Abstract: An inhaler, preferably for insertion into a nostril, in particular a horse's nostril, with an inhalation valve, which has a movable valve element, whereby the valve element is designed in an annular manner and has an outer edge and an inner edge, whereby the valve element is fastened at the outer edge, the inner edge forms the boundary of an indentation of the valve element, and the inhalation valve has a valve body seat that corresponds to the inner edge.

Abstract: In embodiments, aerosol-type devices are provided. The devices have a main body comprising a pressure chamber, with pressure piston and pressure spring, and a piston chamber which draws liquid from a reservoir and fills the pressure chamber as a user performs compression and release strokes. The piston chamber has both inlet and outlet valves. In a dispensing head a valve is provided to regulate the flow strength and preclude leakage. Once the liquid is sufficiently pressurized, it is dispensed by a user opening an activation valve, and spray can be abruptly stopped by closing the activation valve. In alternate embodiments, without an activation valve, once the liquid is pressurized, continuous spray occurs until the pressure chamber is fully emptied. Pumping the trigger before the pressure chamber is fully emptied achieves continuous spray. When the input volume is greater than the volume of the pressure chamber volume, continuous spray with fewer pumping strokes occurs.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Flair® based aerosol-type devices can be provided. Such devices utilize a combination of Flair® technology, pre-compression valves and aerosol like pressurization of the dispensed liquid. Such a dispensing device has a main body comprising a pressure chamber, the latter being provided with a pressure piston and a pressure spring. The device further has a piston and a piston chamber which draws liquid from a reservoir and fills the pressure chamber with that liquid as a user operates the trigger in various compression and release strokes. The piston chamber has both an inlet valve and an outlet valve. In a dispensing head a valve is provided to regulate the strength of the flow and preclude leakage. Once the liquid is sufficiently pressurized, it can be dispensed by a user opening an activation valve, such as by pressing on an activation button, and spray can be abruptly stopped by a user ceasing to push on such button.

Abstract: “Flairosol” dispensing devices are presented. They utilize a combination of Flair® technology, precompression valves and aerosol like pressurization of the dispensed liquid. An exemplary device has a main body comprising a pressure chamber, the latter being provided with a pressure piston and a pressure spring, a piston and a piston chamber which draws liquid from a container, and fills the pressure chamber with that liquid as a user operates a trigger in various compression and release strokes. The piston chamber has both an inlet valve and an outlet valve, which serve to prevent backflow. A dome valve can be provided near the outlet channel at the top of the dispensing head, such that once its pressure is exceeded by the liquid, it opens and allows for a spray. Alternatively, in an activated embodiment, the dome valve is locked unless opened by a user.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes nebulization device for nebulizing a substance and a reservoir having a metering chamber arranged so as to feed a substance to be nebulized to the nebulization device and a second chamber arranged to hold and retain any of this substance in excess of the volume held in the metering chamber.

Abstract: A spray gun reservoir has an oversize central opening 130 at one end allowing liquid to be added to the reservoir for fast filling with reduced risk of spillage. A cap member 132 is connectable to the reservoir and has a spout 115 providing a fluid outlet of reduced size relative to the opening 130 for connection to the spray gun. The reservoir can be disconnected from the cap member 132 when it is desired to add liquid to the reservoir. In this way, the reservoir can be re-filled in use.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve reduces the increased internal pressure in an aerosol spray can, filled with compressed gas, to a working pressure level for a spray valve (12). A regulating piston (52) is kept in equilibrium by a restoring force, and a sealing point (66, 68) is provided, which is closed at a pressure in the pressure regulation chamber (84) that is above the regulated pressure level. To prevent the precision of regulation from being adulterated by the decreasing internal pressure of the can as its contents are progressively withdrawn, a sealing means (86, 66; 67) is proposed, which seals off one free end of the piston (52, 74) from the internal pressure of the can and the regulated pressure. The variable internal pressure of the can is therefore no longer able to act on any axial face of the piston (52), and despite what may be a smaller piston face area, the precision of regulation is improved.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a squeezable bottle providing a lower main liquid reservoir for storing a cleaning solution, an upper dispensing receptacle for measuring and dispensing a measured quantity of liquid, and a transfer duct communicating a lower portion of the main liquid reservoir with an upper portion of the dispensing receptacle for transferring liquid from the main liquid reservoir to the upper dispensing receptacle. After the main liquid reservoir is filled through an opening at the base of the dispensing receptacle, the opening is closed with an insert equipped with a check valve. This same container is adapted to a single flow or double-flow proportioning container by providing a drop tube which opens the check valve and permits liquid to pass from the main reservoir through a check valve housed in a cap assembly, thence through a metering tip to a delivery tube which is in fluid communication with a proportioning device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.

Abstract: An atomizing device is provided that comprises: a casing having a release opening; discharging means provided within the casing and having at least one discharge head for discharging a liquid matter as droplets from a nozzle communicating with a cavity by driving an actuator to change a pressure within the cavity filled with the liquid matter; and atomizing means provided within the casing for atomizing the droplets discharged from the discharging means. It is preferred that at least a part of the discharging means and/or at least a part of the atomizing means are detachably mounted to the casing.

Abstract: A liquid (10) stored in a generation chamber (2) is sprayed by an injection nozzle (33) using pressurized gas introduced to it. This strikes a buffer valve (4) where it is atomized. The generated mist is held in the generation chamber (2). The atomized generated mist is introduced into a particle classifier (5) and made to collide with a collision plate (52). The particles of less than 10 ?m size bouncing off the collision plate are discharged as a micro-mist from a discharge port (56) and fed to a target workpiece. The large particles deposited on the collision plate are recovered in a generator.

Abstract: Hand-held dispensing devices for dispensing and applying a substance to the skin of a host are described. The devices include a hollow body, a capsule mounted within the hollow body for containing the substance, a nozzle mounted within the hollow body communicating with the substance in the capsule, an actuator to cause metered quantities of the substance to be dispensed from the capsule through the nozzle, a shroud defining an exit space for receiving the substance emerging from the nozzle, and a cap detachably mounted on the shroud to selectively open and close the nozzle and thereby control escape of the substance from the capsule.

Abstract: A liquid atomizer includes a main body and an ampoule holder detachably attached to the main body for holding ampoules in an annular formation. The main body has an atomizing part for atomizing the liquid discharged from outlets of the ampoules. The outlet of each of these ampoules can be disposed proximal to the atomizing part by moving the ampoules around the annular formation. Positioning devices are between the main body and the ampoule holder for positioning the ampoule holder properly with respect to the main body. The ampoule holder holds the ampoules such that each of the ampoules can move between an advanced position and a retracted position. The outlet of each ampoule moves into the atomizing part when the ampoule moves to the advanced position. The ampoule holder is able to undergo a rotary motion with respect to the main body when each of the ampoules is at the retracted position.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) used in conjunction with a conventional replaceable cartridge (100) containing an air freshener. The dispenser (200) includes a first portion (300) and a second portion (400). The first portion (300) is actuatable and includes a diaphragm (350) and a step (351). The second portion (400) is actuatable and includes a flat ring (460) arranged proximate to the step (351) of the first portion (300). When the first portion (300) is actuated, the diaphragm (350) contacts a nozzle (130) of the conventional container (100), thereby releasing a first amount of air freshener. When the second portion (400) is actuated, the diaphragm (350) of the first portion (300) is forced over a portion of the nozzle (130) such that the flat ring (460) of the second portion (400) contacts the nozzle. (130), thereby releasing a second amount of air freshener.

Abstract: A container that includes a canister sealed with a metering valve, having a metering chamber is described. The metering valve includes one or more sealing gaskets substantially constructed from a polymer of EPDM and the metering chamber surface presents a substantially fluorinated surface to a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation within the container. Metered dose inhalers that include the container are also described, as are packages that include the metered dose inhalers. Methods of treating various diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, using the metered dose inhalers are also described.

Abstract: A new foam spraying apparatus 1 is described for a liquid container. It comprises a piston and cylinder unit (20; 37) for the air and a piston and cylinder unit (21; 38) for the liquid in which arrangement the piston and cylinder units (20, 37; 21, 38) each are provided with an inlet valve (30; 44) and with an outlet valve (24) and are co-operating being coupled to each other. Furthermore a mixing chamber (14) for the mixture of air and liquid and a spraying head (2) with a foam delivery opening (9) are provided. The cylinder (20) of the first unit and the piston (21) of the second unit are interconnected to an intermediate part (5). Furthermore the piston (37) of the first unit and the cylinder (38) of the second unit are also interconnected to a base part (4) in such a manner that the intermediate part (5) and the base part (4) mesh and are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding liquid to the inlet port of a gravity feed sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a mixing cup of a known type commonly used to mix paint with solvent that is of stiff polymeric material and bears indicia on its side wall indicating the levels to which a plurality of different liquids should be sequentially poured into the cup to achieve a predetermined ratio between the liquids; (2) a first adapter comprising a central portion having a through opening and a transverse portion including a peripheral part defining a groove along its inner surface adapted for sealing engagement.with a top end of the mixing cup; and (3) a second adapter having a through opening, a first end portion of which second adapter is adapted to releasably engage the inlet port of a gravity feed paint sprayer.

Abstract: A metering head for delivering a liquified fuel gas in different combustion chamber sections of a tool and including an inlet (8), at least two outlets (16, 17), and at least one metering valve (5, 5a, 5b) connecting the inlet (8) with the at least two outlets (16, 17).

Abstract: A dispenser for attachment to a container containing a fluid material, including an actuator which keeps the container in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser, and a controllable outlet, through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser, substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micropump for the nebulization of fluids with enhanced metering valve. The micropump comprises a hollow body and a set of stem and piston such as to constitute a "metering chamber" in the body. The hollow stem, which exits the body, is joined with a dispensing push-button fitted with a nebulization element. Pressing the dispensing push-button allows the passage of the fluid to be nebulized from the "metering chamber" to an exit duct, comprising the longitudinal cavity of the stem, a "compression pre-chamber" in the dispensing button and passages from the chamber to the nebulization element. The metering valve is obtained by interposing, in said fluid exit duct, an elastically deformable shutter.

Abstract: A combined drop and spray nozzle device for use with a pressurized container for dispensing a product contained therein as an aerosol. The device includes an axially movable delivery outlet protruding from a top portion of the pressurized container, and a removable nozzle mounted on the delivery outlet for moving the delivery outlet between a closed position wherein the product is contained in the pressurized container and an open position wherein the product is discharged through the nozzle as an aerosol. A valve mechanism is axially movable in the nozzle with respect to the delivery outlet to open and close a predetermined portion of the delivery outlet, and a push-button is provided on the nozzle and is coupled to the valve mechanism for moving the valve mechanism to close the predetermined portion of the delivery outlet when the push-button is depressed and open the predetermined portion of the delivery outlet when the push-button is not depressed.

Abstract: A system for eliminating air from liquid-carrying conduits, in particular in a photoresist dispensing system, with features for reducing the possibility of contamination by residual resist in the conduits after the air elimination process has been carried out. Double or multiple tubing, with one or more secondary tubes contained within an outer tube, is used to interconnect the trap tank, the drain and the vacuum chamber. Resist is directed through the double or multiple tubing such that resist is completely evacuated from the vacuum chamber, and from the trap tank, to the drain valve. Further, an arrangement for avoiding the consequences of contamination of the air exhaust valve in the system, if a mist of residual resist has not been removed by the air elimination process, includes a vacuum generator downstream from the air exhaust valve.

Abstract: An inhaler for medical aerosols includes a flow sensor 32 in the form of a piston which is movable against a spring bias 35 in response to inhalation. Movement of the piston unseats a valve member 30 allowing a pressurized dose to be released through a nozzle 67. A uniform impedance to the flow of air is provided throughout the movement of the piston to avoid any discontinuity in the flow. The apparatus is particularly suited for inhalers used in the treatment of asthma.

Abstract: This invention describes ingestible, non-foaming, non-aqueous liquid and semi-solid oral hygiene preparations containing: a nonionic surfactant, a coating substance insoluble in said surfactant and a microbially active form of stannous fluoride.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacturing of oral hygiene gels wherein a coating substance is emulsified with a surfactant using a hot-melt emulsion process and the resulting emulsion is subsequently gelled with a viscosifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacturing of ingestible, non-foaming, nonaqueous liquid and semi-solid oral hygiene preparations containing: a nonionic surfactant, a coating substance insoluble in said surfactant and a microbially active form of stannous fluoride, wherein the coating substance is emulsified with the surfactant using a hot-melt emulsion process and the resulting emulsion is added to a solution of stannous fluoride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of relieving gum discomfort in children and endentulous persons comprising applying to the gums an ingestible, non foaming, oral hygiene gel that cleans, massages and conditions gums and removes the "plaque-like" film that forms on gums while disrupting the subsequent formation of plaque-like film on said gums.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating the oral cavity with ingestible, non-foaming, non aqueous, liquid and semi-solid oral hygiene preparations containing: a nonionic surfactant, a coating substance insoluble in said surfactant and a microbially active form of stannous fluoride.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oral hygiene preparation in the form of a dentrifrice spray comprising a portable pump containing a dental cleansing/coating composition suitable for frequently dispensing premeasured dosages to clean the mouth, interrupt plaque formation and provide a prolonged clean, just-brushed feeling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for interrupting plaque formation comprising periodically introducing in the oral hygiene cavity an efficatious composition in the form of a dentifrice spray, measured drops, masticatable capsules, liquid centered chewing gums and the like.

Abstract: The valve has a variable volume chamber (11) of annular section between an outer tubular body (1) and a coaxial member (4). An annular piston (5) is free to move axially to vary the volume of the chamber under the combined forces of a return spring (6) and the pressure in the container. A controllable plunger (7) is subject to the force of a return spring (8) and to control force from a user. In the rest position the plunger leaves the variable volume chamber in communication with the interior of the container, and thus with the substance to be dispensed. When pressed against its return spring (8), the plunger isolates the variable volume chamber from the interior of the container and puts the variable volume chamber in communication with the outside. A pressure difference thus appears across the piston (5) and the piston moves along the variable chamber against the force of its return spring (6) to dispense a measured volume of substance.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming lather or soap foam for washing and/or shaving purposes comprises an actuation lever which simultaneously serves to drive a piston, a liquid soap-dosing pump and a membrane pump for generating compressed air. A perforated wall of a conduit or line enables blowing the compressed air into a dosed quantity of liquid soap located within a mixing chamber, to thereby form a coarse bubble lather or soap foam which subsequently is blown through a porous body, homogenized and compacted. Different embodiments of the apparatus can be realized and it is particularly suitable for use as a foot actuated structure and for producing hot lather for shaving. A preferred construction contains an intermittently operated heater for preheating the compressed air, to thereby accomplish a particularly effective generation of hot lather.

Abstract: An enclosed spray chamber for the application of toxic compounds in micro liquid volumes as a function of time using air as a carrier. The spray chamber is cylindrical and vertically mounted about its longitudinal axis. A spray nozzle is mounted in the top of the spray chamber which uses a syringe and needle reservoir system as an accurate means of controlling the amount of solute dissipated. An air pump provides a stream of air that passes in front of the spray nozzle which pulls the spray solute and solvent out of the syringe by vacuum. An exhaust fan and exhaust outlet are provided to safely dispose of the spray solute and solvent outside of the working area of the chamber. A timer system operates the exhaust fan and air pump so that spray droplet fallout and impingement time can be varied and calibrated.

Abstract: A method and system for carrying out the method, relating to mixing of solutions, wherein the base liquid in a tank is circulated through an endless circuit while the chemical is gradually introduced into the circulating flow base liquid to achieve through mixing. A chemical is withdrawn under valve control into a measuring receptacle prior to mixing same with the base liquid. Provision is included for rinsing the chemical source container, the resulting rinse solution being automatically introduced into the tank, leaving the source container in condition to meet legal requirements for disposal. To simplify disposal of rinsed containers and discourage re-use thereof, a feature of the method and system involves means for collapsing the containers. A novel multiple valve assembly enables all features to be embodied in a simplified and condensed system.

Abstract: A two-piece flexible bulb is clamped on the open upper end of a container by a ferrule which seals against the upper section of the bulb. A dispenser head mounted on a pressure pad on the upper bulb section includes a bayonet valve stem which engages a flap-type outlet valve formed on the upper bulb section. Depressing the head sufficiently distorts the bulb which creates pressure in the chamber, and also compresses the pressure pad which permits the valve stem to open the outlet valve. Depressing the upper bulb section breaks the seal between the bulb and the ferrule, thus, allowing air into the container to replace the product which is sucked into the chamber through a flap-type check valve in the lower bulb section, after the dispenser head is released. In alternate arrangements, the flap valves are replaced by flexible valve openings which cooperate with valve stems to open the valves when the bulbs are distorted by depressing the dispenser heads.

Abstract: An atomizer for spraying a liquid medium into minute particles which comprises an outer container, a nozzle assembly including a hollow nozzle member, having a substantially elongated passage defined therein, and a body portion through which the nozzle assembly is coupled to the outer container. An inner container including a tube portion and a container portion in which a predetermined amount of liquid medium to be sprayed is contained is utilized independently of the outer container. This inner container is installed within the atomizer while the tube portion extends through the passage with one end disposed adjacent the nozzle and the other end coupled to the container portion. By the application of a grip to the outer container, the liquid medium can be drawn upwards through the tube portion onto the nozzle through which it is atomized.

Abstract: A dispensing pump of the type in which the discharge valve will open and will remain open only for such time as the pumping pressure is maintained above a predetermined minimum. The pump includes a unitary plunger unit of annular configuration, the inner-periphery of which cooperates with the pump piston to provide the main pump chamber, while its outer periphery cooperates with a socketed plunger head in the manner of a piston, to provide therewith a variable volume pressure accumulation chamber and to function as a pressure actuated discharge valve and shipping seal as well as a vent seal.

Abstract: A dispensing pump of the type in which the outlet valve will open and will remain open only when the pumping pressure is maintained above a predetermined minimum. The pump cylinder in which the pump piston reciprocates, constitutes a unitary part of the outlet valve and also communicates freely with expansible, contractable pressure accumulation chamber, defined in part by the outlet valve and in part by the stationary pump housing. The pump piston and the outlet valve of the unit are movable independently of each other, while the stationary outlet or discharge passage for the pump is placed in communication with the pressure accumulation chamber only when the pressure within that chamber is at or above the predetermined minimum above referred to.

Abstract: A piston displacement liquid spray pump comprises a container; a supporting ferrule engaged on the neck of the container, a hollow cylindrical housing supported by the ferrule, and having at least one slit at its upper end to permit air communication between the container and the atmosphere; a stem within the housing; a hollow stem extension telescopically engaged outwardly of the upper section of the stem; an actuator engaging the upper end of the stem extension and capable of biasing it and the stem downwardly; a check valve comprising a seat at the lower end of the housing, a valve chamber above the seat and a bullet-shaped hollow floating valve member; a longitudinal groove along the upper section of the stem and communicating with the hollow extension; a piston slidably movable within said housing and mounted on the lower end of the hollow stem extension with a lost motion engagement to enable the piston to obstruct the groove during its upward stroke and to uncover same during its downward stroke; the p

Abstract: A metered spray device has a container with an open top. A barrel is sealed in the top of the container and extends into the container. An elongated piston is slidably mounted in the barrel. The piston has a central opening running the full length of the piston for the passage of fluid. A check valve in the lower end of the barrel blocks the flow of fluid from the barrel into the container. A nozzle for engagement with a nostril is connected to the upper end of the piston. A spring biased check valve in the upper end of the piston blocks the flow of fluid downwardly into the piston.