GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150335208 | TWO-PART FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Exemplary dispensers, pumps and refill units for dispensing a liquid soap and concentrate mixtures are disclosed herein. An exemplary foam dispenser system includes a foamable liquid container, a concentrate container, an air source for providing pressurized air and a mixing chamber. One or more liquid conduits place the contents of the foamable liquid container in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. One or more air passages place the air source in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. An outlet conduit out of the mixing chamber is also provided. One or more concentrate conduits place the contents of the concentrate container in fluid communication with one of the liquid conduits, the air conduits, the mixing chamber and the outlet conduit. Mix media located within the outlet conduit. | 11-26-2015 |
20150327730 | PRODUCT DISPENSER WITH PRESSURE RELIEF - A fluid product dispensing system includes a liquid pump and a pneumatic pump that forces fluid product and pressurized air through a foaming device. The foam mixture forces a dispensing valve, located downstream, to open and thereby distribute product onto a user's hands. A control system turns off the pumps and open a pressure relief valve in the pneumatic conduit lines to relieve the buildup of pressure. The dispensing valve automatically resets, i.e. closes, to prevent the leakage of product from the nozzle. | 11-19-2015 |
20150320265 | CONTROL FOR PRODUCT DISPENSER ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE - An energy storage device, like for example a supercapacitor, is used to provide power to activate a motor for dispensing a dosed amount of hand care product. The energy storage device or supercapacitor is recharged from an energy supply source, e.g. batteries, integrated into the replaceable refill reservoir and/or mounted into the dispenser housing. A controller directs energy discharged from the energy supply source(s) at one of a plurality of discharge energy rates for recharging the energy storage device. Depending on the number of dispense events that occur with a given time interval, the controller may vary the rate at which the energy is discharged from the energy supply source(s) to recharge the energy storage device. | 11-12-2015 |
20150266657 | CLOSED SYSTEM FOR VENTING A DISPENSER RESERVOIR - A fluid product reservoir, for a dispensing system, is made of a container having walls that include an aperture formed at one end thereof. A reservoir cap seals the aperture from exposure to the atmosphere. A pump integrated into the reservoir cap allows fluid product to be dispensed from the dispensing system. A closed venting mechanism is included and incorporates one or more air channels that direct ambient air into a bladder positioned internal to the fluid product reservoir. The expansion of the bladder functions to displace fluid pumped from the reservoir thereby equalizing pressure while maintaining a sanitary seal of the fluid reservoir. | 09-24-2015 |
20150224214 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISINFECTING SURFACES IN A ROOM - A method of neutralizing pathogens includes covering a surface to be disinfected with a coating including one or more types of minutely configured particles having a generally high conductivity. The surface is exposed to electromagnetic waves for a duration of time up to three minutes thereby killing the pathogens. | 08-13-2015 |
20150173568 | PUMPS WITH VENTS TO VENT INVERTED CONTAINERS AND REFILL UNITS HAVING NON-COLLAPSING CONTAINERS - Exemplary embodiments of refill units having foam pumps and non-collapsing containers are disclosed herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the refill unit includes a non-collapsing container and a foam pump. The foam pump includes a compressible air chamber. The foam pump includes a passage between the interior of the compressible air chamber and the interior of the container. A regulating valve regulates flow of air from the interior of the compressible air chamber to the interior of the container. | 06-25-2015 |
20150157754 | DISPENSERS FOR, AND METHODS OF, DISINFECTING HANDS - Exemplary dispensers for providing fresh active ingredients to a user's hands over a period of time and exemplary methods of disinfecting hands are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the dispenser includes a sensor for sensing the presence of one or more hands, a controller is in circuit communication with the sensor. A container for holding an oxidizer is also included as well as a pump for pumping the oxidizer out of the container. The dispenser includes logic for controlling the pump and an outlet for dispensing the oxidizer. Upon detection of one or more hands, the logic causes the pump to dispense the oxidizer over a period of time that is greater than 20 seconds. | 06-11-2015 |
20150144659 | SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FOR A DISPENSER - 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. | 05-28-2015 |
20150102067 | COMPACT FOAM AT A DISTANCE PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS - Exemplary foam pumps, refill units and foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a container and a foam pump secured to the container. The foam pump includes an outer housing, an inner housing and a cap. An air pump chamber is formed at least in part by the inner housing. In addition, a liquid pump chamber is formed at least in part by the inner housing. At least a portion of the liquid pump chamber is also formed by the outer housing. An air outlet is located at the bottom of the air pump chamber, which connects to an air outlet passage formed at least in part by the outer housing and the inner housing. Air and liquid dispense tubes are included as well as a mixing chamber located remotely from the foam pump. | 04-16-2015 |
20150090737 | DISPENSERS, REFILL UNITS AND PUMPS HAVING SUCK-BACK FEATURES - Exemplary embodiments of dispensers and refill units having suck-back mechanisms are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a container, a pump connected to the container, and an outlet passage. The outlet passage includes a first cylindrical portion and a second portion. The diameter of the second portion is larger than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion. An inline suck-back valve is located in the in the outlet passage. The inline-suck-back valve moves within the first cylindrical portion and the second portion of the outlet passage. Movement of the inline suck-back valve in a first direction while the inline suck-back valve is located within the first cylindrical portion causes fluid in the outlet passage to be drawn back into the outlet passage. | 04-02-2015 |
20150076176 | DISPENSERS FOR NON-COLLAPSING CONTAINERS AND VENTING PUMPS - Exemplary dispensers having non-collapsible containers and venting pumps are disclosed herein. Some exemplary dispensers include a rigid container for holding a liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion and an air pump portion. The liquid pump portion has a one-way liquid inlet valve, a liquid pump chamber and a liquid outlet valve. Expansion of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the container past the liquid inlet valve into the pump chamber. Compression of the liquid chamber causes liquid to flow from the pump chamber past the liquid outlet valve. In addition, the air pump portion includes an air pump chamber, a piston, a one-way air inlet valve and a filter. Compression of the air pump chamber causes air to flow through the filter and past the one-way air inlet valve into the container. | 03-19-2015 |
20150053791 | ANTI-CLOG PUMP NOZZLES, PUMP AND REFILL UNITS - Exemplary pumps, nozzles and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a container, a pump and an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle has a lower conical shaped portion that reduces in cross-sectional area in the direction of fluid flow. The conical shaped portion has a helical groove about its inner surface and the helical groove has an end proximate an outlet. Another exemplary refill unit includes a container, a pump and an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle has a lower portion that has a passage. At least a portion of the walls of the passage contain a plurality of partial conical shapes that intersect and the passage has a cross-sectional area that reduces along the fluid flow path. The outlet has a multi-lobed cross-section. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053722 | AIR-ACTIVATED SEQUENCED VALVE SPLIT FOAM PUMP - Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture. | 02-26-2015 |
20150014363 | AIR-VENTED LIQUID DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS THEREFOR - Air-vented liquid dispensers are disclosed herein, including refill units for use in connection with such dispensers. A cap is attached to the rigid container. A manifold of the refill unit is secured to the neck portion, and includes an air passage for air to enter into the container and a liquid passage for liquid to exit the container. In some embodiments, one of the cap and the container comprises a protrusion, and the other of the cap and the container comprises a seat for the protrusion, such that an interface between the protrusion and the seat forms an air vent pathway for the refill unit. In other embodiments, one of the cap and the container comprises a flexible and resilient valve member which in a rest position extends to contact the other of the cap and the container. | 01-15-2015 |
20140367419 | FOAM CARTRIDGES, PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND FOAM DISPENSERS UTILIZING THE SAME - Exemplary embodiments of foam cartridges, refill units for foam dispensers, and foam dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary foam cartridge for a foam pump that may be used in a refill unit includes a housing. The housing includes an upper cylindrical portion and a lower cylindrical portion. One or more air passageways are located through the upper cylindrical portion. The foam cartridge includes an interior cylindrical member having a dome. The interior cylindrical member is located at least partially within the upper cylindrical portion of the housing. One or more mixing passages located between the interior cylindrical member and the upper cylindrical portion of the housing, and one or more mix media are located at least partially within the lower cylindrical portion of the housing. | 12-18-2014 |
20140366264 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF TOUCH-FREE DEVICES IN A COORDINATED MANNER - Exemplary embodiments of touch-free devices and systems comprising touch-free devices operating in a concerted effort are disclosed below. An exemplary touch-free device includes a spout, a processor, memory, an object sensor, a communication interface and logic stored on the memory. The logic contains processor readable instructions for causing the touch-free device to communicate with a second touch-free device. Wherein the processor readable instructions coordinate the operation of the touch-free device with respect to the second touch-free device. | 12-18-2014 |
20140353334 | VACUUM PRIME FOAM PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSERS - Exemplary embodiments of foam pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. Some embodiments have a foam pump that includes a chamber having a liquid inlet, a vacuum outlet, a pressurized air inlet and a liquid air mixture outlet. An exemplary foam pump includes a liquid inlet valve to allow liquid to enter the chamber and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber through the liquid inlet. Vacuum pressure applied to the vacuum outlet causes fluid to flow through the liquid inlet, past the liquid inlet valve and into the chamber. Pressurized air flows through the pressurized air inlet and mixes with the liquid and the liquid air mixture is forced out of the liquid air mixture outlet. The foam pump includes a mix media. The liquid air mixture flows through the mix media and flows through an outlet to be dispensed as a foam. | 12-04-2014 |
20140353332 | LOW COST RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) DISPENSING SYSTEMS - A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes. | 12-04-2014 |
20140319180 | HORIZONTAL PUMPS WITH REDUCED PART COUNT, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSERS - Exemplary embodiments of foam pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. Some embodiments have a foam pump that includes a valve cavity housing with a liquid inlet. A unitary valve body is located within the valve cavity housing. The unitary valve body includes a liquid inlet wiper valve, a liquid outlet wiper valve, a hollow interior portion, an opening through the valve body into the hollow interior portion, and an outlet opening. The foam pump also includes a pump chamber and a pump chamber opening through the valve cavity. The pump chamber opening is located between the liquid inlet wiper valve and the liquid outlet wiper valve. An air inlet into the valve cavity housing is also included. The valve cavity includes a mixing chamber. A mix media and foam outlet are included. The foam pump may be connected to a container to form a refill unit. | 10-30-2014 |
20140272106 | ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED PROPERTIES AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING INTERACTION OF THE COMPOSITIONS WITH SURFACES - A method is provided for measuring the interaction of a disinfecting composition with a floor wax. The method include coating a surface with floor wax, allowing the coating to dry, applying a selected amount of disinfecting composition to the coated surface, and measuring, after a pre-determined amount of time, the tack of the surface, by using a controlled force measurement inverted probe machine. A detectable amount of tack indicates that the disinfecting composition has interacted with the floor wax. Alternatively, any tacky residue on the dried product surface may be sampled and analyzed by Fourier transform spectroscopy. Absorption at a wavelength associated with the floor wax indicates that the product has interacted with the floor wax. A foamable disinfecting composition having reduced interaction with floor wax is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266575 | INTERACTIVE PORTABLE CARRYING CASE FOR HAND SANITIZER - A dispensing system is provided including a housing that removably supports a container. A material is contained within the container. The material is dispensed from the container. The housing includes a wireless communication system that transmits a first set of information related to a user of the dispensing system. An example method of operating the dispensing system is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263892 | FIXTURE MOUNTING SYSTEMS FOR COUNTER TOPS - Exemplary embodiments of fixture mounting systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary fixture mounting system includes an upper fixture mount, a lower fixture mount and a plurality of connectors extending between the upper fixture mount and the lower fixture mount. The lower fixture mount has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are connected together by a hinge. The first portion and the second portion may be folded together and inserted through a hole in a countertop and the first and second portion unfold upon passing through the countertop. The plurality of connectors are tightened to secure the upper fixture mount and the lower fixture mount to the counter. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263464 | AIR-VENTED LIQUID DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS THEREFOR - Air-vented liquid dispensers are disclosed herein, including refill units for use in connection with such dispensers. A rigid container holds a liquid and has a neck portion. A manifold is secured to the neck portion underneath the container, and includes an air passage for air to enter into the container and a liquid passage for air to exit the container. A gasket member is located between the container neck and the manifold, and has a flexible and resilient flap portion which acts as a check valve for the air passage. An air tube carries the air up into the rigid container. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263462 | SIMPLIFIED LIQUID OUTLET VALVES, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS - An inverted refill unit for a dispenser is provided. The refill unit includes a liquid outlet valve in the form of an elastomeric member including a cylindrical side wall, an upper wall having an opening therein, and a valve member extending upwardly from the upper wall to selectively engage a valve seat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263428 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATED DISPENSER - A dispensing system is provided including a dispensing device that dispenses a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event. A dimensionally adjustable element is coupled to the dispensing device. The dimensionally adjustable element can actuate the dispensing device to facilitate the dispense event based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element. A sensor is coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and can detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system. The sensor can activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system. In this manner material can be dispensed from the dispensing system when the user is in proximity to the same. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263421 | COUNTER MOUNT ABOVE-COUNTER FILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND REFILL UNITS FOR SAME - Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems and refill units for dispensing systems are provided. One exemplary refill unit for a counter mount dispenser includes a collapsed bag and a tube extending down into the collapsed bag. A fitment is secured to the collapsed bag. The fitment has a filling orifice. A pump for pumping fluid out of the bag is also provided. The collapsed bag fits through an opening in a countertop so that the collapsed bag may be inserted from above the countertop through the opening and at least a part of the collapsed bag extends below the countertop. The collapsed bag is configured to be filled with a liquid after being inserted through the opening in the countertop and the volume of the collapsed bag expands when the collapsed bag is filled with liquid. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261799 | SIMPLIFIED LIQUID OUTLET VALVES, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS - Exemplary simplified outlet valves, pumps and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary inverted refill unit for a dispenser includes a container and a pump secured to the bottom of container. The pump has a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet having an annular housing. One or more liquid outlet passages are located within the annular housing. A valve seat is located proximate the liquid outlet passages. A liquid outlet valve is also included. The liquid outlet valve includes an annular body and a resilient disc located on the interior of the annular body. The resilient disc has an opening in the center and seals against the valve seat to seal the one or more liquid outlet passages in a normal state. The resilient disc deflects from the valve seat under pressure so that liquid flows through the liquid outlet passages and through the center of the resilient disc. | 09-18-2014 |
20140234140 | POWER SYSTEMS FOR TOUCH FREE DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS CONTAINING A POWER SOURCE - Electronic dispensers and refill units for electronic dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary electronic dispenser includes a housing, a processor and a first battery secured to the dispenser. The first battery provides power to the processor. The dispenser further includes actuator drive circuitry for causing the dispenser to move an actuator to dispense fluid from a refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includes a rechargeable energy storage device for providing power to the actuator drive circuitry. Circuitry for charging the rechargeable energy storage device is also provided. The dispenser includes a holder for holding a refill unit and a connector for releasably connecting to a second battery that is provided with the refill unit. The second battery is installed in the connector when a refill unit is installed in the dispenser and removed from the connector when the refill unit is removed from the dispenser. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232319 | THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTING FOR DISPENSING SYSTEM - Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for harvesting thermal energy for utilization by a dispensing system are provided herein. The dispensing system may comprise one or more thermal scavenging devices configured to collect thermal energy from a user. For example, a first thermal scavenging device, coupled to a top housing portion of the dispensing system, may collect thermal energy from a palm of a user hand; a second thermal scavenging device, coupled to a bottom housing portion of the dispensing system, may collect thermal energy from a top portion of the user hand; and/or other thermal scavenging devices may be operatively coupled to the dispensing system. In this way, the collected thermal energy is transformed into electrical energy for powering the dispensing system (e.g., powering a current dispense event, stored for a subsequent dispense event, validation of a refill container, detection of a user, etc.). | 08-21-2014 |
20140231462 | METERED DOSE SQUEEZE DISPENSER - Exemplary metered dose dispensers are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a container and a one-dose dispenser secured to the container. The one-dose dispenser includes a dosing chamber; a shuttle member movable within the dosing chamber; an outlet valve located at an end of the dosing chamber and an outlet located downstream of the outlet valve. A liquid inlet is also included for allowing liquid to flow into the dosing chamber to an area between the shuttle member and the outlet valve. Pressurizing liquid in the container moves the shuttle member from a first position to a second position and dispenses the liquid in the dosing chamber; and when the shuttle member is in the second position, the shuttle member seals off the outlet valve. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231451 | TEMPORARY LIQUID SOAP OR SANITIZER SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND DISPENSER SYSTEMS - Temporary support structures for holding fluid dispensing systems and removable refill units are disclosed herein. The temporary support structures are formed out of flat stock that is cut into desired shapes and has predetermined fold lines. The flat stock may be folded along the predetermined fold lines and assembled into a temporary support structure that includes a base and a tower. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231449 | REFILL CONTAINER LABELING - Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type). | 08-21-2014 |
20140231448 | REFILL CONTAINER LABELING - Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type). | 08-21-2014 |
20140230377 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A CUSTOMIZABLE PERSONAL SKINCARE PRODUCT IN A PORTABLE DISPENSER, AND RELATED METHODS - A system and method for producing a customizable personal skincare liquid product in a portable dispenser are disclosed herein. The system includes a processor, a memory, a supply of portable dispensers, a supply of a base liquid material, and a supply of additional substances. A user provides selections and instructions to the system. The system mixes the base liquid material with one or more of the additional substances in the portable dispenser to create a customizable personal skincare liquid product according to the user specifications. | 08-21-2014 |
20140209638 | SEQUENCED ADJUSTABLE VOLUME PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSERS - Embodiments of sequenced foam pumps, refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a container for holding a foamable liquid and a sequenced pump. The sequenced pump has a housing with a chamber located within the housing. There is an air inlet and a liquid inlet into the chamber. A hollow valve stem is movable within the chamber. A sealing member forms a seal between the valve stem and the chamber. When the valve stem is in a first position liquid flows into the chamber and air in the chamber flows into the container; and when the valve stem is in a second position, the sealing member seals off the liquid inlet, and air travels through the air inlet and mixes with the liquid in the chamber. The air and liquid mixture travels through the center of the valve stem and out of an outlet. | 07-31-2014 |
20140205473 | PULL PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSERS FOR PULL PUMPS - Dispensers, refill units and pumps are disclosed herein. The refill units include a container secured to a pump. Some exemplary refill units for dispensers include a container for holding a liquid and a post seal pump. As the post seal pump operates, a piston moves up and down over the pump seal. When the piston shaft is in a first position, fluid flows into the pump chamber and one or more apertures through the piston shaft are sealed off by the post seal. When the piston shaft is in a second position, the piston engages a wall of the pump chamber and the one or more apertures are away from the post seal to provide a fluid path from the pump chamber to the interior of the hollow piston shaft and is dispensed through an output. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203047 | PUMPS WITH CONTAINER VENTS - Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for holding a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump housing to the container. The pump housing includes an air chamber and a vent valve located at least partially within the air chamber. One or more air passageways are provided in the collar for providing air to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump chamber is also located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment includes a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve located downstream of the pump chamber. | 07-24-2014 |
20140197924 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING A PUBLIC FACILITY - In an exemplary method of locating a public facility, a public facility is provided at a fixed location and includes a facility locating module. A wireless signal is generated from the facility locating module. Software code accessible to the portable electronic device is provided. The software code causes the portable electronic device to detect the wireless signal and to generate a location indicating output from the portable electronic device to identify at least one of a location of the public facility, a distance to the public facility from the portable electronic device, and a direction from the portable electronic device to the public facility. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197196 | TWO-LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEMS, REFILLS AND TWO-LIQUID PUMPS - Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems for dispensing mixtures of multiple liquids, refill units and pumps for such refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. One refill unit includes a first container and a second container. The refill unit includes a first pump chamber that is associated with the first container and a second pump chamber that is associated with the second container. The first and second pump chambers include a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. Expanding the first and second pump chambers draws liquid into the first and second pump chambers through the liquid inlet valves and compressing the first and second pump chambers forces liquid through the liquid outlet valves into a mixing chamber located downstream of the liquid outlet valves. The mixing chamber is formed at least in part by a flexible membrane. The refill unit also includes an outlet nozzle for dispensing the mixture. | 07-17-2014 |
20140166650 | COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERS AND REFILL UNITS - Exemplary embodiments of collapsible containers are disclosed herein. Some exemplary embodiments include a container having a plurality of sides. The plurality of sides forms a substantially geometric shape, such as a rectangular shape. A plurality of predetermined fold lines extend substantially across each of the sides and the predetermined fold lines form a plurality of geometric shapes. A plurality of predetermined fold lines for inner folds on a first side are aligned with a plurality of predetermined fold lines for outer folds on a second side. | 06-19-2014 |
20140158715 | VENTED CHECK VALVES, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS WITH VENTED CHECK VALVES - Vented check valves, pumps and refill units for dispensers are disclosed herein. Some embodiments disclose a refill unit including a container for holding a liquid. A pump chamber is secured to the container. The pump chamber is defined at least in part by a one-way liquid inlet check valve, a one-way liquid outlet check valve and at least one wall. The volume of the pump chamber is movable between a first volume and a second volume. The inlet check valve includes a venting recess. The venting recess allows air to flow past the inlet check valve in the opposite direction of the flow of liquid into the liquid chamber. | 06-12-2014 |
20140151394 | ADAPTABLE SENSORLESS END OF STROKE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor. | 06-05-2014 |
20140124540 | UNDER-COUNTER MOUNT FOAM DISPENSING SYSTEMS WITH PERMANENT AIR COMPRESSORS AND REFILL UNITS FOR SAME - Under-counter foam dispensing systems and refill units for under-counter mount foam dispensing systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a container for holding a liquid, at least a portion of a liquid pump, a quick-connect air manifold for releasably connecting to a pressurized air source, an air passage to a mixing chamber and a liquid passage to the mixing chamber. The air inlet is in fluid communication with the source for pressurized air when the refill unit is mounted in the dispensing system and disengages from the pressurized air source when the refill unit is removed from the under-counter mount foam dispensing system. | 05-08-2014 |
20140117053 | FOAM PUMPS WITH LOST MOTION AND ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT FOAM PUMPS - Embodiments of lost motion foam pumps are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a liquid chamber, a liquid piston movable in the liquid chamber, an air chamber and an air piston movable in the air chamber. The air piston is linked to the liquid piston. A connector is linked to the air piston or the liquid piston. The connector includes an engagement member for connecting to an actuator of a foam dispenser. Movement of the actuator in a first direction moves the liquid and air pistons to contract the liquid chamber and the air chamber. Movement of the actuator a first distance in a second direction does not move the liquid piston or the air piston; however, continued movement of the actuator a second distance in the second direction moves the liquid piston and the air piston and expands the liquid and air chambers. | 05-01-2014 |
20140110434 | DISPENSERS FOR DILUTING A CONCENTRATED LIQUID AND DISPENSING THE DILUTED CONCENTRATE - Exemplary embodiments of dispensers are disclosed herein. One exemplary dispenser is a soap or sanitizer dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing. A removable and replaceable concentrate container for holding concentrated soap or sanitizer is located within the housing. A concentrate pump is in fluid communication with the concentrate container. A diluent container for holding a liquid is also located within the housing and a diluent pump for pumping the diluent is also included. The dispenser includes a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the concentrate pump and the diluent pump. The dispenser includes an outlet. When concentrated soap or sanitizer is pumped from the concentrate container, it mixes with diluent pumped from the diluent container to form a diluted mixture. The diluted mixture is dispensed at the outlet of the dispenser. | 04-24-2014 |
20140103072 | LOW COST AND LOW POWER AUTOMATIC LIQUID DISPENSERS - Exemplary embodiments of dispensers for dispensing a liquid from a refill unit that has a container and a resilient dome pump are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a plurality of rollers that rotate about a common axis to compress a dome pump and a holder for holding a refill unit having a container and a resilient dome pump. During operation, when a refill unit is located within the holder, rotation of the rollers about the common axis causes a roller to compress the resilient dome pump as the roller passes over the resilient dome pump to dispense liquid, and the resilient dome pump expands to its original position once the roller passes to draw in liquid. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094525 | FOAMABLE ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITION - A foamable composition is provided that includes at least 40 weight percent alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; and a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of silicone quats. | 04-03-2014 |
20140079648 | ANTIMICROBIAL ALCOHOLIC FOAMABLE COMPOSITIONS - An antimicrobial alcoholic foamable composition comprising an alcohol, a waxy component, water, and a dissolvable gas, where the composition is dispensed and foamed without requiring the use of a porous filter, meshed screen, or hazardous propellant. | 03-20-2014 |
20140074285 | DISPENSER APPARATUS WITH NETWORK CAPABILITIES AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING THE SAME - A network for a plurality of dispensers includes at least one dispenser device and a device controller carried by each dispenser device which monitors the operational activity of the dispenser device. A network transceiver is connected to each device controller and links to a gateway controller adapted to wirelessly communicate with each network transceiver. An installation button is associated with each network transceiver, wherein actuation of the installation button increases an operational duty cycle to enable linking of all of the dispenser devices to the gateway controller. Other embodiments are provided which facilitate learning of dispensers and related network devices to a network of dispensers. | 03-13-2014 |
20140061246 | HORIZONTAL PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND FOAM DISPENSERS - Disposable refill units, and pumps for disposable refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments include a container for holding a foamable liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a liquid chamber formed between a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. In addition, the pump includes a sleeve that is located at least partially within the liquid chamber. One or more liquid passages are defined at least in part by an area located between an exterior wall of the sleeve and a wall of the liquid chamber. The pump also includes a piston body having a head and a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve and the piston head moves within the sleeve to reduce and enlarge the volume of the liquid chamber. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061245 | HORIZONTAL PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND FOAM DISPENSERS - Disposable refill units, and pumps for disposable refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments include a container for holding a foamable liquid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a liquid chamber formed between a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. In addition, the pump includes a sleeve that is located at least partially within the liquid chamber. One or more liquid passages are defined at least in part by an area located between an exterior wall of the sleeve and a wall of the liquid chamber. The pump also includes a piston body having a head and a sealing member located at a first end of the piston. The sealing member forms a seal against the interior wall of the sleeve and the piston head moves within the sleeve to reduce and enlarge the volume of the liquid chamber. | 03-06-2014 |
20140054323 | HORIZONTAL PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND FOAM DISPENSERS WITH INTEGRAL AIR COMPRESSORS - Foam dispensers having integral air compressors with connectors to connect with a disposable refill unit, disposable refill units and liquid pumps are disclosed herein. A refill unit includes a container and a liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a liquid chamber defined at least in part by a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. A piston that reciprocates horizontally in the liquid chamber. A mixing chamber is located downstream of the liquid chamber. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and has an air inlet. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet to prevent liquid from contaminating the air compressors. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054322 | OFF-AXIS INVERTED FOAM DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - An exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system includes a dispenser housing and a replaceable refill unit. The replaceable refill unit has a container that has a neck portion and a horizontal foam pump. The pump has an inlet orientated along an inlet axis and an outlet orientated along an outlet axis. A fluid passage extends from the pump chamber to the outlet. The inlet axis is offset from the outlet axis and the outlet axis is located closer to the front of the dispenser. An actuator is also located within the housing. In addition, an air compressor and an air passage to direct air into the fluid passage to mix the air with the fluid are included. The actuator is configured to drive the horizontal pump toward the front of the dispenser to dispense a fluid in the form of a foam. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054320 | OFF-AXIS INVERTED DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - Exemplary embodiments of inverted dispenser systems and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a dispenser housing and an actuating lever. A rack is engaged by the actuating lever. An actuator carriage is included that is movable back and forth in a linear motion. The rack is linked to the actuating carriage and the rack is movable back and forth in a linear motion. Movement of the rack toward the back of the dispenser causes the actuator carriage to move toward the front of the dispenser. | 02-27-2014 |
20130341358 | FOAM SOAP DISPENSER WITH STATIONARY DISPENSING TUBE - Dispensers are provided including pumps for dispensing a foamed product out of an outlet provided in a dispensing tube. The foam is created from the mixing of a foamable liquid and air, with separate pumps being provided for each component. The dispensing tube is stationary, although the pumps themselves have parts that must move to dispense the foamed product. A single actuator operates both the liquid and air pumps. Additionally, in some embodiments, the air pump advances air before the liquid pump advances liquid. These pumps are particularly suited to the dispensing of a foamed skin care or skin sanitizing product. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341356 | GRIT AND FOAM DISPENSER - One embodiment discloses a dispenser having a liquid container for holding a liquid, a liquid pump for moving the liquid from the liquid container to a first outlet, a grit container for holding grit, and an air pump for moving the grit from the container to a second outlet. The dispenser includes an actuator for actuating the liquid pump and the air pump. During operation, the liquid pump dispenses a liquid and the air pump causes air to flow through a first passageway into the grit container causing at least some grit to flow through a second passageway, out of the second outlet and into the liquid. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341354 | PORTABLE LIQUID DISPENSER - Portable liquid dispensers are disclosed herein, including a bracket and a pouch. The pouch comprises a container portion, a flange portion surrounding the container portion, and a channel portion formed in the flange portion for providing fluid communication from an interior of the container portion through the flange portion. The bracket holds the flange portion of the pouch in order to form the liquid dispenser. | 12-26-2013 |
20130320043 | DOUBLE ACTING VALVE FOR LIQUID PUMPS - A refill unit includes a container for holding a liquid and a pump. The pump includes a housing that has one or more liquid inlets. In addition, the housing includes one or more liquid outlets. At least a portion of the liquid outlet(s) is made of a resilient material. A liquid chamber having a first volume and a second volume is located at least partially within the housing. A valve body having a protruding member and a valve seat is located within the housing. The protruding member acts as a one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the container into the liquid chamber and preventing fluid from flowing out of the liquid chamber into the container. In addition, the liquid outlet contacts the valve seat to seal the outlet and flexes away from the valve seat to allow liquid under pressure to exit the liquid chamber. | 12-05-2013 |
20130306677 | DISPENSER HOUSING WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism. | 11-21-2013 |
20130302195 | LOW RESIDUAL INVERTED PUMPS, DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - A foam pump including a housing and a piston that reciprocates within the housing is disclosed herein. The piston has a hollow portion and an orifice through the wall of the piston. A first seal located proximate the upper end of the piston provides a seal between the piston and the housing. A liquid inlet is located in the side wall of the housing at a point lower than the top of the piston. A one-way liquid inlet valve is located proximate the liquid inlet and a one-way liquid outlet valve is located prior to the liquid outlet. A charge chamber is defined at least in part by the liquid inlet valve, the liquid outlet valve, a wall of the piston and a wall of the housing. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299518 | FOAM DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS FOR FOAM DISPENSERS - A refill unit for a foam dispenser that has an air compressor permanently attached to the dispenser is provided herein. The refill unit includes a liquid container and a body portion having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body portion is fluidly coupled to the liquid container. A liquid chamber is located in the pump body, the liquid chamber having an expanded state and a contracted state. An outlet nozzle is located proximate a second end of the body portion. A mixing chamber is located within the body portion. An air inlet is located through the body portion and is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet. The sanitary seal allows air to enter into the mixing chamber and prevents liquid from traveling out of the body portion through the air inlet. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299517 | PULL-ACTIVATED FOAM PUMPS, DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - Foam dispenser systems, pumps and refill units are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a foam pump connected to the container. The pump incorporates a simple and inexpensive valve arrangement to move liquid through the pump and to create the foam. For example, a liquid foam pump may include a housing and a valve stem that moves in two directions. The valve stem has an inlet liquid pathway and an outlet liquid pathway to convey liquid to a mixing. In addition, a moveable valve body is movable by the valve stem in a first direction to move the valve body to the first position to open a liquid inlet pathway, and moveable in a second direction to move the valve body to the second position to open the outlet liquid pathway. | 11-14-2013 |
20130270300 | WATER-DRIVEN DISPENSING SYSTEMS EMPLOYING CONCENTRATED PRODUCT - A dispenser for dispensing a diluted form of a concentrated product includes: a supply of concentrated product; a dilution chamber; an actuation assembly and a product pump mechanism having a water staging chamber. The actuation assembly receives water under pressure from a pressurized water supply. In a staging state, water from the pressurized water supply is fed to the water staging chamber, increasing the volume thereof and causing the actuating of the pump mechanism thereby driving a dose of product into the dilution chamber. In a return state, (a) water within the water staging chamber exits the water staging chamber, (b) water is advanced to the dilution chamber and mixes with the dose of product to create diluted product, and (c) a dose of concentrated product is drawn from the supply of concentrated product into the product pump mechanism. | 10-17-2013 |
20130254136 | CUSTOMIZABLE DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND DISPENSING SYSTEMS DELIVERING A DOSE OF FRAGRANCE UPON ACTUATION - A customizable fluid product dispensing system includes a container including a volume of fluid product, a pump secured to the container and in fluid communication with the fluid product, and a cover assembly positioned over a portion of the pump and secured to the pump or container. The pump may include a plastic component infused with a fragrance for imparting the fragrance to the fluid dispensed from the system. The cover assembly may also include a plastic component with an infused fragrance for providing an air freshening function to the dispensing system. A vignette may be provided on the cover assembly, and may correspond to the fragrance of one or both of the pump and cover assembly. An air freshener base unit is provided to interact with the dispensing systems or with common desktop type dispensers. | 09-26-2013 |
20130237598 | ANTIVIRAL COMPOSITIONS - This invention provides virucidally-enhanced alcoholic compositions. The compositions include at least about 50 wt. % of a C | 09-12-2013 |
20130233441 | AIR-ACTIVATED SEQUENCED VALVE SPLIT FOAM PUMP - Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture. | 09-12-2013 |
20130206794 | TWO FLUID PUMP - Pumps with housing and a diaphragms located within the housing are disclosed herein. A diaphragm connected to an actuator separates the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. Each chamber includes a one-way inlet valve and a one-way outlet valve. Movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the volume of the first chamber to contract and causes the first fluid to be expelled from the first chamber while causing the volume of the second chamber to expand and draw in the second fluid through the second one-way inlet valve. Movement of the actuator in the second direction has the opposite effect causing the first fluid to be drain to the first chamber and the second fluid to be expelled through the second one-way outlet valve. The first and second fluid combine in a mixing chamber and form a foam, which is expelled at an outlet. | 08-15-2013 |
20130175301 | LIQUID DISPENSER PUMP - Liquid dispenser systems, pumps for use in liquid dispenser systems, and disposable/replaceable liquid container units for use in liquid dispenser systems are disclosed. A refill unit for refilling a liquid dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of liquid and a pump connected to the container. The pump comprises a fitment portion configured for attachment to a liquid container, and a pump portion which comprises an upper valve member and a lower valve member disposed along a common longitudinal axis, such that the fitment portion and the pump portion are formed as one integral piece. | 07-11-2013 |
20130168260 | ELECTROLYTIC DEVICE FOR GENERATION OF pH-CONTROLLED HYPOHALOUS ACID AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS FOR DISINFECTANT APPLICATIONS - An electrolytic device for the generation of hypohalous acid in aqueous solutions includes at least a single liquid chamber for receiving an aqueous solution containing halide ions therein, the single liquid chamber having an exterior wall and a solid anode contained within to provide for the oxidation of the halide ions, which, in turn, provides for the formation of hypohalous acid in aqueous solution, and a gas permeable cathode forming a portion of the exterior wall of the single liquid chamber, the cathode providing for the reduction of oxygen to provide hydroxyl ions in solution within the single liquid chamber to mix with the products generated at the anode. An embodiment of the electrolytic device including an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber separated by an ionomeric membrane is also described, whereby the anolyte chamber further includes an outlet including a pH control for determining and regulating the pH of the exiting anolyte effluent to between about 4 and 9. The product is suitable for disinfectant applications including as a hand sanitizer. | 07-04-2013 |
20130165530 | FOAMABLE ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITIONS WITH SKIN BENEFITS - A non-aqueous, non-aerosol foamable composition is provided that includes at least 40 wt % alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; a foaming surfactant; and a skin benefit agent selected from the group consisting of emollients, humectants, occlusive agents, and other moisturizers to provide moisturization, skin softening, skin barrier maintenance, anti-irritation, or other skin health benefits. The foamable alcoholic composition forms a stable foam when mixed with air. | 06-27-2013 |
20130140380 | VORTEX ATOMIZING FOAM PUMP AND REFILL UNIT UTILIZING SAME - Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam. | 06-06-2013 |
20130134185 | DISPENSER WITH LOCKOUT DEVICE - A dispenser housing that receives a refill unit including a container and pump associated with the container to pump contents from the container. The dispenser housing includes an actuator carriage moveable between a rest position and an actuated position. The dispenser housing also includes a lockout device moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lockout device is in the open position, the actuator carriage is movable, and, when the lockout device is in the closed position, movement of the actuator carriage is blocked by the lockout device such that the actuator carriage cannot be moved from the rest position to the actuated position. | 05-30-2013 |
20130129567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATION OF ACTIVE SPECIES IN A MEDIA BY UV RADIATION - A system for sanitizing an article includes an ultraviolet light emitting a frequency of light anywhere between 122-230 nm projected toward the article. A medium dispersed about the article and intersecting with the projected ultraviolet light is also provided. The medium interacts with the frequency of light to generate reactive oxygen species that eliminate microbes on the article. Specific light frequencies may be used in combination with different mediums. | 05-23-2013 |
20130098941 | PROPRIETARY DISPENSING CONTAINER SYSTEM - A proprietary dispensing container system provides a base configured for use with compatible dispensing containers having a dispensing nozzle that when actuated dispenses liquid material, such as soap, therefrom. The dispensing containers include concentric alignment ribs configured to be received within corresponding concentric base channels disposed in a support platform to prevent unauthorized dispensers from being inserted therein. The dispensing containers also include indicators that are placed in an arrangement to identify attribute data relating to the dispensing containers and their contents, which is read by sensors in the support platform for presentation on a display. The support platform is suspended from the base by springs and moves as the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material therefrom. A switch monitors the movement of the support platform and updates a count value that identifies the number of uses of the dispensing containers, which is presented on the display. | 04-25-2013 |
20130094983 | DIAPHRAGM FOAM PUMP FOR FOAM DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - A refill unit for a foam dispenser including a liquid container and a diaphragm foam pump connected to the liquid container and diaphragm foam pumps. The diaphragm foam pump includes an elastomeric diaphragm having an air piston bore and a bellows. The air piston bore forms at least a portion of an air chamber. A reservoir is located at least partially within the bellows that includes a liquid inlet. The diaphragm foam pump includes a piston that forms a portion of the air chamber wherein the piston bore may be moved relative to the piston. Movement in a first direction causes air in an air chamber to be compressed and draws liquid into the reservoir and further movement in the same direction causes compressed air to flow into the reservoir where it mixes with the liquid and is expelled as a foam. | 04-18-2013 |
20130076514 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MONITOR FOR A DISPENSING CONTAINER - A hygiene compliance monitor for a dispensing container that dispenses material when a dispensing nozzle is actuated, includes a flexible main section having a receiving aperture through which the dispensing nozzle extends, so as to enable the main section to be removably attached to the dispensing container. Extending from the main section is a secondary section that is terminated by an attachment sleeve that is configured to removably retain the dispensing nozzle therein. A token, such as a magnet, is carried by the attachment sleeve and is detected by a sensor carried by the main section. Thus, when the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material, the sensor detects the presence and non-presence of the token and accordingly updates a count value that is presented on a display that represents the number of actuations of the dispensing nozzle. | 03-28-2013 |
20130068791 | PORTABLE DISPENSER - A portable dispenser provides a light source that is configured to illuminate a dispensing nozzle, indicia carried upon the dispenser housing, and the refill container when the dispenser is actuated to dispense material therefrom. As such, the dispenser conveniently identifies the intended region at which the material is to be dispensed, while providing a compelling and entertaining manner of operation. | 03-21-2013 |
20130056497 | WIPER FOAM PUMP, REFILL UNIT & DISPENSER FOR SAME - Foam dispensers and pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a foam dispenser system includes a liquid container for holding a foamable liquid. A flexible and resilient liquid delivery compressible member connects the liquid container to a mixing chamber. A flexible and resilient air delivery compressible member connects a source of air to the mixing chamber. A compression member compresses the compressible members to move liquid and air into the mixing chamber to become a foam. The liquid container and the liquid delivery compressible member may both be disposed in a removable and replaceable refill unit assembly. | 03-07-2013 |
20130037573 | SPLIT BODY PUMPS FOR FOAM DISPENSERS AND REFILL UNITS - Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system is also disclosed herein. The foam dispenser has an air compressor secured thereto and the air compressor is not disposed of with the refill unit. The refill unit includes a liquid pump and a container for holding a foamable liquid that is connected to the liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a pump housing and a mixing chamber having an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. The mixing chamber has an extended position with a first volume and a contracted position with a second volume. The pump housing includes an aperture therethrough configured to receive air from an air compressor that does not form part of the refill unit. One or more one-way sealing members are located within the pump housing between the aperture and the mixing chamber for preventing liquid from passing through the aperture in the pump housing for receiving air. A foaming element and outlet nozzle are located downstream of the mixing chamber. The refill unit is configured to be received by a foam dispenser having an air compressor located therein and configured to receive pressurized air from the air compressor through the first aperture. In addition, the refill unit may be disposed of without disposing of the air compressor. | 02-14-2013 |
20130032613 | DISPENSER LOCKOUT MECHANISM - A product dispensing system includes a locking mechanism to prevent actuation of the system absent an authorized product refill unit. More specifically, the dispensing system includes a housing and an actuator slidably secured within the housing and including at least one locking post extending therefrom. The actuator is adapted to actuate a pump to cause dispensing of a product. A release ring is rotatably secured within the housing and includes at least one locking post extending therefrom and aligned with the locking post of the actuator. The release ring also includes at least one ramped surface. The locking posts of the actuator and release ring engage one another in a locked position to prevent actuation of the dispensing system, and the release ring is adapted to be rotated to an unlocked position upon insertion of an authorized refill unit. | 02-07-2013 |
20130020351 | DISPENSER WITH OPTICAL KEYING SYSTEM - A dispenser with an optical keying system includes a housing that is configured to carry a removable refill container that contains an amount of material, such as soap, for example. The removable refill container includes microscopic indicia that is visually-imperceptible to a human, which includes an authorization code, as well as a reference code that identifies various attributes associated with the refill container, such as its size, material type, and date of manufacture. Finally, the dispenser includes an optical sensor that is configured to read the authorization code defined by the microscopic or visually-imperceptible indicia to determine whether the refill container is authorized for use with the dispenser. | 01-24-2013 |
20130015956 | DISPENSER USE MONITOR - A dispenser use monitor provides a housing configured to be removably attached to a portable dispenser, such as a soap dispenser. The housing includes a controller that stores one or more reference ID codes that match the tag ID codes associated with each of one or more data tags. The data tags are used to identify predetermined areas in which the portable dispenser is to be used. Thus, as the use monitor is brought into proximity with each data tag, indicating that the portable dispenser has been used in the associated area, the use monitor validates the reference ID codes if it matches the tag ID code of the particular data tag. In addition, an indicator displays the remaining number of reference ID codes that have not been validated, thereby providing a reminder to the user of the portable dispenser of the progress of their job completion. | 01-17-2013 |
20130015209 | SHUT-OFF SYSTEM FOR A DISPENSERAANM SMITH; DAVID J.AACI LafayetteAAST COAACO USAAGP SMITH; DAVID J. Lafayette CO USAANM McNulty; John J.AACI Broadview HeightsAAST OHAACO USAAGP McNulty; John J. Broadview Heights OH USAANM Quinlan; RobertAACI StowAAST OHAACO USAAGP Quinlan; Robert Stow OH USAANM Mann; Christopher J.AACI AkronAAST OHAACO USAAGP Mann; Christopher J. Akron OH USAANM Yates; James M.AACI AkronAAST OHAACO USAAGP Yates; James M. Akron OH US - 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. | 01-17-2013 |
20120325851 | PRESSURE ACTIVATED AUTOMATIC SOURCE SWITCHING DISPENSER SYSTEM - A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product. | 12-27-2012 |
20120308405 | MODULAR PUMP - A modular liquid pump operable as a liquid pump when used by itself and as a foam pump when combined with a modular air pump is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the modular liquid pump includes a housing for forming a least a portion of a liquid pump chamber; an inlet valve for allowing liquid into the liquid pump chamber; an outlet valve for allowing liquid out of the liquid pump chamber; and an attachment mechanism configured to secure the liquid pump housing to a modular air pump. The modular liquid pump operates alone to output a liquid or operates in combination with an air pump to output a foam. One embodiment includes a modular air pump configured to be secured to the modular liquid pump. In such a combination, the modular liquid pump and the air pump operate together to output a foam. | 12-06-2012 |
20120305600 | HIGH VELOCITY FOAM PUMP - Embodiments of foam pumps and refill units for foam dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of a foam pump includes a housing, a mixing chamber located within the housing, an inlet into the mixing chamber and an outlet valve located downstream of the mixing chamber. In addition, a sealing member movable in a first direction and a second direction is included and provided in the housing, the sealing member being movable in the first direction by pressurized air. The pressurized air causes the sealing member to move in the first direction and open a pathway for pressurized air to travel through the inlet and enter the mixing chamber. Upon a decrease in the air pressure, the sealing member moves in the second direction and closes off the inlet from pressurized air. | 12-06-2012 |
20120285992 | FOAM PUMP - Dispensing systems and refill units are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a liquid reservoir and a rotary liquid pump having a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The rotary liquid pump includes a housing, wherein at least a portion of the housing is resilient and a rotor that has one or more apexes. During operation, the one or more apexes contact the resilient portion of the housing and deflect the resilient portion of the housing resulting in the movement of a liquid. A mixing chamber having a liquid inlet and an air inlet is also provided. The liquid pump outlet is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber liquid inlet and the air inlet if in fluid communication with an air pump. An outlet nozzle is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber outlet for dispensing foam formed by mixing the liquid and air together. | 11-15-2012 |
20120248149 | LIQUID DISPENSER - A liquid dispenser is disclosed in the present application. In one exemplary embodiment, a liquid dispenser is configured to dispense foam. The liquid dispenser includes a frame portion, a pump portion, a refill portion, and a guide portion. The pump portion includes one or more compression members coupled to a rotatable member. The rotatable member is configured to rotate relative to the frame portion. The refill portion includes a liquid container, a tube, and a foaming nozzle. The tube is fluidly coupled to the liquid container and the foaming nozzle. The tube is positioned between the compression members and the guide portion. The tube is compressed by the one or more compression members as the rotatable member rotates to move liquid material from the liquid container to the foaming nozzle. The foaming nozzle is configured to covert the liquid material to foam, which is dispensed by the liquid dispenser. | 10-04-2012 |
20120160879 | PULL ACTUATED FOAM PUMP - A foam dispenser having an actuator and a dispenser housing. The actuator releasably mates with a pomp of a refill unit and is moveable from a first position to a second position. Wherein the second position is further from the refill unit than the first position. Movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes the foam dispenser to dispense foam when a refill unit is inserted in the foam dispenser. | 06-28-2012 |
20120141309 | PUMP WITH SIDE INLET VALVE FOR IMPROVED FUNCTIONING IN AN INVERTED CONTAINER - A pump for use in an inverted dispenser is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the liquid pump includes a fluid chamber that has a top portion when in the inverted position and at least one side wall located below the top portion. A liquid intake port extends through the at least one side wall and allows fluid to flow into the fluid chamber. The pump also includes a check valve to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port that is located in the at least one side wall. Actuation of the liquid pump in a first direction causes fluid to enter the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port and actuation of the liquid pump in a second direction causes liquid to exit the fluid chamber trough the fluid chamber outlet and out of a dispensing outlet. In one embodiment, the check valve is an elastomeric valve. The elastomeric valve may include a top portion to seal of an inlet opening in the top of an existing pump to convert the pump into a pump having an inlet opening below the top of the pump. In another embodiment, the fluid piston in the liquid pump is the check valve that seals off the intake opening from the fluid chamber when the fluid piston is moved past the inlet opening. | 06-07-2012 |
20120074171 | BIFURCATED STEM FOAM PUMP - Foam dispensers having a housing and an air compressor connected to the housing are disclosed herein. The air compressor releasably mates with a refill unit. The refill includes a container and liquid pump housing. The liquid pump housing includes: a liquid reservoir; an inlet valve; an outlet valve; an air inlet opening through the liquid pump housing; a foaming screen; and a foam dispensing nozzle secured to the liquid pump housing. The liquid pump housing is configured to releasably mate with an air compressor that is not part of the refill unit but is secured to a foam pump dispenser housing, and the refill unit is configured to be removed from the foam dispenser without removing the air compressor from the foam dispenser. | 03-29-2012 |
20110303762 | PIEZOELECTRIC FOAMING PUMP - A piezoelectric foaming pump is provided herein. The piezoelectric foaming pump includes a housing having a first opening for receiving a liquid from a liquid container and a piezoelectric element secured to the housing. The piezoelectric element includes a plurality of holes there through. In addition, the housing includes an air inlet. Although the piezoelectric element has holes there through, prior to activating the piezoelectric element, liquid does not pass through the plurality of holes. When the piezoelectric element is energized, liquid passes through the plurality of holes due to the rapid vibration of the piezoelectric element and is dispensed as a foam. Additionally, a piezoelectric foaming pump having a fluid pump chamber; an air pump chamber; a mixing chamber; a piezoelectric element; and an outlet nozzle is disclosed herein. During operation, fluid pumped from the fluid chamber mixes with air pumped from an air chamber in the mixing chamber and the resulting mixture is passed through the piezoelectric element and dispensed out of a nozzle. | 12-15-2011 |
20110155767 | HIGH VELOCITY FOAM PUMP - A foam pump including a pump housing with a liquid chamber in fluid communication with a foamable liquid filled container and an air chamber in fluid communication with a high pressure air source through an air inlet. The foam pump also includes a dispensing tube having a wiper seal post with a closed distal end positioned within the pump housing, and an outlet tube with an open distal end positioned outside the pump housing. The wiper seal post includes at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and a check valve near the second open end. The foam pump further includes at least one foam screen in the open end of the outlet tube, a wiper seal slidably positioned around the wiper seal post and in sealing contact with the pump housing and the wiper seal post, and a spring bias to bias the wiper seal in an unactuated position. The wiper seal forms a movable barrier between the liquid chamber and the air chamber and is adapted to slide axially along the wiper seal post past the inlet hole when actuated by high pressure air, thereby allowing the high pressure air to enter the dispenser tube and cause mixing of said air and foamable liquid within the dispensing tube. The mixture is then expelled through the check valve and the foam screen. | 06-30-2011 |