Volume Or Rate Of Flow Metering Patents (Class 222/71)
  • Publication number: 20130095174
    Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for accelerating the rate of delivery of lofexidine to the systemic circulation by transmucosal administration through the nasal, sublingual, or buccal routes to provide rapid response in the treatment of opiate addicts, migraine, neuropathic pain, and other therapeutic indications related to lofexidine, to a patient in need of such treatment. Compositions of lofexidine formulated for transmucosal delivery are provided. Also provided are methods for the treatment of opiate addicts, migraine, neuropathic pain, and other therapeutic indications related to lofexidine. The methods utilize lofexidine compositions formulated for transmucosal delivery through nasal, sublingual, or buccal routes of administration in an amount effective for the treatment of the drug indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: US WORLDMEDS, LLC
    Inventor: US WorldMeds, LLC
  • Patent number: 8420014
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus for use with a liquid dispensing system of the type comprising a nozzle having a liquid dispensing tip and means for delivering the dispensed liquid through the nozzle onto a receiving substrate. Further, the invention provides a method of monitoring and measuring the volume of a liquid droplet as it is being dispensed from a liquid dispensing system comprising a nozzle having a dispensing tip. The main use for the invention is in the fields of drug discovery, genomics, medical diagnostics and other life science-related applications. The invention could also be used in other areas for example in the food industry, cosmetic industry or the chemical industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Allegro Research Limited
    Inventors: Igor V. Shvets, Cecilia Franken, Tomasz P. Zawada
  • Publication number: 20130087575
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for metered dispensing of granular seasoning material. The device comprises a reservoir including a dispensing outlet, a metered dispensing member having an axis and a metering chamber comprising a peripheral cavity in the metered dispensing member, the metered dispensing member mounted for axial linear movement relative to the reservoir through the dispensing outlet to and from a filling position, in which the metering chamber is in communication with the interior of the reservoir, and a dispensing position, in which the metering chamber is in communication with the exterior of the reservoir, to permit gravity dispensing of a metered quantity of material from the metering chamber. Preferably, an actuation assembly for movement of the dispensing member comprises biasing means. A diffuser may be connected to the exterior of the reservoir below the dispensing outlet for evenly distributing dispensed material onto a target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Paul G. Simmons, Melissa Enge, Pia Ganner, Iris Prehn, Guo De Huang, Ying Zhou Zheng, Jeffrey Craig Watson
  • Patent number: 8408478
    Abstract: A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Grant J. Wonderlich
  • Patent number: 8402845
    Abstract: An apparatus for deploying two fluids separately into a reaction chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a first distribution network that is formed on a plate having a distribution face and a dispensing face. The first distribution network is defined by a plurality of recessed channels on the distribution face. The plurality of recessed channels includes a plurality of thru-ports that extend from the plurality of recessed channels to the dispensing face. The apparatus further includes a second distribution network that has passages formed below the plurality of recessed channels and above the dispensing face. A first set of ports extends from the passages to the distribution face and a second set of ports extends from a top surface of the distribution face to the dispensing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay B. Dedontney
  • Publication number: 20130056490
    Abstract: A fluid meter is described having certain elastically displaceable wall portions arranged to be elastically displaced in response to a pressure variation propagating into the measurement volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Dresser, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8376185
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The dispenser has a primary flow meter, an auxiliary flow detection device positioned at an entrance of a dispenser, and an auxiliary dispenser shutoff system. A rate of flow through the primary flow meter and a rate of flow through the auxiliary flow detection device are calculated. The primary flow meter rate of flow and the auxiliary flow detection device rate of flow are compared. If the difference exceeds a threshold, a shutoff signal is provided to the auxiliary dispenser shutoff system to stop fuel flow through the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Liebal, Paul Kaper, Chris Scott, Brent K. Price
  • Publication number: 20120305592
    Abstract: A system and method of flavoring food includes a metering tray coupled to a frame. The metering tray may be configured to hold a food flavoring. A metering roller also may be coupled to the frame. An exterior axial surface of the metering roller may define a plurality of indentations, which may be configured to capture the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates. The system may also include a metering blade and a displacement; each may be coupled to the frame. The metering blade may be configured to level the food flavoring as the food flavoring is dispensed by the plurality of indentations of the metering roller as the metering roller rotates. The displacement blade may have a plurality of teeth that are configured to correspond to the plurality of indentations. The teeth may be configured to positively displace the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jose A. Villarreal
  • Publication number: 20120266871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from an elastomeric composition comprising: (a) one or more elastomers; and (b) a cross-linking agent comprising an aliphatic dialkyl peroxide and/or an aliphatic perketal peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CONSORT MEDICAL PLC
    Inventor: Daljit S. Ohbi
  • Patent number: 8292123
    Abstract: Techniques for mixing liquids in a specific ratio at synchronized flows are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention a dispensing system comprises a plurality of tanks, each of the tanks includes an overflow outlet to limit a liquid therein to a certain measurement, and an array of volumetric outlets spaced apart and vertically arranged. The corresponding overflow outlet and the volumetric outlets of the tanks are located at the same height. The dispensing system further comprises a dispensing assembly including a manifold coupled to the volume outlets of the tanks via respective pipes, and further a flow-regulating device in at least one but not all of the pipes to control a flow of the liquid coming downwards from each of the tanks through one of the volumetric outlets thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: ZhangJiaGang Chemflow Technology Co., Ltd., Checmflow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon Han
  • Patent number: 8287820
    Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Williams, Kerry Wilson
  • Patent number: 8285506
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a measure of fluid. The apparatus comprises a flow meter and a pulser having an identifier and a memory. The pulser is associated with the flow meter for generating pulser data indicative of a volume of fluid delivered through the flow meter. The pulser may alter the pulser data using correction data stored in its memory to generate altered pulser data. The pulser may store at least one of the pulser data and the altered pulser data in the memory. The apparatus further comprises a switch operatively connected to the pulser's memory. The switch is operative to vary the memory of the pulser between a write-protected and a write-enabled mode. Also, the apparatus comprises a controller in communication with the pulser and a serial communication circuit which enables communication between the pulser and the controller. Communication between the controller and the pulser includes the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Oldham, Christopher Eric Scott, Juergen Voss
  • Publication number: 20120248142
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises an active ingredient dissolved in an essentially non-aqueous carrier system comprising volatile and non-volatile components, in which the volatile component comprises a volatile non-solvent for the active ingredient and a volatile solvation additive for the non-solvent and the non-volatile component comprises a non-volatile non-solvent and optionally a non-volatile solvent for the active ingredient, the volatile and non-volatile non-solvents comprising silicone fluids of respectively different viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: FUTURA MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian Francis Davis
  • Publication number: 20120248143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing canister comprising:—a reservoir (1) having a bottom in the form of a U shaped throat, two terminal walls (1c, 1d) and two side walls (1a, 1b) said side walls being attached to the upper extremities of the U shaped throat,—a rotatable volumetric dosing means (2): longitudinally extending through the bottom of the reservoir (1e), and. configured for displacing a volume of powder longitudinally through the bottom of the reservoir, and. lodged in the U shaped throat, the upper point of the U shaped throat extending at least up to the top of the rotatable volumetric dosing means, and wherein at least the portion of at least one of the reservoir side walls attached to the U shaped throat is straight outwardly inclined according to an angle of at most 25° with the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christel Gigandet, Marco Ramaioli, Richard Luke Murphy, Cedric Rey, Carine Filliol, Sandrine Jaccard
  • Publication number: 20120241044
    Abstract: A method for filling containers with a filling material having different components includes feeding a first component to a container to be filled, directly measuring an amount of the first component, carrying out one of an amount-controlled introduction of a second component into the container indirectly by measuring an amount flow rate of the first component resulting from an amount flow rate of the second component, wherein an amount flow rate of the second component is directly an amount flow rate flowing to a respective container, and an amount-measuring device used for the measurement is flowed through in the direction of flow during the direct measurement of the amount flow rate of the first component and the indirect measurement of the amount flow rate of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Jonathan Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20120211516
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has various features intended to ease use, including an improved removal and attachment system and a system to identify and visually illustrate selected pour sizes. In a specific embodiment, the pouring device has a colored light or LED indicator system that allows the user to quickly and easily confirm the selected pour size. Embodiments may also include one or more features that ease attachment and removal of the pouring device to a liquid container, such as a replaceable cork system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Achim Philipp Zapp, Richard A. Martindale
  • Publication number: 20120211518
    Abstract: A dispense verification meter for measuring and verifying dispense operations (e.g., actual dispensed volumes) of media dispense systems. The dispense verification meter preferably automatically corrects zero offset drift, preferably samples the flow rate of media being dispensed at a sufficiently high sample rate, and verifies whether the desired dispense operation has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MALEMA ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Philip M. Freidin
  • Patent number: 8245726
    Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garland Mathews, Michael L. Suter, Mark R. Jackson, Kevin G. Socha, Jose D. Milla, Gregory W. Schrader
  • Patent number: 8240515
    Abstract: A lockable enclosure for protecting a pulser of a fuel dispenser including a pulser shaft connecting the pulser to a fuel meter, the enclosure having a first enclosure portion attached to the fuel meter, the first enclosure portion including a base wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a first locking plate extending outwardly from the front wall and a mounting aperture defined by the rear wall. A second enclosure portion is detachably mounted to the first enclosure portion, the second enclosure portion including an outer wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a second locking plate extending outwardly from the front wall and a mounting pin extending inwardly from the rear wall. When the mounting pin of the second enclosure portion is removably received in the mounting aperture defined by the rear wall of the first enclosure portion and the first and second locking plates are adjacent each other to enclose the pulser and pulser shaft within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Kinzie, Vedamurthy Mallikarjunaswamy
  • Patent number: 8220660
    Abstract: A system for supplying at least two fluids in proportioned quantities may include a first and second intake passages configured to be in flow communication with sources of first and second fluids, respectively. The system may include a fluid transfer device in flow communication with the first intake passage and the second intake passage, and a pump in flow communication with the first intake passage. Operation of the pump is configured to supply a quantity of the first fluid to a first chamber of the fluid transfer device such that a quantity of the second fluid is expelled from a second chamber of the fluid transfer device. When operation of the pump is ceased, a quantity of the second fluid enters the second chamber and a quantity of the first fluid is expelled from the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8220502
    Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a vessel into which a liquid chemical is to be dispensed. The volume of the vessel may be known and a control device may determine an initial pressure of the vessel using the pressure gauge. A volume of liquid chemical may be dispensed into the vessel which may cause the pressure within the vessel to increase to a second pressure. The control device may determine the second pressure using the pressure gauge may calculate the volume of liquid chemical dispensed into the vessel using the volume of the vessel, the initial pressure of the vessel, and the second pressure of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kelekar, Gaurav Verma, Kurt Weiner
  • Patent number: 8221702
    Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi-High Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimoda, Masahito Kakuno, Eiji Takaya, Junichi Oizumi
  • Publication number: 20120174565
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering liquid reducing agent includes a reducing agent tank. At least a delivery unit, at least one first compensation element, a reducing agent line and a metering unit together have an overall volume to be filled with a reducing agent and are configured for delivering, conducting and metering the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank. The at least one first compensation element is configured for reducing the overall volume when a negative pressure occurs in the delivery device. A method for compensating freezing of a reducing agent in a delivery device and a motor vehicle having a delivery device, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: JAN HODGSON, SVEN SCHEPERS
  • Patent number: 8215522
    Abstract: A hand-held flow metering device for dispensing a pressurized fluid comprises a valve, a flow meter, a trigger lever, a trigger release mechanism and meter electronics. The valve is connected to the pressurized fluid to regulate flow of the pressurized fluid through the device. The flow meter is disposed within the flow of pressurized fluid to measure volumetric flow of the pressurized fluid. The trigger lever is configured to be manually displaced to mechanically open the valve. The trigger release mechanism is connected to the trigger lever and is selectively actuated to mechanically prevent the trigger lever from opening the valve when the trigger lever is displaced. The meter electronics is connected to the flow meter and the trigger release mechanism to actuate the trigger release mechanism based on output of the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Breeser, Mark L. Bauck, John C. Holman
  • Publication number: 20120171337
    Abstract: The dough portioner 10 includes a manifold 36 defining a chamber 38 for receiving bakers dough or other viscous flowable material from a feed pump 14. A plurality of delivery channels 44 in communication with said chamber pass the viscous material to a dough cutter 66. A meter wheel 52 is positioned between the manifold and the cutter for receiving a stream of the material from each of the delivery channels and discharging the streams of material independently of others of said meter wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: AMF Automation Technologies, LLC d/b/a AMF Bakery Systems
    Inventors: Bruce V. Campbell, James M. Prill
  • Publication number: 20120168532
    Abstract: A system and method for combining an additive with a carrier fluid in a spray nozzle. The carrier fluid is fed to one or more nozzles that include an embedded Venturi. The Venturi includes an induction port connected to an additive supply. As the carrier fluid flows through the nozzle, the flow creates a vacuum or suction force that draws in the additive. Of particular advantage, the concentration of the additive combined with the carrier fluid can be maintained constant even if the flow rate of the carrier fluid varies. The system and process are particularly well suited for spraying fields, such as crop fields or orchards, with an agrochemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Durham K. Giles
  • Publication number: 20120144878
    Abstract: Embodiments of an appliance are described that are configured for bulk handling and dispensing of an additive. The appliance includes a dispensing device that has in one example a bulk compartment and a dispense compartment. The dispensing device also includes a flow control device such as a valve that controls gravity-flow communication of the additive between the bulk compartment and the dispense compartment. In one embodiment, a fluid conduit carries a washing fluid such as water to the dispense compartment, thereby flushing the additive from the dispense compartment and into a wash tub of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Alaknanda Acharya, David Dunn, Mohan Ponnaganti
  • Patent number: 8147461
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product having a dispensing outlet from which the fluid product is dispensable, a supply of the fluid product, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction along an axis X-X from a first position to a second position which causes a dose of the fluid product in the supply to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and a finger-operable actuator member mounted for movement in an actuating direction which is generally transverse to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Stanley George Bonney, Hugh Alexander Connell, Michael Birsha Davies, James William Godfrey, Mark Graham Hedley, Robert William Tansley
  • Publication number: 20120070546
    Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inne
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Age Willem Tanja, Ivo van Os, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff
  • Publication number: 20120048885
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for portioning and dispensing a frozen product, another viscous fluid, or the like, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a frozen food product is pressed between a first and second surface as the first and second surfaces are approximated in a portioning container, to thereby form a dispensable portion. The second surface may separate to allow the formed frozen product to be dispensed from the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a storage container for the frozen product, wherein a portion of the frozen product in the storage container is transferred to the portioning container as the frozen product in the storage container is rotated and advanced against a cutting blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: David B. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120047988
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system provides for accurately measuring and calibrating liquid products dispensed from a dispenser. A liquid diluent enters an aspirator assembly (12). A liquid product is drawn from a product container through a flow meter (36) into the aspirator assembly (12), wherein liquid product and diluent are mixed to dispense at the outlet of the aspirator (14). The flow meter (36) monitors the amount of liquid product drawn into and dispensed from the aspirator (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC
    Inventors: RICHARD JONDALL MEHUS, JOHN THOMAS PELKEY, RYAN JACOB URBAN, QUANG VAN DAO, SCOTT RUSSELL LIMBACK
  • Patent number: 8114479
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vapor or liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a diptube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Spohn, David Walter Peters
  • Publication number: 20120018357
    Abstract: The invention provides a water dispensing system comprising a container having a first region adapted to store unfiltered water, a second region adapted to store filtered water, and a spout region, a meter housing adapted to receive a water meter, a reservoir disposed within the first region of the container, a filter coupled to the reservoir, the filter being adapted to filter water flowing from the reservoir into the second region of the container, a valve assembly disposed in the second region of the container, the valve assembly being adapted to dispense filtered water from the second region of the container, and a lid coupled to the reservoir. In addition, the invention provides a system for filtering and testing water, comprising a water filtering system used in combination with a water meter for testing the quality of the effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ZERO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu Rajan, Raja Rajan, Ken Williams
  • Publication number: 20120009318
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage mixing and dispersing apparatus comprising :—a metering device,—a mixing chamber,—at least one diluent feeding means,—means for moving the mixing chamber, characterized in that the mixing chamber is movable between:—a metering position, where the metering device outlet emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and—a mixing position, where the diluent feeding means are able to inject the diluent in the mixing chamber and the metering device outlet does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Cedric Beausire, Lucio Scorrano
  • Publication number: 20120005898
    Abstract: An appliance for personal care, such as skin, dental or hair treatment, comprising a dispensing structure (30) for automatically dispensing a fluid. The dispensing structure (30) includes a fluid reservoir (10), a discharge opening (11) and a fluid drive structure (9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20) for driving the fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir (10) and to and out of said discharge opening (11) in accordance with a dispensing rate/time profile (Sx). The fluid drive structure (9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20) is arranged for spurting at least once during said dispensing operation for squirting an additional quantity of the fluid to and out of the discharge opening (11) in addition to the fluid being dispensed in accordance with said dispensing rate/time profile (Sx).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: JEROEN MOLEMA, ANKE SINNEMA, WILKO WESTERHOF
  • Publication number: 20110284579
    Abstract: A sealed delivery system for dispensing metered volumes of a pure or sterile flowable substance is presented. Such system comprises a continuously sealing one-way valve assembly at a distal end, and a volume reducing reservoir at a proximal end, in which a pure or sterile flowable substance can be stored. In operation a user pushes down upon an actuator assembly, acting upon a metering pumping chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir via a check valve. Depression of the actuator causes a dispensing pump to push a metered volume of flowable substance through the continuously sealing one way dispensing valve assembly, and return of the actuator to its home state causes the dispensing pump to pull a metered volume of the contained flowable substance from the volume reducing reservoir and through the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Reseal International Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Greg Pardes, Paul Mulhauser, Lyndon Treacy
  • Publication number: 20110284573
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of providing in a powder provider device a target dose of an active pharmaceutical ingredient present in a powder preparation. The active ingredient in a powder sample is analyzed and a powder volume corresponding to the target dose is calculated. The positions of wall portions forming a hole are adjusted relative to each other for receiving the calculated powder volume in the hole. The disclosure also relates to a method of providing a target volume of powder, a powder provider device and a use of a powder dosing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Allan Dagsland
  • Publication number: 20110245781
    Abstract: A dosing unit for an ambulatory infusion device and a method of operation are disclosed. The dosing unit includes a stationary member, a movable member, and a plunger. The movable member and the stationary member, together, make a charging valve and a discharging valve. The plunger is located, at least in part, in a metering cavity of the movable member and the movable member is adapted to selectively couple and decouple a driving unit, such that, by operating the driving unit with the movable member being coupled with the driving unit, the movable member moves with the plunger to maintain a position of the plunger relative to the movable member along a displacement axis, and by operating the driving unit with the movable member being decoupled from the driving unit, the plunger is displaced while the position of the movable member is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Martin Wyss, Florian Kuehni
  • Publication number: 20110239591
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for metering tobacco in portions suitable for packaging. The apparatus includes a feeding element for the tobacco and a device for forming and discharging at least one tobacco portion suitable for packaging. The device comprises a wiping element for wiping tobacco into a portioning chamber. The portioning chamber is variable in volume for compressing the tobacco and releasing the compressed tobacco portion. The portioning chamber is also displaceable relative to the wiping element for displacing from a filling position into a dispensing position and vice versa. An element for discharging the compressed tobacco portion is disposed in the area of the dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Thomas Gruss, Patrick Fricke, Stephan Plewa, Hartmut Ringel, Bernd Seliger
  • Publication number: 20110232003
    Abstract: A packaged fabric conditioning product comprising a flowable fabric conditioning composition comprising 0.5-40% by weight of at least one unsaturated quaternary ammonium compound, said composition contained in bottom-dispensing packaging which comprises (i) a deformable container in which the fabric conditioning composition is stored with ullage; and (ii) a dispensing device which is located at the base of the container such that in the inverted position the flowable fabric conditioning composition is positioned beneath the ullage and above the dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Anderson, Tamara Marie Ross
  • Patent number: 8025184
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush
  • Publication number: 20110204087
    Abstract: A container system includes a tub including a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall and side walls extending between the front wall and the back wall. A bottom extends between the front wall, back wall and side walls. A mouth structure includes a fastening feature configured for connecting to a lid. The mouth structure has an opening therethrough that provides access to a containing volume of the tub. A shoulder extends inwardly from the side walls to the mouth structure. A plurality of unitized doses of a detergent composition is located within the containing volume of the tub. A lid is connected to tub using the fastening feature. The lid has an open position for allowing user access to the containing volume and a closed position for preventing user access to the containing volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Kopulos, Brian David Andres
  • Publication number: 20110185908
    Abstract: The device (9) comprises a dosing element (23) housed in a housing seat (21) equipped with an inlet (21A) for feed of the food product and with an outlet (21B) for dispensing the food product. The dosing element rotates in the housing seat and has a hollow body with an opening (23B) for feed and delivery of the food product. With rotation of the dosing element the hollow body can be taken into alignment alternatively with the inlet or with the outlet of the housing seat (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Giovanni Berto
  • Publication number: 20110174344
    Abstract: A dispenser for washing agents, in particular of the type adapted to dispense a washing agent into a tub of a washing machine, includes at least one casing that has at least one reservoir for washing agents and a metering element provided with at least one movable chamber. The movable chamber can be moved between a first and a second position respectively corresponding to a supply condition, wherein washing agents are supplied from the reservoir into the movable chamber, and a discharge condition, wherein the washing agents are discharged from the movable chamber into the tub. The dispenser includes structure provided with at least one sliding surface adapted to facilitate the supply and/or discharge of the washing agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Costanzo Gadini
  • Patent number: 7976794
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning pipettes in medical-technical applications including at least one pipetting apparatus with at least one pipette as well as several drive units for positioning a pipette tip and for moving it over a working area and transversely to a working area, a sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area supports the pipette, at least one pump drive with at least one pump and at least one pump chamber is provided for aspirating or dispensing a medium, such that by providing the at least one pump drive with pump and at least one pump chamber integrated in the sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area, the design of the positioning device becomes compact and precise pipetting is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stratec Biomedical Systems AG
    Inventor: Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 7963423
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles, comprising a fuel line having a fuel inlet, a gas exit and a fuel exit. A sensor is arranged to measure the amount of gas in the fuel flowing through the fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda Sassner, Bengt Larsson
  • Patent number: 7957927
    Abstract: Temperature compensation is applied to correct for temperature mismatch between a reference chamber and a disposable chamber in a pneumatic pumping system for dialysis fluid for peritoneal dialysis. The mismatch creates an error in the calculation of pumping volume of dialysate fluid. Applying a correction for the temperature mismatch helps to more precisely control the volume of dialysate that is metered to the patient. Also disclosed are ways to keep temperatures constant and to use temperature sensors to accurately measure the temperatures of the chambers. In other aspects, the temperature of the dialysate fluid itself may be measured and used to apply a correction to the volume of fluid that is pumped to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Huitt, Douglas E. Vincent, Gideon Hecht
  • Publication number: 20110121017
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for storing and metering a powder (3) and mixing said powder with a diluent to prepare a food product, the device being able to be connected to a tank containing the diluent and to a source of air, the device comprising: —a multidose container (2) to form a reserve of powder (3), —a powder dosing system (4), —a powder duct (5) integrated in an air chamber (6) configured to carry air around the powder duct outlet, —said powder duct outlet (5) emerging in a mixing chamber (7) comprising a diluent inlet (8) and a food product outlet (9), —the whole forming a single piece disposable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Johan Bergdahl, Richard Luke Murphy, John Meldrum, Stephane Hentzel
  • Publication number: 20110121025
    Abstract: A metering device for powdery substances, particularly for preparing dental and dental laboratory powder compounds. The powder compounds can be filled into a storage container (1) and fed from the storage container (1) to a vessel (9) using a discharge device. The lower region (3) of the storage container (1) is tapered, and in the storage container (1) an insert (4) is arranged, which has at least one upwardly tapering section (5), wherein the insert (4) is arranged in the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). A through-passage (7) remains clear between the lower edge (6) of the tapering section (5) of the insert (4) and the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). The insert (4) and/or the storage container (1) is associated with a vibration unit (8). The vessel (9) receiving the metered powder can be placed on a weighing unit (10), wherein the weighing unit (10) and the vibration unit (8) are operatively connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AMANN GIRRBACH AG
    Inventor: Timo Koch
  • Patent number: RE43288
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a flow control device and a Coriolis mass flowmeter in fluid communication with the flow control device. The Coriolis flowmeter has a flow-tube made of a high-purity plastic material, such as PFA, making the delivery system suitable for high purity applications. A controller provides a control output signal to the flow control device, which may comprise a pinch valve, so as to vary the flow control device output in response to a setpoint signal and measurement signals received from the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Wesley E. Sund, Joseph C. Dille, Michael J. Barger, Gary E. Pawlas