Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |