For Nonrotary Outlet Element Reciprocable Axially Of Discharge Opening Patents (Class 222/509)
  • Patent number: 6138714
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for connecting a dome-shaped high pressure butane gas container and a portable gas stove, the adapter comprising: a connecting body having a first opening, a gas delivery passage extending from the opening, a gas volume controller, and a nozzle body; a pressing member inserted in the first opening, and having a gas flow hole and a groove for leading gas discharged through the gas outlet into the gas flow hole; a supporting plate rotatably arranged at the lower surface of the connecting body, and having a handle, a plurality of elastic sections having stoppers and claws formed integrally from the elastic sections, and two arc-shaped holes; and a cam arranged inside the elastic sections and fixed to the connecting body by bolts, the cam having a third opening for holding the gas outlet of the high pressure butane gas container, a plurality of protrusions, and two holes for inserting the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Dong-sook Kim
  • Patent number: 6123233
    Abstract: A discharge arrangement for discharging bulk material through a discharge opening of a receptacle, such as a bin, includes a closure member that is movable from an open position into a closed position relative to the discharge opening. To this end, an actuator assembly is connected to the closure member for moving it into one of its positions. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder having a inner surface diameter which defines a cavity in which a piston is movable in an axial direction. The piston has an outer surface diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder so as to leave a gap in-between. A rolling membrane between the opposing surfaces of the piston and the cylinder seals this gap and provides rolling friction when the piston moves within the cylinder. A linear guide unit is provided between the cylinder and piston and guides the movement of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: AT Anlagetechnik AG
    Inventor: Arthur Nussbaumer
  • Patent number: 6119905
    Abstract: Device for automatically closing the plungers of the plunger-type dispensing taps of machines for dispensing ice cream, crushed ice drinks or the like. At the end of each plunger is a push rod pushed into permanent contact with the end of the plunger by a spring, this spring being loaded by the raising of the plunger by hand, so that when the lever is released, this spring, acting through the push rod, automatically pushes the plunger down to block the dispensing of the dispensed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra
  • Patent number: 6082598
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing children from pressing a dispenser supplying hot water in a water purifier has a shaft coupled to the center of the dispenser, for discharging hot water by moving the shaft up and down. A plate is installed at the upper end of the dispenser while being positioned on both sides of the shaft. The plate is connected to the shaft; a guide bar is connected to the plate and formed in unitary one-piece constructed with a spring insert bole which has a first spring having given restoration force. A movement element having an insert groove and, an insert hole for being coupled to the plate and the guide bar, can be moved to the front and rear to act as a fulcrum for raising the shaft when the plate is pivoted downwardly but only when the movement element is in its forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: SungKeun Lee
  • Patent number: 6000584
    Abstract: A gun for producing adhesive foam has a nozzle tube, a delivery lever, a nozzle needle coaxial in the nozzle tube, and pressed by a force storage member into its dosing position. A coupling device is positioned between the delivery lever and the nozzle needle, by which a given position of the delivery lever corresponds to a given position of the nozzle needle. A cavity borders on the nozzle tube. A wall section is arranged between the coupling device and the cavity and bounds the cavity. A guide and a seal are arranged in the wall section. The guide is integrated into the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Volker Kopp
  • Patent number: 5992687
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing controlled portions of food products having high levels of tack. An apparatus for dispensing portions of food has a portioning chamber including a first end defining a ram mating orifice, a second end defining an expulsion orifice, and a body portion defining an inlet orifice intermediate the two ends for introducing bulk food product into the chamber. Disposed in the chamber is a piston having a face sized to substantially slidingly fit therein. An actuatable ram is located at the first end and coupled to the piston for causing controlled movement of the piston. The actuator is operated by a controller wherein the controller first causes the ram, by way of the actuator, to fully extend, then causes the ram to partially retract so that the face of the piston retracts no further than the inlet orifice, and then causes the ram to again fully extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hinds-Bock Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Hinds, Paul M. Henry
  • Patent number: 5975379
    Abstract: A dispense head assembly includes a bung adapter, a body receiver, and a dispensing body. The bung adapter inserts into a drum. The body receiver selectively inserts into the bung adapter, and the dispensing body selectively inserts into the body receiver. A single, unobstructed, uniform-diameter flowpath routes fluid from the drum into a chamber within the body receiver. A movable piston within the chamber selectively blocks fluid flow between the fluid flowpath and a dispense opening on the dispensing body. The body receiver and the dispensing body are key matched, for safe and rapid coupling and decoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5975435
    Abstract: An adjustable air brush for spray paint cans comprised of a tube portion having an open internally threaded first end and a closed second end with an intermediate extent therebetween. The tube portion has a small tube extending orthogonally downward from an interior surface thereof. The small tube is adapted for coupling with a nozzle hole of a spray can. The tube portion has a pressure knob secured to a top portion thereof. The pressure knob has a tube extending within the tube portion to couple with the small tube to release paint from within the spray can. A spray tip portion removably secures to one of the open end portions of the tube portion. An adjustable knob portion secures to an opposing end portion of the tube portion. The adjustment knob regulates the amount of paint through the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Sherman E. Whited, II
  • Patent number: 5971226
    Abstract: Control mechanism with at least two side push buttons for the distribution of a product contained in a receptacle. The control mechanism includes an end piece capable of being mounted on an opening of a receptacle and a cap capable of being arranged on the receptacle so as to cover the end piece. The cap is provided with at least one outlet hole for the product. At least two side push buttons, which are also provided on the cap, are diametrically opposed lever action push buttons which are hinged to swing inward and are secured to stops. The cap further includes a mechanism capable of fixing the cap on the receptacle. The end piece is capable of being movably mounted on the opening of the receptacle. The end piece includes at least two diametrically opposed radial support surfaces, on which the stops of the at least two side push buttons are pressed such that a lateral pressure applied on the at least two push buttons causes an axial displacement of the end piece from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: DEFI International
    Inventor: Agnes Goncalves
  • Patent number: 5967380
    Abstract: A reservoir tank for use with an apparatus to provide liquid thereto, which includes a cylindrical tank open at one end with an end cap removably engaged therewith, which has a spring urged arm with a stem and stopper which normally closes off an opening in the cap, the arm is depressed to allow liquid to enter the tank for filling, and the arm is engaged by an upstanding pin from the apparatus when the tank is inverted and placed in the liquid receiving portion to allow liquid to flow out to fill the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Litvin
  • Patent number: 5944235
    Abstract: An improved plugging system for a liquid container (31) comprises an inner plug (3) and an outer plug (1), an opening/closing member 8, and pressure adjusting springs (9, 9') which apply elastic force to the opening/closing member (8) against the inner plug (3). A push button (131) is mounted in the center of the plugging system and has a rib (132) which is downwardly extended and coupled to the opening/closing member (8). In a closed state of the plugging system, a shoulder portion (135) of an opening/closing button (133) is caught by the rib (132). While in an opening state, as the opening closing button (133) is pushed outwardly, the rib (132) is pushed downwardly and a moving rail portion (134) slides on the rib (132) since the shoulder portion (135) is released from the rib (132) thereby opening the discharge path (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Jea-Don Won
  • Patent number: 5938077
    Abstract: A refrigerating cabinet for the distribution of liquid foodstuffs, such as spring water, is provided with an insulated housing (1) for reception of a receptacle (2) of such liquid foodstuff. The receptacle (2) has a valve (3) provided with a closure in the form of a piston that is pulled to open it. The cabinet has a base (4) enclosing a refrigeration group (5) and supporting the insulated housing (1), and a front door (6) closing the housing (1). A device (7) distributes the liquid, this device having a direct actuating device (9) for the valve (3) of the receptacle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Vitop
    Inventor: Rene Erb
  • Patent number: 5899365
    Abstract: A device for assisting the manual actuation of aerosol dispensers, especially dispensers of the sort used to dispense metered doses of phamaceuticals. Dispensers to be used with the device of the invention are of known per se design and comprise a container, a nozzle and a valve with an axially movable valve stem which releases material from the container when the valve stem is urged toward the container. Such dispensers are normally actuated by exerting compressive force along the axis of the dispenser, by squeezing the nozzle and one end of the container between the thumb and forefinger. The device of the invention works with such dispensers so that they may instead be actuated by exerting compressive force in a direction that is orthogonal to the axis of the dispenser, by squeezing the device between the fingers and the palm, a motion that is easier for certain individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim KG
    Inventors: Gerd Eichler, Dieter Hochrainer, Reiner Reeg
  • Patent number: 5881930
    Abstract: A valve assembly of a water dispenser for a refrigerator includes a connecting part connected to a reservoir which stores water, a valve spool for opening/closing the connecting part, a biasing spring placed between the connecting part and valve spool, for exerting a biasing force to the valve spool, and an open/close part for raising the valve spool by overcoming the biasing force of the biasing spring. The horizontal motion of a slide member sliding along a base plate swings the cams, and the swing motion of the cams raises the valve spool. Once valve spool ascends, the connecting part is opened and the water within the reservoir is poured into a cup. The valve assembly is easy and convenient to use, is simple in structure, and maximizes the space efficiency of a refrigerating compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kweon Lee
  • Patent number: 5878924
    Abstract: A dispense head assembly includes a bung adapter, a body receiver, and a dispensing body. The bung adapter inserts into a drum. The body receiver selectively inserts into the bung adapter, and the dispensing body selectively inserts into the body receiver. A single, unobstructed, uniform-diameter flowpath routes fluid from the drum into a chamber within the body receiver. A movable piston within the chamber selectively blocks fluid flow between the fluid flowpath and a dispense opening on the dispensing body. The body receiver and the dispensing body are key matched, for safe and rapid coupling and decoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5875941
    Abstract: A cap assembly includes a valve seat member having a tubular outer wall adapted to be mounted on an open top end of a container, and an inner tube disposed in the outer wall and having an axis parallel to an axis of the outer wall. The inner tube has a bottom end formed with an aperture. The outer wall is formed with a radial outlet. The valve seat member further has an L-shaped fluid conduit with an open bottom end that is adapted to communicate an interior of the container with the radial outlet. A stem member extends upwardly through the inner tube via the aperture and has a bottom end provided with a valve piece. The stem member is biased such that the valve piece seals the open bottom end of the fluid conduit. A cap body has a top portion formed with an opening, and a peripheral portion mounted on a top end of the outer wall of the valve seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fuu Hwa Vacuum Bottle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Hsu
  • Patent number: 5857596
    Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which includes a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward by a lever of the opening section. The lever has a dispensing head which is provided on an upper surface thereof with a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kweon Lee
  • Patent number: 5845824
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a body having a bore with an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat therebetween. A valve stem has a seal to selectively engage the valve seat to open and close the bore to a flow of beverage between the inlet and outlet. A serving lever is pivotally connected to the body and selectively coupled and decoupled to the valve stem by a clutch which is operated by a solenoid. Operating the serving lever may move the seal away from the valve seat only when clutch couples the serving lever to the valve stem. A control circuit operates the solenoid to cause the clutch to decouple the serving lever from the valve stem when the beverage has been dispensed continuously for greater than a defined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Weimer, David K. Wetzel, Jeffrey Hale, Scott W. Braun
  • Patent number: 5842612
    Abstract: A plugging system for a liquid container (31) comprises an inner plug (3) and an outer plug (1), an opening/closing member 8, and a pressure adjusting springs (9, 9') which apply elastic force to the opening/closing member (8) against the inner plug (3). A push button (131) is mounted in the center of the plugging system and has a rib (132) which is downwardly extended and coupled to the opening/closing member (8). In a closed state of the plugging system, a shoulder portion (135) of an opening/closing button (133) is caught by the rib (132). While in an opening state, as the opening closing button (133) is pushed outwardly, the rib (132) is pushed downwardly and a moving rail portion (134) slides on the rib (132) since the shoulder portion (135) is released from the rib (132) thereby opening the discharge path (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Jea - Don Won
  • Patent number: 5842606
    Abstract: A beverage server (10) for providing a variety of beverage choices to a user comprises a plurality of dispenser sections (12) connected together. Each of the plurality of dispenser sections (12) include first and second vertical walls (14, 16) and at least one horizontal shelf (18 or 20) connected therebetween. The first wall (14) includes a length, at least one clip (36) extending therefrom and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length on a side opposite the at least one clip (36). The second side (16) has a length, at least one recess (38) extending therethrough and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length, the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the second side wall (16) is positioned to face the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the first side wall (14). The at least one shelf (18 or 20) includes a recess (30 or 32) extending therethrough and is seated within said shelf guides (22 and 24) of both the first and second side walls (14 and 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph A DeVito
  • Patent number: 5797518
    Abstract: A thermoplastic squeeze tube has a tubular member and attached rotatable closure cap, the tubular member closed by a diaphragm having a closure plug, at least one dispensing aperture, and plurality of ramps, and the closure cap having a top wall with a central dispensing orifice and plurality of closure cap ramps. On rotation of the closure cap, the closure cap ramps ride along the diaphragm ramps to force the diaphragm away from the cap top wall and open a flow path between the closure plug and top wall. Preferably a spout is provided on the closure cap so that the tube contents may be radially discharged and stop members are provided to limit rotation of the closure cap on the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Courtaulds Packaging
    Inventor: Ronald E. Kieras
  • Patent number: 5791523
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a beverage dispenser mounted in a refrigerating compartment thereof for dispensing a beverage through the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a beverage-storing vessel having a beverage outlet in the form of a valved spigot which is arranged to project through a hole in the door when the door is closed. The spigot includes an internal valve which is attached to a first magnet. The door carries a valve actuator which includes a second magnet adapted to generate a magnetic repulsive force against the first magnet to open the valve against a valve-closing spring force when the actuator is moved to a valve-opening position. A sealing arrangement is provided to create an air-tight seal between the spigot and hole when the door is closed. A manually releasable latch is disposed within the refrigerator for releasably retaining the vessel against accidental removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil-Soo Oh
  • Patent number: 5785212
    Abstract: The proposed tap features a hollow, elastic body (1) with an inlet opening and an outlet opening (4). In addition, it features a valve element (7) which in its basic position closes off the outlet opening (4). In the tap of the first embodiment, the lift causing the valve element to be pulled out of the outlet opening (4) is achieved by the body (1) being deformed by the application of pressure at the side. In the second embodiment of the tap, the lift causing the valve element to be thrust out of the outlet opening is achieved by deforming the body by applying pressure from above and below. The valve element (7) is connected to the wall (5) of the tap body (1) by of a rod-shaped stem (10). The corresponding mounting position of the valve element is located across from the center of the outlet opening (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Arthur Steiger
  • Patent number: 5743106
    Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening section having a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Kweon Lee
  • Patent number: 5740945
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile dispensing of product from an aseptic source is described. There is provided a valve device adapted for mounting at the outlet of the source, mounting the valve device on the outlet, providing sterilizing medium and sterilizing the outlet and valve with the medium prior to dispensing the product. There is provided a sterilizing chamber between a valve member and the valve device for continuously sterilizing part of the valve member in the chamber while product delivery occurs to create an aseptic barrier between the product and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: David S. Smith Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Shipway
  • Patent number: 5720417
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an applicator head for the dosed dispensation of fluid mediums wherein a valve member and a valve drive are arranged within a casing. The valve drive comprises at least one piezoelectric element connected with a voltage supply and comprising several parallel, juxtaposed piezoelectric stacks which are flexibly mounted. The present invention provides a piezoelectrically driven applicator head which is simple and economical to manufacture, and which is usable not only in the low-temperature range but also in the high-temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: ITW Dynatec GmbH Klebetechnik
    Inventors: Heiko Wurth, Martin Reuter
  • Patent number: 5699841
    Abstract: A thermos bottle for keeping beverages such as coffee, tea, and Japanese tea in hot or cold state, comprising an inner container inside of an outer container, a plug member fitted to an upward opening of the outer container, and a feeding passage for allowing to feed beverage from outside directly into the container in the plug member, in which the beverage can be directly fed into the container, without having to detach or attach the plug member, with the plug member fitted to the outer container, so that the ease of pouring operation is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Takagawa
  • Patent number: 5697120
    Abstract: A suction tube assembly for a wet/dry cleaner comprising a suction tube (60), a shampoo delivery conduit (44,45) extending along the suction tube, a valve forming a part of the conduit and operating means (50) for the user to operate the valve whilst manipulating the suction tube, the valve comprising a valve body (18) having a tubular portion within which is located a generally tubular portion of a valve piston (38), said tubular valve piston portion having a bore in its wall to provide communication between the interior and exterior of the tubular piston portion, means (37) biasing the piston towards a position in which sealing means (32,34) between the piston and the body prevent flow of fluid beyond said piston, said piston being movable axially by the operating means against said biasing means to release said sealing means and thereby allow fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Goblin Limited
    Inventor: Leonard Robinson
  • Patent number: 5683015
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cold water dispenser mounted in the door thereof to enable water to be dispensed without the door being opened. The dispenser includes a housing mounted in the door and forming a dispensing chamber. A manually actuable lever is swingably mounted to the housing and is accessible exteriorly of the door. A hollow cylinder is mounted to the housing and extends into the refrigerating compartment. The cylinder forms a water conduit having a water outlet in the chamber and an upwardly facing water inlet spaced from the outlet. A slide is reciprocable in the cylinder and is pushed by swinging the lever. A water storage vessel is mounted on the cylinder so that a valved water passage on a lower portion thereof communicates with the water inlet. By pushing the lever, the slide is pushed to lift the valve to enable water to travel from the vessel to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cha-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 5680970
    Abstract: A self-closing dispensing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit with a valve orifice therethrough, a flow control member within the valve body which is displaceable along an axis from a first position in which the flow control member obstructs the flow of fluid through the valve orifice to a second position in which the flow control member does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the valve orifice, and one or more resilient flexible fingers fixed to either the valve housing or the valve member which is deflected when the valve member is displaced to its open position. Preferably the fingers are arranged in pairs oriented parallel to the axis and are deflected toward the axis by a conical camming surface on the valve member when it is displaced from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Patent number: 5632413
    Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming apparatus for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling apparatus for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: James M. Herring, Jr., Bruce N. Greve
  • Patent number: 5626253
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk materials such as sand, gravel and coke and which has at least one base emptying aperture. The apparatus includes a frame formed in the general shape of a box and a container formed in the general shape of a box for vertical movement within the frame. The frame includes at least one vertical strut at each corner connected by horizontal struts and four metal side plates. The container includes a guide attached at each corner formed to slide along the corresponding vertical strut at that corner. A plurality of roof-shaped webs are connected to and extend between the metal side plates extending along the length of the frame and are positioned to provide an aperture between adjacent roof-shaped webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Gerhard Schutz
  • Patent number: 5622192
    Abstract: A comb comprises a head, a combing portion, a spraying device, a massaging device, and a head shield fastened with the head. The combing portion is fastened with the underside of the head and is provided with a plurality of combing teeth. The spraying device comprises a container for holding therein hair spray and a dispensing apparatus for dispensing hair spray. The massaging device comprises a motor, an eccentric cam and batteries. The vibration force of the eccentric cam in motion is transmitted to the combing teeth to provide hair with a massaging effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Shih-Kuen Chiou
  • Patent number: 5615808
    Abstract: A teapot which includes a valve installed in the pot cover and retained by a spring to close the water passage and air passage of the pot cover, and a valve control switch mounted in the pot cover and driven to close/open valve, wherein the valve control switch includes a lever having a fixed end pivoted to the pot cover and a free end extending out of the pot cover for operation by hand, and a link having a fixed end pivoted to the pot cover, a middle part disposed in contact with the lever, and a free end supported on the valve stem of the valve and driven by the lever to move the valve to the open position and to simultaneously compress the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Frank T.-H. Huang
  • Patent number: 5615447
    Abstract: A portable cleaning container assembly having a foot activated valve assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain opening disposed in the bucket bottom wall. A directing member secured to the bucket bottom wall assists in directing the discharging cleaning solution from the drain opening to a floor drain or other drain means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Hardesty, William A. LaFollette, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5607084
    Abstract: A locking system for beverage taps (10) is provided for use with conventional beverage faucets (12) such as those utilized to dispense kegged beer and the like. The system (10) incorporates an elongated valve stem (14) which protrudes from the proximal end (38) of the faucet body (12) and is provided with an axial end bore (66) having pin threads (68) therein. A lock subassembly (18) actuated by a key (20) attaches to the valve stem (14) by a threaded driver pin (118) which engages the pin threads (66). A case cylinder (80) encloses the engagement position and overlaps a portion of the faucet body (12) such that antirotation ears (113) prevent relative rotation and loosening of the engagement except when the key (20) is utilized. When tightened, the lock subassembly (18) forces the valve stem (14) into a closed position, preventing opening of the faucet and dispensing of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: David L. George
  • Patent number: 5605257
    Abstract: Dispenser has a nozzle with a tip seal valve and an internal check valve defining a discharge chamber between them. The tip seal valve actuator extends along the squeeze bottle side so that it can be actuated at the same time as the bottle is squeezed. Because of the check valve, there is no "suck back" as bottle is released. A bottle vent permits air in, but does not allow liquid to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Walter C. Beard
  • Patent number: 5601210
    Abstract: The tap (1) for dispensing a drink made from the mixture of a main liquid, particularly water, and of a concentrate, comprises a liquid-inlet nozzle (4), an outlet nozzle (5) and controlled-opening valve (S) located between the inlet nozzle (4) and the outlet nozzle (5). It comprises a line (24) for injecting the concentrate into the outlet nozzle (5), while the liquid-inlet nozzle (4) is reserved just for the main liquid, and the injection line (24) terminates in a concentrate-injection orifice (25) situated at a point such that the valve (S) simultaneously close the main liquid inlet nozzle (4) and the concentrate-injection line (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Civile de Recherche O.D.Y.
    Inventors: Edward D. Kelly, Jean-Pierre Saubade
  • Patent number: 5582332
    Abstract: Emptying device for bulk material container (1) with a discharge funnel (2) and a conically shaped closing part (3), which is axially displaceable in an encapsulated guide cylinder (16). The closing part (3) is held against the inner wall of a discharge funnel (2) under pressure by the working of a return spring (40). The return spring (40) is integrated in the internal space (17) of the guide cylinder (16) and is directed against a pressure plate (22) mounted axially slideably within the guide cylinder (16). The pressure disk (22) is provided with a pressure rod (24), which axially transcends the guide cylinder (16) in the manner of a piston rod and projects upwardly. For raising the pressure disk (22) to the discharge position the pressure disk is acted upon by a lifting device, which according to a preferred embodiment is likewise completely encapsulated, wherein the necessary supply media for the operation is delivered via the lift device (7) supporting struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Umformtechnik Hausach GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Kiefer, Thomas Muller, Ralf Braumann, Werner Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5573146
    Abstract: Positive adjustable flow is provided for a dual flow valve for paint dispensing or the like utilizing externally adjustable stops and operating lifts deployed by a single pressure source alternatively or simultaneously applied to a plurality of operating pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Richard K. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5558251
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering pigments for paints and the like is provided with a bearing framework on which is disposed a rotary carousel supporting a plurality of pigment vessels, each of which is provided with a delivery or metering assembly. The main feature of the invention is that the delivery assembly has a valve including a closure stem which can be located at a closing position, an opening position and a draining position in which the stem partially projects from the delivery nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Giuseppe Neri
  • Patent number: 5516005
    Abstract: A defense device, mounted on a wrist watch and made part of it, has a gas chamber underneath the wrist watch. The chamber, containing pressurized repellant gas, is locked to the watch with an interlocking ring between the watch and the gas chamber. The gas can be released by a user by pushing a trigger end of a pin to actuate the release of the gas at the other end, where a nozzle discharges the gas sideways in a wide spray impinging on an incoming attacker. The invention is formed to blend inconspicuously with the design of the watch, so as to prevent the incoming attacker from knowing of the device. A user of the device may pretend to read the time, while in reality releasing the repellant gas from the side of the hand to the incoming attacker. The interlocking ring has an aperture at the top to accommodate a wrist watch, and an aperture at the bottom to accept a matching gas chamber and lock it into position, ready for firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: William W. Moseley
  • Patent number: 5497917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap having a plurality of readily assembled parts that provide a passage for a beverage or liquid through the cap from the pitcher to the exterior thereof. The cap has a cap body made up of top and bottom portions that are formed so as to snap fit together. The cap body defines an interior cavity or passage from an entry defined by the bottom portion to an exit cooperatively defined by the top and bottom portions. The entry is selectively opened and closed to allow fluid or liquid passage through the cap by a valve that is biased into a closed position. In a preferred embodiment the valve is attached to a plunger having a cylindrical configuration and including a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending shape memory retentive legs that are confined within a receiving collar attached to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Krimmel, James L. Miller, George E. McNamara
  • Patent number: 5482190
    Abstract: A filling trough/dispensing cap for a filling/dispensing opening at a lower end of an elongated liquid container is disclosed. The filling trough/dispensing cap includes a retractable/extensible liquid filling trough that extends through the filling/dispensing opening of the container and is movable to a retracted position with the container or an extensible position outside the container. When moved to the extensible position, the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough facilitates filling of the container. The retractable/extensible filling trough can be rotated and/or angularly positioned relative to the container to facilitate filling. A dispensing cap is associated with the outer end of the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough for covering the filling/dispensing opening when the retractable/extensible trough is retracted. This dispensing cap includes a selective liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from the container, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Stanek, Stephen L. Rhea
  • Patent number: 5477988
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing gun is provided which is manually operated by a lever arm and cam mechanism. As an operator draws the lever arm to an open flow position, a pivot plate displaces a cam bar to which is attached a valve stem. This causes movement of the valve stem away from a valve opening and permits fluid flow. A U-shaped stem housing and an open tubular spring housing provide convenient access for axial adjustment of the valve stem and compression adjustment of the valve spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Horst Gerich
  • Patent number: 5472120
    Abstract: A cap for a container has three distinct positions, including a closed position, an intermediate spray position and a fully open pour position. The cap provides a fluid tight seal when in the closed position and provides a fluid tight seal from pouring when in the spray position. The cap includes a shell defining a fluid passage to the container and a tip with pouring and spraying apertures axially movably secured to the shell. The tip is pulled up to select a dispensing position, which causes a stem disposed in the shell to engage or disengage with an aperture in the tip, depending on the selected dispensing option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Erie Plastics
    Inventors: Matthew E. Stebick, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5435470
    Abstract: A portable vacuum bottle includes a discharging path opening/closing device. The device cooperates with a stopper which opens and closes the discharging device of the portable vacuum and is threadedly coupled to a discharge opening. The opening/closing device includes a path opening button and a path closing button accessible from the top surface of the stopper. A valve seat and attached resilient member facilitate the opening and closing operation of the discharging path within the stopper. An operating arm is rotatedly mounted in the stopper in a seesaw manner and is interposed between the path opening button and the valve seat. Another end of the operating arm is connected to the path closing button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Seohung Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 5431313
    Abstract: Device for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a container (102) fitted with a dispensing member (103) comprising a dispensing head (104) which can be moved in translation and is fitted with a button (104a). A cap (106) covers the container (102) and the dispensing head (104), on which cap a lever (107) is articulated. The lever carries a bearing element (109) capable of bearing on the button (104a) of the dispensing head (104) in order to push in the dispensing head (104). The bearing element (109) has, in cross-section through a plane of rotation of the lever (107), a shape such that a force applied to the end of the lever (107) is transmitted to a constant point (P) of the button of the dispensing head (104) and in that while the head (104) is being pushed in, the point (P) of application of the force moves parallel to the axis of translation (X--X) of the head (104) of the dispensing member. The bearing element (109) more particularly has the shape of an involute of a circle (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Philippe Renault
  • Patent number: 5419462
    Abstract: Particle scattering and/or trapping in the feed of particulate matter into a receptacle can be avoided by the use of a particulate matter-dispensing apparatus comprising telescopically-aligned internal and external robes associated with an actuator for telescopic movement of the tubes; the tubes having inner surfaces which are free of any protrusion or recession capable of preventing telescopic movement of the tubes or permitting the resting of particulate matter within the tubes, and the external tube having a distal orifice which is sufficiently smaller than its bore to decrease the flow rate of particulate matter through the tube. The novel apparatus is particularly useful for the discontinuous feeding of particulate polysilicon into a melting crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Johnston, Andrew O. Wikman
  • Patent number: 5400927
    Abstract: A sealing system for use in a liquid/flowable product filling apparatus which comprises a hopper for holding the product, one or more filling assemblies, each of which includes a nozzle, a cylinder, a valve for selectively passing product from the hopper to the cylinder and from the cylinder to the nozzle, a piston selectively moveable in the cylinder to draw product from the hopper through the valve into the cylinder or to push product from the cylinder into the valve and out of the nozzle, and a plunger selectively moveable in the valve to prevent the flow of product from the hopper into the valve or prevent the flow of product from the valve and out of the nozzle. The sealing system includes an annular piston seal circumscribing the piston to press against the cylinder walls to provide a seal therebetween. The valve includes an annular wall section through which the plunger moves, and an annular recess formed in the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jean C. Marchadour