With Interconnected Flow Controller Or Closure Operating Means Patents (Class 222/96)
  • Patent number: 11851235
    Abstract: A preform assembly includes: an outer preform that includes an outer mouth portion and a stretch portion connected to the outer mouth portion and in which a recess extending in a vertical direction is provided on an inner surface of the stretch portion; and an inner preform that includes an inner mouth portion and a stretch portion connected to the inner mouth portion, wherein an outside air introduction port communicating with a part between the outer preform and the inner preform is provided in a mouth portion composed of the outer mouth portion and the inner mouth portion located on an inner side of the outer mouth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Osamu Jono
  • Patent number: 10743720
    Abstract: An accessory device for a wall-mounted dispenser is described. The accessory device may also be attached to the wall and may include a plate having an underside surface shaped to generally match the top edge of the dispenser and a portion of a left side edge and a portion of a right side edge of the dispended so that when the dispenser is mounted to the wall and in a closed position and the rear surface of the plate is generally parallel to and coupled to the wall, the dispenser is able to be opened and closed while tampering to the top edge and portions of the side edges of the dispenser is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Archer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wertheim
  • Patent number: 10743721
    Abstract: An accessory device for a wall-mounted dispenser is described. The accessory device may also be attached to the wall and may include a plate having an underside surface shaped to generally match the top edge of the dispenser and a portion of a left side edge and a portion of a right side edge of the dispended so that when the dispenser is mounted to the wall and in a closed position and the rear surface of the plate is generally parallel to and coupled to the wall, the dispenser is able to be opened and closed while tampering to the top edge and portions of the side edges of the dispenser is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Archer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wertheim
  • Patent number: 10274095
    Abstract: A valve, such as for feeding appliances, has an inner space and walls partly enclosing the inner space. The inner space has a smaller first end and an opposing larger second end. The first end has a dimension being larger than 0 mm and smaller than or equal to 0.2 mm, and the inner space forms an opening through the valve or is closed at the first end by a closing part of the valve. The closing part of the valve has a thickness which is smaller than or equal to 0.1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Uitbeijerse, Wiecher Ferdinand Kamping, Marijn Kessels, Paulus Cornelis Duineveld
  • Patent number: 8998020
    Abstract: An inner container is to be installed inside an outer container, the inner container including a jointed portion configured to joint a jointing portion formed in the outer container to prevent the inner container from being separated from the outer container when the inner container is installed in the outer container; and a second engaging portion engaged with a first engaging portion formed in the outer container and configured to prevent the inner container from rotating relative to the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sato, Kenji Oohashi, Yoshikazu Matsumiya
  • Patent number: 8991648
    Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Smith, John J. McNulty, Robert Quinlan, James M. Yates
  • Publication number: 20150041493
    Abstract: A container containing a substance, comprises a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity. The body has an opening and an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding said opening. The opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet. The cover sheet is sealed to the dispensing part by at least one rupturable sealing seam and outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards a dispensing edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, such that, when the rupturable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the dispensing edge of the dispensing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MDS Global Holding p.l.c.
    Inventors: Michiel Olivier SCHÖLVINCK, Roeland Petrus Maria VAN OIRSCHOT, Edouard STERNGOLD, Sebastiaan Willem HEKKENBERG, Robert WILLEMSEN
  • Publication number: 20140370147
    Abstract: Packages (10) for housing consumable products and methods of using same are provided. The packages (10) may be customized, functional packages that are designed to prevent accidental spillage or leakage of a flowable consumable product housed therein. In a general embodiment, flexible packages (10) are provided and include a body (12) defining a cavity (14) for housing a flowable 12 product and a channel (16) for dispensing the flowable product from the cavity, wherein the channel (16) has a length that is from about two to about four times a width of the channel. In another embodiment, the channel (16) comprises a length-to-width ratio that is sufficient to prevent a liquid from leaking from the flexible package (10) without a force applied to the flexible package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephane Hentzel, Barry Longson, Marc Montarras
  • Patent number: 8881946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact container having an airless pump, and more particularly, to a compact container for discharging cosmetic in preset amount when the pump is driven by pressing a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Pum-Tech Korea Co. Ltd, F.S. Korea Industries
    Inventors: Do Hoon Lee, Jae Kwang Hwang
  • Patent number: 8881947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing container, comprising:—an elongate frame with a first end and a second and; and—an elongate reservoir extending between the first end and the second end of the frame; wherein the reservoir comprises: —a foldable wall which is connected at a first end thereof to the frame close to the first end of the frame for rotation around a longitudinal axis of the frame by means of an operating element, and which is connected non-rotatably to the frame at a second end thereof; and—a dispensing opening close to the first end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Müslüm Yildirim
  • Patent number: 8857663
    Abstract: A container containing a substance includes a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity. The container body has an opening and an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding the opening, which opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam. The circumferential rim has a dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet. The cover sheet is sealed to an upper surface of the dispensing part by at least one rupturable sealing seam and outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, such that, when the rupturable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: MDS Global Holding Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiel Olivier Schölvinck, Robert Willemsen, Sebastiaan Willem Hekkenberg, Roeland Petrus Maria van Oirschot, Edouard Sterngold
  • Patent number: 8807859
    Abstract: A liquid applicator contains a hollow body portion incorporating a reservoir portion for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator; an outlet portion having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth of the reservoir; an applicator tip assembly provided on the second end of the outlet portion for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via said outlet portion; a plug located in the mouth of the reservoir portion; and actuator for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion and the applicator device. The liquid to be dispensed is retained in a reservoir that is sealed by a plug until usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Solutions (Plymouth) Limited
    Inventor: Richard J. Stenton
  • Patent number: 8794959
    Abstract: A completely disposable cooking apparatus used for filling and decorating of foods, that is a one-piece disposable construction, comprising a one-piece, funnel-shaped bag with a soft side wall, having an open first end at the “top” or wider end of the funnel through which food material can be inserted into the bag and a closed second end at the “bottom” or narrow end of the funnel, with an integral, malleable, conical shaped, discharge orifice (also sometimes referred to as a nozzle or a tip). The orifice has serrations or ridges extending inwardly from the internal wall of the orifice, running longitudinally or parallel to the cone axis for all or a part of the length of the orifice. The orifice can either be initially closed or manufactured with a small opening or hole. The orifice is made of a material so that it is capable of being cut at any point along its longitudinal axis to yield an exit opening or hole with a desired size. Regardless of the point of cut, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Brenda Marie Grimes, Charles Wilson Grimes
  • Patent number: 8777058
    Abstract: A pouch has an upper spout portion which is heat sealed to the opening of the pouch. The upper spout portion has two curved gripping elements and a receiving assembly that projects inside the pouch. The receiving assembly is configured to connect with a bellows pump that seats into the upper spout portion and can be removed by pinching the two curved gripping elements together. This action in turn allows a user to remove the bellows pump easily as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Haefele, Christian Mikula
  • Patent number: 8671977
    Abstract: A container assembly for windshield or headlight washing fluid in a vehicle. It includes in combination: an elongated hollow structure demarcated by a wall with a plurality of asymmetric accordion folds that can be arranged in a stable retracted position and in a flexible extended position, in which it is suitable for being installed in a useful space of an engine compartment in the vehicle, the hollow structure in the extended position containing an operational amount of windshield or headlight washing fluid; a filling opening located at an inlet end portion of the hollow structure; at least one pump associated to the hollow structure for transferring contained fluid to a service point; and a securing device for securing the inlet end portion and one or more sections of the hollow structure to the engine compartment in an installation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fico Transpar, S.A.
    Inventors: Mariano Gonzales Sanz, Miguel Mota Lopez
  • Patent number: 8631970
    Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container having at least two distinct chambers, and is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Geoffrey Chan, Lawrence Edward O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20130345647
    Abstract: Devices and methods for dispensing a fluidly dispensable material under pressure but without using a gas propellant are presented. In some embodiments an elastic sleeve is utilized to impart pressure to a bag of dispensable material positioned within the sleeve. Pressure so created pressurizes contents of the bag, which can then be dispensed through a valve. Methods for manufacturing various embodiments are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gadi Har-Shai
  • Patent number: 8596499
    Abstract: Cartridge systems for application of a material have at least one cartridge having cartridge walls, a cartridge head having at least one opening in the cartridge head, and a bracket arranged on the cartridge head. A valve is mounted in rotatable manner in the bracket and has at least one passage through the valve that is connected to an outlet opening of the valve. In a closed position, the valve closes the at least one opening of at least one cartridge in a sealed manner. The at least one passage of the valve is connected to the at least one opening when the valve is located in an open position such that the cartridge content is squeezable out of the at least one cartridge through the outlet opening, and further wherein the valve is configured to be transitioned from a closed position to an open position through a rotation of the valve about an axis of symmetry of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Hubert Büchner, Tim Schnieber
  • Patent number: 8408433
    Abstract: A squeezable bottle containing fluids has a mouth for dispensing the fluid. An elastic valve is retained between a closing support retainer and a containment ring. The closing support retainer is secured to the mouth of the bottle and to the elastic valve and has passages for fluid through itself. The containment ring prevents the elastic valve from expanding too far outwardly over at least some of the valve's surface. A fluid passage is formed between the elastic valve and a rigid cap that leads to a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is sealed by a round disc which is integrally formed with the elastic valve and seats on seat on the cap. This arrangement allows the contents of the bottle to remain sanitary over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: MRP Medical Research & Promotion Establishment
    Inventor: Antonio Fontana
  • Patent number: 8387832
    Abstract: A dispenser including a housing with a backplate, an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate, and a cover pivotally connected to the intermediary member. The intermediary member is pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to a first end of the housing, and the cover is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to a second end of the housing. The dispenser also includes a refill unit including a pump and a product reservoir. The product reservoir is flexible and resilient so that it can be compressed repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Zlatic
  • Patent number: 8342765
    Abstract: A liquid applicator contains a hollow body portion incorporating a reservoir portion for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator; an outlet portion having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth of the reservoir; an applicator tip assembly provided on the second end of the outlet portion for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via said outlet portion; a plug located in the mouth of the reservoir portion; and actuator for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion and the applicator device. The liquid to be dispensed is retained in a reservoir that is sealed by a plug until usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Solutions (Plymouth) Limited
    Inventor: Richard J. Stenton
  • Patent number: 8313472
    Abstract: An emergency eyewash station and dispensing structure therefore is disclosed. The emergency eyewash station includes a main body configured and arranged to hold and dispense eyewash fluid therefrom, an actuator arm assembly movable from a closed position to an open position, and a dispensing structure having an eyepiece sealed by a membrane. The eyepiece is in fluid connection with the eyewash fluid contained in the main body. The dispensing structure is removably coupled to the actuator arm assembly such that when the actuator arm assembly is moved from the closed position to the open position, the membrane is unsealed and the eyewash fluid dispenses from the eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sperian Eye & Face Protection, Inc. a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Benoit Devinat, Michael C Pereira, Breck Petrillo
  • Patent number: 8167171
    Abstract: A device for dispensing, by a manually operable pump, fluid substances contained in a deformable bag housed in a rigid container. The bag includes a mouth with a projecting flange with which the pump engages in coupling to the flange, and which causes the bag to be extracted from the container when the pump is separated from the container after the bag has been emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Lumson S.p.A.
    Inventor: Matteo Moretti
  • Patent number: 8074838
    Abstract: The combined water balloon launcher and water discharging device preferably includes a mechanism for discharging water. A water-holding reservoir may be mounted onto a handle section. A first barrel may also be coupled to the handle section. The first barrel may have an inlet port formed at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication with the water-holding reservoir. A guard may be coupled to a first plunger and may be slidably seated about the first and second barrels. The first plunger may displace air from the air holding chamber into the water holding reservoir. The water balloon launching mechanism may include a second barrel and a revolving water balloon-holding drum. The drum may contain isolated chambers in which water balloons are loaded. A second spring member may be anchored to the handle and attached to a second plunger. The second plunger urges the water balloon outwardly from the second barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Shawn Tate
  • Patent number: 7950920
    Abstract: A combustion device in the form of a paraffin stove (10) comprises a fuel reservoir (12), a burner (14), stand pipe (16) which extends between the reservoir (12) and the burner (14) and a stove top (18). The reservoir (12) comprises a rigid, air-tight outer container (22) and a deformable bladder (25) for holding paraffin (27) which is located within the container (22). The bladder has an outlet (44) which is connected to the stand pipe (16). A conduit (51) which can be connected to a source of compressed air is connected to the container (22) for pressurizing the container (22) to exert a force on the bladder (25) sufficient to cause the paraffin to be delivered to the burner (14) where it is ignited to produce a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Colin Alfred Vale
  • Publication number: 20110121028
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for dispensing a liquid food product includes a flexible pouch received within a dispenser. An actuating structure within the dispenser exerts a force on the flexible pouch to dispense the food product through a cover member having one or more product openings. A portion of the flexible pouch is folded over an external portion of a cover secured to the dispenser and an attachment collar is secured thereto by a threaded connections. The dispenser can be used with different types of flexible pouches and can dispense food product through multiple openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SERVER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Rusch
  • Publication number: 20100282775
    Abstract: The Electronic toothpaste dispenser extracts all of toothpaste with one pass. The tube of tooth paste is installed between the roller and angular plate with nozzle downward. The tooth brush is push forward onto a button at the bottom of the ETPD turning on a motor that slides a spring roller downward by mechanical gear belt or shaft on the toothpaste tube. The angular press plate increases tension on the spring roller and pressure on the plate squeezing entire tooth paste from top to bottom with one pass. Removing toothbrush depresses button to stop motor when desired amount of tooth paste is dispensed and acts as a valve to seal paste outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Kareme Ariharrah Damallie
  • Patent number: 7748565
    Abstract: Described is an automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing toothpaste. The dispensing apparatus comprises a housing having a front portion with a hole therethrough. The housing is capable of holding a tube of toothpaste. A sensor is attached with the housing. A spring is connectable with the housing for compressing the container of the viscous substance. A dispenser head is attached with the housing for attaching with the container of the viscous substance. Additionally, a motor is connected with the sensor and the dispenser head. Thus, a user can activate the sensor by placing an object proximate the sensor to activate the motor so that the motor rotates the dispenser head. In operation, the spring compresses the tube of toothpaste such that the toothpaste is pressed out of the container and through the dispenser head and the hole in the front portion of the housing to be dispensed upon a toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Hannibal Anvieh
  • Patent number: 7617952
    Abstract: Portable dispensers and methods of use are disclosed herein. A portable dispenser includes an output device and a housing having a receiving area configured to accept a container having an opening and housing a viscous fluid (i.e., a disinfecting gel). The housing also includes a fastener for selective attachment to an article of clothing. The output device is selectively coupled to the container so that the viscous fluid may selectively pass from the container through the container opening and the output device. An output device of another portable dispenser is selectively coupled to the container so that the fluid may selectively pass from the container through the container opening and the output device without first being transferred from the container to the dispenser for storage. Methods for using the portable dispensers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: George A. Saleh, Caleob T. King
  • Patent number: 7614524
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage into a container is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing area. A pump or a control valve is in communication with a source of diluent which is to be dispensed into the dispensing area. A cartridge receiving area and a dispensing actuator are located in the housing. A concentrate/extract cartridge is removably insertable into the cartridge receiving area in a position to be actuated by the dispensing actuator, the concentrate/extract cartridge being adapted to hold a beverage concentrate/extract and including a dispensing aperture for dispensing a beverage concentrate/extract into the dispensing area upon placement of the concentrate/extract cartridge in the cartridge receiving area. A controller is located in the housing to control the actuator to discharge concentrate/extract into the dispensing area. A method of dispensing a selected beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Intelligent Coffee Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Girard, Mario E. Vassaux, Roy Kenneth, Richard Symington, Erik Kenneth, Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald, Nasser Pirshafiey
  • Patent number: 7597309
    Abstract: A volatile material dispensing device is provided, including a volatile material, a replaceable canister including a U-shaped outlet tube and a reservoir to hold the volatile material, and a generally cylindrical external housing sized and configured to receive the replaceable canister. The U-shaped outlet tube includes a tube inner leg, a tube crosspiece, and a tube outer leg, with the tube inner leg fluidly connected to the cavity and with the tube outer leg open to the atmosphere. The external housing includes a powered actuating unit configured to apply pressure to the flexible outer wall of the reservoir. Thereby a portion of the volatile material is forced up the inner tube, over the tube crosspiece, and down the outer tube to be received by a porous pad, providing a time-release dispersing mechanism delivering a controlled, consistent flow and producing a constant intensity of vapor release over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Stucki
  • Patent number: 7581661
    Abstract: A toothpaste tube squeezing mechanism includes a housing in which a toothpaste tube is stored and a button which is pushed to dispense toothpaste from the tube. The button is connected to a tube squeezing mechanism by a gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Joshua J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090014471
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a resilient receptacle for receiving a liquid and attached to a cover device and having an accordion structure for providing a resilience to the receptacle and for forcing the liquid out of the receptacle, and a controlling device for controlling the liquid to flow out of the cover device, the receptacle includes two or more folds each having an upper peripheral wall inclined downwardly and outwardly, and a lower peripheral wall inclined downwardly and inwardly and more inclined relative to the upper peripheral wall, for allowing the peripheral walls of the folds to be folded toward each other to a compact folding structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Yung Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 7448516
    Abstract: A soft serve ice cream vending machine is disclosed. The vending machine includes a machine cabinet; a door pivotably connected to he machine cabinet; the door including a cup dispensing slot and an ice cream dispensing slot; a product dispensing button connected to the door; a cup dispenser adapted to dispense a cup and connected to the door; a money acceptor connected to the door; a flexible product container connected to a freezer engine adapted to receive a product, the freezer engine having an outlet proximate to the ice cream dispensing slot; a venturi air valve connected to the freezer engine; a spigot control device connected to the freezer engine and to the product dispensing button, whereby upon engagement of the product dispensing button the spigot control device engages the freezer engine for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sunshine Ice Cream
    Inventors: Robert Davis, Otis Westerfield, Jorgen Bailey
  • Publication number: 20080256901
    Abstract: A reclosable package, formed from at least one polymeric sheet, having a closure and a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve comprises a port, the port being aligned with an aperture in the first sidewall of the package. The vacuum valve allows gas to be removed from inside the package via a vacuum pump. A gas-impermeable layer, overlaying at least one of the aperture and the port, restricts gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the inside of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Custer, Greg W. Melchoir, Paul Tilman
  • Patent number: 7156045
    Abstract: A coating machine having a coating material discharging mechanism for discharging a previously filled coating material under pressure to an atomizing mechanism wherein a coating material bag for filling a coating material is housed in a coating material discharging chamber of a predetermined volume and an inlet/exit port of an operating fluid is disposed for exerting a pressure from the outside of the coating material bag thereby discharging the coating material under pressure, while crushing the coating material bag, whereby paint or other coating material can be discharged under pressure reliably by a small driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Ueno, Takao Nomura
  • Patent number: 6968977
    Abstract: A device to dispense and contain a tube of toothpaste. The device has two portions, an outlet compartment and a slide bar compartment. The outlet compartment contains a toothpaste dispensing outlet hole, a slide release button, and a dispense button. The slide bar compartment has a pull grip ridge on a side of the slide bar compartment. A top cover of the slide bar compartment is released by depressing the slide release button, a slide bar base is exposed within a cavity of the slide bar compartment to hold a toothpaste tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Jerahmy J. Beene
  • Patent number: 6789699
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing a fluid, said apparatus comprising (d) at least two internal chambers, (f) a fluid product line leading from each chamber to (g) a junction for product lines from at least two of said chambers to produce a mixed product, (h) means for delivering a desired ratio of fluid products in said mixed fluid product, (i) an exit line from said junction for said mixed fluid product, and (j) means for reversibly closing said exit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventors: Alisdair Quentin Clark, Harry Read
  • Patent number: 6789702
    Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William T. O'Connor, Robert G. Petit, M. Scott Curry
  • Patent number: 6786364
    Abstract: The system of the present invention has a flexible bladder designed to provide for the transfer of liquids from a storage/transport unit to vehicles without the necessity of pumps and/or motors. The system includes a flexible, collapsible bladder that uses compressed gas or air, or a pressurized liquid, to pressurize the unit. The bladder is constructed with a flexible internal diaphragm which extends from a portion of the interior of the bladder, and separates the ends of the bladder. The system further comprises removable means to inject air, gas or fluid into the first end of the bladder and removable means to inject and expel the fluid stored in the second end of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dale McBride
  • Patent number: 6755325
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing system capable of automatically dispensing a controlled and predetermined amount of a wide variety of products without the need for manual manipulation of the dispenser. The dispensing system includes a housing with an internal chassis contained within the housing, where said internal chassis includes a product chamber and a component chamber. The product chamber receives the dispensable product and a solenoid within the component chamber regulates the flow of the dispensable product from the product chamber. A bladder within the product chamber applies constant pressure to the dispensable product where an air pump connected to the bladder supplies air to the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas W. Haase, Wayne R. Sampson
  • Patent number: 6745763
    Abstract: In existing vaporizers the medication passes through unsterilized passages which preclude heir use to administer sterile medications. The present invention therefore provides a device for dispensing a vaporized spray of sterile medicated liquid. It uses a combination atomizing and pressure release valve in which there is a flexible membrane with an aperture, and a plug extending upwardly through the aperture and having a surface against which the membrane is biassed in the closed position, the membrane lifting off the surface of the plug in the open position to thereby open the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Garth T. Webb
  • Patent number: 6742676
    Abstract: In this invention there is provided a pouring vessel of the squeezable, delaminated bottle type, which can be squeezed smoothly to the last moment of discharge operation so that little content remains in the vessel. The vessel or container of a delaminated bottle type comprises the outer shell layer that forms a squeezable outer container and the inner layer that forms an inner container for receiving its content inside and capable of being deflated and deformed inward with the decrease in inner pressure; and the container is also provided with a discharge cap. In this configuration, a pair of vertically extending adhesive resin strips is formed by adhering the outer shell layer and the inner layer over the roughly entire height of the container. The relationship of the peripheral length between the two adhesive resin strips to the width of each strip is determined to give such a range that the inner container can be almost completely deflated and deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakamura, Masashi Yoneyama, Takayuki Goto
  • Patent number: 6722530
    Abstract: A system for dispensing controlled amounts of flowable materials having a wide range of viscosities, such as food condiments, caulking or adhesives, from a flexible-walled container or bag includes a housing for holding the flexible-walled container and a piston positioned within the housing to apply pressure to a wall of the flexible-walled container. An enfitment, which has a piercing member and sealing mechanism, is positioned adjacent an opposite wall of the flexible-walled container. By rotating the enfitment about a rotational axis generally normal to the wall of the first container, the enfitment forms an opening in the flexible-walled container and a seal with the container. The flowable material can then be forced through a hollow tube of the enfitment and an exit nozzle coupled to the enfitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Restaurant Automation Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenyon M. King, Gregory D. King
  • Patent number: 6598763
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a housing (1) having a chamber (3) in which a beverage container (5) can be placed, the container having at least one deformable wall (16) and an outlet (8) to which a beverage delivery line (7, 34) and a tapping device (6) can be connected, a locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) for closing a pressure space (17) in an airtight manner, which pressure space is situated between an outer wall (16) of the beverage container (5) and an inner wall (15) of the chamber (3), and a pressurizing device (16) for pressurizing the pressure space (17) to force beverage out of the container via the outlet. To improve the sealing and locking and to make the apparatus convenient to operate for the user the locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) is arranged between the outer wall (16) of the beverage container and a wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Sijtze Van Der Meer, Sjoerd Timmermans
  • Patent number: 6454131
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a housing (1) having a chamber (3) in which a beverage container (5) can be placed, the container having at least one deformable wall (16) and an outlet (8) to which a beverage delivery line (7, 34) and a tapping device (6) can be connected, a locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) for closing a pressure space (17) in an airtight manner, which pressure space is situated between an outer wall (16) of the beverage container (5) and an inner wall (15) of the chamber (3), and a pressurizing device (16) for pressurizing the pressure space (17) to force beverage out of the container via the outlet. To improve the sealing and locking and to make the apparatus convenient to operate for the user the locking and sealing mechanism (10, 12, 13) is arranged between the outer wall (16) of the beverage container and a wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Sijtze Van Der Meer, Sjoerd Timmermans
  • Patent number: 6454132
    Abstract: A pressure-assisted liquid delivery system comprises a flexible reservoir having an exit port and demand valve, a pair of substantially rigid plates for sandwiching the reservoir, and a plurality of loops of elastic rope for compressing the plates around and pressurizing the reservoir such that liquid contents thereof are expelled through the valve when it is opened without application of a suction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher R. Campion
  • Patent number: 6375046
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve of the type comprising firstly a cylindro-conical body (11) which defines at least part of a chamber (10) for connection via a first end to a deformable bag (P) forming a reservoir for a substance (L) and via a second end to a nozzle tube (T) provided with an admission orifice (a) and with a valve member, and secondly a collar (12) for leak-proof fixing to a rigid case (B) suitable for containing said bag (P) and a gas (A) under pressure; the wall of said body being provided with at least one orifice (15) for injecting the gas (A) providing communication between the chamber (10) and the case (B) and suitable for being closed in leak-proof manner by an elastically-deformable wall bearing against said body (11) around said orifice, the valve being characterized in that said injection orifice (15) is formed in the side wall of said body and the elastically-deformable wall is carried by a sleeve (M) clamped radially around said body (11) and secured to an annular gasket (J) mounted
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Sofab
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Alleard, Jean-Louis Bougamont, Bernard Clerget
  • Patent number: 6364165
    Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing toothpaste from a flexible toothpaste tube includes a flexible boot having a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle with which an outlet of the toothpaste tube aligns. Pins are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between open and closed positions for removal and insertion of the toothpaste tube. A presser engages the outer surface of the boot to selectively squeeze toothpaste from the toothpaste tube through the boot nozzle. A controller intermittently activates a driver which moves the presser along a track towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste. Jaws are positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle. A timer and an adjustable volume dispensing dial control the amount of toothpaste dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne R. Sampson, Andreas Haase
  • Patent number: 6155461
    Abstract: A frozen dessert dispenser for dispensing ice cream etc. includes a heat-insulating box having a side formed with an opening closed and opened by a heat-insulating door, a dispensing cylinder including a piston and a pack accommodating chamber defined between the piston and a lid closing an upper opening of the cylinder. A frozen dessert pack is accommodated into the pack accommodating chamber when the lid is opened. The dispensing cylinder is mounted on a bracket further mounted on a backside of the door. The bracket positions the dispensing cylinder in the heat-insulating box and is rotated relative to the door so that the dispensing cylinder is inclined from a standing position where the dispensing cylinder stands along the door to a inclined position where an upper end of the dispensing cylinder is spaced away from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiharu Ishihara, Tsutomu Iwata, Shinji Notsu, Takeshi Horie, Yoshinobu Ito, Hideki Matsudaira