Collapsible Or Foldable Supply Holder Patents (Class 239/328)
  • Publication number: 20090166443
    Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20090166447
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to containers and, more specifically, to containers with a releasable protection sheet applied to an exterior surface. The containers described herein are particularly suitable for use with liquid (e.g., paint) spraying devices or spray guns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: John I. Escoto, JR., Stephen C.P. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20090159722
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus has a container made of silicone gum for receiving the fluid to be sprayed and a shut-off device (3) on the opening (20) of the container. The silicone gum container (2) is closed at the end (2?) facing away from its opening (20) by injection molding of the container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Tuerk, Bernd Hoefler
  • Patent number: 7543761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus dispenses first and second fragrances by utilizing a fog nozzle in a ductwork of a facility. The first fragrance is dispensed, at intervals, through the fog nozzle into the ductwork and the second fragrance is dispensed after the first fragrance is dispensed, wherein fragrance desensitivity is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jondall Mehus, Charles Allen Hodge
  • Patent number: 7513443
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly is disclosed. The liquid supply assembly may be used in combination with a spraying device or spray gun to apply liquid to a substrate. The liquid supply assembly is particularly suitable for use in systems utilizing pressurized liquid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John I. Escoto, Jr., Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Publication number: 20080265059
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly is disclosed. The liquid supply assembly may be used in combination with a spraying device or spray gun to apply liquid to a substrate. The liquid supply assembly is particularly suitable for use in systems utilizing pressurized liquid containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: John I. Escoto, Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Patent number: 7410106
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly is disclosed. The liquid supply assembly may be used in combination with a spraying device or spray gun to apply liquid to a substrate. The liquid supply assembly is particularly suitable for use in systems utilizing pressurized liquid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John I. Escoto, Jr., Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Patent number: 7387265
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, comprising: a base unit having a recess for engaging at least one cartridge; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; an active portion of a nebulizer that includes a piezoelectric element connected to be driven by a driving and switching circuit connected to the power supply, wherein the active portion is incorporated with the base unit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the recess of the base unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, a passive portion of the nebulizer, wherein the passive portion includes an interface; a casing enclosing the first and second bags, and housing the passive portion; wherein when the dispensing cartridge engages the recess of the base unit, the passive portion is connected to the active portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Microwflow Engineering SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Patent number: 7380680
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable shell and outer lid. A flexible, disposable cup, a reusable shell, and a method of preparing a fluid supply assembly for use with a fluid supply applicator are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski, Anatoly Gosis, Mark E. Charpie, Thomas R. White, Jr., Yury Shkolnikov
  • Patent number: 7377454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pumping a liquid from a packaging, for the distribution thereof in a heated, foamed or emulsified form, comprising a sub-assembly for aspiration by venturi effect which can be connected to the tubing of a pressurized liquid flow generator. Said sub-assembly comprises a body with a liquid flow inlet duct, opening out in an aspiration chamber and at least one aspiration duct for the liquid contained in the packaging. The invention is characterized in that the aspiration sub-assembly comprises a nozzle and fixing and opening means, connecting the nozzle to the packaging and connecting the aspiration duct with the liquid inside the packaging. The invention is of application to the production of cappuccinos or other foamed drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: André Klopfenstein, Elmar Mock, Naomi Bitmead, Emmanuel Simont-Vermot
  • Patent number: 7374111
    Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
  • Patent number: 7357335
    Abstract: This invention relates to pump-action nozzle devices methods of making the same. The nozzle devices of the invention comprises a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle. The inlet comprises an inlet valve and the outlet comprises an outlet valve. Fluid is dispensed from the dispenser nozzles by applying pressure to an actuator member that engages and resiliently deforms or displaces a portion of the body of the device that defines the chamber, thereby compressing the chamber and actuating the dispensing of fluid. In preferred embodiments, the actuator provides a rigid actuator surface that an operator can apply a pressure to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Incro Limited
    Inventors: Keith Laidler, Timothy Rodd
  • Patent number: 7353964
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable cup holder and outer lid. A method of preparing a fluid supply assembly for use with a fluid supply applicator is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kosmyna
  • Patent number: 7347386
    Abstract: A sprayer with a changeable volume includes a container, a pump, a first pipe, a second pipe and a nozzle. The container includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall can be compressed while not containing water and extensible for containing water. The lower wall is connected to the upper wall. The pump is put in a space defined in the lower wall. The first pipe is led to the pump from a space defined in the upper wall. The second pipe is led to the exterior of the container from the pump. The nozzle is connected to the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chiang-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 7344040
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable cup holder and outer lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7328856
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airless dispenser which is used to dispense low doses of liquid products. The inventive dispenser is characterised in that it consists of: a first part comprising a spray nozzle which is communicated with a network of channels on the wall of an inner truncated-cone-shaped bore, and a second part comprising a deformable container which equipped with a rigid flange for fixing the first part in the aforementioned bore. The outer periphery of the flange comprises an inclined surface which defines a vortex chamber, opposite the above-mentioned network of channels, and which, together with the wall of the first part, forms an internal peripheral outlet groove. The outlet groove is defined radially by a flexible lip forming an inlet valve which is supported by the first or second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems S.A.S.
    Inventors: Richard Bloc, Herve Lompech
  • Publication number: 20070267520
    Abstract: The apparatus for supplying a spraying machine with small quantities of liquid product to be sprayed, in particular for processing small batches of articles (M), presents a spray unit (Z) designed in any way so as to support, removably and preferably in an overturned position, at least one container (C1) made of any suitable rigid or deformable pressure-resistant material, with a small capacity, for example able to contain from one to two litres of paint or other product to be sprayed. The spray unit (Z) is provided with quick-release and/or removable connections (3, 103) and a short pipe (4) for connecting the discharge mouth of said container to the spray guns (Z1) and there being envisaged a pressurization pipe (101, 102) which supplies the pressurized fluid and means are envisaged for pressurizing with this pipe the paint situated inside said container (C1), so that said paint is forced out and is supplied with the desired pressure to said spray guns (Z1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gianni RAGGI, Luigi Franzoni
  • Patent number: 7237729
    Abstract: A sprayer with a changeable volume includes a container, a pump, a first pipe, a second pipe and a nozzle. The container includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall can be compressed while not containing water and extensible for containing water. The lower wall is connected to the upper wall. The pump is positioned in a space defined in the lower wall. The first pipe is directed to the pump from a space defined in the upper wall. The second pipe is directed to the exterior of the container from the pump. The nozzle is connected to the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Chiang-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 7175110
    Abstract: A cup (6) for spray guns, comprising a disposable container (8) joined in removable fashion to a lid (5) with axial outflow fitting (7), independent of the cup and integrated with the body (4) of the gun (1), and a lining element (18) whose shape is complementary to that of the lid (5) and which is inserted in removable fashion within said lid (5) between the container (8) and the outflow fitting (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventor: Marco G. Vicentini
  • Patent number: 7165732
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter assembly includes an outer lid for the fluid supply assembly and an adapter. The adapter assembly provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7118050
    Abstract: A sprayer with a changeable volume includes a container, a pump, a first pipe, a second pipe and a nozzle. The container includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall can be compressed while not containing water and extensible for containing water. The lower wall is connected to the upper wall. The pump is put in a space defined in the lower wall. The first pipe is led to the pump from a space defined in the upper wall. The second pipe is led to the exterior of the container from the pump. The nozzle is connected to the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Chiang-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 7086549
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable cup holder and outer lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph A. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7073731
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Microflow Engineering SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Patent number: 7048145
    Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet, and a valve between the vessel and the outlet. The valve has an opening, a closure member for closing the opening, and a biasing means to hold the valve in a normally-closed position. A valve control mechanism controls operation of the valve in response to pressure of liquid and air in the vessel. A transmitting means transmits the pressure to the valve control mechanism. The valve control mechanism includes a moveable element that can be acted on by the pressure in the vessel and transmit a resultant force to the closure member to thereby open the valve. The respective effective surface areas of the moveable element and the closure member and the force of the biasing means are chosen such that the closure member is openable when the pressure in the vessel reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6981613
    Abstract: A portable, pressurized liquid storage system comprises a pliable and collapsible liquid reservoir including a fill pipe and a first valve disposed in the fill pipe; a pump operably connected to the reservoir; an outlet pipe including a second valve operably connected to the pump for connecting to a liquid-using device; and a housing in which the reservoir and the pump are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Cullen Kamisugi
  • Patent number: 6953155
    Abstract: An assembly for feeding liquid to the inlet port of a liquid spraying device or spray gun. The assembly includes a stiff container that defines an opening into a cavity in the container, and a flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface generally corresponding in shape to the inner surface of the container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner. An included adapter assembly has a central portion with a through opening that is adapted to engage the inlet port of a liquid spraying device, a transverse portion including a peripheral part adapted for engagement within the flexible liner adjacent said top end of the container, and means for sealing the flexible liner around the peripheral part of the adapter assembly. An air supply assembly connected to the container supplies air at a relatively low pressure (e.g., in the range of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Gary Brotherton, Robert J. Rothrum
  • Patent number: 6942126
    Abstract: A reservoir for use with a spray gun has a body and a flexible diaphragm that define a chamber for liquid to be supplied to the spray gun. The body has an outlet opening leading to a spout connectable to the spray gun and the diaphragm deflects to reduce the volume of the chamber as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir. The diaphragm gradually conforms to the internal surface of the body as the liquid is withdrawn to prevent pockets forming in which the liquid may be trapped so that substantially all the liquid can be dispensed. The reservoir may be supplied pre-filled with the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Phillip J. Bouic, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6938836
    Abstract: A paint reservoir has an outlet connectable to a spray gun for transferring paint from the reservoir to the spray gun in use. The outlet is provided with a valve device for opening and closing the outlet to control flow of paint from the reservoir. The valve device has an outer sleeve axially slidable on a spout between a retracted position in which the outlet is closed and an extended position in which the outlet is open. The spout is integral with a lid of the reservoir and the sleeve is a push fit in an adapter for attaching the reservoir to a spray gun. The sleeve is provided with support arms for retainer hooks engageable with the adapter to releasably secure the reservoir to the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Phillip J. Bouic
  • Patent number: 6851634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Akteingesellschaft
    Inventors: Keith F. Woodruff, John H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6802460
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Microflow Engineering SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Publication number: 20040135005
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid in the form of a powder, said fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (23) provided with a movable actuating wall (22) and with a spraying orifice (53), the reservoir containing a piece of porous material (4) suitable for being impregnated with gas and with the fluid in powder form, said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the porous material occupies the major part of the volume of the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventor: Frederic Duquet
  • Patent number: 6742361
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a spray of cooling liquid to opposed shear blades of an apparatus for shearing a stream of molten glass into gobs, the apparatus having liquid outlets (24, 26) that lead to spray nozzles. A liquid is intermittently delivered at a low pressure to the liquid outlets (24, 26) from separate liquid inlets (20, 22, respectively), each of the outlets (24, 26) having a solenoid valve (28, 30, respectively), in a line leading thereto. The nozzles that receive liquid from the outlets (24, 26) are periodically purged of accumulated coagulated coolant or other debris by pumping coolant therethrough at a substantially higher pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Nickey, John M. Slifco
  • Patent number: 6742724
    Abstract: A device for containing and dispensing a fluid product, such as a cosmetic product, in the form of a spray. The device includes a reservoir containing the product at substantially atmospheric pressure, with the reservoir having flexible walls that preferably do not have shape memory. The device is equipped with a spray member for spraying the product in response to pressure exerted on the flexible walls of the reservoir, and an anti-air-intake element provided in order to prevent any entry of air inside the reservoir when said pressure ceases. When pressure is applied, the walls are deformed and the product is sprayed from the container. After dispensing is completed, the walls are maintained in the deformed state because air is prevented from entering the container. As a result, the next spraying action occurs more immediately and consistently because the container remains substantially filled with the product as the volume of the container is reduced upon deformation of the container walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Publication number: 20040084553
    Abstract: An assembly for feeding liquid to the inlet port of a liquid spraying device or spray gun. The assembly includes a stiff container that defines an opening into a cavity in the container, and a flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface generally corresponding in shape to the inner surface of the container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner. An included adapter assembly has a central portion with a through opening that is adapted to engage the inlet port of a liquid spraying device, a transverse portion including a peripheral part adapted for engagement within the flexible liner adjacent said top end of the container, and means for sealing the flexible liner around the peripheral part of the adapter assembly. An air supply assembly connected to the container supplies air at a relatively low pressure (e.g., in the range of about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Gary Brotherton, Robert J. Rothrum
  • Patent number: 6679439
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid product includes a reservoir configured to contain a fluid product and a spray orifice associated with the reservoir. The reservoir may include at least one actuating wall having a predetermined threshold resistance to deformation. The actuating wall may be configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the actuating wall so as to cause the product to be sprayed out from the orifice. When pressure exerted on the actuating wall is less than a threshold pressure Ps sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold resistance to deformation of the actuating wall, substantially no portion of the product is sprayed from the spray orifice. At least upon a first use of the device, continuous exerting of the threshold pressure Ps on the actuating wall causes spraying of the product from the spray orifice for a spray duration that is capable of being altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Patent number: 6663018
    Abstract: An assembly for making accurate mixtures of liquid components and feeding that liquid mixture to the inlet port of a sprayer. The assembly includes a container of stiff polymeric material comprising a side wall with a frusto conical inner surface, and a bottom wall at the bottom end of the side wall opposite a top end of the side wall that defines an opening into a cavity in the container. A flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface corresponding in shape to the inner surface of the container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Joel A. Vokaty
  • Patent number: 6663019
    Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form. The dispenser device comprising a reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed and a spray orifice. The reservoir includes at least one actuating wall that can be deformed by applying a pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Patent number: 6659366
    Abstract: A novel hand held water-misting apparatus (8) comprising of a latex tubing (10) having a first end and a second end, a valve open-close type (12) having a first end and second end, a misting nozzle (14) having a first end and a second end having a small misting hole, a shrink sleeving (28) securely attaching said valve open-close type (12) and said misting nozzle (14), a water hose connector (16), a flexible strap (26) having a first end and a second end, a pinch clip (24) having an open position and a closed position, an expandable decorative enclosure (18) having a first end and a second end. Said first end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said first end of said valve open-close type (12) by a tie clamp (31). Said second end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said water hose connector (16) by a tie clamp (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Todd Walters
  • Publication number: 20030192959
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, comprising: a base unit having a recess for engaging at least one cartridge; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; an active portion of a nebulizer that includes a piezoelectric element connected to be driven by a driving and switching circuit connected to the power supply, wherein the active portion is incorporated with the base unit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the recess of the base unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, a passive portion of the nebulizer, wherein the passive portion includes an interface; a casing enclosing the first and second bags, and housing the passive portion; wherein when the dispensing cartridge engages the recess of the base unit, the passive portion is connected to the active portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: MICROFLOW ENGINEERING SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Patent number: 6588681
    Abstract: An assembly for making accurate mixtures of liquid components and feeding that liquid mixture to the inlet port of a sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a container of stiff visually transparent polymeric material comprising a side wall with a frusto conical inner surface, and a bottom wall at the bottom end of the side wall opposite a top end of the side wall that defines an opening into a cavity in the container. A flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface corresponding in shape to the inner surface of the container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Joel A. Vokaty
  • Patent number: 6581852
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser, including a fluid reservoir formed with an opening, the reservoir including a deformable flexible pouch in which the fluid is stored at a pressure substantially equal to or slightly lower than atmospheric pressure; a fluid dispensing system including a dispensing outlet; and a feed duct connecting the opening of the reservoir to the dispensing system; and wherein the flexible pouch contains a piece of porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Valois S. A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Jean-Jacques Ligny
  • Publication number: 20030015605
    Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form, said device comprising a reservoir (13) containing the fluid substance to be dispensed, and a spray orifice (16), said reservoir (13) including at least one actuating wall (131) that can be deformed by applying a pressing force (F) so as to reduce the internal volume of the reservoir (13) and thus to exert a pressure on the fluid substance so as to deliver it through the spray orifice (16), said dispenser device being characterized in that said at least one actuating wall (131) has a predetermined threshold of resistance to deformation that must be overcome in order to deform it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Publication number: 20030006310
    Abstract: An assembly for making accurate mixtures of liquid components and feeding that liquid mixture to the inlet port of a sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a container of stiff visually transparent polymeric material comprising a side wall with a frusto conical inner surface, and a bottom wall at the bottom end of the side wall opposite a top end of the side wall that defines an opening into a cavity in the container. A flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface corresponding in shape to the inner surface of said container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Joel A. Vokaty
  • Publication number: 20030006309
    Abstract: A device for containing and dispensing a fluid product, such as a cosmetic product, in the form of a spray. The device includes a reservoir containing the product at substantially atmospheric pressure, with the reservoir having flexible walls that preferably do not have shape memory. The device is equipped with a spray member for spraying the product in response to pressure exerted on the flexible walls of the reservoir, and an anti-air-intake element provided in order to prevent any entry of air inside the reservoir when said pressure ceases. When pressure is applied, the walls are deformed and the product is sprayed from the container. After dispensing is completed, the walls are maintained in the deformed state because air is prevented from entering the container. As a result, the next spraying action occurs more immediately and consistently because the container remains substantially filled with the product as the volume of the container is reduced upon deformation of the container walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Publication number: 20030006311
    Abstract: An assembly for making accurate mixtures of liquid components and feeding that liquid mixture to the inlet port of a sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a container of stiff polymeric material comprising a side wall with a frusto conical inner surface, and a bottom wall at the bottom end of the side wall opposite a top end of the side wall that defines an opening into a cavity in the container. A flexible liner positioned within the cavity in the container has an outer surface corresponding in shape to the inner surface of said container, an inner surface defining a cavity in the liner, and an annular lip along the top end of the side wall defining an opening into the cavity in the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Rothrum, Joel A. Vokaty
  • Patent number: 6460781
    Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for dispensing a fluid substance in spray form. The dispenser device comprises a reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed and a spray orifice. The reservoir includes at least one actuating wall that can be deformed by applying a pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Valois, S.A.
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Aline Abergel
  • Publication number: 20020109019
    Abstract: The spray gun includes a primary port for receiving a primary material such as adhesive or similar materials, for dispensing. The spray gun further includes a secondary port to receive an aerosol-based cleaner which is stored in an aerosol container within the handle of the spray gun. The valves associated with the primary and secondary ports are sequenced such that during ordinary depression of the trigger to apply the primary material, the aerosol-based cleaner is momentarily “poofed” through the nozzle to clean the nozzle prior to the application of the primary material. After the primary material has been applied and the trigger is released, the aerosol-based cleaner is again momentarily “poofed” through the nozzle to clean the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin J. May
  • Patent number: 6419118
    Abstract: Containers including a flexible pouches (12, 22, 33, 42, 52, 63, 73, 83) with a unique fitments (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) with tapered portions (11C, 11D, 21C, 21D, 31C, 41C, 41D, 51C, 51D, 61E, 71E, 82A, 82B) are described. The containers are used for liquids and solids to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Blake M. Rees, Janice DeWeese, Benjamin McGregor Rees
  • Publication number: 20020050534
    Abstract: A rocket propelled textile and cordage net fire extinguishing system is deployed from a platform at a safe standoff distance from a fire. The rocket propelled matrix-like net flies over, lands on, and drapes over the burning site. A detonating means, or detonating network on the net is actuated to rupture spaced-apart canisters on the net that are filled with halon and/or other fire extinguishing compounds. The detonating network quickly disperses the fire extinguishing compounds to engulf and extinguish the fire safely and efficiently without unduly exposing fire fighters to danger. The net fire extinguisher system can extinguish fires aboard a maritime vessel, particularly when the burning craft cannot be safely boarded or burns so fiercely that it cannot be approached closely. The net fire extinguisher system can combat highly dangerous fires including chemical and oil fires, (oil rig fires) on land and at sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Christopher Doyle
  • Publication number: 20020047052
    Abstract: An assembly for jetting droplets of a viscous medium. The assembly is releasably mountable in a machine using the assembly for providing a substrate with deposits. The assembly comprises an assembly holder having first holding means mating with an assembly support of a docking device of the machine, a nozzle, an eject mechanism connected to the nozzle, a viscous medium container connected to the eject mechanism, and signal interface means. Thus, the assembly is to be regarded as a separate, exchangeable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: William Holm, Johan Kronstedt, Hakan Sandell