Antidrip Patents (Class 222/571)
  • Patent number: 5704522
    Abstract: A device for limiting liquid loss in pressurized liquid dispensers having a membrane, which is elastically deformable and capable of occupying two positions, namely: (a) a resting position in which it has three support zones, namely on a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface and on the protruding part of head of knob; and (b) a deformed position in which its end of larger diameter is raised from the first bearing surface by the stress exerted by the pressurized liquid so as to leave a free passage for said liquid, membrane in this position, however, remaining in contact with the second bearing surface and with the protruding part of knob head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Districution S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Orgeolet, Pierre Stassen, Yannick Lallinec, Gilbert Rault
  • Patent number: 5687877
    Abstract: A tulip-type check valve is housed in a cylindrical chamber, the length of which is greater than the check valve itself so that during the pressure stroke of the pump, the valve moves forward in its chamber and flexes to permit flow about its periphery. During the suction stroke, the valve closes and is drawn backward upstream in its chamber and there is a sucking back of liquid between the check valve and the orifice to obviate nozzle the drip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Smolen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5687879
    Abstract: A method and device are provided to secure a lid to a teapot or other food and beverage container and to prevent dripping therefrom. The device for use with a teapot includes a loop of elastic cord, with a hook and a sponge attached to the cord. The sponge is positioned under the spout of the teapot so that it will absorb drips from the spout. The loop is stretched over the lid of the teapot and the hook is attached to the teapot handle. Two sliding retainers are located around the loop between the sponge and the hook, and may be positioned around a knob on the top of the lid. Sliding the retainers adjusts the tension on the loop. The retainers are decorative, and may also be adorned with standard button covers. Different food and beverage containers may require modifications, such as using a cord with two hooks instead of a hook and a sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Fit-To-A-Tea, LLC
    Inventors: William R. King, Barbara A. Karakusis, Liesbeth M. Osa
  • Patent number: 5632412
    Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a measured quantity of a gelatinous semisolid material into a receptacle comprises a cylindrical housing provided with a piston actuatable to move through the throughbore of the housing to a cap provided with a cylindrical sleeve. Mounted within the sleeve is a hollow valve body connected to a sealing member having an end of circular cross-section and a slidable hollow cylindrical body provided with an orifice whose cross-section is substantially equal to that of the end of the sealing member. The barrel is connected to the valve body by springs. In the valve closed position the end of the sealing member is situated in the barrel orifice, preventing the dispensing of the gelatinous material; in the valve open position the barrel is pushed away from the sealing member, allowing the material to be dispensed. The barrel returns to the valve closed position after the material has been dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Clark E. Harris, Berle A. Dale, Richard M. Fraczek, Karen L. Pond
  • Patent number: 5603787
    Abstract: A plastic container for pourable liquids such as detergents has a drain back feature and has an internal thread for receiving an externally threaded cap which also serves as a measuring cup for the liquid. The container is formed in two pieces, a container body and a separately formed pour spout component which is assembled to the container finish preferably by ultrasonic welding. In preferred embodiments a lip of the pour spout component is pressed and welded down onto an annular top surface of the container finish, or down into an annular recess on the container finish. The ultrasonic welding operation is accompanied by motion and pressure, simultaneously deforming and welding the top edge of the pour spout component wall down onto the container finish, so that the connection forms a liquid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Innovative Molding, Inc.
    Inventor: Grahame W. Reid
  • Patent number: 5597090
    Abstract: Method and appartus for the pouring of liquids by a partially closed shell extending from a base to a rounded and interrupted tip, with partially opened shell sides extending from the base to the tip which is interrupted by a a "V" shaped notch; the shell has a base advantageously inclined with respect to the pouring axis of the shell to permit downward flow of fluid into an aperture that communicates with the opening in the shell; the shell can be a pouring spout covered by a protective cap which is unscrewed and removed to expose the spout and permit fluid to be poured between open sides along the shell and over a sharp, interrupted edge at a tip, by which flow is terminated when the shell is up-righted, so that the sharpness of the interruption and the general configuration of the tip reduce the usual dripping of fluid after a pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: David J. Leahy
  • Patent number: 5571249
    Abstract: A fluid sleeve for channeling fluid spilled during the servicing of a motorized vehicle includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and an enclosed body portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The body portion defines a first opening operable to engage a fluid inlet of the motorized vehicle and a second opening operable to engage a fluid outlet of a fluid container received therethrough to be disposed in the fluid inlet. In use, when fluid is discharged or otherwise spilled from the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet during servicing, the fluid is retained within the body portion and channeled toward the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel B. Boylen
  • Patent number: 5566861
    Abstract: This invention provides an article for containing and pouring material. The article includes a container with an open end, a bottom, a wall extending from the bottom to the open end and forming at least one corner, a lip extending from the wall at the open end and toward a central axis of the container, and a pouring spout at the corner. The pouring spout is positioned on an interior surface of the wall and has a contour for directing material to the corner and out of the open end. The contour is formed by increasing the thickness of the wall on both sides of the corner. A handle is attached to the container near the open end of the container. A lid is provided having a shape adapted to cover the open end of the container and create a seal with the lip of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Andrew Serano
  • Patent number: 5566862
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a liquid dispensing fitment for use on a container having a neck comprises a plastic body which has an inner wall defining an axial spout extending from within the neck of a container and axially beyond the end of the neck. The body has an outer annular wall spaced from the spout and connected to the spout by an integral annular connecting portion. The spout extends axially beyond the outer wall and has an upper generally C-shaped cross section defining an opening and a lower annular cross section. The annular connecting portion is inclined with respect to the axis of the spout and has its lowermost portion aligned with the opening of the C-shaped portion of said spout. The outer wall has an axial opening extending from a position aligned with the juncture of the C-shaped portion and annular portion of the spout through the annular connecting portion to define a combined drain back opening and a near empty pour out hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Haffner, Thomas P. Royce, John M. Shingle
  • Patent number: 5547112
    Abstract: A drip-less vessel has a flange at its upper end which is angled at about 30.degree. with respect to the horizontal, a ramp of approximately 3/8" located behind the junction of the inner surface and the edge of the vessel, and a smooth internal contour with direction changing surfaces blended into one another so as to avoid sharp or noticeable protrusions which could be sensed by the sensitive tissues of the mouth of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Corporation
    Inventor: Larry W. Schiffer
  • Patent number: 5516564
    Abstract: The present invention features hydrophobic articles of manufacture having a composition comprising a plastic and a fluoropolymer. The plastic-fluoropolymer composition is resistant to irradiation allowing the article to maintain hydrophobic properties through standard irradiation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Costar Corporation
    Inventors: David Root, Lewis Lawton
  • Patent number: 5484002
    Abstract: The invention provides a distributor system for wine and other alcoholic beverages, comprising in combination: an elevated distributor bowl for receiving a beverage poured therein, and provided with multiple outlet ports for discharge of said beverage; and a plurality of small drinking cups removably positioned beneath said bowl, to respectively receive a beverage flowing out of said respective outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Kupietzky
  • Patent number: 5476197
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a fluid container, a spout, and a pump for pumping fluid from the container out to the spout and having a piston for moving vertically along a piston axis. The spout has an inner end connected to the piston through a piston cap, with downward pressure on the piston cap moving the piston downward and actuating the pump. The spout also has a center section, an outer end with an outer bend, and an inner end with an inner bend, the piston has an upper end, and the spout inner end and the piston upper end have interengaging threaded portions coaxial with the piston axis. The piston cap has a body with a central opening coaxial with the piston axis and a lateral opening connecting with the central opening for receiving the spout, with the piston cap rotatable with the spout as the spout inner end is threaded into the piston upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Lawrence, Emmanuel A. Hanna
  • Patent number: 5474541
    Abstract: A re-usable nozzle for dispensing a flowable product from a resilient container has a removable one-way valve which facilitates cleaning and sterilisation of the nozzle. When the nozzle is used for dispensing a flowable pharmaceutical, the nozzle controls the amount of suck back of pharmaceutical into the nozzle on completion of dispensing. With a stand off of the valve float from the valve seat during dispensing of about one eighth of an inch (1) the suck back is sufficient to draw any drop of contaminated pharmaceutical at the tip of nozzle on completion of dispensing into the nozzle so as to reduce the risk of contamination of the environment and (2) the suck back is sufficiently small to minimize the risk of damage to any tissue with which the nozzle is intimately associated. Furthermore, with the distance from the valve seat to the nozzle tip being at least about three times the stand off, no contaminated pharmaceutical may enter the container so that the container may be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Astra Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Ritsky, John E. Cameron, Tjalke K. Schuurmans, Russell L. M. Soobrian, Henryk Klakurka, Robert K. Watson, Christopher G. Szumilas
  • Patent number: 5472121
    Abstract: A flexible plastic lid including a tubular pour spout with a separate snap on cap and vent is disclosed. The lid includes a pour spout extending from the base and located near the rim to ensure maximum pour efficiency. An air vent is positioned opposite the pour spout and allows liquids to flow freely without clogging the spout. The air vent is operated by pushing and pulling the vent. Once engaged, the lid creates an air tight enclosure for maintaining the freshness of the contents. Additionally, the can is compact in height for cold storage shelf space where space is at a premium in the kitchen. Once the snap on cap is engaged by the lip on the inside of the cap, a leak-proof seal is formed. The can lid is preferably made of molded plastic that is pliable to tightly snap onto the can, yet durable to withstand the heat of commercial dishwashers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: John R. Silano
  • Patent number: 5462202
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing fitment for use on a container having a neck comprises a plastic body which has an inner wall defining an axial spout extending from within the neck of a container and axially beyond the end of the neck. The body has an outer annular wall spaced from the spout and connected to the spout by an integral annular connecting portion. The spout extends axially beyond the outer wall and has an upper generally C-shaped cross section defining an opening and a lower annular cross section. The annular connecting portion is inclined with respect to the axis of the spout and has its lowermost portion aligned with the opening of said C-shaped portion of said spout. The outer wall has an axial opening extending from a position aligned with the juncture of the C-shaped portion and annular portion of the spout through the annular connecting portion to define a combined drain back opening and a near empty pour out hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Haffner, Luz Rios
  • Patent number: 5447254
    Abstract: A dispenser which prevents dripping and drooling of liquid material upon shut off of the dispenser, especially during intermittent dispensing operations. The first embodiment includes a nozzle body and nozzle fitting which include liquid flow passageways and together form an air passageway which communicates with a discharge passageway upstream of the discharge end of the nozzle fitting. Exhaust air from the dispenser is directed into the air passageway such that excess liquid material is blown out of the discharge passageway and off of the discharge end of the nozzle fitting immediately upon shut off of the dispenser. A second embodiment incorporates this anti-drip and anti-drool feature directly into the valve and valve stem of the dispenser by providing the air passageway through the valve and valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Hoover, Kenneth Jeffrey, George O. Porter
  • Patent number: 5431306
    Abstract: A plastic container for pourable liquids such as detergents has a drain back feature and has an internal thread for receiving an externally threaded cap which also serves as a measuring cup for the liquid. The container is formed in two pieces, a container body and a separately formed pour spout component which is assembled to the container finish preferably by ultrasonic welding. In preferred embodiments a lip of the pour spout component is pressed and welded down onto an annular top surface of the container finish, or down into an annular recess on the container finish. The ultrasonic welding operation is accompanied by motion and pressure, simultaneously deforming and welding the top edge of the pour spout component wall down onto the container finish, so that the connection forms a liquid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Innovative Molding, Inc.
    Inventor: Grahame W. Reid
  • Patent number: 5427144
    Abstract: A combined trumpet valve and reed valve serve to control the flow of fluid into a conduit and is particularly adapted for lens cleaning apparatus for flowing water over the lens or lens cover in an endoscope with viewing mechanism and is capable of retracting the trapped fluid in the conduit to prevent it from dripping into the area being viewed and removing any residual fluid that is left on the lens when the valve is positioned to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Deumed Group Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Teets, Bruce E. Wiita, Gregory D. Witta
  • Patent number: 5413250
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5388728
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5379919
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5372283
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a mixture of two components comprises a dispenser device formed with a first passageway connected to a source of a Component A material, and a second passageway connected to a source of a Component B material, both of which are connected to a static mixer where the components are combined to form a mixture. The dispenser includes structure for purging the mixture of Component A and B from areas of the dispenser which come into contact therewith, and a check valve operative to create a suction within the dispenser and static mixer to prevent leakage of the mixture from the static mixer when flow of the components is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Schmitkons, Jan Shanaberger, Jeffrey S. Noss
  • Patent number: 5370284
    Abstract: A toggle closure for a resiliently deformable container. The toggle closure includes a cap member, a toggle member, and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is defined by portions of both the cap member and the toggle member. Upon closing of the toggle member, the vacuum chamber expands and draws fluid from the outlet port substantially preventing the discharge of liquid product from the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Dirksing
  • Patent number: 5368186
    Abstract: A safety lid adapted for use with a mug, the mug having a circumferential mouth and an internal surface. The safety lid comprises a disk and a central core attached to the bottom surface of the disk. The central core has a circular side wall. The safety lid further comprises a circular sealing ring having an inner surface attached to the circular side wall of the central core and an outer surface adapted to frictionally engage the internal surface of the mouth of the mug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Frank Yeh
  • Patent number: 5344052
    Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Odin Development Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Divall, John A. Perigo
  • Patent number: 5335825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing multiple, closely spaced beads of viscous liquids such as hot melt thermoplastic adhesive is provided which comprises a dispensing device including a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body connected to a nozzle plate carrying a number of closely spaced nozzle tips. The nozzle body is formed with an internal adhesive flow passage terminating with an elongated distribution channel having an outlet. A number of comparatively small diameter discharge passageways are formed in the nozzle plate, each connected to one nozzle tip, and structure is provided for transferring the adhesive from the elongated distribution channel in the nozzle body into each of the discharge passageways, against the influence of gravity, for discharge from the nozzle tips as individual extruded beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Wesley Fort
  • Patent number: 5330083
    Abstract: This relates to the provision of the pour spout portion of a blow molded plastic bottle with a dripless lip. In one form, the terminal end of the pour spout is internally reamed at an angle so as to terminate in an exterior sharp edge, after which the resultant tapered end portion of the pour spout is engaged by a rotating tool which frictionally heats the plastic engaged thereby and progressively turns over the sharp edge through an angle on the order of 180.degree. to provide the desired dripless lip. In another form, the pour spout portion of the container neck finish is provided with an integrally molded outwardly directed hollow rib which lies in a sloping plane. The rib extends only partially about the circumference of the pour spout. The pour spout is then trimmed at an angle to the axis of the pour spout and parallel to the plane of the rib so as to provide for a pour lip of limited circumferential extent and which pour lip, depending upon the plane of trimming may terminate in a sharp dripless lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Continental Plastic Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: George F. Bartimes, Lawrence D. Stepenske
  • Patent number: 5323928
    Abstract: A drinking cup 10 for assisting swallowing has a hollow container portion 12 including a base 18 and an upwardly extending, elliptically-shaped sidewall 20. The sidewall defines an elliptical aperture 32 at its apex. The inner surface 26 of the sidewall defines an ellipse from a cross-sectional perspective at substantially all elevations between the aperture and a point proximate to the base, each cross section being taken along a plane disposed parallel to a plane defined by the aperture. The elliptical aperture is sized to accommodate a person's nasal bridge during drinking such that substantial backwards angulation of the head is not required. The cup includes a handle 16 disposed 90.degree. out from the major axis of the elliptical aperture. People with dysphagia and/or arthritis are expected to benefit especially from the features of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Barry A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5320260
    Abstract: A dispensing device to be fitted to the top of a container and to be used to dispense heavy or viscous fluid from the container. It is a unitary structure that comprises generally a spout having a fluid passageway, a rod extending through the center of the spout, and a skirt bounding the base of the spout. The rod is joined to the inner wall of the spout by a relatively thin rectangular brace. The rod is generally cylindrical and has chamfered ends. An annular, curved member is formed inside the skirt and extends away from the spout to form a bottomless bowl portion interconnecting the spout passageway to form a continuous fluid passageway. The rod provides additional surface area for the liquid to cling to while it is being dispensed and also delays venting as the container is righted after the desired amount of liquid is dispensed, thereby preventing drippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: John Song, Richard W. Hofmann, Michael C. Illenberger
  • Patent number: 5301850
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5255892
    Abstract: A hardened needle and seat are provided in a dispense valve wherein the seat is spring loaded such that when the needle is pulled back against the seat, the seat moves away from the dispense opening causing a "snuff back" effect. Hardened seats and needles are utilized to provide long life and one or more components may be run using the same general valve mechanism at predetermined ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventor: Martin P. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5251788
    Abstract: A dispenser closure for attachment to the threaded neck of a container includes a spout portion and a cap portion. The spout portion includes an annular wall, a shoulder and a depending skirt. A spout is integrally formed within the spout portion and is non-concentrically disposed with an area defined by the annular wall. The spout is substantially closed and has an inner channel which is in fluid communication with the interior of the container. The spout terminates at an upper end having an oval aperture and at a lower end at an inclined floor. A drainage opening is also formed in the spout portion and is in fluid communication with the interior of the container. The drainage opening is adjacent the annular wall and extends through the inclined floor and vertically onto the spout. The cap portion has a radially projecting annular shoulder with a depending collar. The collar is threaded on an interior surface to engage a threaded exterior surface of the upper end of the spout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Moore
  • Patent number: 5240502
    Abstract: An improvement is provided in a coating system including a dispenser, a coating outlet for delivering a coating material to a surface of a moving workpiece to which coating is to be applied in a desired pattern, and a dispensing control for producing control signals in a predetermined fashion for initiating and terminating the release of coating material to the outlet. The improvement includes a wiping member selectively advanceable and retractable relative to the coating outlet for wiping excess coating material therefrom and a cleaning control responsive to predetermined control signals from the dispensing control for advancing and retracting the wiping member in a predetermined fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Mactron, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Castaldo, Samuel B. Allen, Thomas J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5230442
    Abstract: A container includes an oil spout mounted to a neck of the container, with the spout including an accordion pleated spout hanging conduit permitting telescoping projection of the spout relative to the neck, with a cap seal mounted at an entrance of the neck, with the cap seal having a cap seal first end fixedly mounted to the spout exit opening, with a cap seal second end having a pull tab for initial pulling and separation of the cap seal relative to the spout exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Garland E. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5228596
    Abstract: An externally threaded vessel having an outwardly projecting directed pour spout to permit substantially mess-free dispensing of liquid from the vessel. The tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout exhibits a cross-sectional profile which resides completely within the outline which would be formed if the external thread on the vessel were to be extended upwardly a sufficient distance to include the tip of the pour spout. Sizing and positioning the tip of the pour spout in the foregoing manner permits dispensing of liquid from the vessel without contaminating the external thread or the exterior surfaces of the vessel, yet permits engagement of the vessel with a secondary vessel having a complementary thread engaging means without any interference with the tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout. In essence, the cross-sectional profile of the tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout acts as an extension of the external thread on the vessel incorporating the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Mark P. McNally
  • Patent number: 5215694
    Abstract: Method of forming a pour spout portion of a blow molded plastic bottle with a dripless lip. In one form, the terminal end of the pour spout is internally reamed at an angle so as to terminate in an exterior sharp edge, after which the resultant tapered end portion of the pour spout is engaged by a rotating tool which frictionally heats the plastic engaged thereby and progressively turns over the sharp edge through an angle on the order of 180.degree. to provide the desired dripless lip. In another form, the pour spout portion of the container neck finish is provided with an integrally molded outwardly directed hollow rib which lies in a sloping plane. The rib extends only partially about the circumference of the pour spout. The pour spout is then trimmed at an angle to the axis of the pour spout and parallel to the plane of the rib so as to provide for a pour lip of limited circumferential extent and which pour lip, depending upon the plane of trimming may terminate in a sharp dripless lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Continental Plastic Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: George F. Bartimes, Lawrence D. Stepenske
  • Patent number: 5195655
    Abstract: An integrated fluid dispense apparatus (10) suitable for delivering ultrapure fluids. The fluid is confined to a nonrigid hermetic fluid delivery apparatus (10). A pumping mechanism (11) pumps fluids in precise volumes and flow rates. A moisturizing dispense nozzle (12) provides a saturated vapor atmosphere at the nozzle tip to prevent the fluid from drying during non-dispense periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Yefim Bukhman
  • Patent number: 5195662
    Abstract: A pouring spout attachment for cans of the type generally used for paints, stains, varnishes and the like that prevents paint or other liquids from running down the outside of the spout, into the lid groove, or down the outside of the can. The spout is constructed in such a way that it compensates for variations in can dimensions found in cans having the same capacity but made by different manufacturers, and also has a brush wipe bar having two functional edges; one straight smooth edge for wiping excess paint out of a brush when painting directly from a can, and a second straight serrated edge for stripping most of the paint from a brush preparatory to cleaning it after the painting job has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Ted Neff
  • Patent number: 5195657
    Abstract: Leakage from the manifold of a manifold type multi-channel dispenser, aspirator, or washer may be diminished by employing siphon shaped pipettes and backsipping liquid from the long leg of such siphon shaped pipettes after each use of the device. The siphon shaped pipettes may be attached to the top-most part of the manifold so as to facilitate the purging of bubbles therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Source Scientific Systems
    Inventor: John R. Wells
  • Patent number: 5193593
    Abstract: A valve is provided for filling containers which eliminates splashing and dripping. As the container is being filled, the valve is moved upwardly so as to be a set distance above the level of the contents of the container during filling. In addition, the liquid passes through an anti-splash screen as it exits the valve. In a further feature, associated with the screen are one or more suction units which operate at the cessation of liquid flow from the valve to remove liquid from the screen and preventing dripping. The combination of the valve moving upwardly during container filling, a screen, and suction units associated with the screen function to prevent splashing during filling and dripping after filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Jean M. Denis, Patrick Devos
  • Patent number: 5188289
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for dripless, splashless dispensing of liquids of various viscosities is comprised of three elements: a tubing terminator, a nozzle body and a nozzle head. The tubing terminator is adapted at a first end to accept fluid flow from a compressible tube into a central bore, which does not extend all of the way to the second end, but ends with at least one radial bore. When the tubing terminator is inserted into the nozzle body and fluid flow is initiated, the fluid leaving the terminator impinges an intermediate bore portion having walls angling away from the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body. This impingement serves to swirl the fluid and minimize dripping and splashing. A nozzle head, which covers the flow chamber into which the intermediate bore portion of the nozzle body opens, has a wire mesh screen covering the opening out of which the fluid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Euclid Spiral Paper Tube Co.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Pesho
  • Patent number: 5181630
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing vessel having a pour spout which will provide substantially mess-free dispensing of viscous liquids, such as laundry detergents, during two different modes of dispensing: a concentrated stream as might be used for spot treating articles of clothing; and a bulk dispensing cycle to quickly empty the vessel's contents into a washing machine. The dual function pouring spout of the present invention may be employed either directly on a bulk liquid container or on a closure member used to transfer liquid from a bulk liquid container to a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Mark P. McNally
  • Patent number: 5176292
    Abstract: A closure and dispensing device for laundry products which permits precise dispensing of small amounts as well as the dispensing of large amounts for large washloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Silvenis, William J. Britt
  • Patent number: 5169040
    Abstract: A dripless spout comprises a surface having a lip over which a liquid to be poured may flow, and a channel formed in the surface and extending over at least a portion of the surface to the lip. At the end of a pouring operation any droplets of liquid remaining on the surface occupy the channel and are held therein. The spout is formed of relatively thin material and may be provided in the form of a spring clip for fitting to a liquid container, or may be formed integrally with a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Lee A. Wiley
  • Patent number: 5154328
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 5137187
    Abstract: Anti-spray fluid dispensing nozzle for filling an open top container. The nozzle comprises an elongated fluid supply conduit establishing a fluid path between a source of pressurized fluid and the container to be filled. First and second valves are mounted in the supply conduit disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the first valve positioned upstream the second valve. Each valve includes a movable closure member cooperating with a valve seat to control the flow of fluid through the supply conduit. The closure members of both valves are coupled to a common actuating rod mounted for linear movement within the supply conduit to selectively displace each closure member between a valve closed position and a valve opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: H.G. Kalish
    Inventors: Peter Nichols, Robin Lapointe
  • Patent number: 5134962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spin coating apparatus for feeding a clean liquid at a fixed rate. In any of the feeding apparatus in the prior art, no constituent other than a filter has the function of eliminating foreign matter, and the operation of feeding a liquid under precise control is not attained. This results in the problem of the mixing of the foreign matter (and air bubbles) in the feed liquid, and the problem of nonuniformity in a feed speed as well as a feed amount. As expedients for solving these problems, the present invention provides the functions of automatically sensing and excluding factors for the appearances of the foreign matters, and devices for automatically and precisely controlling feed control elements such as a pump, thereby feeding the clean liquid in a constant amount and at a constant speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Haruo Amada, Akihiro Kojima, Hiroshi Kagohashi, Atsuyuki Sakai, Katsumasa Shimura, Hisamitsu Maekawa
  • Patent number: 5121773
    Abstract: In the equipment for drawing off milk samples from a milk conveyor pipe (1), in order to remove any milk remaining from the previous supplier and adhering within the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6), before taking a sample from the current supplier the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6) are filled with milk and after being completely filled they are emptied again by pumping the milk back into the conveyor pipe (1). The process of filling to fullness is monitored by a control means (9) which operates a hose pump (7) such that only the exact quantity of milk required to fill the suction pipe (5) and the injection syringe (6) is conveyed. Only after this filling and emptying procedure is the injection syringe (6) inserted into a sampling bottle (8) disposed on a dish (15) which can be raised. A holding down device (16, 17, 18) guarantees perfect withdrawl of the injection syringe (6) from the sampling bottle (8) when the dish (15) is lowered at the end of the sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Ewison AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Kochli
  • Patent number: 5108009
    Abstract: A package for storing and dispensing pourable contents includes a container with a bottle having a neck with an opening in which there is mounted a gasket in the form of a pouring and drainback fitment. The fitment has a spout, a circumscribing well in communication with the bottle opening, and a lip supported on the neck of the bottle. A cap includes a measuring cup, the brim of which is received within the well of the fitment, when the container and cap are fastened. The threaded exterior wall of the cap is connected to the measuring cup by a web which is urged against the lip of the gasket forming drainback fitment to form a leak-proof seal when the cap is threaded onto the neck of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Davidson, Masami Namiki, Harutoshi Iwai, Masaru Tamura