Having Flow Controllers Or Closures Patents (Class 222/481)
  • Publication number: 20080105580
    Abstract: An applicator tip for selectively dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive from a reservoir and a method for dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive includes a reservoir which contains the adhesive material, an applicator tip with a distal end and an opening offset a distance from the distal end whereby the opening opens to dispense adhesive material when pressure is applied to the applicator tip surface and the applicator tip is in a deformed configuration and whereby adhesive material is not dispensed when pressure is not applied to the applicator tip and the applicator tip is in an un-deformed configuration. A kit includes an applicator tip and a reservoir for dispensing a sterile surgical adhesive within a sealable package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Brian Nentwick, Roland Ostapoff
  • Patent number: 7328859
    Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Cepia, LLC
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7296761
    Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for precisely controlling the metering of a liquid chemical into the water passing through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Publication number: 20070187435
    Abstract: A concurrent use water cooler capable of simultaneously dispensing a single fluid to two or more users is presented. The invention includes a container having a single reservoir therein, a lid contacting and removable from the container, at least two spigots disposed about and attached to the container, a vent hole, and a plug to close the vent hole. Spigots communicate with the single reservoir and enable the gravity-fed dispensing of a single fluid. At least one spigot has a threaded spout allowing attachment of a fluid supply line. The threaded spigot is biased to resist the static pressure associated with fluid within the supply line so as to remain closed unless actuated by the user. An optional stand contacts and supports the water cooler. One or more cup dispensers may be attached to the container or stand. The present invention has immediate applicability to sports teams, military units, construction crews, and the like, where two or more persons consume a potable liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Krista Gould Quirk
  • Patent number: 7198077
    Abstract: An improved machine and method for automatically proportioning-out or measuring-out a predetermined quantities of a variety of selected products and feeding the predetermined quantities of product into the individual chambers of a multiple-chamber dispensing container. The multiple-chamber dispensing containers are fed by a conveyor that is driven by a stepper-motor, to the filling location. The filling cycle begins when an empty container is recognized by a sensing mechanism. The machine and method causes the measured products to be deposited simultaneously into all of the individual chamber of the multiple-chamber dispensing container. The cycle is completed at a predetermined time period after the container was recognized. When a cycle has been completed the conveyor is energized. The next cycle begins when the next container is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Levent T. Uzkan, Joseph J. Koy, Raymond E. Gabert
  • Patent number: 7097119
    Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to couple to a fluid container having an opening surrounded by a neck. The dispenser comprises a cap, a dispensing head, an energy source, and a conduit. The cap is adapted to seal the opening fluid tight when the dispenser is coupled to the container. The dispensing head is pivotably secured to the cap and includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to actuate the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The energy source is electrically connected to the motor and extends inside the container. The conduit has a first end in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and a second end inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Cepia, LLC
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 6666355
    Abstract: A device for dispensing fluids from a sealed off-storage container includes a housing placed on the container that receives a pressure cylinder for insertion in the container. The cylinder has a pressure chamber defined at the upper end by a piston guided in the cylinder and at the lower end by a valve. The valve acts upon the container and is closed when there is an excess pressure and opens when there is a negative pressure in the chamber. The piston has a pump channel linked with the chamber, and the cylinder has openings upstream of the chamber for drawing off residual air present in the container. A passage between an outer wall of the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder upstream of the openings is closed by a sealing washer. Residual air is drawn off via the openings and the passage, whereby the sealing washer loses its sealing effect on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Padar
  • Patent number: 6631744
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a container includes a dispensing opening, a closure and a plurality of walls. At least one of the walls includes a non-uniform surface structured so that the dispensing closure can be disposed on the surface when the container is in its dispensing position. In another preferred embodiment, the top wall of the container includes a vent, a vent cap forming a closure for the vent, a handle, a pouring aperture and a pouring closure covering the pouring aperture. The top surfaces of the vent cap, the handle and the pouring closure are generally parallel, and the heights of the top surfaces of the vent cap and the pouring closure are within an inch of the height of the top surface of the handle. In another preferred embodiment, the top wall of the container includes a handle extending from a handle base within the top wall. A pouring aperture is surrounded by a pouring aperture base which also extends from the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Gerhart, Harry Hamilton Haubert, III, Robert Charles Blanc, Edward John Giblin
  • Patent number: 6612344
    Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
  • Patent number: 6610364
    Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyug-Jin Kweon, Hae-Joon Son
  • Patent number: 6491069
    Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
  • Publication number: 20020162854
    Abstract: A gel and paste container possessing opposing dual heads which allows for compete expulsion of the contents of the container, possesses no crimped end and shortens the maximum distance any particle of paste or gel must travel. The container is designed to be symmetric about a latitudinal axis and thus can stand freely on either end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Harrison M. Slutsky, David S. Slutsky
  • Patent number: 6427730
    Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
  • Publication number: 20020096538
    Abstract: The drum assembly of the present claimed invention is used for washing and is comprised of a primary container and a supplementary container integral as a single structure. The primary container may be filled with water and the supplementary container may be filled with any cleansing substance, for example, detergent. The primary container includes a support base and a flattened body of the handle for the mounting or support of the drum where toilet assemblies are not available, such as in trucks, motor vehicles, camping facilities, and any other suitable location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jose Beltran Bolgar
  • Publication number: 20020096540
    Abstract: A dispensing system is provided to dispense a fluent product from a container that has an opening to the container interior. A support base is provided for supporting the container with the container opening oriented at least somewhat downwardly to accommodate gravity flow of the fluent material out of the container through the container opening. The support base has (1) a receiving aperture for receiving the container opening, (2) a discharge aperture, and (3) a flow path extending between the receiving aperture and the discharge aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Daniel G. Schantz, Alan P. Hickok, Timothy R. Socier
  • Publication number: 20020084293
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for feeding portions of material to an injection molding machine including a feeding means that can be a screw feeder, an external container, a material hopper with inclined and parallel walls located inside the container, a load cell that is coupled to the material hopper and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Liad Weighing And Control Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Eli Margalit
  • Patent number: 6374867
    Abstract: A liquid container comprises a container body, a hollow fill/drain conduit and a retaining member. The container body includes a base and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the base to define a liquid reservoir. The side wall includes a first port adjacent to the base. The fill/drain conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end of the conduit includes a first connector adapted for connecting the first end of the conduit with the first port in a manner to permit fluid communication between the conduit and the liquid reservoir via the first port. The second end of the conduit is moveable relative to the first end of the conduit between a stored position and a drain position. In the stored position, the second end of the conduit is positioned above a maximum recommended liquid level of the liquid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Contico International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Tony Maiuro
  • Publication number: 20020036216
    Abstract: In a method for dispensing liquid fuel at a filling station, which comprises at least two delivery nozzles which each via a fuel line with associated metering means are in fluid communication with a fuel container, the fuel is made, when a large flow of fuel from a selected delivery nozzle is required to flow from the fuel container to the selected delivery nozzle via at least two fuel lines with associated metering means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Bengt I. Larsson
  • Patent number: 6360917
    Abstract: The invention relates to a canister comprising a first container (concentrate chamber) holding a concentrate, and a second container (solution chamber) holding a ready-to-use solution constituted by mixing a concentrate and a diluting fluid. According to the invention, the two containers of the canister are configured as chambers of the canister, connected to each other by a fluid jet pump, and can be operated from one side. Both the filling device of the concentrate chamber and the dispensing device of the chamber holding the ready-to-use solution are fitted with coded access control devices. The chambers are arranged partially above each other. The concentrate filling device and the fluid jet pump include a suction pipe and mixture outlet arranged in a canister lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Gerold Carlhoff, Thomas Cosler, Horst Pruehs, Robert Scheurl, Jim Copeland, Stephan Muench
  • Publication number: 20020005417
    Abstract: A valve element may be configured to be mounted in an air intake passage of a container. The valve element may be at least partially elastically deformable. The valve element may include a valving member configured such that, when vacuum pressure inside the container is less than a predetermined threshold differential from atmospheric pressure, the valving member is in sealed contact with a seat formed on the container. The valving member may also be configured such that the valving member moves away from the seat when the predetermined threshold differential is reached, so as to allow air to be taken into the container. By elastic return, the valving member may return to a position in sealed contact with the seat when the vacuum pressure inside the container drops back to less than the predetermined threshold differential. The valve element may be placed in a functional configuration via an elastically irreversible modification thereof during mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20020000451
    Abstract: An adapter is used for the removal of liquid contents from storage drums. The adapter has a bung body that threads into the normal bung hole of the storage drum and is sealed to the drum head. A hose fitting on the bottom of the bung body is connected to a suction hose that extends to the bottom of the drum. On the top of the bung body is a quick release, valved fitting. The bung body also has a vent to admit air into the drum as liquid is withdrawn from it. The vent is equipped with a spring-loaded check valve so as to be normally closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Mark G. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20010035428
    Abstract: A viscous substance containing tube comprises more than one lid-covered outlets. These outlets can be implemented at each of two tube's end and can be implemented on the tube's surface, between two tube's ends. Each outlet is used to squeeze out of the tube the portions located in the vicinity of that outlet by applying a squeezing force on the surface in the vicinity of chosen outlet. The simplest embodiment of the tube comprises only two outlets—an outlet per each of tube's end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Yuly Shipilevsky
  • Patent number: 6293432
    Abstract: Bag shaped inner layer in the form of a so-called liner (1) intended for use together with a carrying outer structure (2) when transporting and storing bulk goods. The liner (1) is provided with a supporting member (11) towards which a liner bag is folded and/or rolled whereby a self supporting package is formed. The liner (1) is provided with a socket (12) for filling and a socket (13) for emptying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Perstorp AB
    Inventor: Peter Hartwall
  • Patent number: 6286731
    Abstract: A sealed dispensing container having a container body 12, bottom seal 14, cover 16 and cap 18. The container body 12 is open at the bottom, and is closed by the bottom seal 14. This permits easy refilling of contents, as well as an additional dispensing point. A plurality of dispensing areas 30 are formed on container body 12, and includes dispensing apertures 32 of differing sizes. The cover 16 and cap 18 include dispenser grips 52 which secure them to the associated dispensing areas 30. The cap 18 is additionally pivoted to the container body 12 for opening and dispensing. The cover 16 and cap 18 may be repositioned, so that the cap 18 is associated with a different one of the dispensing areas 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Lillelund, Jakob Heiberg, Ian Tomas Benzon, Robert H. C. M. Daenen
  • Publication number: 20010019057
    Abstract: A water pail is equipped with an air passageway in a stopper to pass through external air so that contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out. Since the air passageway is provided to flow the external air into the stopper of the outlet, the contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out, thereby preventing the contents from being splashed out. Also, the production cost of the water pail can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kyeong-Sun Yun
  • Patent number: 6279788
    Abstract: A container for storing items, such as foodstuffs. The container includes a sidewall which includes a monolithic window portion having greater transparency than the remainder of the sidewall. This is achieved by forming the container of a clear, tinted material, and forming the window portion with a reduced thickness, and/or forming the window portion with a smooth surface and forming the remainder of the sidewall with an obscuring texture. A cover may be used to close the container, and may form a seal with the container. The cover may include pivot pins to permit the cover to be pivoted to a position breaking the seal, thus permitting easier removal of the cover. A pouring insert may also be used with the container. The pouring insert is mounted to the mouth of the container, and includes a main pour spout and a secondary pour spout. Both pour spouts include pour guides to direct spilled contents back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Lillelund, Jakob Heiberg, Hanne Dalsgaard Jeppesen, Robert H. C. M. Daenen
  • Patent number: 6269977
    Abstract: A stackable and reusable, container cover is disclosed for safe, sealed, and protected confinement of fluid contents therein to prevent, among other matters, spillage, contamination, evaporation and hardening of the fluid contents. The cover consists of a single molded disc shaped device with an elevated flat surface, platform for supporting another container thereon. The cover also provides for multiple and different sized spouts for various and particular flow rates and flow confinements, and angled in such manner for easy drip less pouring. In addition, the cover provides for a significant step in providing a very convenient snap on, attachment, and snap off, detachment means for reuse of the cover on yet another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Kim Ira Moore
  • Patent number: 6206058
    Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Phillip Gene Nagel, James Christopher Bailey, Gordon Edgar Atkinson, Arnold George Benecke
  • Patent number: 6193114
    Abstract: A hygienic toothpaste dispenser comprises a main body member having a plurality of tubular spouts (27, 28, and 29), from which an individual can dispense toothpaste from his or her own personally assigned tubular spout permanently marked by indicia (30), thereby providing a sanitary delivery system. This dispenser has a main body with a base (23) for connection to a toothpaste container (20), either directly or via an adapter (FIG. 10), and tubular spouts with caps (31) for delivery of the paste. Additional dispenser embodiments (FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9) are shown. Also additional adapter embodiments (FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17) show various means of connection between various types of toothpaste container tubular spouts and the various types of bases of the main body of the dispenser. Several dispensers may be connected together (FIG. 4), providing almost an unlimited number of assignable tubular spouts, limited only by a reasonable length and a reasonable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 6126048
    Abstract: A removable paint can extension and cover apparatus which can be temporarily attached to manufactured containers of paint products is provided. The apparatus includes, generally, a vertically extending skirt having a lip at an upper edge of a first end and a rim-covering flange towards a second end of the skirt, a lid insertable over the skirt to frictionally engage the lip of the skirt and having a top surface and a wall extending downwardly from the top surface, a spout removably connected to the top surface of the lid and having a filter removably positionable therein, and a fastener for attaching the skirt to the paint container. The top surface of the lid includes a spout-accepting aperture having a flange to which the spout is connected, and an air inlet aperture and a tether aperture to which a detachable spout cap having a tether is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Todd F. Bublitz
  • Patent number: 6065649
    Abstract: A dispensing container for viscous fluids formed of a tubular body having top and bottom surfaces with the top surface including a threaded outlet neck and the bottom surface including a recessed portion with a female threaded opening. The container is designed to operate in an upside-down manner to take advantage of gravity flow. A hanger ring is provided which pivots out of the recessed portion to suspend the container in an upside-down position. A plurality of bottles can be vertically supported by a dispensing manifold to yield different dispensing relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Lester E. Scoggins
  • Patent number: 6047866
    Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser apparatus has an insulated liquid container having a plurality of flexible dispensing tubes extending from the container. Each of the plurality of flexible dispensing tubes has a nozzle and valve on the end thereof for selectively dispensing liquid from the container. A wheeled container cart has two container supports thereon and has the liquid container removably mounted in a raised position for gravity dispensing of the liquid from the container to one or more individuals through each of the flexible tubes. The wheeled container cart can include a pair supporting surfaces for supporting two liquid containers. The insulated liquid container can have a generally rigid manifold attached to the outside of the container and connected to the inside of the container for receiving the liquid from the inside of the container and dispensing the liquid from the plurality of flexible tubes connected to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Jack C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6045012
    Abstract: A fuel can adapter is used for adapting standard fuel carrier cans for use as temporary fuel tanks for outboard motors and the like. The adapter has a tapered bung that fits snugly into the necks of all common fuel cans and a peripheral flange at the top end of the bung. The thimble supplied with the fuel can for use on the fuel can neck is threaded onto the neck over the adapter for holding the adapter in place. A fuel passage through the bung is connected at the bottom end with a nipple which is in turn connected to a flexible fuel suction line extending from the bung to the bottom of the can. At the top end of the bung is a conventional fuel tank coupling for connection to the coupling component on the end of an outboard motor fuel line. In preferred embodiments, the bung is equipped with an air passage and a check valve for allowing air to enter the can while preventing the flow of air or fuel from the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Mark G. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5855304
    Abstract: A can for holding paint and similar products. The can has a rectangular bottom, preferably square, and rectangular sides providing a space savings of about 20 percent as compared to round cans. It has a main opening large enough to permit passage of large paint brushes or sprayer suction lines and filters. This opening is covered with a large cap. A swivel pour valve permits paint to be poured from the can in a controlled manner with no spillage or mess. In a preferred embodiment, the swivel pour valve is an integral part of the large cap covering the large opening. The can is preferably made of plastic which eliminates problems of rust and other corrosion problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: Richard A. Dean, Tharold Eugene Northup
  • Patent number: 5749495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing two liquid products. The dispenser permits feed-out of the viscous products either separately or together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Aspect International AB
    Inventor: Leif Einar Stern
  • Patent number: 5730322
    Abstract: A multiple flow volume dispensing cap is provided which generally includes a bottom portion for attachment to a squeezable container for holding a sterile solution, such as a contact lens solution, an orifice in the bottom portion for enabling fluid flow therethrough, and a top portion having multiple conical members projecting therefrom. The top portion is rotatably mounted to the bottom portion by means of a centrally disposed pin protruding from the bottom portion. Each conical member includes a flow passage for enabling solution to be dispensed in a direct stream or in droplets. By rotating the top portion about the pin, such that a selected conical member is aligned with the orifice, a user of the device can select the fluid flow rate and flow direction that is needed to accomplish a particular task. A lid may be provided which includes annular members configured to engage the conical members in order to prevent contamination of the sterile solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Allergan
    Inventors: Wayne S. Iba, Laurie C. Grau
  • Patent number: 5697523
    Abstract: A container or hopper with a flexible weigh container as an inner member, in which the weigh container is supported through at least one weigh cell on a frame. In order to weigh-in a material to be proportioned, a throttling device is provided at the bottom end of the weigh container. To avoid complicated distributing arrangements and assure precise dosing, the flexible weigh container extends further downwardly like a hose through the throttling device and its bottom is attached to a movable spout which in turn is displaceable in such a manner that the flexible, hose-like extension of the weigh container is carried along with it so as to selectively discharge through different outlets of the container or hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Brandauer
  • Patent number: 5636767
    Abstract: A container in the form of a bottle is especially designed to quickly dispense viscous liquids such as shampoo, conditioner or suntan lotion without waiting for drainage of the contents toward the dispensing valve or outlet. The bottle has an air inlet at the top and a liquid dispensing valve at one corner of the bottom. The bottom is preferably slanted toward the dispensing valve and the entire bottle is preferably in the form of a three-sided pyramid. When the bottle is used the air inlet cap at the top of the bottle is pulled up allowing air to enter the bottle through air inlet holes just under the air inlet cap to eliminate any vacuum lock effect upon the liquid inside the bottle. The dispensing valve at the bottom of the bottle is then pressed allowing the fluid to flow out into the hand of the user. The user never need wait for the fluid to reach the dispensing valve because it will be able to flow immediately out of the container once the dispensing valve is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Keith J. Vogrin
  • Patent number: 5632417
    Abstract: A measuring/dispensing cap adapted for attachment to an open, upper end of a container, the cap including a lid and a peripheral skirt extending downwardly from the lid, the lid pivotally secured to the skirt; a sifter panel integral with the skirt and separating the skirt into upper and lower sections, the upper section including a measuring chamber and the lower section including a screw thread for attaching the cap to the open upper end of the container. The sifter panel is formed to provide a flow opening on one side of a horizontal centerline extending across the cap, the flow opening defined in part by a first edge extending parallel to and spaced from the horizontal centerline. A rotatable weir dam panel overlies the sifter panel, the weir dam panel having a second edge which may be aligned with the first edge to enable substantially free flow of container contents through the flow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Edward S. Robbins, III
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Gregory S. Burcham
  • Patent number: 5626262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing container having an inner cavity for storing content, such as bath products and shampoo, to be dispensed and an opening for dispensing content. The container is supported by a base having a face including a rim ridge about the periphery thereof to define an elevated support ridge and a recessed end surface. A drain slot extends through the rim ridge for allowing fluid trapped under the rim ridge to escape. The base of the container is formed of a base cap which is coupled to a bottle to form the container. The bottle includes a main container segment, a neck having a diameter sized smaller than the main container segment and a shoulder connecting the main container segment and neck. A wall extends from the face of the base cap to define an interior cavity for the base cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Redmond Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Fitten, Dieter F. Lay, Thomas M. Bender
  • Patent number: 5590819
    Abstract: A water tank assembly for mounting between a motor vehicle frame member and the lower portion of a body panel along a side of the vehicle. The assembly includes, typically, a plastic cylindrical tank and at least two straps having an adjustable length and J-bolts at the ends for securing the tank to the typically channel section frame member. Saddle members are provided to fill the space between the tank and frame member. Preferably, shallow strap-receiving grooves are provided around the tank to hold the straps in position. A valved fill/dispense tube is provided near the lower tank side through which the tank is filled and which dispenses water as needed. An overflow device, typically a sprinkler system "bubbler" is provided at the top of the tank. The tank fill/dispense tube is readily accessible just below the vehicle body side while the tank is out of sight behind the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Robert C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5551602
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing beverages comprising an outside casing including top and bottom sections, a flexible inner container inside the casing, and a dispensing tube for conducting a beverage from the inner container. The bottom section of the outside casing includes a base and forms an outlet region, and the top section of the outside casing is removably supported by and extends upward from the base and defines a casing interior. The base of the bottom section includes an upper outside circumferential edge, and the top section of the casing includes a lower lateral edge extending around the outside circumferential edge of the base in a contacting, sealing relationship therewith. The flexible inner container is disposed in the casing interior, is comprised of a thin, flexible and collapsible material, and defines a container interior for holding a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Kraft Jacobs Suchard, AG
    Inventors: Frithjof Kurtzahn, Wolfgang Heilmann
  • Patent number: 5542579
    Abstract: A measuring/dispensing cap adapted for attachment to an open, upper end of a container includes a lid and a peripheral skirt extending downwardly from the lid. An integrally fixed sifter panel separates the peripheral skirt into upper and lower sections, the upper section including a measuring chamber and the lower section including screw threads for attaching the cap to the open upper end of the container. The sifter panel is formed to provide a flow opening on one side of a horizontal centerline extending across the cap, the flow opening defined in part by a first edge extending parallel to and spaced from the horizontal centerline. The lid is pivotally secured to the skirt and has a hinge axis parallel to the centerline and the first edge. A rotatable weir dam panel overlies the sifter panel, and the weir dam panel has a second weir edge which may be aligned with the first edge to enable substantially free flow of container contents through the cap and into the measuring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5509582
    Abstract: A measuring/dispensing cap is adapted for attachment to an open, upper end of a conventional container. The cap includes a top and a peripheral skirt extending downwardly from the top, and a partition separates the peripheral skirt into upper and lower sections, the upper section constituting a measuring chamber defined by the top, the upper section of the skirt and the partition. At least one of the top and upper section of the peripheral skirt is provided with volume indicators. The partition is formed with a weir aperture on one side of a diametrical centerline extending across the partition, the aperture defined in part by a weir edge extending parallel to and spaced from the centerline. At least one dispensing door is secured to the top by an integral hinge having an axis parallel to the centerline and the weir edge, such that a portion of the door opposite the hinge lies on the other side of the diametrical centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5489049
    Abstract: A dispenser cap for discharging measured amounts of contents from a container includes a first peripheral skirt having upper and lower portions, the lower portion serving to secure the cap to a container. The upper skirt portion at least partially defines a dispensing chamber primarily in the upper portion of the first peripheral skirt, as further defined by a weir panel, the weir panel configured to provide a weir opening between the upper and lower cap skirt portions. A top for the cap includes a second peripheral skirt telescoped over and secured to the first peripheral skirt, wherein the first and second peripheral skirts have alignable first and second respective discharge apertures formed therein. The first discharge aperture in the first peripheral skirt is diametrically opposed to the weir opening so that additional container contents are not spilled into the dispensing chamber during dispensing of the measured amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5439145
    Abstract: A water dispenser which dispenses liquid from an inverted bottle includes a housing 31 provided with a mounting arrangement for the bottle. A feed tube incorporated in a removably mounted manifold body is positioned to project into the neck of the bottle to conduct water to a reservoir from which water is discharged through a valve 80. The valve includes a pinch bar 106 acting on a flexible plastics or rubber tube 96 which can easily be replaced. The outlet end of the tube is recessed behind the housing 31 to prevent accidental hand contact. Liquid discharged from the bottle is replaced by air which passes through a one-way float valve mounted on the manifold body for removal therewith, and the float valve incorporates an air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: EBAC Limited
    Inventors: Paul Salkeld, Andrew Gibbs, Robert Tansley
  • Patent number: 5433353
    Abstract: The bottle is designed for use in holding fluids, such as milk, water and can be used with all forms of physical activity and has a one way check valve positioned at the end opposite the bottle's opening. The valve is used to provide a constant pressure and a steady stream of water when the rider turns the bottle upside down, even during the operation of the bicycle. The valve allows air into the bottle, but does not allow fluid to exit through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Christopher R. Flinn
  • Patent number: 5431290
    Abstract: A one-way air valve that is mounted removably at one end of a baby bottle housing having two threaded open ends, with the opposite end receiving a conventional nipple, the one-way air valve includes a central diverging passage defined by opposed converging side walls which has a tiny slit elongated along the apex portion of the converging side walls and an annular base sized for attachment to the open end of said baby bottle, the valve being concavely mounted into the bottle to avoid breakage and to prevent leakage of the contents, while preventing colic in the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Mark T. Vinciguerra
  • Patent number: 5421472
    Abstract: An insect-proof and tamper-evident cover is disclosed for a disposable, metal, one-time use beverage container. A lid, non-rotatably secured to the upper end of the beverage container, includes an opening with bars formed there-across, and with a plurality of cover-supporting bumps and a position-controlling groove. A rotatable cover is secured to said lid in a fluid-tight arrangement. The cover includes an opening with bars there-across, at least one finger-engaging member, a tamper-evident indicator, and a projection arranged to travel in the position-controlling groove of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Beckertgis
  • Patent number: 5411186
    Abstract: A dispenser cap for discharging measured amounts of contents from a container includes a first peripheral skirt having upper and lower portions, the lower portion serving to secure the cap to a container. The upper skirt portion at least partially defines a dispensing chamber primarily in the upper portion of the first peripheral skirt, as further defined by a weir panel, the weir panel configured to provide a weir opening between the upper and lower cap skirt portions. A top for the cap includes a second peripheral skirt telescoped over and secured to the first peripheral skirt, wherein the first and second peripheral skirts have alignable first and second respective discharge apertures formed therein. The first discharge aperture in the first peripheral skirt is diametrically opposed to the weir opening so that additional container contents are not spilled into the dispensing chamber during dispensing of the measured amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III