Mounted For Relative Motion Patents (Class 222/83)
  • Patent number: 6843388
    Abstract: A compressed gas cartridge dispensing system capable of dispensing at least two different capacities of non-threaded neck compressed gas cartridges as well as optionally dispensing all cartridges having a ?-24 neck thread. The standard 12-gram CO2 non-threaded neck compressed gas cartridge fits this dispenser. The same dispensing system is also capable of dispensing larger capacity cartridges having a neck dimensioned smaller than a ?-24 female thread minor diameter with a water capacity in the range of 16 to 50 ml. Obvious advantages to the dispensing system are added options offering increased versatility for harnessing compressed gas cartridges of differing capacities in a unique dispenser including a novel cartridge storage feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Scott Hollars
  • Publication number: 20040245286
    Abstract: A spout assembly includes a spout sealing portion coupled on a container sealing portion, a spouting portion formed on the spouting sealing portion and extending upward, a closure for closing the spouting portion, the closure being connected to the spouting portion by a connecting member, and a closure location maintaining member for, when the closure is opened, maintaining the closure at a location where the closure does not obstruct the flow of contents discharged through the spouting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6820764
    Abstract: There is described a closable opening device for a sealed package containing a pourable food product. The opening device has a tubular frame defining a through hole and fitted about a pierceable portion of the package; a removeable threaded frame which screws onto the frame to close the hole; and a tubular cutting member movably engaging the hole, rotatably connected to the frame at least when disengaging the cap from the frame when unsealing the package and projecting axially from the frame and inwards of the package to detach the pierceable portion partly from the rest of the package and the cutting member has, along a lateral wall, a number of through openings to allow air into the package when pouring the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & 'Finance SA
    Inventors: Claudia Miani, Danilo Veroni, Cristiano Casale
  • Patent number: 6811341
    Abstract: A device for use in combining components to form a compound and for applying the compound to a substrate includes a first housing having a first-housing receptacle with a proximal end, a plunger including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being disposed in the proximal end of the first-housing receptacle, at least one penetrable barrier sealing the receptacle, and a first component of the compound disposed in the first-housing receptacle, where one of the first housing and the plunger includes an applicator tip retaining a second component of the compound and being separated from the first component by the at least one penetrable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Scott Crane
  • Patent number: 6811342
    Abstract: The invention provides a transportable applicator system in intended in particular for applying a composition on a localized surface element. It comprises a main body (10) extended by a rod handle (12) and a receptacle (14) in which said main body (10) is suitable for being inserted. The applicator system comprises: a puncturable container (18) containing said composition and held in said receptacle (14); applicator means (13) for applying said composition and secured to the end of said main body; and means (22, 20) for puncturing said container (18) when the main body (10) is forced into said receptacle (14) so as to puncture said puncturable container (18), whereby said applicator means (13) are suitable for being impregnated with said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Taiki Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bernard Pauchet
  • Publication number: 20040206773
    Abstract: A pack containing medicament, the pack including a base having first and second opposing faces, at least one recess being formed in the first face, a foil secured to the first face so as to form with the at least one recess a sealed compartment for housing medicament and a substantially rigid member housed in the compartment extending generally from the second face to the first face such that the member can be pushed from the second face so as to rupture the foil outwardly of the compartment at the first face without compressing the medicament and a dispensing device for use with or including such a pack having an actuator for pushing the member from the second face so as to rupture the foil outwardly of the compartment at the first place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew John Ede, Douglas Ivan Jennings
  • Publication number: 20040206772
    Abstract: A bottle adapter is disclosed for use with a liquid refill kit for an automated cleansing sprayer of the type having a reservoir tray having an upwardly extending well for supporting a bottle in an inverted orientation, wherein the well has a spring-loaded outlet valve. The refill kit includes the bottle for containing a liquid. The bottle has a piercable closure sealing an end of the bottle. The adapter has a central hole. The adapter is suitable for being situated between the closure and a bottom wall of the upwardly extending well in the sprayer for supporting the bottle. The adapter is configured such that if the bottle and adapter are installed in the well, movement of the closure relative to the well can result in movement of the adapter which in turn can result in movement of the outlet valve that controls the opening and closing of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: David H. Leifheit, Terry M. Kovara, Peter M. Neumann, Amber N.D. Mazooji
  • Publication number: 20040200855
    Abstract: A cap for a hermetically sealed container includes an interior spike and a unitary security ring which is severed from the cap when an attempt is made to remove the cap from the container. The cap is rotatable in one direction to pierce through and puncture the neck of the container and allow access to the container contents. The security ring is severed from the cap when an attempt is made either to remove the cap from the container or to pierce the neck of the container with the interior spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard H. Weiler
  • Publication number: 20040188457
    Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable materials from a package. The system basically comprises the package and a receiver apparatus. The receiver apparatus includes a hollow interior chamber, e.g., a hopper, a penetrating assembly e.g., plural blades, fixedly mounted with respect to the chamber, and an outlet. The package, e.g., a flexible package, has a hollow interior in which the flowable material is located and includes at least one wall portion, e.g., a bottom wall, arranged to be penetrated by the penetrating assembly, whereupon the flowable material is enabled to flow out of the package for ultimate dispensing out of an outlet of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Galomb
  • Publication number: 20040188458
    Abstract: An ampoule for containing a specified amount of liquid inside to be used for a liquid atomizer has a tubular main body having an open front part including an outlet at one end and an open back part at an opposite end. A piston is inserted into the main body from the open front part in an airtight manner and is slidable axially inside the main body. Another piston is inserted into the main body from the open back part in an airtight manner so as to be slidable axially inside the main body. The two pistons form a reservoir in between for storing a liquid. The forwardly located piston has a weakened part on the side that faces the reservoir. As a sharp member extending from the other piston penetrates this weakened, the reservoir and the outlet become connected and the liquid inside the reservoir is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Tabata, Kei Asai, Shinichi Ito
  • Publication number: 20040188459
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a fixed lower part, an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part and a cartridge holder interposed between the lower part and the upper part and being rotatable relative to the lower part and the upper part, wherein the lower part comprises inlet piercing means and outlet piercing means for forming, respectively, an inlet and an outlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the cartridge holder, wherein rotation of the upper part towards the lower part causes the upper part to engage the cartridge holder and to move the cartridge holder into contact with the lower part and at the same time to cause, in use, the inlet piercing means and the outlet piercing means to pierce a cartridge received in the cartridge holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Steve Carter
  • Publication number: 20040178220
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment assembly for a container including a spout connected in fluid communication to the container, a cap sealing an end of the spout, the cap having a pierceable portion, and a piercer for piercing the cap at the pierceable portion to permit fluid communication from the container through the spout and piercer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040155054
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device includes a punch at one end, a central body, and a capture port at the other end of the central body. The punch punctures a wall of a fluid container. Drinking fluid flows into the central body. The drinking tube is inserted into the port to allow one to drink fluid from the container. The device allows one wearing a protective suit in a contaminated environment to obtain drinking fluid from a standard, commercially-available container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert McKitrick
  • Patent number: 6772911
    Abstract: A flow controller for a container including a slide member guide, having a first peripheral flange on an outer surface, and configured to be either integral with the container or to be attached separately to a neck of the container. The neck includes a seal. A slide member is slideably and rotatably carried within the slide member guide. The slide member includes a second peripheral flange attached to an outer surface of the slide member to provide a space for insertion of a shipping pin between the first and second peripheral flanges. The shipping pin prevents an inner edge of the slide member from contacting and puncturing the seal. The container can include a lancing pin disposed on the inside of the container and is configured to contact the slide member at a top end and actuate an air vent at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gee, John M. Naber
  • Patent number: 6773174
    Abstract: A cartridge that supplies fresh photographic processing solution or chemistry to a photoprocessing machine and recovers silver from spent processing solution. The cartridge is designed to integrate a solution supply system and a silver recovery system to facilitate the collection of silver from spent processing solution, form a less-regulated spent solution and reduce chemical exposures to operators of photoprocessing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Call, Jay E. Mathewson, Donna M. Timmons, Richard R. Horn
  • Patent number: 6772910
    Abstract: A resealable cap for a container is disclosed, the cap having a seal piercing element, the liquid in the container being initially separated from the piercing element by a seal. The cap includes a collar, a neck portion and a top portion. The top portion includes the seal piercing element. There is a liquid passageway through the cap, after the top portion has been moved from an initial position to a closed position (thus piercing the seal) and thence to an open position. Thereafter the cap can be resealed and opened repeatedly, by movement of the top portion from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. Numerous embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Fredrick Michael Coory
  • Publication number: 20040149675
    Abstract: 15A sealing closure for use with a container includes a top wall, an annular skirt, and a resiliently flexible annular flange. The annular skirt extends downwardly from the top wall. The annular flange extends downwardly from the top wall and radially outwardly toward the annular skirt. One or more stop ribs can be provided extending downwardly from the top wall and radially inwardly from the annular skirt to limit upward deflection of the annular flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: James Paul Perry, Thomas Daniel Loughrin, William Joseph Hook, Peter Carter
  • Patent number: 6748968
    Abstract: A combination junction provides a fluid, electrical-power and control-signal connections. A combination tap comprises a flow probe that pierces a main conduit when it is attached to it. It thereby provides fluid communication between a tap conduit and the main conduit. The combination tap also includes one or more tap electrical conductors to tap electrical conductors embedded in the main-conduit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, David W. Hadley
  • Publication number: 20040104245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device (1) for a container (B) that comprises a bung-type lower part (2) with a cylindrical pour spout (20). The cylindrical pour spout has a female thread in which a cylindrical piercing element (3) that is open to both sides and that is provided with a male thread is retained by a screw connection. A screw cap (4) can be placed on the lower part, said screw cap being provided with driver means (44, 45) that interact with driver means (34) in the piercing element (3). A fine-pitch thread is provided between the screw cap (4) and the lower part and a coarse-pitch thread between the lower part and the piercing element. The combined screw/translational motion of the piercing element and the selected threads produce a highly effective cutting motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Werner Fritz Dubach
  • Publication number: 20040104246
    Abstract: A fixing member is fixed to a beverage pack in a state in which a through-hole and an opening are aligned. Next, the pointed end of an adapter body is inserted into the opening through the through-hole. This causes the pointed end to puncture a film and pass through the opening, but a flange serves as a stopper so that just the pointed end is inserted into the beverage pack. At this point the surrounding area is kept liquid-tight by a seal, and the adapter body is prevented from falling out by ridges provided to this. One end of a tube is connected to a joint of the adapter body. A catheter is connected to the other end of this tube, allowing a nutritional beverage contained in the beverage pack to be discharged directly from the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Susumu Kawaguchi, Tsukasa Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20040104247
    Abstract: A two piece sealed capsule that is inserted into a liquid bearing container including but not limited to the neck of a bottle, said capsule being a container or receptacle for sealably containing a liquid and/or dry material and a dispenser for releasing the material when desired into the container. The top of the capsule is depressed manually forcing two or more blade like prongs against the bottom of the capsule ripping a portion away, dispensing the material. The present invention allows the use of materials that would discolor, degrade or interact with other substances when added to the contents of the bottle, to remain stable and/or inactive until the time of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Michael R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040099686
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve device for a beverage vessel which includes a hollow body coupled to an opening of the beverage vessel and opened at upper and lower ends thereof; a sealing member attached to the opening of the beverage vessel for sealing the beverage vessel; a vertical moving member fitted in the body and adapted to be vertically movable and rotatable; a cutting device installed at a lower portion of the vertical moving member and adapted to cut the sealing member in accordance with the rotation of the vertical moving member; and a lid rotatably fitted around the body while being coupled to the vertical moving member to rotate it. When the lid rotates, the vertical moving member moves downwardly while rotating to cut the sealing member by the cutting device installed thereto, thereby allowing the sealed vessel opening to be easily opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Hee-Kwon Rho
  • Publication number: 20040084476
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a dispenser for insertion in a pack for drink and a cap for concealing the dispenser. The dispenser defines a space extending for an entire length thereof and includes a mouthpiece formed on an end, an insert formed on an opposite end and a stop formed between the mouthpiece and the insert. The cap can be mounted on the mouthpiece or the insert. The insert includes a cutting edge. The cutting edge includes a point. The cap includes a plug for insertion in the dispenser. The dispenser includes a ridge formed on an internal face, and the plug includes a ridge formed thereon for engagement with the ridge of the dispenser when the plug is inserted in the dispenser. The insert defines an aperture communicated with the space of the dispenser and located adjacent to the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Chien-Fu Lin, Chi-Yang Liao, Gino Lu
  • Patent number: 6726060
    Abstract: A tube having a needle piercing membrane closing the threaded opening of a tube neck is provided with a screw-on nozzle defining cap having an internal stopper projecting into the mouth opening to the throat, the stopper sealingly engaging the perforated mouth opening and terminating adjacent the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Barristo Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Ragusa, Dennis A. Gross
  • Publication number: 20040069799
    Abstract: A flow controller for a container including a slide member guide, having a first peripheral flange on an outer surface, and configured to be either integral with the container or to be attached separately to a neck of the container. The neck includes a seal. A slide member is slideably and rotatably carried within the slide member guide. The slide member includes a second peripheral flange attached to an outer surface of the slide member to provide a space for insertion of a shipping pin between the first and second peripheral flanges. The shipping pin prevents an inner edge of the slide member from contacting and puncturing the seal. The container can include a lancing pin disposed on the inside of the container and is configured to contact the slide member at a top end and actuate an air vent at the opposite end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gee, John M. Naber
  • Patent number: 6712240
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure of a piercing drain device used on a sealed chamber mainly comprising a first component, a second component, a piercing component, a first arc pad and a second arc pad. Because the first component and the second component are pivoted on their end portion, increasing the force arm, the force of clamping is then increased to improve the gastight. Without any pad or only with the first arc pad or with both the first and the second arc pad, the improved structure is used on three different sizes sealed chamber, and has wide range utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hsueh Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 6709221
    Abstract: The gripping device comprises in a single retaining frame a plurality of gripper units for gripping the bottles to be emptied, each of which units comprises, mating with the lateral profile of a bottle, a fixed member and a movable member, capable of fitting round a part of the outer surface of the bottle to be emptied, each of the gripper units having associated with it a device for piercing the bottle, equipped with a piercing member for the introduction of an expulsion gas and drainage of the contents of the bottle, and also an optical sensor for checking the presence of the bottle and checking whether there are contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Probitas Pharma, S.A.
    Inventors: Sergi Roura Adell, Juan Antonio Dux-Santoy Roldan
  • Patent number: 6702161
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a foil or membrane sealed opening. The closure includes a cap, a spout and a stem. The stem includes a downwardly extending piercing structure adapted for piercing the foil or membrane of the container upon rotation of the spout relative to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Publication number: 20040026422
    Abstract: A membrane penetrating closure device for a container on which a sealing membrane (e.g., a metal foil) is installed. The membrane penetrating closure includes a cap that is designed to be engaged on the container. The cap is sealed by a user deformable portion that includes a pressure application surface. A penetrating structure with a cutting edge is connected to the user deformable portion such that it extends towards the membrane when the container and closure are engaged. Retaining structure is provided to retain a severed portion of the membrane within the penetrating structure. In one embodiment, the retaining structure comprises a plurality of capture projections that extend inwardly from the cutting edge. In another embodiment, the retaining structure is a spear projection that extends beyond the cutting edge. Other embodiments are described wherein the severed portion of the membrane remains connected to unsevered portions of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Technology Center
    Inventor: Scott K. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6685055
    Abstract: A container closure apparatus having a base for attachment to the container. The base has an opening for passing the contents of the container. A lever is hinged to the base, such that an upward force on a rearward portion of the lever causes a frontward portion of the lever to depress the container material creating an opening directly beneath the opening in the base. A portion of the lever is adapted to seal the opening in the base, and thus the container, when the lever is in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc.
    Inventor: Steven G. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040016770
    Abstract: A tote bin liner has a transfer spigot (2) through which product may be introduced into or emptied from the liner. The transfer spigot has a membrane (6) which seals the interior of the liner. The membrane is sealed to the spigot on an outer face (11) of the spigot which is configured so that the membrane will be clamped in position during piercing of the membrane by a cutter. The invention extends to a cutter assembly for use with a tote bin liner. The cutter assembly (40) may be adapted to be moved past a valve closure member (22) for the valve (20), the assembly furthermore including an arrangement (78) for sterilising the interior of the valve and the outer face of the membrane, and an actuator (43) for moving the cutter in order to pierce the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: VISY FILMS & LAMINATES PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030226855
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-sealing dispensing tap for use on flexible packages. The tap includes a piercing end configured for piercing the wall of a flexible container, and a flexible member that rides along the tap as it is inserted into the container and expands once installed so as to prevent its withdrawal from the container. A clamping device is provided on the outside of the container which draws the flexible member against the interior wall of the container so as to provide a barrier preventing product within the container, bacteria, or oxygen from inadvertently passing between the interior and exterior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: International Dispensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R. Allanson, Joseph E. Koehler, Joseph DiMatteo
  • Patent number: 6659308
    Abstract: A dispensing closure (18) for a container (10) of liquid product (70, 72) which is sealed by a piercable diaphragm (16). The closure includes a piercing member 924) which is moveable through a predetermined distance towards the container and which has a cutting edge arranged to pierce the diaphragm to form a dispensing aperture. At the end of its movement towards the interior of the container, the piercing member is arranged to plug the dispensing aperture against escape of the product when the container is inverted prior to dispensing. The closure is particularly useful for liquid products which tend to separate into a lighter (70) and heavier (72) fraction during storage. The closure prevents dripping of the lighter fraction when the container is inverted and allows the heavier fraction to displace the lighter fraction adjacent to the dispensing aperture before dispensing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Louise Kelder, Christopher Paul Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6655407
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Technical Chemical Company
    Inventor: Newton Howard Dudley
  • Patent number: 6651845
    Abstract: A container system for dispensing flowable materials includes a prefilled, disposable bag, a reusable outer support and a reusable cap. The bag fits into the outer support and has a flat top with a collar that is held between the cap and outer support. The cap includes a tube for dispensing the material. The tube punctures the top of the bag when the cap is assembled to the outer support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Charles W. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20030192908
    Abstract: A dispenser for releasing a debilitating substance into a user's hand comprises an outer layer defining a cavity therein wherein the outer layer further defines a plurality of holes therethrough communicating the cavity with an exterior of said dispenser. At least one sharp projection extends from the outer layer into the cavity. A pouch is positioned within the cavity proximate to the at least one sharp projection wherein the pouch contains a debilitating substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Thomas Slewidge
  • Patent number: 6626309
    Abstract: A transfer set for transferring fluid from a first container, such as a conventional sealed vial, to. a second container, such as a conventional syringe having a luer connector without a needle canula. The transfer set includes a tubular housing member having a proximate end adapted to be attached to the first container open end, a tubular transfer member located within the tubular housing member, a piercing member telescopically supported in the tubular transfer member, and a cap or closure which in the preferred embodiments releasably retains the distal end of the piercing member prior to removal of the cap. The cap includes a central portion having a tubular connector portion which receives and releasably retains the distal end of the piercing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6626328
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises a reservoir (7) and a plunger pump (8), the medium inlet (3) of which pierces a closure (45) of the reservoir (7), after which the medium can be discharged metered from the reservoir (7) by repeated strokes with the pump (8). Until used the medium thus remains hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Ritsche, Juergen Greiner-Perth
  • Patent number: 6622891
    Abstract: A container (11) for a liquid containing bag. The container is capable of adjusting the flow rate of a liquid (41) to be poured out. The container includes a container body (12) having an opening (24), and a cap (13) for selectively closing the opening. The container body is closed by a pair of lids (17). The upper end portion of the bag (42) is supported between mating faces (25) of the lids. The cap has fasteners (37) for clamping the upper end portion of the bag. When the cap is slid along grooves (26) formed in the lids, the fasteners close a pourer (43) of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Makino Sogo Kenkyugo
    Inventors: Hideya Makino, Yutaka Iwashita
  • Publication number: 20030150874
    Abstract: A nozzle for dissemination of active substances comprising a nozzle head that has an outlet opening for the active substance; and a nozzle casing that is fitted with a port for an air pipe. The nozzle is characterized by the fact that the nozzle casing is an elongated tube that can accommodate an active substance cartridge and that at one end region of said tube the port for the air pipe is fitted and characterized by the fact that the nozzle head, at least partially, can be inserted into the opposite end region of the tube in a detachable manner whereby the nozzle head has the same dimensions as the tube in an axial direction; and by the fact that in the installation the active substance cartridge is held in place against the nozzle head and that the nozzle head is fitted with a flow channel that extends from the outlet opening to the active substance cartridge. The invention also relates to a system that feeds active substances into a room employing said nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Marc Meire
  • Patent number: 6601605
    Abstract: An end-cap lockingly securable to the end of the pipe at the same time a secondary action such as a branch line is formed to the main pipe line. The end cap housing has an integral branch forming member to allow a user to lock the end cap to the pipe by forming a branch line on the side of the pipe with the end cap housing sandwiching the end of a pipe between a pipe insert and a pipe receptor in the end cap housing. The pipe receptor includes an insert having a sealing surface, which when engaged to the interior surface of a pipe, forms a leak-proof relationship with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: King Technology of Missouri Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6598757
    Abstract: Drink spout systems for use with drink containers. The drink spout systems are configured to easily pierce a drink container or a seal across an opening in the drink container to access the drink fluid contained within the drink container. The drink spout system may include a valve assembly to regulate the flow of the drink fluid through the drink spout. The drink spout system may additionally or alternatively include a valve assembly that is configured to prevent drink fluid from being unintentionally dispensed from the drink container, such as when the drink container is pierced by the drink spout system or when the drink container is tipped over or dropped. The drink spout system is particularly useful on aseptic drink pouches, aseptic drink boxes, drink bottles and other similar drink containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Publication number: 20030132244
    Abstract: A twist closure means for a container has a screw cap, which includes an inner cylinder and a cutting edge extending from the inner cylinder, and a supply container rotatably arrangeable on the inner cylinder. The supply container includes a supply container bottom and a pocket extending from the supply container bottom for accommodation of the cutting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Jorg Birkmayer, Ernest E. Kraxner, Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 6581800
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Timothy Rodd, Graham Fuller, Peter T. M. Nott, Richard Harbutt
  • Patent number: 6578738
    Abstract: A package assembly is provided for use within a reusable cartridge for dispensing at least one component. The package assembly includes a container with a thin, flexible membrane wall with an open end, and a front outlet to which the open end of the membrane container is secured by a ring-shaped sealing element. This membrane container outlet end allows conventional filling of the container and a perfect seal at the front outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6578737
    Abstract: An improved cartridge for holding a variety of filler materials for use with a gun system, such cartridge of the type having a nozzle wherein the foil seal above the filler material in the barrel and beneath the nozzle can be punctured by pressurizing the filler material which action causes foil seal to move into contact with a sharpened edge disposed under the innerside of the base of the top under the sidewall of the nozzle to puncture the foil seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Paul D. Jackman
  • Patent number: 6571837
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6571974
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for inhibiting unused adhesive paste held within a commercially available dispensing squeeze tube from becoming unwanted hardened solids trapped within the mouth and nozzle of the squeeze tube. The invention provides a knurled knob or knurled cap griping means for pushing-in, pulling-out, and twisting an elongated spike into the mouth of the squeeze tube so that the spike can either minimize the amount of unwanted hardening of the any unused adhesive in the squeeze tube or to penetrate the resulting unwanted hardened solids at or near the mouth of the squeeze tube so as to create a fluid exit route for any remaining unused paste so that the contents are efficiently stored and used. The knurled knob or knurled cap also provides a safe means of preventing the user from being exposed to any unwanted unused adhesive onto the user's fingers and hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Ferri
  • Patent number: 6571994
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a foil or membrane sealed opening. The closure includes a cap, a spout and a stem. The stem includes a downwardly extending piercing structure adapted for piercing the foil or membrane of the container upon rotation of the spout relative to the cap. The cap includes a cap top, a cap skirt depending from the cap top, an open sleeve and a stem guide. The open sleeve has an inwardly extending thread adapted to detachably engage the container. The open sleeve extends upwardly from the cap top. The stem guide extends along an internal surface of the sleeve. The spout rotatably engages the sleeve and includes a spout top having a central aperture, an outer spout skirt and an inner skirt. The outer skirt depends from the spout top radially outward of the sleeve and rotatably engages the sleeve. The inner spout skirt depends from the spout top radially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Patent number: 6568563
    Abstract: A closure for a container neck having a crown, a reduced diameter portion, a downward facing shoulder, and an enlarged diameter portion. The crown defines an opening and an outwardly extending locking bead. The closure includes a cap, a skirt, a well, a frangible membrane, a pull ring, and a retainer. The skirt depends from the top and is adapted to fit around the crown and the enlarged diameter portion of the container neck. The well includes an upper side wall depending from the top, an inwardly directed shoulder located adjacent a bottom of the upper wall, and a lower side wall depending from the inwardly directed shoulder. The lower side wall has an interior surface and the lower side wall terminating at an open bottom. The frangible membrane in the well closes off the well and includes a line of weakness frangibly connecting the frangible membrane to the lower side wall adjacent the inwardly directed shoulder. The pull ring is attached to an upper surface of the frangible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Xiaoli Ma, Brian M. Adams, Alan W. Kieler