Coterminous (barometric) Patents (Class 222/479)
  • Patent number: 11745991
    Abstract: A platform for onsite creation of consumable liquids is provided. The platform includes a liquid generating machine, a set of cubes, compatible bottles, and a user interface device. The liquid generating machine may include a water storage module, a cube module, a liquid making module and a bottle filling and cleaning module. The platform decentralizes the production of consumable liquids, such as drinking waters, enhances the consumer's experience, significantly increases consumers' choices, all while simplifying the consumption process (buying the water, carrying it, getting rid of/recycling the plastic bottle, etc.). The platform includes customizable liquid generating recipes associated with the cubes that may be provided through a network or local database and a security feature that allows the authorization of users to generate and access controlled liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: AIGUA, INC.
    Inventor: Ivan Garcia Tebar
  • Patent number: 11453267
    Abstract: A vehicle HVAC system including a heat pump system. The heat pumps system including a refrigerant module mounting manifold, the manifold including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are configured to couple together such that together they define a plurality of channels for directing the flow of refrigerant through the heat pump system. One or more auxiliary modules are fluidly coupled to the refrigerant module mounting manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Loren John Lohmeyer
  • Patent number: 11247891
    Abstract: An automated liquid dispensing attachment monitors and controls preparation of drinks poured from bottles. The automated liquid dispensing attachment attaches to a bottle and senses multiple aspects of the pouring of the drink, and based on the sensor outputs, monitors and controls the flow of fluids from the bottle through the attachment. The automated liquid dispensing attachment communicates with other electronic devices to enable individualized control and monitoring, and data aggregation and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Lab2Fab LLC
    Inventors: Hogan Hall Hempy, Michael C. DeRenzi, Ken Haven, Shawn Michael Lange, Malonda Maxine McElwee, Refugio Gonzalez Ponce, Krishna Rao, Renata Jaye Puakea Smith, Chad Steese, Robert Freeman Thompson, Naomi Kalia Williams Zabel
  • Patent number: 11097874
    Abstract: Pouring aid device for pouring a liquid, for example wine, from a container such as a bottle into a recipient such as a glass including a neck part which is configured to fit on an opening of the container, for example on a bottle neck; a pouring tube in fluid connection with a liquid channel of said neck part; an air tube in fluid connection with an air channel of said neck part, arranged to extend into the container for letting air into and out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Vacu Vin Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Vanessa Beijl, Rui Medeiros Santos, Gerardus Adrianus Maria de Groot
  • Patent number: 10894650
    Abstract: A fitment for a package with an interior compartment for containment of a flowable material is described. The fitment may have a body with an exterior wall and an interior wall. The interior wall may define a passageway extending through the body from a top opening to a bottom opening. The fitment may have at least one dispersion member with an edge extending into the passageway, the edge dividing at least a portion of a width of the passageway extending between the interior wall. The fitment may include a baffle member having a surface extending into, and at least partially obstructing, the passageway. The fitment may include a flange portion associated with the exterior wall, the flange portion positioned to interface the fitment with the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Michael Robinson, Jason Fyfe, Jeffrey Townsend
  • Patent number: 10589896
    Abstract: An anti-spurt device, for application in a closure of a container with a cap and a ring with teeth for cutting a sealing membrane. The anti-spurt device may comprise a tube that automatically unfolds from a folded position and may be connected with the cutting ring. In the folded or loaded position, the tube may be outside of the sealing membrane and with the breakage of the membrane, it may be inserted and automatically unfolded in the inside of the container. In a second main embodiment, the need for a cutting ring and membrane may be eliminated, and the tube may be installed on a carriage held by a hook that is released with the opening of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Pablo Ibañez Razola
  • Patent number: 10196187
    Abstract: An air-displacing vented dispenser cap for attachment to a dispenser container having a dispenser cap with a liquid dispensing spout outlet and a separate air inlet with a member therebetween defining an air flow passageway to act as a vent for air to enter the inside of the dispenser container on which the dispenser cap would be mounted. By providing an integral air inlet within the dispenser cap, the liquid within the dispenser container can be displaced by air entering the container, such that the flow of egressing liquid will be a smooth flow without the conventional “glug-glug” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Arun Hingorani
  • Patent number: 10039397
    Abstract: A seasoning jar includes a position restriction groove concavely disposed at the bottom of a jar body, a through hole disposed along the central axis of the jar body to accommodate an accommodating tube. Multiple openings are formed through an upper wall of the accommodating tube to communicate with the inner space of the accommodating tube. A stopper is connected to the bottom of the accommodating tube to abut against the position restriction groove. A sealing cover covers the top end of the accommodating tube, and a bottom cover is disposed on the bottom end of the jar body. When used, the seasoning jar is tilted to allow the accommodating tube to slide in the through hole to pour out the seasoning inside the accommodating tube through the multiple openings. When unused, the accommodating tube can be automatically accommodated in the jar body by gravity after being placed upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Yuan Min Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9993390
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Seifert, Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9796506
    Abstract: A device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure as liquid is being poured from the bottle and includes one or more relatively short air tubes. The air tubes are situated with an upper inlet rim of the air tubes located flush with or relatively near the bottle rim. Whether an insert or integrated into the manufacture of a container, the one or more air tubes that extend partially into the container allow air to pass into the container as the liquid exits the container. The pressure equalizer not only minimizes or prevents the common glugging effect, but it allows liquid from a bottle to be poured smoothly at any angle and orientation. A cap incorporating a detachable pressure equalizer is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PAHA DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 8857639
    Abstract: A device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure as liquid is being poured from the bottle and includes one or more relatively short air tubes. The air tubes are situated with an upper inlet rim of the air tubes located flush with or relatively near the bottle rim. Whether an insert or integrated into the manufacture of a container, the one or more air tubes that extend partially into the container allow air to pass into the container as the liquid exits the container. The pressure equalizer not only minimizes or prevents the common glugging effect, but it allows liquid from a bottle to be poured smoothly at any angle and orientation. A cap incorporating a detachable pressure equalizer is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Paha Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 8807358
    Abstract: An in-bottle aerator for mixing the oxygen in the air with wine as the wine is poured from its bottle. The aerator has at least one air ingress channel extending from one end of the aerator to the other allowing air into the bottle to displace wine exiting the bottle. Air mixing channels draw air from outside the bottle and direct that air to lateral channels that intersect a central flow channel extending from one end of the bottle to another. The air mixing and air ingress channels are preferably arranged to allow the user to pour and aerate wine at the same time and with the bottle in any orientation about its axis. The aerator may be a separately formed component that can be inserted into the bottle by the bottle manufacturer, by a wine bottler or by an enduser. Alternatively, the aerator may be wholly or partly formed as part of the neck of the bottle. A completely and integrally formed aerator may be formed a part of a plastic wine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mars Aerator LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Devoy, Brian Whalen
  • Patent number: 8657157
    Abstract: A method for a bartender's easy selection of an appropriate pour spout for a bottle of interest from one or more pour spouts comprising providing one or more bottles each having an original closure; and providing one or more pour spouts essentially identical in outer shape to its corresponding original closure; wherein the bartender easily identifies the appropriate pour spout due to its similarity in shape to the shape of its corresponding original closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Patrón Spirits Company
    Inventor: Edward P. Blinn
  • Publication number: 20130292424
    Abstract: A screw-on throat plug assembly for use in a closed loop dispensing system. The throat plug assembly also includes a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: RODNEY LAIBLE
  • Publication number: 20130153609
    Abstract: This embodiment is a sports memorabilia device where a molded polycarbonate, molded plastic, polycarbonate, fiberglass, aluminum alloy, metal, stainless steel or other sturdy material, miniature football helmet [001] body is incorporated with a uniquely designed liquid pourer [003] device adapted for attachment to a container of liquid. One thing that makes embodiment unique is it provides a liquid pouring tool incorporated with, but not limited to, a one-tenth scaled replica of an official football helmet with detailed color and graphics depicting the owner's favorite professional or collegiate team.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Randal J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8459513
    Abstract: A fitment (10) for a bottle (90) is provided. The fitment (10) comprises retaining means (60) for retaining it in a bottle closure (70). The retaining means is movable from a first position in which it engages the closure and a second position in which it does not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: James Harrower
  • Patent number: 8409164
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. In some embodiments, an anti-reflux valve is positioned within the extractor channel. The anti-reflux valve can be configured to impede or obstruct fluid returning to a fluid source after withdrawal of the fluid from the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 8297483
    Abstract: Liquid dispenser for dispensing a carbonated liquid from a container, the liquid dispenser including a compartment, a container sealing region, a compartment sealing region, and a valve, the compartment extending upwardly from a neck portion of the container, the neck portion and the compartment defining an opening to the atmosphere between the compartment and the neck portion, the container sealing region being located between the neck portion and the opening, the compartment sealing region being located between the compartment and the opening, the valve being movable within the compartment, from a closed position pressed toward the neck portion, to an open position away from the neck portion, the valve including a first surface facing the compartment, a second surface facing the opening, a first valve sealing region, a second valve sealing region, and a channel extending from the neck portion to the compartment, the first valve sealing region matching the container sealing region, for preventing passage of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Eliav Korakh, Emanuel Honen, Reuben Koutal
  • Patent number: 8196785
    Abstract: An air vent for liquid containers such as baby bottles, flasks, or the like, for containing any liquid easily poured through an upper spout such as a nipple or a hard plastic spout or even a metal spout. The container includes an air vent defined by a system based on the principle of communicating vessels acted upon by equal air pressures, defined by a duct of an adequate diameter placed in a vertical or oblique manner, whose lower end is placed inside and in the bottom of the container, while the upper end defines an external air inlet that is open to external air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: David de Carvalho
  • Publication number: 20120111893
    Abstract: A bottle aerator of the type having a venturi tube having a constricted section with a narrower cross-sectional section and a fluid inlet section having a wider cross-sectional section, such that the fluid pressure is lower in the constricted section compared to the pressure in the fluid inlet section, and the fluid speed is higher in the constricted section compared to the fluid speed in the fluid inlet section, which is improved by the constricted section being constructed and arranged so that when the bottle aerator is inserted into a bottle, the constricted section is positioned inside the bottle. The air inlet is provided at or below the constricted section, which allows air from outside the bottle to mix with the fluid as it passes through the constricted section, so that the fluid is aerated while still inside the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: AERAWINE LLC
    Inventor: Jamin Luebke
  • Publication number: 20120085790
    Abstract: A sealable pourer for mounting on a bottle. The sealable pourer includes a cap to ensure that the pouring nozzle and air tube outlet are sealed, or otherwise closed, when in a first position of the cap and allow free flow of the liquid content of the bottle when in a second position. In one embodiment, the cap is rotated about a symmetry axis of the nozzle to achieve sealing of both the air passage and the pouring nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Or Agassi, Reuven Marko
  • Patent number: 8011540
    Abstract: An aerator bottle pourer for smoothing the taste of certain liquids such as wine and preventing dripping of the liquid after being poured from a bottle. The aerator bottle pourer includes a pouring assembly being removably engaged to a bottle for pouring liquid from the bottle, and also includes an aerating assembly being attached to the pouring assembly for aerating the liquid as it is being poured from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: David H. Peckels
  • Patent number: 7972321
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 7802703
    Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container. The turret contains a one way valve so that if the inner container contains a liquid and the collapsible portion of the inner container is held above the turret, the fluid in the inner container will flow through the one way valve and out of the mouth of the turret as the inner container collapses within the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Earl T. Kiser
  • Patent number: 7748419
    Abstract: A dripless means for a fuel dispensing nozzle begins with a nozzle for dispensing fuel into automobile tanks. Regulations limit drainage of the spout to within ten seconds, met by the present invention that prevents fuel drops from exiting the spout. First, the spout retains fuel drops behind a dam made of a series of fins upon the interior of the spout. Second, the present invention has a bushing with a weir that works in combination with the damming. Third, the nozzle has a vent tube within the spout where a plug constricts its diameter to limit the fuel drawn into the vent tube. With proper use, the present invention retains fuel drops in the spout to meet the regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Fink, Jr., Jeffrey M. Deaton, Mark P. Vilmer, Thomas O. Mitchell, Darrell P. Vilmer, Richard D. Benscoter
  • Patent number: 7625016
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20090179052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pouring dispenser for pouring liquid from a bottle, the pouring dispenser incorporating a removable nozzle section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Howard Silvers & Sons Pty Limited
    Inventors: Scott Peter ALLEN, Kenneth George BONHAM, Michael Henry SILVERS, Sam TAM
  • Publication number: 20090120969
    Abstract: A container comprising, a container body, a tubular spout having a forward portion and a rearward portion which is mounted on the container body, a closure for sealing the tubular spout, and a baffle extending across and partly closing off the tubular spout leaving an open liquid outlet, wherein the fixed baffle comprises an element of a separate insert which is slidable into the tubular spout through the forward portion, the separate insert having an air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Gravity Solutions Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Hughes, Robert Gulbrandson, Sherryl Robertson, Rodney John Granat, Michael Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7510548
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 7441677
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for insertion in and coupling with a neck of an open bottle that may have a fluid therein. A pour spout may have a conduit therethrough. A coupling portion of the pour spout may have a generally hollow cylindrical form that may form a portion of the conduit. An outer wall may have an intake flange at an intake end and an opening flange adjacent an annular lip member. The outer wall may have a flat portion and the intake flange may have a corresponding flat portion. A coupling sleeve may be disposed on the coupling portion. A discharge portion of the spout may have a generally half spherical member that may have a bore therethrough. The bore may form a portion of the conduit and the half spherical member may abut the annular lip member. The half spherical member and the opening flange may have a pressure equalization duct therethrough that may be parallel to and adjacent to said conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Garcia
  • Publication number: 20080210715
    Abstract: A spout fitting apparatus being fixed easily to the spout of a container such as a plastic bottle and a bottle such that the cap of an existing container can be employed, as it is, under fixed state without falling into the container, and fluid flows out smoothly from the container at the time of pouring while preventing a hiccoughing phenomenon due to interruption of fluid flow and preventing fluid from scattering to the surroundings of the container, comprising: a locking portion 1 locking to the spout of a container, an falling-prevention stopper 2 provided at the upper edge of the locking portion 1 and preventing the fitting from dropping into the container, a partition wall 3 bonded to the locking portion 1 and separating the fluid outflow path from the inside of the container and an air inflow path from the outside of the container, and an air inflow conduit 4 for extending the opening from the air inflow path side of the partition wall 3 and connecting it to the inside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Guruppo Pieta Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7354427
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • 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: 7293679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and pouring liquids, which comprises an internal volume and a pouring opening (8). The interior volume is subdivided into a storage volume (3) and a withdrawal volume (4) which communicate with each other (10), said withdrawal volume (4) leading to the pouring opening (8) in such a manner that the pouring opening (8), when the container (1) is tilted between the critical angle and the overend position of the container (1), invariably is the bottom-most point of the withdrawal volume (4). The container has a ventilation pipe (17) that extends from the pouring opening (8) and leads to the storage volume (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kai Yip Lo
  • Patent number: 7228994
    Abstract: A delay flow water reservoir for a clothes dryer cabinet and method of use is provided. The delay flow reservoir has a container having an opening and a cap engaging the opening. The cap has a delay chamber with a drain opening, a seal covering the opening with first and second seal holes, and the delayed flow reservoir. The delay chamber fills with water from the container before draining into the clothes drying cabinets. The method of using the delay flow water reservoir permits the user to fill a container while in an upright position and then moving the delay flow water reservoir to an overturned dispense position. The method permits water to drain into the delay reservoir rather than out the drain opening while the user moves the reservoir into operational communication in the clothes drying cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Bethany C. Noyes, Dennis S. Prows, Don J. Rydberg
  • Patent number: 7165732
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter assembly includes an outer lid for the fluid supply assembly and an adapter. The adapter assembly provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7140519
    Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Earl T. Kiser
  • Patent number: 6938650
    Abstract: A filling apparatus for attachment to a neck of a fluid reservoir is disclosed. The apparatus has a container for fluid and a stem projecting from the container. Two passages extend through the stem. One of the these passages allows fluid from the container to flow into the reservoir and the other passage allows air to flow into the container to prevent the formation of a partial vacuum in the container. The apparatus includes a tap movable between an ON and an OFF position to allow and prevent the flow of fluid through the passages. The apparatus has a mount for releasably securing the apparatus to the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Private Brand Tools (Australia) PTY LTD
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6845885
    Abstract: A pouring spout for liquid containers to allow for a dosed and continuous ventilation of the container interior and thus a regular pouring of the liquid independent of the degree of tilt of the container, includes a ring-shaped upper part and a tubular segment attached to the ring-shaped upper part and having at least one ventilation opening through which the air enters in a dosed manner. Provided in the lower part of the tubular segment is a partition which extends on an inner side of the tubular segment in substantial parallel relationship to the tubular segment and is connected laterally with the tubular segment. The partition wall has an upper part distal bottom wall for connection to the tubular segment to form a so-called air trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ingolf Morgenroth
  • 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: 6758375
    Abstract: The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Publication number: 20040108340
    Abstract: A spout affixed to a fluid-dispensing container that allows unobstructed fluid flow until the spout end becomes immersed. The anti-spill and self-venting features are achieved by establishing an airway from the top of the spout and extending into the container in the form of a flexible tube. A float attached to the tube lifts the end to the surface of the fluid within the container. As fluid exits, air enters the container allowing for smooth fluid discharge. When the spout end becomes immersed, fluid is drawn into the vent instead of air. An air vacuum develops that is equal to fluid pressure within the container. Fluid flow is interrupted until the container is returned to an upright position. This allows for fluid to evacuate from the floating vent and back into the contained. The self-venting feature of the spout is then reestablished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Dale Witt
  • Publication number: 20040050883
    Abstract: An improved aerated dispensing cap provides an airway tube that does not become plugged when the bottle is turned abruptly for quick dispensing of liquid. This dispensing cap provides for smooth, controlled flow at all flow rates. It includes a dispensing tube and an airway tube having a small diameter lower portion and a large diameter upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: George J. Wagner III
    Inventors: George J. Wagner, Troy Cleaver
  • Publication number: 20040035894
    Abstract: A pouring apparatus for containers having an annular channel with an open top, a bottom wall, an inner wall and an outer wall. A plurality of tubes depend from the bottom wall and define fluid passageways in communication with the annular channel. The pouring apparatus is designed for insertion into a container, with the annular channel being disposed in the neck of the container and the tubes extending outward therefrom. Alternatively, the pouring apparatus may be built into the container as an integral part thereof during manufacture of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph F. Gobbini, Frank P. Damiano
  • Patent number: 6520386
    Abstract: A spout for a liquid container, such as a gasoline container, as well as a container equipped with the spout. The spout comprises a fluid passage and a vent passage fluidically parallel with the fluid passage. The fluid passage has an inlet, an outlet, and an S-shaped portion between the inlet and outlet. The vent passage has an inlet adjacent the outlet of the fluid passage. The S-shaped portion of the fluid passage is configured to entrap a liquid therein, causing a liquid lock to form, when a liquid is dispensed through the spout and air is prevented from flowing through the vent passage. In this manner, the spout is capable of preventing the overfilling of a receptacle tank being filled with fluid dispensed from a container equipped with the spout when the fluid level in the receptacle tank blocks the flow of air into the inlet of the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: David G. Harbaugh, James P. McGee
  • 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: 6382475
    Abstract: A pouring device for a canister-shaped container (1) having a pouring spout (4) which can be sealed by a sealing cap (6) is described which receives a retaining ring (7) for an aeration pipe (8) running at least approximately parallel to the retaining ring (7), which is set thereon in the upper peripheral section of the retaining ring (7) relative to the pouring position. In order to create advantageous pouring conditions it is proposed that the aeration pipe (8) is sealed at its end (9) averted from the retaining ring (7) and in the vicinity of its upper peripheral section in the pouring position exhibits at least one through opening (10) terminating in the container (1) having a smaller through cross-section than the internal pipe cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: “Pack-Pro”Kunstostoff- und Metallverpackungs GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Weikinger
  • Publication number: 20010054628
    Abstract: A spout for a liquid container, such as a gasoline container, as well as a container equipped with the spout. The spout comprises a fluid passage and a vent passage fluidically parallel with the fluid passage. The fluid passage has an inlet, an outlet, and an S-shaped portion between the inlet and outlet. The vent passage has an inlet adjacent the outlet of the fluid passage. The S-shaped portion of the fluid passage is configured to entrap a liquid therein, causing a liquid lock to form, when a liquid is dispensed through the spout and air is prevented from flowing through the vent passage. In this manner, the spout is capable of preventing the overfilling of a receptacle tank being filled with fluid dispensed from a container equipped with the spout when the fluid level in the receptacle tank blocks the flow of air into the inlet of the vent passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: David G. Harbaugh, James P. Mcgee
  • Patent number: 6206251
    Abstract: A valve apparatus utilizes a biased flap and air hole to regulate the flow of a fluid from the orifice of a container. The biased flap progressively opens in response to increasing fluid pressure upon the flap. An additional air hole is preferably used to permit air to continuously enter the container while fluid is discharged. A substantially smoother pouring response is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Elden Williams
  • Patent number: 6196425
    Abstract: The invention concerns portable liquid containers with improved pouring capabilities. Particularly, there is disclosed a container comprising a body region (1) a hollow handle (3) with first and second ends (4, 5), an outlet spout (6) which communicates with both the body region (1) and the first end of the handle (3) and an elongate pouring tube (2) firmly located and fixed in position relative to the outlet spout (6). The pouring tube (2) has a first end (23) via which the interior of the pouring tube (2) directly communicates with the body region (1) and a second end from which, in use, liquid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Allan Fielding, Douglas Peter Burnham