is located at the lowest position. When the knob is rotated, the spiral grooves moved upward along with the spiral rib and the passage is separated from the seal member to open the mouthpiece unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN VERTEX PRODUCTION CORP.
    Inventor: Tung Feng WU
  • Publication number: 20120006856
    Abstract: Described is a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral supply tube formed therein, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral supply tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral supply tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20110309114
    Abstract: A connecting device for ensuring proper connection of liquid containers is provided. The connecting device comprises a bottle closure having a dip tube passage and a first key code pattern at the top. A rupturable film is disposed in the bottle closure. A connector is provided for coupling with the bottle closure. The connector has an upper member and a lower member. The bottom surface of the upper member has a second key code pattern configured to mate with the first key code pattern. The lower member is pivotally coupled to the upper member. A dip tube penetrates the upper member of the connector. A pre-check member having a puncturing structure for puncturing through the rupturable film is also provided. The pre-check member has a key code pattern substantially identical to the second key code pattern to mate with the first key code pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: CHUN-HUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8074846
    Abstract: Dispenser or vial pump, including a valve assembly (3) and a tube (4) that is fixed with one extremity to a nipple (6) of the valve assembly (3). The nipple (6) and tube (4) are in contact with each other with their respective contact surfaces (7, 8), at least one of the contact surfaces (7, 8) is provided with a roughness (9) in order to decrease the friction between the nipple (6) and the tube (4) during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudi Jozef Allegaert
  • Patent number: 8052014
    Abstract: A dual storage system-type fluid container in which a liquid pouring tube is securely fitted and a liquid discharging passage formed in a dispenser is easily and securely connected to the liquid pouring tube. A joint for the fluid container comprises a flexible bag (12) having a neck part (11) opened such that liquid can be poured through it and also has an outer container (13) for receiving the bag (12) with the neck part (11) supported by a mouth part (13a). The liquid pouring tube (15) having a flange part (15a) can be fitted to the mouth part (13a) of the outer container (13) with a retainer (14) placed between the tube and the mouth part. A flow passage (21a) formed in the dispenser (2) can be directly connected to the fluid passage (15b) of the liquid pouring tube (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Hasegawa, Toshiki Takedutsumi
  • Patent number: 8038040
    Abstract: Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20110186601
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump, comprising: a body (21) that is provided with an inlet sleeve (22) that defines an axis X; a dip tube (3) having an end (31) that is fitted in the inlet sleeve (22); and a decorative unit (7) including a decorative element (72) that extends in the proximity of the dip tube (3), the unit also including a support member (71) that is fastened around the inlet sleeve (22), the support member (71) including a reception housing (711) for receiving the inlet sleeve (22); the dispenser member being characterized in that the support member (71) further includes localized connection means (712) that are situated beside the reception housing, the decorative element (72) being connected to the support member (71) at the connection means (712).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Florent Pouliaude, Sophie Feschet-Magdelaine
  • Publication number: 20110168736
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: PepsiCo. Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, Kenneth A. Ritsher, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20110139295
    Abstract: For use in a pressurized container that dispenses product, a pouch support has an upper edge that rests on the upper opening of the container and a sidewall that extends downwardly to a tail piece providing a port. At this port, the pouch is sealed to the tail piece. A dip tube integral with the pouch support extends down from the tail piece. This arrangement permits filling the pouch in place in the container where the pouch is supported by the pouch support because the pouch opening is held open by the tail piece of the pouch support. Product that is ultimately dispensed , is filled through the port of the tail piece and through the dip tube. After the filling operation is completed, the valve is attached in place by crimping the valve cup to the upper opening of the container sidewall. The dip tube has a plurality of sidewall openings that permit dispensing product when the pouch is pinched off at the dip tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Christian T. Scheindel
  • Patent number: 7954669
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a decorated dispensing container. The container is substantially transparent and has a decoration on the front and/or rear surface. The dispensing unit comprises a pump mechanism with a dip tube at one end and a dispensing channel at the other end. The dip tube has an identifiable shape formed in the dip tube. This identifiable shape can be a land, sea or air animal, or an inanimate object. Colors are applied to the identifiable shape by hand painting or the use of a shrink label or an in mold label. By the use of a decorated identifiable shape and a coordinating label on the front and/or rear surface of the container a 3-D effect is imparted to the container and product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Todd VanGordon, Van Canady
  • Patent number: 7942292
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container having a closed bottom, a mouth opening and a side wall. The device includes a discharge tube and a measuring reservoir pivotably attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position in which the reservoir is substantially parallel to the discharge tube to a second position in which the discharge tube and the reservoir are substantially perpendicular to one another. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Metcon Plastics International Inc.
    Inventors: Loreto Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Publication number: 20110108581
    Abstract: Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein connecting at a landing below the top of the bottle neck, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism at a landing below the bottle opening. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Publication number: 20110101038
    Abstract: An end piece is adapted for connection and fluid communication with a dip tube for drawing in matter through suction. The end piece includes an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is connected with the bottom end of the tube. The lower part includes an upper base, a lower base and an enclosing wall by which the lower base is joined to the upper base. The enclosing wall defines a hollow space between the upper base and the lower base. The lower base is larger in area than the upper base such that the hollow space is tapered toward the upper base. The lower base provides an opening for matter to enter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lorna K. Edmondson
  • Patent number: 7931174
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz, Kenneth A. Ritsher
  • Publication number: 20110011895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pump dispenser with a dip tube for dispensing a liquid product from a package, wherein the dip tube comprises a tube portion and a tip portion at the lower end of the tube portion, and the dip tube has a shape such that it is spread at the tip portion. The pump dispenser of the present invention provides improved dispensability of the liquid products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Tomotaka Michitsuji, Manivannan Kandasamy
  • Patent number: 7857171
    Abstract: A system for use in association with a container and a pump having an intake for transferring semisolid material from the container. The apparatus includes a first element that is inserted into the container and a second element that is also inserted into the container and moves the semisolid material with respect to the first element. An actuator moves the second element together with the semisolid material towards the intake of the pump. A method for use in transferring semisolid material from the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Christopherson
  • Patent number: 7854354
    Abstract: A docking station for use with a liquid container which supports the container in a convenient fixed location. The docking station is designed to accept a liquid container having a predetermined height and diameter. The docking station includes a cam operated actuator which is movable between an upper “open” position to a lower “closed” position. When the actuator is moved to its lower closed position, the actuator opens a valve in the liquid container to permit liquid to be drawn from the container. When the actuator is in its upper position, the valve in the container is closed. A manually controlled dispenser is mounted on the upper end of the docking station which is in communication with a source of water under pressure and the liquid being drawn from the container so as to mix the same and to dispense the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20100252136
    Abstract: An intake nozzle for the inlet pipe of a pump has a vertical duct with a downwardly facing mouth and a surrounding disk shaped intake portion with a bottom surface which faces a flat surface such as a floor or tank bottom to take liquid from the floor down to a shallow depth. The bottom surface is shaped with a flat outer part and an upwardly and inwardly curved inner part converging to the mouth. The surface is shaped and spaced from the flat surface with annular areas defined therebetween so that the liquid enters the peripheral edge slowly and accelerates up to an inner edge of the flat portion and then remains at constant velocity from the inner edge of the flat portion through the mouth and the pipe to the intake of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Edward John Koch
  • Patent number: 7740151
    Abstract: A hand operated air pump apparatus comprising an internal bellows in communication with an outer bellows wherein variable force on air pump forces compressed air through a discharge valve into a annulus between a bottle and a flexible bladder wherein said pump is attached upon a container or bottle like vessel wherein pumping action forces from bottle highly viscous substances, that may contain solid or abrasive particles, through a discharge spout without internal substance being contaminated by air or other environmental factors thus allowing for an improved method of removing all contents within a container with greater ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: William Bundy Stone
  • Publication number: 20100147874
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, Kenneth A. Ritsher, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz
  • Patent number: 7726523
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container includes a discharge tube, connecting mechanism for connecting an upper end of the discharge tube to the mouth opening of the container, a measuring reservoir attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material, and a pivot mechanism pivotably connecting the reservoir to the discharge tube. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position to a second position. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Metcon Plastics International Inc.
    Inventors: Loreto Ceccarelli, Antonio Ceccarelli
  • Publication number: 20100096415
    Abstract: Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7690531
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a decorated dispensing container. The container is substantially transparent and has a decoration on the front and/or rear surface. The dispensing unit comprises a pump mechanism with a dip tube at one end and a dispensing channel at the other end. The dip tube has an identifiable shape formed in the dip tube. This identifiable shape can be a land, sea or air animal, or an inanimate object. This inanimate shape is molded into the dip tube and colors are applied by hand painting or the use of a shrink label or an in mold label. By the use of a decorated identifiable shape and a coordinating label on the front and/or rear surface of the container a 3-D effect is imparted to the container and product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Todd VanGordon, Van Canady
  • Patent number: 7661563
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a product such as a cosmetic product. A preferred example of the device includes a container forming a holder for the product, and a dispensing element surmounting the container. A dip tube is provided for supplying product to the dispensing element, with the dip tube being connected to the dispensing element by a first end. In addition, a body is able to slide along the dip tube. Further, the dip tube includes, at a distance from its first end, an element forming a stop piece for the body in such a way as to limit the movement of the body along the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Olivier De Lataulade
  • Patent number: 7651607
    Abstract: A chlorinator for wastewater treatment systems having a circulation pump, circulation tank, and return flow line, which includes a reservoir of disinfectant fluid and a dosage container communicating with the reservoir and the circulation tank to dispense a determined quantity of disinfectant during operation of the circulation pump. The dosage container is vented to atmosphere to prevent vacuum lock in operation and communicates with the reservoir at a flow rate substantially smaller than it communicates with the circulation tank. Operation of the circulation pump causes flow through the return line, inducing distribution of the quantity of disinfectant fluid into the circulation tank. As the dosage container outgoing flow rate far exceeds the dosage container incoming flow rate, once the disinfectant level drops below the point of communication between the dosage container and the circulation tank, no her disinfectant is drawn into the circulation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Braden
  • Patent number: 7641080
    Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Finlay, Kenneth A. Ritsher, James M. Collins, Andrzej Skoskiewicz
  • Publication number: 20090321443
    Abstract: A method for filling a vessel with a gas entrained beverage includes providing a vessel and a cap assembly, wherein the cap assembly includes a closure including a beverage outlet opening, a hollow dip tube connected with the closure and in fluid communication with the beverage outlet opening via a beverage outlet path, and a valve connected to the closure and disposed along the beverage outlet path. The method further includes filling the vessel with a gas entrained beverage. The method further includes filling the dip tube at least up to the valve with (1) a flushing liquid, (2) the beverage, or (3) the flushing liquid and the beverage, wherein the flushing liquid has less entrained gas than the beverage. The method further includes connecting the cap assembly to the vessel to seal the vessel, wherein the dip tube extends into the gas entrained beverage within the vessel. A consumable consumer product that includes the beverage is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Taggart, William E. Rabbitt, Jay Tapper
  • Publication number: 20090314811
    Abstract: Provided is a snap on connector system for trigger sprayers and standard closures which can be used on trimmed container that do not require extensive controlled processes to provide effective fluid tight sealing of the connector and container. An attachment system has attachment lugs to engage lug receivers on the container. An integral molded flexible flange provides sealing at the container lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7631789
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a dispensing system for connecting a remote power sprayer to a container of liquid, a flexible delivery tube includes one end non-removably connected to a remote retainer and the other end non-removably connected to a connector hose. The remote retainer and connector hose each include strain relief elements which respectively include a retainer adaptor and a connector adaptor for relieving the connection strain between the tube, the remote retainer and connector hose, as the power sprayer is being pulled and maneuvered during use. In a second embodiment, the flexible delivery tube includes one end non-removably connected to a remote retainer and the other end disposed freely in a container, but plugged onto a connector hose and including a spring weight slidably disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Dodd, Linn D. Wanbaugh
  • Patent number: 7631783
    Abstract: A docking station for use with a liquid container which supports the container in a convenient fixed location. The docking station is designed to accept a liquid container having a predetermined height and diameter. The docking station includes a cam operated actuator which is movable between an upper “open” position to a lower “closed” position. When the actuator is moved to its lower closed position, the actuator opens a valve in the liquid container to permit liquid to be drawn from the container. When the actuator is in its upper position, the valve in the container is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20090294468
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing product includes a container with a collection region. The collection region is characterized in part by a selected cross-section having an area smaller than a cross-section of the container preceding the selected cross-section while traveling in a direction of a gravity vector. The cross-sectional areas are proscribed by boundaries of the container on planes normal to the gravity vector. One end of a draw tube is disposed within the collection region. A pump draws product from the collection region through the draw tube. The pump dispenses the product external to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond Tom
  • Publication number: 20090283552
    Abstract: Disclosed is a straw assembly for compressed air, which is usable in an aerosol or spray injection pressure container. The compressed air has a high pressure of more than 5 kg/cm2 and is filled in the container along with solution. The straw assembly includes a solution straw, a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure of the solution to an appropriate value so as to allow the compressed air to be used as an injection propellant for discharging the solution to the outside, and a safety valve or vinyl bag to prevent the compressed air from being discharged to the outside when the container is inverted. The straw assembly provides an eco-friendly product substituting the compressed air for liquefied gas that is used as an injection propellant for a conventional packing pressure container and achieves an aerosol or spray injection straw product having a low price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Kang-Rim Choe