With Plural Openings Or Discharge Guides Patents (Class 222/478)
  • Patent number: 7331490
    Abstract: An one-mouth container for storing liquid capable of preventing pulsating flow and controlling a discharging speed approximately at a constant independently of the amount of an internal liquid in the container when the internal liquid is discharged, in which a blow-molded portion (23) is formed on the container body side portion of a container mouth portion; a narrowed portion (24), a discharge port (31) and an air channel (11) extending from a side wall of the blow-molded portion (23) to a space at an upper part of the container body are formed by narrowing down the narrowed portion; the air channel has such a length that air supplied through the air channel (11) is released directly in the internal liquid; and both a discharge port (31) and an air port (25) are formed at the narrowed portion (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Aicello Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Yamana
  • Patent number: 7219818
    Abstract: A dispensing device that can economically and reliably dispenses predetermined quantity of fluids accurately comprising an elongated rod with one or more through holes formed perpendicularly through its axis defining one or more fluid flow paths. Adjacent to each through hole is an angular fluid flow path with one section generally parallel to the through hole and another section generally perpendicular to the through hole. In the preferred embodiment, the through holes and the angular fluid flow paths are positioned alternately through most of the length of the elongated rod. The elongated rod slides within a base component that has corresponding openings to enable accurate and reliable dispensing of predetermined quantity of fluids through the controlled dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Shun-I Pan
  • Patent number: 7185788
    Abstract: A compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus suitable for use as a beer “bong”, which provides for simultaneous dispensing to multiple drinkers, wherein the fluid distribution is equitable and wherein fluid is distributed to only those who are actually drinking independent of the number of distribution tubes. A container has an open container mouth and a plurality of compartments, each compartment having an open compartment mouth which collectively form the open container mouth. Each compartment is fluidically isolated from each other compartment and has its own unique exit portal. Each exit portal is connected with its respective flexible distribution tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: David T. Morris
  • Patent number: 6994055
    Abstract: An animal toy includes a plastic drinking straw having a sealed first end, a sealed opposite second end, and an internal cavity. An animal attracting substance is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one hole is punched in the plastic drinking straw so that an aroma from the animal attracting substance seeps through the hole and attracts a small animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Malinda K. Bell
  • Patent number: 6884376
    Abstract: A method for making a shoe sole includes step of preparing various types of foamable material; step of making the foamable material into particles; step of preparing a mold having a cavity in which the foamable material is being put; and step of foaming the foamable material in the cavity and obtaining a sole. The foamable material has different resilient coefficients but the same foaming rate so that the sole can be a made by a single foaming process and includes various resilient features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignees: Chun Heir Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Chin Chen, Shih-Kan Liang
  • Patent number: 6848598
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a quantity of fluid (10) from a sealed container (12) onto a device (16) or the like. The apparatus (10) comprises a venting needle (18) having a fluid delivery portion (22) and a contain portion (24), a housing (26), a fluid container (12) contained within the housing (26) and an aperture (28) in the housing (26) for passage of fluid (20) from the container (12) onto a fluid receiving portion (14) of the device (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Genosis Limited
    Inventor: Robert Edward Matthews
  • Patent number: 6796465
    Abstract: A conventional keg coupler and hand pump assembly is improved with a new multiple output coupler fitting which allows an increase in output flow. No physical change is made to said coupler and pump assembly just a replacement of fittings. In addition the length of elastomeric tubing which connects to the multiple output coupler fitting ends and the faucets is shortened to a length of less than 24 inches to decrease foaming but keep adequate pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Ubaldo Rafael Chavez
  • Patent number: 6786367
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: BHM Chronos Richardson, GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Schlösser
  • Patent number: 6769231
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal C. Danby
  • Patent number: 6755328
    Abstract: A multiple spout pitcher which allows selectively pouring a beverage alone or the beverage and ice contained therein. The pitcher includes a bottom wall and upwardly dependent side wall which terminates at an open upper rim. A handle extends outwardly from the side wall to facilitate picking up the pitcher container by hand. An ice restricting spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim opposite the handle. The ice restricting spout includes a pair of opposing inwardly extending restrictor flaps to hold the ice back without unduly restricting the flow of beverage while pouring. A larger and wider ice passing spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim between the handle and the ice restricting spout which allows the ice as well as the beverage to pour. The pitcher may be constructed with the ice passing spout disposed to the left or the right of the handle as desired for use by right-handed or left-handed persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Franco
  • Patent number: 6698464
    Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kay Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Hennemann, Jr., Roberto Ichaustequi, Daniel F. Brady
  • Publication number: 20030192919
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infusion pump 10 for providing a flow of a liquid through an tube 28. The infusion pump 10 includes at least two occluders 152, 162 having an open position and a closed position for releasably pinching-off the tube 28. A metering chamber is disposed between the two occluders 152, 162. A first plunger 72 and a second plunger 73 are provided, each plunger 72, 73 having an open position and a closed position for releasably compressing the metering chamber. In the method of the present invention, an occluder 152 releasably pinches-off the tube near the source of the liquid at a first location. The second occluder 162 releasably pinches-off the tube at a second location that is downstream from the source of the liquid 23 and the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Khoi Minh Nguyen, Stephen O?apos;Neil Ross, Scott Wayne Beaver
  • Publication number: 20030102336
    Abstract: A watering can has a body with a relatively slender spout on one side and on an opposite side a relatively wide spout. The relatively wide spout has a pair of outwardly directed, converging guide surfaces. The body also has an upper handle and a lower handhold. The lower handhold is positioned to permit subjacent grasping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Martha Mason
  • Patent number: 6557594
    Abstract: The processing system for preparing and filling beverage containers with ice and liquid. The beverage processing system simplifies the task of filling multiple glasses, cups or like containers with ice and a beverage, in a short time period, which is required with large crowds at restaurants and banquets. The system features three components including an ice tray, a glass inverter, and a glass filler, which in the best mode combine to the task of filling such beverage containers. Each component might also be used individually to significantly enhance the current art of beverage container filling with ice and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Guzman
  • Publication number: 20030066849
    Abstract: A watering can has a body with a relatively slender spout on one side and on an opposite side a relatively wide spout. The relatively wide spout has a pair of outwardly directed, converging guide surfaces. The body also has an upper handle and a lower handhold. The lower handhold is positioned to permit subjacent grasping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Martha Mason
  • Patent number: 6543645
    Abstract: A device is provided for mixing at least two products to form a mixture. The device may include a first compartment configured to contain a first product, a second compartment configured to contain a second product, and a sealing arrangement isolating the first compartment from the second compartment when the device is in a storage position. The first compartment may include a dispensing orifice capable of dispensing a mixture of the first product and the second product. The sealing arrangement may be actuatable to place the first compartment and the second compartment in flow communication with one another and thereby enable mixing of the first product and the second product to form the mixture. The second compartment may include a sampling orifice to enable the withdrawal of a sample of the second product from the second compartment prior to the mixing of the first product and the second product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Frank Lacout
  • Publication number: 20020121530
    Abstract: A dispensing valve is provided for being sealingly disposed with respect to, and dispensing a product from, a discharge opening of a container. The preferred form of the valve includes a generally annular marginal portion adapted to be sealingly engaged when the valve is sealingly disposed with respect to the container discharge opening. The valve also includes a central head portion extending from the marginal portion. The head portion has an exterior side with a generally concave shape when viewed from outside the container and has an interior side with (1) a planar central area, and (2) a generally curved, radially outer portion which tapers toward the exterior side such that the periphery of the head portion is preferably thinner than the center of the head portion. The head portion includes at least one normally closed orifice that is defined by at least one slit that extends transversely through the head portion from the exterior side to the interior side to define flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy R. Socier
  • Publication number: 20020092875
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a cap for liquid containers. The cap consists of a mounting part mounted to the mouth of a container, a liquid discharging part extending from the top of the mounting part upwardly. In this liquid discharging part, a liquid outlet opening and an air inlet opening are formed at opposite positions of the sidewall, while a partition wall extends from the top wall downward, thus partitioning the interior of the part into a liquid passage and an air passage. An openable top cover, connected to a side of the mounting part, covers the liquid discharging part. When liquid is discharged from the container through the liquid outlet opening, atmospheric air is smoothly introduced into the container through the air inlet opening without causing uneven flow or violent gush of the outlet liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Hee Kwon Rho
  • Patent number: 6394322
    Abstract: A water pitcher which is easily cleansed and kept clean is provided. The water pitcher for accommodating water and ice cubes includes a pitcher body having an upper portion providing a pouring lip, and a cover having a pouring cutout for pouring water and a window for refilling water and ice cubes. The pouring cutout of the cover is paired with the pouring lip of the pitcher body to form a restricted region for allowing water to flow therethrough and to prevent the ice cubes from leaving the water pitcher. The window for refilling water and ice cubes is located opposite to the pouring cutout. By providing protrusions to the interior of the pitcher body and respective holes and stoppers to the cover, the cover is thus stably mounted and easier removed from the pitcher body. Therefore, the cover can be removed away for cleansing. Furthermore, the cover can thus be prevented from dropping into the interior and can be safely rested at its predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Joyce Worldwide Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sekiya, Wen-Shung Lin
  • Patent number: 6375037
    Abstract: A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material includes first and second panel sections oriented juxtaposed to one another. In one end of the bag construction, a gusset with distribution apertures are provided. This permits distribution of a flowable material in the interior of the bag construction. At another end of the bag construction, a stand-up, solid, unperforated gusset is provided. This gusset permits the bag construction to stand in an upright position, for display and storage purposes. Methods of preparing and using such arrangements are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Kapak Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Bell, Bobby Hira
  • Publication number: 20020036217
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating the oral delivery of an active agent to a patient in need of treatment therewith, which apparatus comprises an active agent mixing chamber, a mixture delivery tube, and at least one liquid delivery tube. A mixture formed in the mixing chamber which comprises a combination of an active agent, or a pharmaceutical formulation thereof, and a liquid diluent may be delivered into the oral cavity of the patient from the mixing chamber by suction on the mixture delivery tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Julian B. Lo
  • Publication number: 20020030064
    Abstract: A device is provided for mixing at least two products to form a mixture. The device may include a first compartment configured to contain a first product, a second compartment configured to contain a second product, and a sealing arrangement isolating the first compartment from the second compartment when the device is in a storage position. The first compartment may include a dispensing orifice capable of dispensing a mixture of the first product and the second product. The sealing arrangement may be actuatable to place the first compartment and the second compartment in flow communication with one another and thereby enable mixing of the first product and the second product to form the mixture. The second compartment may include a sampling orifice to enable the withdrawal of a sample of the second product from the second compartment prior to the mixing of the first product and the second product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Lacout
  • Publication number: 20020014500
    Abstract: A reservoir (1) for drinks dispensing machines is described, which comprises a reservoir body (2), an output line (3) for outputting liquids in predetermined quantities and a means (4) for level compensation of the liquid level (7a) in the reservoir body (2). In order to carry out the level compensation in a constructive simple manner, it is suggested that the reservoir body (2) above the liquid level (7a) is closed in a substantially air-tight manner, and the means (4) for level compensation comprises a ventilation opening (6) that is arranged below the liquid level (7a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Frank Goeltenboth, Alexander Kiefer
  • Patent number: 6343717
    Abstract: A pre-filled disposable pipette for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products which has a hollow, round pipette body (40). The body consists of a hollow, rigid bulb section (44) forming a reservoir for storage and dispersion of the liquid pharmaceutical or cosmetic product which is pre-filled within the body. The body (40) further includes a hollow tubular section (46) that is smaller in diameter and contiguous with the bulb section, for ease of handling the pipette. The preferred embodiment has a hollow, frangible upper tube (42) with a distal end that is sealed for introducing air into the body (40) when the seal is broken, thus releasing the liquid from the tubular section. The liquid is dispensed from the body by breaking the upper tube allowing air to enter the pipette with the liquid flowing by gravity. The second embodiment has a resilient bulb section and omits the upper tube. A tapered section (90) is added to the tubular section, with a hollow tip (86) on the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jack Yongfeng Zhang, Frank Zhishi Xia, Mary Ziping Luo
  • Patent number: 6318604
    Abstract: A spout (10) for mounting on a liquid container (12) to provide controlled dispensing of liquid therefrom includes a manual control for stopping the flow of liquid through a pouring tube (22) and an automatic control to prevent spills due to overfilling. Manual control over the amount of liquid flowing through the pouring opening of the spout (10) is provided by a preferably tubular rod (26) having a stop (28) mounted at one end and a push button actuator (34) at the other end of the rod (26). The spout (10) includes a body (24) with the pouring tube (22) extending from one side and the push button (34) for opening the stop (28) to dispense liquid on the other side of the body. The automatic control is provided through a vent tube (30) which extends through a port in the pouring tube (22) and is connected to the tubular rod (26) which is provided with at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: No-Spill Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Messner
  • Patent number: 6296388
    Abstract: A pour-spout closure for use on a gusseted flexible package is provided, the package having an interior for holding some material and formed of a flexible material and including first and second panels connected to each other by respective side gussets. Each of the panels and gussets has an upper end portion, at least a portion of which conjoin to form an openable pour-through mouth for the package. When the pour-through mouth is opened, the material within the interior of the package can be poured out. The pour-spout closure is arranged for opening and re-closing the package's pour-through mouth and comprises first and second, elongated closure sections which are coupled together. The first closure section includes a first cut-away portion, and is arranged to be located, e.g, secured, on the first panel with the first cut-away portion disposed over at least a portion of the pour-through mouth. The second closure section includes a second cut-away portion, and is arranged to be located, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Galomb, David K. Suto
  • Patent number: 6070753
    Abstract: A container holds fluids, such as motor oil, and is sized to hold about one quart or one liter. The container has a rectangular base portion, and a top portion is formed integral with the base portion, the top portion being shaped like an offset, inverted funnel. The top portion has an opening forming a mouth, an outside edge of the mouth being in substantial alignment with a first side of the base portion. A concave, arcuate top panel extends from an opposing second side of the base portion to the mouth, and the top panel has a ridge along the center of its length for increasing top load strength and for providing a flow channel for fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Richard N. Hirst, Herbert M. Meyers, Richard C. Edstrom, Richard G. Kraft
  • Patent number: 6070762
    Abstract: A device (1) for emptying closed containers which are under pressure, especially fuel filters, which can be detachably fastened to the container, firmly seated thereon, and which has a drain channel with a drain opening, in which a drill (12) which can be actuated via a spindle drive (9) is arranged for drilling through the container wall (54). To break a vacuum generated during the emptying, a vent hole is created by a piercing spike (7) in the container wall (54) on the side opposite the drill (12). The piercing spike (7) is part of the entire device (1) and is used together with the drill (12) as a holding element for clampingly receiving the container during the drilling of the container by the drill (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Angelika Weibhaar
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 6026994
    Abstract: A sleeve fixedly receivable within the bottle neck, and a spout extending through the sleeve and movable therein to an extended position projecting outwardly of the bottle neck to facilitate pouring contents from the bottle or to a retracted position disposed within the neck when closed by the bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Doron Rigel
  • Patent number: 5996844
    Abstract: A container for storing liquids such as ink to be refilled in an used, empty ink cartridge for computer printers being to be formed with at least two holes so as to allow the ink to discharge. A hole is made in the container at its mouth portion and then another hole is opened at the main chamber of the container by a piercing device attached to the container or by revealing an air passage so as to introduce external air into the container so as to pressure out the ink into the ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Corporation of America
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 5988458
    Abstract: A spout for mounting on a liquid container to provide controlled dispensing of liquid therefrom includes a manual control for stopping the flow of liquid through a pouring tube and an automatic control to prevent spills due to overfilling. Manual control over the amount of liquid flowing through the pouring opening of the spout is provided by a preferably tubular rod having a stop mounted at one end and a push button actuator at the other end of the rod. The spout includes a body with the pouring tube extending from one side and the push button for opening the stop to dispense liquid on the other side of the body. The automatic control is provided through a vent tube which extends through a port in the pouring tube and is connected to the tubular rod which is provided with at least one hole. When the level of liquid in a receiving tank rises over the port, no air enters the liquid container and consequently the flow of liquid from the pouring tube is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: No-Spill Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Messner
  • Patent number: 5964382
    Abstract: A flexible cylindrical body tube adapted to sealingly engage a beer bottle at one end and mounting a side-venting hose of a length selected to extend into the beer bottle and down into the bottle to a position adjacent the bottom of the bottle. When so placed, the bottle and hose may be inverted with a finger placed over the vent hose, the open end of the body tube brought to the mouth, the bottle and tube inverted and the finger removed, resulting in rapid continuous discharge of the fluid from the bottle into the mouth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Randal
  • Patent number: 5911813
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) for filling containers with confectionery such as ice cream includes a plurality of filler nozzles (2) with inlet openings (27, 28) and nozzle tips (3, 7), in each filler nozzle including a filler piston (9) displaceable in a filler housing (10). The filler housing and the filler piston are produced from a stainless steel with a treatment so that these surfaces can move together without tearing and at the same time are produced with such tolerances that the gap formed between the piston and the housing is impermeable to the confectionery but not impermeable to liquid. A hose/pipe arrangement (40) for detergent is connectable with the inlet openings (27, 28) and the nozzle tips (37) for flushing and cleaning, the detergent passing through the gap between the piston (9) and the housing (10) to exit through a hollow space (50) and be flushed by the detergent introduced from at least one nozzle tip (37). Owing to this, complete flushing/cleaning of the nozzle arrangement (1) is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Gram A/S
    Inventor: Erik Hviid Jensen
  • Patent number: 5894961
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquid is provided having a relatively stiff or rigid container above a resiliently deformable reservoir structure. The container is coupled to the reservoir structure and the container has a bottom outlet inside the reservoir structure which also includes a discharge structure leading from the inside to the outside of the reservoir structure. Liquid is dispensed when the user causes relative movement between the container and the reservoir structure to increase the pressure in the reservoir structure and to thereby force liquid from the reservoir structure through the outlet passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kaufman Products Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kaufman, Edmond L. Rampen
  • Patent number: 5857991
    Abstract: A device for applying medication fluid on mucus membrane in interior of body cavities has a manually actuatable pump element mountable on a medication supply container for discharging a medication fluid and having an outlet, an insertion tube having one end connected with the outlet and provided with a through going longitudinal opening, a distributor body connected with an opposite end of the insertion tube and having an outer shape and a volume to correspond to a body cavity to be treated, the distributor body having a plurality of outlet openings distributed over its outer surface and communicating through an interior of the distributor body with the insertion tube so that a medication fluid supplied under pressure is a discharged from the outlet openings over an outer surface of the distributor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Hans Grothoff, Hans-Peter Harke, Frank Hennig, Gerd Neumann
  • Patent number: 5839625
    Abstract: An extruded, fluted, plastic tube is inserted through the neck of a container containing liquid. The free end of the tube is spaced from the bottom wall of the container, while the opposite end is frictionally held in the container neck portion. The side wall of the tube is provided with at least one flute formed by a longitudinal recess extending either the entire length of the tube or a portion of the length of the tube. During the filling of the container, the tube functions as a fill tube, and the flute functions as an air vent. During the pouring of the liquid from the container, the tube functions as a dispensing tube, and the flute functions as a dispensing port to thereby provide a continuous, rather than a turbulent, flow of liquid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignees: David L. Pullin, James G. O'Boyle
    Inventor: Paul A. Braginetz
  • Patent number: 5799836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device generally comprises a plug body, a cap and a straining cup. The plug body is made from soft plastic material and the lower portion of the plug body is provided with a plurality of sealing flanges. The upper portion of the plug body is enveloped with a rigid casing which is provided with an outer thread and in which a directing tube is provided therethrough. The directing tube is projected over the rigid casing and the tip of the tube has an inclined spout. The cap is provided with a sealing element therein and a sealing hole is provided at the bottom center corresponding to the directing tube of the plug body. The bottom of the receiving space is further provided with inner thread which may tightly engage with the outer thread of the plug body. The straining cup is made from a filter which has very fine meshes. The side of the straining cup is provided with a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Huoo-Ke Lee
  • Patent number: 5791529
    Abstract: This invention is related to a supplemental mouthpiece which is adapted to be mounted on the mouth portion of a liquid bottle and provided with a partitioning strip extending into the interior of the bottle. The cap for the bottle can be mounted while the supplemental mouthpiece is left attached to the mouth portion. According to this supplemental mouthpiece, the partitioning strip is mounted on the mouth portion to partition the interior thereof and one of the partitioned passage is covered by a cover provided with a vent hole to prevent the splashing of liquid and at the same time to prevent the liquid from pouring out from the covered passage. The cover may be formed integral with the mouth portion, or with a securing member which is adapted to be mounted on the mouth portion, thereby allowing the cover to be detachably mounted on the mouth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sawa
    Inventor: Yasuo Mukai
  • Patent number: 5766550
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge for storage and delivery of reagents for synthesizing and labeling of synthetic oligonucleotides comprises an annular casing, an enclosed area defined by the interior surface of the casing and a non-swellable matrix which is inert to organic solvents is positioned within the enclosed area. Adsorbed onto the surface of the matrix is a reagent to be coupled to an immobilized oligonucleotide precursor. The cartridges can be packaged in such a way as to insure the long-term stability of the reagents contained therein. The cartridge is readily insertable into the reagent delivery line of an automated synthesizer of oligonucleotides and also is useful for the production of labeled oligonucleotides by manual coupling. The cartridges of the invention are disposable after a single use. Substantial economies in the synthesis of labeled synthetic oligonucleotides are achieved by use of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: City of Hope
    Inventors: Bruce E. Kaplan, Piotr M. Swiderski
  • Patent number: 5740946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for dispensing hot beverages suitable for consumption, comprising at least one beverage-dispensing device for dispensing a hot base beverage such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and at least one additive-dispensing device for dispensing an additive to be optionally added to the hot base beverage. The machine further comprises a main discharge channel having an inlet and at least one outlet for dispensing the hot beverage into a container, the inlet being connected to the beverage-dispensing device. The main discharge channel is composed of a number of series-connected modules which each comprise a subchannel having a main inlet and a main outlet, the main outlet of the first module of a first and a second series-connected module being connected to the main inlet of the second module in a liquid-tight manner, and the subchannels of the series-connected modules forming the main discharge channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Siwart Gerhardus Swier, Petrus Josephus Carolus Piscaer
  • Patent number: 5699939
    Abstract: A metering system 10 for metering liquid to be supplied to equipment which utilizes the liquid to generate a predetermined product includes a body member 12 which defines a chamber 14 therein, the body member 12 being mountable in a predetermined position relative to the equipment and liquid to be metered being received in the chamber 14. A discharge element is arranged in communication with the chamber of the body member, the discharge element comprising a first discharge element 16 through which a first metered volume is dischargeable to a first part of the equipment and a second discharge element 18 through which a second metered volume is dischargeable to a second part of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Biochlor (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Peter Woodman
  • Patent number: 5664700
    Abstract: A refillable liquid dispenser or container comprising an outer rigid hollow housing including an upper neck having an opening formed therein to receive a liquid dispensing assembly therein and a replaceable inner pliant liquid bladder including an upper portion disposed within the upper neck and a lower portion disposed within the outer rigid hollow housing to receive the lower portion of the liquid dispensing assembly therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: John R. Battle
  • Patent number: 5603922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to remineralization, without demineralization, by applying to the teeth a composition which is present in either one or in two phases and which does not react to any large extent until introduced into the oral cavity and upon such introduction does not rapidly precipitate. One phase systems contain at least one water-soluble calcium compound, at least one other water-soluble, non-toxic compound containing a divalent metal different from calcium, and at least one water-soluble inorganic phosphate compound. If desired at least one water-soluble fluorine compound may be added to the system. In two phase systems one phase contains the calcium and the divalent metal compounds and the other the phosphate and optionally, the fluoride compound. In this way the ions which effect remineralization can be absorbed by the dental enamel and their subsequent, but controlled, reaction causes rehardening of demineralized areas in the dental enamel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Enamelon Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Winston, Norman Usen
  • Patent number: 5566862
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a liquid dispensing fitment for use on a container having a neck comprises a plastic body which has an inner wall defining an axial spout extending from within the neck of a container and axially beyond the end of the neck. The body has an outer annular wall spaced from the spout and connected to the spout by an integral annular connecting portion. The spout extends axially beyond the outer wall and has an upper generally C-shaped cross section defining an opening and a lower annular cross section. The annular connecting portion is inclined with respect to the axis of the spout and has its lowermost portion aligned with the opening of the C-shaped portion of said spout. The outer wall has an axial opening extending from a position aligned with the juncture of the C-shaped portion and annular portion of the spout through the annular connecting portion to define a combined drain back opening and a near empty pour out hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Haffner, Thomas P. Royce, John M. Shingle
  • Patent number: 5392948
    Abstract: A nestable, stackable mixing bowl is provided having a radiused sidewall and a wide concave rim flange. The rim flange provides a handle around the entire circumference of the bowl, providing an easy way to grasp the bowl while pouring. The rim flange is provided with three integral equidistantly spaced pourspouts, thus requiring less manipulation for positioning the bowl for pouring. The bottom of the bowl is provided with an annular rib to provide stability to the bowl. The bowl is also provided with a lid shaped to cover the bowl and to accept the rim flange. The lid has a central circular depressed portion sized to matingly engage the bottom rib of a smaller capacity bowl, providing stable stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Tucker Housewares
    Inventor: Kathy McEntee
  • Patent number: 5356053
    Abstract: The Funnel-less Squeeze Cap is designed to control the flow of a liquid or semi solid substance. The angle of the hollow chamber of the cap inhibits or allows the flow of a substance depending upon the position of the container. When the container is rotated counter-clockwise, the substance flows; when the container is rotated clockwise, the substance stops; when the container is vertical, the substance is level and will not drip. Controlling the flow allows the container to be used without a funnel and the flow can be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Di Fatta
  • Patent number: 5332014
    Abstract: A device and method for the controlled release of a soapy water concentrate into a sink or basin for providing a sink full of soapy water for institutional pot, pan and dishwashing applications. The device is implemented as a container filled with semi-solid, water-soluble soap concentrate. The container has a base which allows it to freely stand at the bottom of the sink being filled with water. A stream of water from a sink faucet is directed into an inlet aperture on an upper surface of the container. The water enters the inlet aperture, commingling and interacting with the semi-solid soap to dissolve a fractional portion thereof and form a soapy water concentrate solution. The solution is ejected under pressure by the entering water out through a plurality of outlet apertures defined in the container, thereby filling the sink with soapy water concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Cleanse Tec Division of F&N Chemical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Feig
  • Patent number: 5320246
    Abstract: A kettle is adapted for use on a narrow ledge of a wood, pellet, or coal burning stove or the like by flattening one side and providing substantially greater weight per unit area to the flattened side and bottom such that the center of gravity of the kettle is located in the vicinity of the juncture between the bottom and the flattened side. A spout for the kettle is adapted with an opening which points horizontally away from the flattened side to direct steam to a space in front of the stove and thereby minimize damage from steam otherwise rising directly upward and depositing moisture on adjacent or nearby stove pipes or parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Craig Issod
  • Patent number: 5298259
    Abstract: A polymer composition having a biopolymer subunit entrapped in a swellable polymer matrix is described. The composition may be supplied in a disposable cartridge, for use in delivering a solution of the subunit in an automated biopolymer synthesis operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Lloyd, Robert J. DeFranco
  • Patent number: 5289953
    Abstract: A pitcher (10) for the controlled delivery of a liquid or a combination of liquids and solids together into another container. The pitcher has a front chute (18) for the pouring of liquids contained near the base of the pitcher and two side chutes (20, 21) for the pouring of a combination of liquids and solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventors: Joseph P. McMillan, III, Lawrence W. Owen, Jr.