CA2182678A1 - Dispensing apparatus - Google Patents
Dispensing apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2182678A1 CA2182678A1 CA002182678A CA2182678A CA2182678A1 CA 2182678 A1 CA2182678 A1 CA 2182678A1 CA 002182678 A CA002182678 A CA 002182678A CA 2182678 A CA2182678 A CA 2182678A CA 2182678 A1 CA2182678 A1 CA 2182678A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- liquid
- during
- actuating
- stroke
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1087—Combination of liquid and air pumps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
- B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
- B05B11/00442—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means the means being actuated by the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
- B05B11/1016—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
- B05B11/1018—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element and the controlling element cooperating with means for opening or closing the inlet valve
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
Abstract
A pump dispenser (101) connected to a container (107) of liquid has a first piston (3) reciprocatable in a first cylinder (5) for pumping a quantity of liquid at each depression of the piston. A
valve member (8) received within a channel in the first piston is spring biassed into a position in which a dispensing outlet (19) is normally closed and is movable to release liquid in response to excess liquid pressure in the first chamber. A cylindrical extension (11) to the valve member defines a conduit (60) communicating with liquid in the container and is separable from the valve member to open a liquid inlet port (105) for recharging the first chamber.
A second piston (39) is movable in tandem with the first piston and cooperates with a second cylinder (41) to provide suction on a return stroke of the pistons which is utilised to remove residual liquid from a dispensing channel (7) delivering pumped liquid to a nozzle (32). Residual liquid collected in the second chamber is returned to the container during the next subsequent actuating stroke of the pistons. The dispenser is particularly useful for water-borne liquid products because its self-cleaning action prevents clogging.
valve member (8) received within a channel in the first piston is spring biassed into a position in which a dispensing outlet (19) is normally closed and is movable to release liquid in response to excess liquid pressure in the first chamber. A cylindrical extension (11) to the valve member defines a conduit (60) communicating with liquid in the container and is separable from the valve member to open a liquid inlet port (105) for recharging the first chamber.
A second piston (39) is movable in tandem with the first piston and cooperates with a second cylinder (41) to provide suction on a return stroke of the pistons which is utilised to remove residual liquid from a dispensing channel (7) delivering pumped liquid to a nozzle (32). Residual liquid collected in the second chamber is returned to the container during the next subsequent actuating stroke of the pistons. The dispenser is particularly useful for water-borne liquid products because its self-cleaning action prevents clogging.
Description
--1 8~b7~
~ISPENSI~iG ~PPARATUS
This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container using a liquid 5 pumping means having an actuator def ining a liquid dispensing channel through which liquid is dispensed.
In particular but not exclusively the invention relates to apparatus for dispensing water-borne liquid products .
Satisfactory operation of such apparatus relies upon the dispensing channel remaining unclogged by deposits which may accumulate due to congealed residues of the product between successive actuations.
It has been proposed in US 5,100, 029 to purge the dispensing channel by releasing compressed air through the dispensing channel during a terminal portion of the dispensing stroke when actuating the liquid pumping means thereby purging any residue which might otherwise lead to clogging. A disadvantage of such compressed air purging is that the terminal portion of the dispensing stroke will dispense the residue in an aerosol spray but with progressively different characteristics to the normal spray and sputtering of relatively large droplets will be ultimately produced.
A further disadvantage is that in this arrangement the dispensing channel is purged satisfactorily only if the dispensing stroke is fully completed. If the travel of the actuator is insufficient to complete the normal dispensing stroke then the purging acticn will be curtailed or may even be completely omitted from the cycle of operation.
EP-A1-0126175 describes a pump in which an air chamber is formed inside a valve body, the volume of the air chamber being varied by means of a f ixed piunger so that during the return stroke suction is AMENDED SHEET
~ISPENSI~iG ~PPARATUS
This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container using a liquid 5 pumping means having an actuator def ining a liquid dispensing channel through which liquid is dispensed.
In particular but not exclusively the invention relates to apparatus for dispensing water-borne liquid products .
Satisfactory operation of such apparatus relies upon the dispensing channel remaining unclogged by deposits which may accumulate due to congealed residues of the product between successive actuations.
It has been proposed in US 5,100, 029 to purge the dispensing channel by releasing compressed air through the dispensing channel during a terminal portion of the dispensing stroke when actuating the liquid pumping means thereby purging any residue which might otherwise lead to clogging. A disadvantage of such compressed air purging is that the terminal portion of the dispensing stroke will dispense the residue in an aerosol spray but with progressively different characteristics to the normal spray and sputtering of relatively large droplets will be ultimately produced.
A further disadvantage is that in this arrangement the dispensing channel is purged satisfactorily only if the dispensing stroke is fully completed. If the travel of the actuator is insufficient to complete the normal dispensing stroke then the purging acticn will be curtailed or may even be completely omitted from the cycle of operation.
EP-A1-0126175 describes a pump in which an air chamber is formed inside a valve body, the volume of the air chamber being varied by means of a f ixed piunger so that during the return stroke suction is AMENDED SHEET
- 2 - ~ 678 applied to clean the nozzle. On the down stroke the air and any liquid within the air chamber would be ejected with the sprayed liquid.
According to the present invention there is disclosed a method of dispensing liquid from a container comprising the steps of actuating a reciprocatable first pumping means having a first chamber of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the first chamber during an actuatin~ stroke of the f irst pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the f irst pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid lS from the first chamber to a nozzle via a dispensing channel during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity of liquid is dispensed from the nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the first pumping means respectively a second pumping means having a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, connecting the second chamber by operation of a first valve means to the dispensing channel during the return stroke thereby withdrawing by suction the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means to the container by an outlet port during a next subsequent actuating stoke.
An advantage of such a method is that by applying ~- D 3 S~t'T
- 2a - 2 1 ~2678 suction to the dispensing channel during the return stroke the dispensing channel is purged of residues thereby avoiding the build up of deposits between successive actuations but without modifying the normal 5 spray characteristic during the dispensing stroke.
A further advantage of such a method is 'chat purging air action is provided during the return stroke without the need for the dispensing stroke to WO 9SI21 l00 PCI/GBg4~0~8~0 ;~ 67~
be fully completed ln the sense that the ~ull available travel of the actuator need not be traversed.
Preferably the outlet port communicates with the container and the method includes the step of thereby returning the residual quantity of liquid tD the container from the second chamber.
An advantage of this method is that the residual liquid is returned to the container without the possibility of leaking to the exterior of the apparatus during subsequent handling in which the apparatus may be inverted.
Preferably the second chamber expands durinq the return stroke by a volume which is greater than the volume available within the dispensing channel to the residual quantity of liquid whereby the withdrawal of the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber is accompanied by an inflow of air through the dispensing channel.
An advantage of this arr~n~, t is that the inflow of air assists in draining the dispensing channel of liquid and makes available within the second chamber a volume of air which can be exhausted into the head space of the container together with the residual liquid during the next subsequent actuating stroke.
Preferably the first and second pumping means displace substantially equal volumes from the respective f irst and second chambers during the actuatin~ stroke.
This enables the pressure in the head space of the container to be maintained substantially equal to that of ~e amblent air.
Conveniently the second valve means comprises a one way check valve whereby the second valve means opens in response to excess fluid pressure in the second chamber.
_ 4 _ 21~2678 The f irst and second pumping means may be actuated by depression of respective f irst and second actuating members relative to the first and second cylinders, the first and second actuating members being connected by connection means providing lost motion between the f irst and second actuating members and wherein the f irst valve means is operated to open and close communication between the dispensing channel and the second chamber in response to relative movement between the f irst and second actuating members provided by the lost motion.
Advantageously the f irst pumping means comprises a liquid inlet valve which is operable to admit liquid from the container to the f irst chamber and the method comprises the steps of closing the liquid inlet valve during the actuating stroke and closing the first Yalve means during the actuating stroke prior to opening the liquid inlet valve.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container comprising a reciprocatable f irst pumping means having a f irst chamber of variable volume and operable in response to movement of an actuator to displace liquid from the first chamber ~5 during an actuating stroke and to recharge the f irst chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke, a dispensing channel defined by the actuator and communicating between the f irst chamber and a nozzle for conducting pumped liquid during the actuating stroke, characterised by the provision of a second pumping means operable during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke respectively in response to movement of the actuator and defining a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased , . ~, . . .
21 ~267~
s during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, a first valve means operable to connect the second chamber to the dispensing channel during the return stroke to thereby withdraw by suction residual liquid from the dispensing channel into the second chamber and a second valve means operable to discharge fluid from the second chamber to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of dispensing liquid from a container compriSing the steps of actuating a reciprocatable f irst pumping means having a first chamber of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the f irst chamber during an actuating stroke of the first pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the f irst pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid from the first chamber to a nozzle via a dispensing channel during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity Qf liquid is dispensed from the first nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the f irst pumping means respectively a second pumpin~ means having a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the 3 o actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, admitting air from the dispensing channel to the second chamber by operation of a ~irst valve means during the return stroke, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke whereby air is displaced from the second chamber into the container.
According to a further aspect of the present s invention there is disclosed apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container comprising a first piston slidable in a first cylinder to vary the volume of an annular first chamber defined therein, a tubular stem integral with the f irst piston and extending outwardly 10 o~ the first chamber to define a liquid delivery duct, a valve member slidably received in the first stem and co-operable therewith in a rest position to close the delivery duct, characterised by the provision of the valve member having a separately formed cylindrical 15 extension defining an inner wall of the first chamber and having an outer periphery maintained in continuous sliding engagement with an inner cylindrical wall of a tubular extension of the first cylinder, the cylindrical extension def ining a conduit communicating 20 with the container, a spring extending through the conduit and acting on the valve member to bias the valve member into the rest position, and connecting means providing lost motion between the valve member and the cylindrical extension whereby the valve member 25 and the cylindrical extension are movable into and out of engagement to respectively close and open a liquid inlet port communicating between the conduit and the first chamber, wherein the connecting means comprises co-operating stop formations of the valve member and 30 cylindrical extension respectively co-operable to limit relative displacement therebetween.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the valve member and the cylindrical extension can be assembled as a sub-assembly prior to the spring being 35 inserted into engagement with the valve member.
A~AEN~E~ SHE'~
21 ~678 -- 6~ --Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a sectioned elevation of an apparatus 5 in accordance with the present invention 3(~
A~E`~ H~.~T
-WO ~.~/2l l00 PCIIGB94101~50 2-1 8~7~
shown in the rest position;
Figure 2 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figure 1 at an intermediate position during an ac~uating stroke;
Figure 3 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 at an intermediate position during the return stroke;
Figure 4 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 showing the actuator in a 10 fully depressed condition;
Figure S is a sectioned elevation of an alternative apparatus similar to the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4 but having a modified first stem and actuator;
Figure 6 is a plan view sectioned at VI-VI of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 7 is a plan view sectioned at VII-VII of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure ~3 is a plan view sectioned at VIII-VIII
~o of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is an enlarged sectioned elevation of the core of apparatus shown in Figure l;
Figure 10 is a plan view sectioned at IX-IX of the core of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a sectioned plan view of a modified core for use in the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 12 is a sectioned elevation of a further alternative core for use in apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1;
3~ Figure 13 is a plan view sectioned at XII-XII of the core of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a sectioned elevation of a further alternative core for use in apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1 and Figure 15 is a plan view sectioned at ~IV-XIV of the core o~ Fig~lre 14.
woss~2l~no PC'TlGU~41nl~5(\ ~
} ~ i'S ~
In Fiqure 1 an apparatus lOl has a ~irst pumpinq means 2 constituted by a ~irst piston 3 which is axially mov~ble in a first chamber 4 defined by a first cylinder 5. ~ first stem 6 formed integrally S ~A1it~l the fi~st piston 3 is tubular so as to define a liquid delivery duct 7 through which liquid content of the first c~lamber 4 is expelled during a dispensing stroke duri~lg which the first stem moves downwardly towards the first cylinder 5. The first stem 6 10 constitutes an actuating member for effecting movement of the f irst piston 3 .
A valve mernber 8 extends axially within the liquid delivery duct 7 and is axially movable into and out of engagement with an annular valve seat g 15 constituted by a radially inwardly projecting flange 10 of the f irst stens 6 .
The v~lve member 8 has an associated cylindrical extension ll defining a conduit 60 and which is formed separately from and is axially movable relative to an 20 enlarged lower portion 12 of the valve member.
The enlarged lower portion 12 and the valve member B are. upwardly biassed by a coil compression spring 13 such that the valve member cooperates with the valve seat 5 to form a liquid outlet valve e~
25 which is n4rmally closed as shown in the rest position in Figure 1.
The apparatus lol has an actuator zo having a stem engagir.g portion 21 defining a bore within which an end portion 24 of the f irst stem 6 is received as a ~0 tight fit thereby securing the actuator 20 in fixed relationshi~ to the ~irst seem ~.
A dependin~ skirt 27 of the actuator is spaced radially outwardly o~ the séem engaging portion 21.
The actuator 20 ~urther defines a radially 35 extendinq bore 2~ nich defines a dispenslnq channel 30 through which iiquid is dispensed so as to emerqe WO 95121 100 ~ C I850 - 9 - 2 1 ~2 ~78 from a nozzle aperture 31 defined by a nozzle 32 located in the ~ore.
~he cylindrical extension 11 has a lower end portion 14 ~hich is slidingly engaged with an internal , 5 surface 15 of a t:ubular extension 16 depending from the first cylinder S and the tubular extension 16 is connected to a dip tube 17 through which liquid is drawn from a container 107.
The cylindrical extension 11 defining conduit 60 is captively retained in coaxial relationship with a core 102 integral wlth the lower portion 12 of the valve member 8, cooperating annular f langes 103 and 104 belng provided on the cylindrical extension 12 and the core 102 respectively . The f langes 103 and 104 constitute co-operating stop formations operable to limit axial separation of the extension 11 from the enlarged lower portion 12 of the valve member 8.
In the rest position shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical extension 11 is spaced from the enlarged lower portion 12 to define a liquid inlet port 105 communicating between the conduit 60 and the first chamber 4.
The coil compression spring 13 contacts the core 102 and biases the core into the position shown in Figure 1 such that in the rest position the f irst stem 6 pro jects fully in a direction away from the f irst chamber 4 and the actuator 20 is in its fully raised pos it ion .
Friction be~ween the lower end portion 14 and the internal surLace 15 maintains the cylindrical extension 11 in its initial rest position during an initial part of the actuating stroke when the actuator 20 and f irst stem 6 are depressed. After taking up this initial lost motion, the liquid inlet port 105 is 3s closed as shown in Figure 2 allowing liquid pressure to be built up within the first chamber 4. ~xcess WO 95t;!1100 ~ 6 7 ~ PCTlG~g410185(\
pressure ill the f 1rst chamber 4 results in movement of the valve rr.ember ~ relative to the first stem 6 such that it becomes unseated from the seat 9 and liquid is dispensed ~inder pressure through the l iquid delivery duct ,.
During the return stroke as shown in Figure 3 in which the actuator 20 and First stem ti move upwardly, frictional forces between the lower end portion 14 and the internal surface 15 result in the separation of the cylindrical extension 11 from the enlarged lower portion 12 thereby opening the liquid inlet port 105.
Liquid drawn throu~h the dlp tube 17 from the container l07 is then able to recharqe the first chamber 4 v1a the l iquid inle~ port 105 during the return stroke. The extension 11 and enlarged lower portion 12 thereby constitute a liquid inlet ~ralve of the f irst pumping means 2 .
At ~uccessive actuations of the apparatus 101, liquid is thereby pumped by the first pumping means 2 such that pressurised liquid is expelled via the dispensinq channel 30 so as to emerge in atomised form f rom the atomis ing noz z le 3 2 .
~t the end of each actuating stroke a residual quantity of liquid wilI tend to remain within the dispensing channel 30 which is downstream of the valve seat 9 and upstream of the nozzle aperture 31 of the nozzle 32.
In or~er to remove the residual quantity of liquid the apparatus 10~ is provided ~ith a second pumpinq mea~s 106 constituted by a second piston 39 reciprocatingly slidable in a second cylinder 41 to define an arnular second chamber 40 Gf variable volume.
The second cylinder q1 is coaxial with the first cylinder S such that the flrst stem 6 traverses axiall~ th~ second cylinder and is received within a tubular seeond stem 37 integral ~ith the second piston.
wo ssnl lo~ PCT/GB94ml85U
32~7~
The second stem 37 constitutes an actuating member or effecting movement of the second piston 39. The first and second stems 6,37 are connected by means of the stem engaging portion 21 in a manner S providing lost motion between the stems as described below.
In Figure 1 the apparatus 101 is shown connected to the container 107 by means of a screw fitting 44, the container having in its normal orientation as 10 illustrated in the Figures a quantity of liquid contained in its lower portion and a volume of air occupying a head space 108.
The body 42 is connected to a casing 43 of the apparatus 101 which includes a screw fitting 44 for 15 connection to the container 107, the casing being formed integrally with an annular seal member 45 through which the second stem 37 is axially slidable.
The casing 43 further includes a tubular skirt engaging portion 46 projecting upwardly into 20 telescopic engagement ~ith the depending skirt Z7, the skirt 27 I~eing slidably received in engagement with an internal cylindrical surface 47 of the stem engaging portion .
As shown more clearly in Figure 6, although the 25 first and second cylinders 5 and 41 are formed integrally so as to comprise a body 42, there are six circumferentially equispaced slots 109 formed in an annular interface 110 between the respective cylinders such that in th~ normal upright orientation of the 30 apparatus 101 as shown in ~igure 1 any liquid contained within the second chamber 41 is able to drain .hrough the slots.
.~n annular resilient gasket 111 has a lip portion 112 providing a seal between the body 42 and 35 the container 107 and further comprising a depending skirt 113 havi ng an inwardly tapered inner periphery _ _ . . .. . _ . , . . _ . . _ . . . _ .
Wo ~S~21100 PC17GBg4/0185 114 whlch i n _he rest positlon as shown ln Figure 4 makes seal~nq co~ttact with the external surface of the first cylinder 5 The skirt 113 thereby defines an outer surface of ' he second ch2mber 41. The s~asket 5 111 has sufficient resilience to a~ ate deformation of the inner periphery 114 away from the body ~2 in resFonse to excess pressure within the second chamber 40 to allow the release of pressurised contents from the second chamber into the head space 108 through an uutlet port 140 defined between periphery 114 and body 42. The inner periphery 114 thereby functions as a check valve.
An annular air duct 38 is defined between the tubular f irst and second stems 6 and 37 respectively and communicates with the second chamber 40. The second stem 37 has an upper end portion 48 which is received within a cylindrical socket 22 defined in the actuator 20 in coaxlal relationship with the end portion 24 of the first stem 6. The end portion 48 of the second stem 37 is of thin walled tubular form and is provided with an inner tubular portion 115 of smallor diameter and which is connected integrally with the end portion by a web 116 defining four circumferentially spaced slots 117 as shown in Figure 7.
The il~ner tubular portion 115 makes slidinq contact with the end portion 2~ of the f irst stem 6 and in the rest position as shown in Figure 1 abutts against a shoulder 118 which acts as a stop to limit .0 relati~de movement between the f irst and second stems .
The actua~or ~0 is provided ~vith a tu~ular projection ~1~ which projects within the socket ~2 so as to exten~ between the end portion 48 of the second stem and the inner tubular portion 115 The er-d p~rtion 48 of the se~ond stem 37 has cylindrical outer surface 121 which makes slidinq W095/2110V PCTIGB9~01850 2 ~ 7 ~
sealing contact with the outer side wall 56 of the socket 2Z thereby allowing a circumferential seal to be maintained between the actuator 20 and the external surface of the second stem 37 throughout relative 5 movement between the actuator and the second stem.
A radially extending bore 120 is provided in the first stem 6 at a location downstream of the seat 9 so as to communicate between the liquid delivery duct 7 and the ~ap formQd between the tubular projection 119 10 of the actuator and the inner tubular portion llS of the second stem 37. This gap in turn communicates via the slots 117 ~ith the air duct :~8 and the second chamber 4 0 .
Durinq the actuat ~ ~g stroke of the apparatus 15 101, the initiation of downward movement of the actuator 20 moves the f irst stem 6 downwards in unison with the actuator while the second stem 37 initially remains stationary by virtue of frictional resistance between the second piston 39 and the second cylinder 20 41.
Lost motion between the actuator 20 and the second stem 37 is eventually taken up by contact between the actuator 20 and the end portion 48 of the second stem such that as shown in Figure 5 the tubular 25 projection 115 makes sealing contact with the end portion 48 and the inner tubular portion 115.
Lost motion is also taken up between the core 102 moving downwardly ~ith the first stem 6 and the cylindrlal extension 11 which initially remains 30 stationary due to frictional forces. The linear displacement re~uired to take up the lost motion between the core 102 and cylindrical extension 11 is arran~ed to be sllghtly~ greater than the linear displacemen~ required to take up lost motion between 35 the actuator 20 and the second stem 37 so that the cylindrical extonsion 20 begins to move momentarily _ _ _ _ _ , . . . .. , _ . . ..
WS~95121100 '~ ~ ~? ~ 7 ~ PCT/C~B9 a r ter the second stem 3 7 . Th i s d i f f erence 1 n displacemerlt ensures that pressurisation of liquid ~ithin the f irst chamber ~ does not commence until after tne second chamber 40 has been isolated from the , dispensin~ channel 30.
Continued travel of the actuator 20 is accompanicc by movement in tandem of the f irst and second stems ~,37 together vith the first and second pistons 3/39 thereby pressurisinq the contents of the lO first and second chambers 4,40. Air and any liquid accumulated within the second chamber 40 is progressiYely e~pelled from the second chamber through the check valve constituted by the gasket lll so that air and/or liquid from the second chamber is delivered 15 into the head space 108.
At the same time pressurised liquid from the first chamber ~ is expelled from the nozzle 32 via the dispensing channel 30 which becomes filled with liquid. The actuatlng stroke may be terminated either 20 by the actuator 20 reaching a fully depressed position as sho~7n in Figure 7 or by reaching an intermittent position determined by the release of f inger pressure by the operator . ~7hen f inger pressure is released ~rom the actuator 20, the actuator will beqin to 25 return to its rest position throughout a return stroke in which return movement is provided by action of the spring l}. In the absence of downward movement of the ~irst piston 3, the pressure within the ~irs~: chamber 4 ceases to beco~e sufficient for the valve member 8 ~0 to be unseated from the seat 9 so that the valve ~ember lS r~turned by ~pring 13 to a position in which it closes the !iquid delivery duct 7. At this point a residual quantlt~ o~ liquid will ~enerally remain .;ithin the 1~ispensing channel 30.
.`.s the actuator 20 beglns its return stro};e, the first piston 3 together with the ~irst stem 6 begin to WO 95f21100 . ~ C1850 - 15 ~ 2 t~, 7 ~
move upwardly relative to the second piston 39 and second stem 37 which initially remain static due to friction between the second piston and the second cylinder. This relative movement results in separation be~ween the tubular proiection ll9 of the actuator and the inner tubular portion 115 thereby opening the gap which communicates between the air duct 38 and the liquid delivery duct 7 via the bore 120 provided in the first stem 6. The portions 115 and 119 thereby constitute a first valve means which is opened during the return stroke to allow withdrawal of the residual liquid by suction, During the r~ i rd~r of the return stroke, the volume of the second chamber expands thereby creating suction which is communicated to the dispensing channel 30 such that residual liquid is drawn through the air duct 38 into the second chamber. The residual liquid so collected will accumulate at the lower end of the second chamber 40, passing through the slots 109 into contact with the gasket 111. During the next actuating stroke, positive pressure within the second chamber 40 will expel the collected liquid via the outlet port 140 provided between the inner periphery 114 of the gasket lll and the body 42 into the head space 108 so that the residual liquid is returned to the bulk o~ liquid contained within the container.
As can be seen f rom Figure ~, the volume of the f irst chamber is reduced to an absolute minimum at the completion of the actuating stroke by shaping the valve member to be conformal to the interior of the f irst piston and by virtue of the constructional features of the extension 11 and lower portion 12 of the valve member. h high compression ratio of the first Fllmping means is thereby achieved and this facllitates the primin~ of the first chamber with liquid .
WO951~110U PCI~/CB94101~0 7 ~ 1 6 ,2~ further modified apparatus 130 is shown in Figure 5 and will be described using corresponding reference ~umerals to those of Figure 1 ,~rhere appropriate for corresponding elements.
:, The apparatus 130 differs from the apparatus 1~1 of Figure 1 in the construction of the actuator 20 and the end portion 24 of the f irst stem 6 .
Whereas apparatus lO1 has a radial bore 120, no such bore is provideù in the end portion 24 of 10 apparatus 130 which instead is provided with an axially extending groove 131 in the actuator Z0 which cooperates with the outer cylindrical surface 132 of the end portion 24 to define a conduit communicating between the socket 22 and the dispensing channel 30.
Durir~g the return stroke of the apparatus 130 suction i5 applied to the dispensing channel 30 via the conduit defined by the ~roove 131 to thereby remove residual liquid which is then accumulated in the second chamber 4 0 and subsequently returned to the 20 container during the next successive actuating stroke.
The dimensions of the first and second pistons 3,39 and first and second cylinders 5,40 are selected such that the volumetric displacements o~ the f irst and second pumping means 2 ,106 meet the requirements ~ of the particular application to which the apparatus is designed. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the apparatus ~ 01 is designed to achieve equal volumetric -isplacements far the first and second pumping means 2, ~6 when measured over a complete actuating stroke 30 so ~hat the volume of liquid pumped from the container via the dip tube 17 is made equal to the to~l volume of residual liquid and air returned to the container via the check valve constituted oy ~asket 111. By this arranqement the pressure CL coneents wlthin the ~:~ container ~07 remains subs~antially equal to ambient atmospheric pre~sure in use.
WO ~5/21 I(U? P~ ~ ,'U 1850 -~17~~ 2b7~
For certairl applications it may be desirable to achieve a positive pressure ~ithin the container.
This can be achieved by choosing dimensions for the components of the first and second pumping means 2,106 :5 sucn that the ~olumetric displacement of the second pumping means is greater than that of the f irst pumpinq means. At each actuating stroke, the total volume of f luid comprising air and residual liquid displaced from 'he second chamber so as to enter the 10 head space will then be greater than the volume of liquid dispensed so that the f lui~ must be compressed into a volume equal to the volumetric displacement of the f irst chamber . An accumulated positive pressure within the container is thereby established.
For other applications it may be desirable to achieve a negative pressure differential between the head space and ambient air in which case the volumetric displacement of the second pumping means may be arranged to be less than that of the f irst 20 pumping means, The construction of the core 102 of the apparatus 101 shown in Figure 1 is illustrated further in Fiqures 9 and 10. The core 102 has four flanges 104, each formed on a respective leq 141 formed 25 integrally ~ith the enlarqed lower portion 12.
The legs 1~1 extend coaxially with the valve member ~3 and are spaced apart as shown in ~igure 10 to define axially extending flow channels 142 allowing liquid to freely flow between the conduit ~;0 and the 30 liquld inlet port 105.
This arrangemen~ also facilitates assembly of the ~ore 102 with the cylindrical extension 11, each of the flanges 104 having a leading ramped surface 143 such that when the core 102 is illserted into the 35 extension 11 the legs are deformed inwardly by ramp action until the assembled position is reached in _ _ _ _ ., . . . _ . , , . _ _ _ _ .
WO9~2110U PCTJGB9~018~0 which the legs snap back to their rest position. Once assembled ky this snap action, the core 102 remains connected tc the extension 11 in a manner providing the lost motion referred to above.
:, In the assembled apparatus 101, the spring 13 bears axially against the flanges 104 while the flange 103 formed cn the cylindrical extension is spaced fro~
the upper end of the spring by the f lange 104 of the core 102.
A modified core 144 is illustrated in Pigure ~1 and differs from the core of Figures 1, 9 and 10 in that each of the flanges 104 has a profile of smaller radius when viewed in axial projection than the radius of the outer circumference of the legs 141.
A further alternative core 145 is illutrated in Figures 12 and 13 and comprises a solid central portion 146 depending from the enlarged lower portion 12 of the v~lve me~ber 8. The outer periphery of the solid central portion 146 defines a cylindrical 20 surface 147 interrupted by axially extending fluted recesses 148 which constitutes flow channels for li~uid passing from the conduit 60 to the li~uid inlet port 105.
The shape of the ~ecesses 148 is arcuate when 2s viewed in axial projection. Recegses of other shapes may also be uti~ised in accordance with the present invention includinq for example recesses of rectangu lar s ided prof i le .
Flan~es 104 including rarnped surfaces 143 30 project radially ~rom the cylindrical surface 147 and function lrl lik~ manner to ~hose of the cores 102 and 144 .
~ ftlrther alternative core 14~ is illustrated in Figures 1~ ~nd 15. The core 149 is similar to the 35 core 145 in tha~ it includes a solid central portion 1'6 and a c~tlin.~rical surface 147 interrupted by WO95/2111~0 PCT/GB~1/01850 2 ~ 7 ~
axially extending recesses 148. The recesses 148 are however of ~ shaped cross section when viewed in axial projection so as to define side walls 150 arranged at rignt angles to one another. ~hen viewed in axial projection as shown in Figure 15 the core 149 thereoy assum~s a cruciform ap~earance.
In each of the preferred embodiments, the cylindrical extension 11 makes continuous sliding contact with the internal surface 15 of the tubular extension 16. The lower end portion 14 is maintained to an extent under radial compression within the tubular extension 15 by being a force fit. Such an arrangement has been found preferable to alternative constructions in whLch the cylindrical extension 11 would be made to slide externally on a re-entrant portion of the tubular extension, a pro~lem with such constructions being that it is found necessary to disengage the tubular extension from the sliding surface in the rest position to avoid deformation over time into a set position in which good sealing contact was no longer made. In the configuration shown in the preferred embodiments however the cylindrical extension when held in radial ~ es:,ion is found to be more resistant to deformation so that separation in the rest position is not necessary.
By maintaining continuous sealing contact in the rest position as shown in the preferred embodiments, emptying of the f irst chamber 4 via the dip tube 17 during prolonged periods of non-actuation is avoided.
In the rest position between successive actuating strokes, a residual quantity of liquid will generally reside in the second chamber 40 and it is believed that the presence of this liquid contributes to avoiding the solidification of any traces of liquid in the narrow passageways of the dispensin~ channel 30 since the liqui~ pro~ides a vapour permeating through _ _ _ , .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .
WO 9~2 1 100 1 ~ ,.,, I.'C IO.~
3 ~.b7~d 20 -the dispenslng channel. An additional small quantity of liquid wlll also in general reside in the liquid deliver~ duct 7 at a level beneath the location at which suction is applied during the return stroke. In the case of Figure l this level is that o~ the bore 120. Again the presence of this small quantity of liquid pro~ldes a vapour within the constricted dispensing ~hannel 30 which avoids solidification of any traces of liquid which may remain after suction 10 has removed the residual quantity of liquid.
For the above reasorl it is beli2ved to be desirable to locate the bore 120 at a finite axial separation above the location of the valve seat 9 in order to retain a droplet of liquid at this position.
;5
According to the present invention there is disclosed a method of dispensing liquid from a container comprising the steps of actuating a reciprocatable first pumping means having a first chamber of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the first chamber during an actuatin~ stroke of the f irst pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the f irst pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid lS from the first chamber to a nozzle via a dispensing channel during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity of liquid is dispensed from the nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the first pumping means respectively a second pumping means having a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, connecting the second chamber by operation of a first valve means to the dispensing channel during the return stroke thereby withdrawing by suction the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means to the container by an outlet port during a next subsequent actuating stoke.
An advantage of such a method is that by applying ~- D 3 S~t'T
- 2a - 2 1 ~2678 suction to the dispensing channel during the return stroke the dispensing channel is purged of residues thereby avoiding the build up of deposits between successive actuations but without modifying the normal 5 spray characteristic during the dispensing stroke.
A further advantage of such a method is 'chat purging air action is provided during the return stroke without the need for the dispensing stroke to WO 9SI21 l00 PCI/GBg4~0~8~0 ;~ 67~
be fully completed ln the sense that the ~ull available travel of the actuator need not be traversed.
Preferably the outlet port communicates with the container and the method includes the step of thereby returning the residual quantity of liquid tD the container from the second chamber.
An advantage of this method is that the residual liquid is returned to the container without the possibility of leaking to the exterior of the apparatus during subsequent handling in which the apparatus may be inverted.
Preferably the second chamber expands durinq the return stroke by a volume which is greater than the volume available within the dispensing channel to the residual quantity of liquid whereby the withdrawal of the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber is accompanied by an inflow of air through the dispensing channel.
An advantage of this arr~n~, t is that the inflow of air assists in draining the dispensing channel of liquid and makes available within the second chamber a volume of air which can be exhausted into the head space of the container together with the residual liquid during the next subsequent actuating stroke.
Preferably the first and second pumping means displace substantially equal volumes from the respective f irst and second chambers during the actuatin~ stroke.
This enables the pressure in the head space of the container to be maintained substantially equal to that of ~e amblent air.
Conveniently the second valve means comprises a one way check valve whereby the second valve means opens in response to excess fluid pressure in the second chamber.
_ 4 _ 21~2678 The f irst and second pumping means may be actuated by depression of respective f irst and second actuating members relative to the first and second cylinders, the first and second actuating members being connected by connection means providing lost motion between the f irst and second actuating members and wherein the f irst valve means is operated to open and close communication between the dispensing channel and the second chamber in response to relative movement between the f irst and second actuating members provided by the lost motion.
Advantageously the f irst pumping means comprises a liquid inlet valve which is operable to admit liquid from the container to the f irst chamber and the method comprises the steps of closing the liquid inlet valve during the actuating stroke and closing the first Yalve means during the actuating stroke prior to opening the liquid inlet valve.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container comprising a reciprocatable f irst pumping means having a f irst chamber of variable volume and operable in response to movement of an actuator to displace liquid from the first chamber ~5 during an actuating stroke and to recharge the f irst chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke, a dispensing channel defined by the actuator and communicating between the f irst chamber and a nozzle for conducting pumped liquid during the actuating stroke, characterised by the provision of a second pumping means operable during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke respectively in response to movement of the actuator and defining a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased , . ~, . . .
21 ~267~
s during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, a first valve means operable to connect the second chamber to the dispensing channel during the return stroke to thereby withdraw by suction residual liquid from the dispensing channel into the second chamber and a second valve means operable to discharge fluid from the second chamber to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of dispensing liquid from a container compriSing the steps of actuating a reciprocatable f irst pumping means having a first chamber of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the f irst chamber during an actuating stroke of the first pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the f irst pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid from the first chamber to a nozzle via a dispensing channel during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity Qf liquid is dispensed from the first nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the f irst pumping means respectively a second pumpin~ means having a second chamber of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the 3 o actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, admitting air from the dispensing channel to the second chamber by operation of a ~irst valve means during the return stroke, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke whereby air is displaced from the second chamber into the container.
According to a further aspect of the present s invention there is disclosed apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container comprising a first piston slidable in a first cylinder to vary the volume of an annular first chamber defined therein, a tubular stem integral with the f irst piston and extending outwardly 10 o~ the first chamber to define a liquid delivery duct, a valve member slidably received in the first stem and co-operable therewith in a rest position to close the delivery duct, characterised by the provision of the valve member having a separately formed cylindrical 15 extension defining an inner wall of the first chamber and having an outer periphery maintained in continuous sliding engagement with an inner cylindrical wall of a tubular extension of the first cylinder, the cylindrical extension def ining a conduit communicating 20 with the container, a spring extending through the conduit and acting on the valve member to bias the valve member into the rest position, and connecting means providing lost motion between the valve member and the cylindrical extension whereby the valve member 25 and the cylindrical extension are movable into and out of engagement to respectively close and open a liquid inlet port communicating between the conduit and the first chamber, wherein the connecting means comprises co-operating stop formations of the valve member and 30 cylindrical extension respectively co-operable to limit relative displacement therebetween.
An advantage of this arrangement is that the valve member and the cylindrical extension can be assembled as a sub-assembly prior to the spring being 35 inserted into engagement with the valve member.
A~AEN~E~ SHE'~
21 ~678 -- 6~ --Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a sectioned elevation of an apparatus 5 in accordance with the present invention 3(~
A~E`~ H~.~T
-WO ~.~/2l l00 PCIIGB94101~50 2-1 8~7~
shown in the rest position;
Figure 2 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figure 1 at an intermediate position during an ac~uating stroke;
Figure 3 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 at an intermediate position during the return stroke;
Figure 4 is a sectioned elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 showing the actuator in a 10 fully depressed condition;
Figure S is a sectioned elevation of an alternative apparatus similar to the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4 but having a modified first stem and actuator;
Figure 6 is a plan view sectioned at VI-VI of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 7 is a plan view sectioned at VII-VII of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure ~3 is a plan view sectioned at VIII-VIII
~o of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is an enlarged sectioned elevation of the core of apparatus shown in Figure l;
Figure 10 is a plan view sectioned at IX-IX of the core of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a sectioned plan view of a modified core for use in the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 12 is a sectioned elevation of a further alternative core for use in apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1;
3~ Figure 13 is a plan view sectioned at XII-XII of the core of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a sectioned elevation of a further alternative core for use in apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1 and Figure 15 is a plan view sectioned at ~IV-XIV of the core o~ Fig~lre 14.
woss~2l~no PC'TlGU~41nl~5(\ ~
} ~ i'S ~
In Fiqure 1 an apparatus lOl has a ~irst pumpinq means 2 constituted by a ~irst piston 3 which is axially mov~ble in a first chamber 4 defined by a first cylinder 5. ~ first stem 6 formed integrally S ~A1it~l the fi~st piston 3 is tubular so as to define a liquid delivery duct 7 through which liquid content of the first c~lamber 4 is expelled during a dispensing stroke duri~lg which the first stem moves downwardly towards the first cylinder 5. The first stem 6 10 constitutes an actuating member for effecting movement of the f irst piston 3 .
A valve mernber 8 extends axially within the liquid delivery duct 7 and is axially movable into and out of engagement with an annular valve seat g 15 constituted by a radially inwardly projecting flange 10 of the f irst stens 6 .
The v~lve member 8 has an associated cylindrical extension ll defining a conduit 60 and which is formed separately from and is axially movable relative to an 20 enlarged lower portion 12 of the valve member.
The enlarged lower portion 12 and the valve member B are. upwardly biassed by a coil compression spring 13 such that the valve member cooperates with the valve seat 5 to form a liquid outlet valve e~
25 which is n4rmally closed as shown in the rest position in Figure 1.
The apparatus lol has an actuator zo having a stem engagir.g portion 21 defining a bore within which an end portion 24 of the f irst stem 6 is received as a ~0 tight fit thereby securing the actuator 20 in fixed relationshi~ to the ~irst seem ~.
A dependin~ skirt 27 of the actuator is spaced radially outwardly o~ the séem engaging portion 21.
The actuator 20 ~urther defines a radially 35 extendinq bore 2~ nich defines a dispenslnq channel 30 through which iiquid is dispensed so as to emerqe WO 95121 100 ~ C I850 - 9 - 2 1 ~2 ~78 from a nozzle aperture 31 defined by a nozzle 32 located in the ~ore.
~he cylindrical extension 11 has a lower end portion 14 ~hich is slidingly engaged with an internal , 5 surface 15 of a t:ubular extension 16 depending from the first cylinder S and the tubular extension 16 is connected to a dip tube 17 through which liquid is drawn from a container 107.
The cylindrical extension 11 defining conduit 60 is captively retained in coaxial relationship with a core 102 integral wlth the lower portion 12 of the valve member 8, cooperating annular f langes 103 and 104 belng provided on the cylindrical extension 12 and the core 102 respectively . The f langes 103 and 104 constitute co-operating stop formations operable to limit axial separation of the extension 11 from the enlarged lower portion 12 of the valve member 8.
In the rest position shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical extension 11 is spaced from the enlarged lower portion 12 to define a liquid inlet port 105 communicating between the conduit 60 and the first chamber 4.
The coil compression spring 13 contacts the core 102 and biases the core into the position shown in Figure 1 such that in the rest position the f irst stem 6 pro jects fully in a direction away from the f irst chamber 4 and the actuator 20 is in its fully raised pos it ion .
Friction be~ween the lower end portion 14 and the internal surLace 15 maintains the cylindrical extension 11 in its initial rest position during an initial part of the actuating stroke when the actuator 20 and f irst stem 6 are depressed. After taking up this initial lost motion, the liquid inlet port 105 is 3s closed as shown in Figure 2 allowing liquid pressure to be built up within the first chamber 4. ~xcess WO 95t;!1100 ~ 6 7 ~ PCTlG~g410185(\
pressure ill the f 1rst chamber 4 results in movement of the valve rr.ember ~ relative to the first stem 6 such that it becomes unseated from the seat 9 and liquid is dispensed ~inder pressure through the l iquid delivery duct ,.
During the return stroke as shown in Figure 3 in which the actuator 20 and First stem ti move upwardly, frictional forces between the lower end portion 14 and the internal surface 15 result in the separation of the cylindrical extension 11 from the enlarged lower portion 12 thereby opening the liquid inlet port 105.
Liquid drawn throu~h the dlp tube 17 from the container l07 is then able to recharqe the first chamber 4 v1a the l iquid inle~ port 105 during the return stroke. The extension 11 and enlarged lower portion 12 thereby constitute a liquid inlet ~ralve of the f irst pumping means 2 .
At ~uccessive actuations of the apparatus 101, liquid is thereby pumped by the first pumping means 2 such that pressurised liquid is expelled via the dispensinq channel 30 so as to emerge in atomised form f rom the atomis ing noz z le 3 2 .
~t the end of each actuating stroke a residual quantity of liquid wilI tend to remain within the dispensing channel 30 which is downstream of the valve seat 9 and upstream of the nozzle aperture 31 of the nozzle 32.
In or~er to remove the residual quantity of liquid the apparatus 10~ is provided ~ith a second pumpinq mea~s 106 constituted by a second piston 39 reciprocatingly slidable in a second cylinder 41 to define an arnular second chamber 40 Gf variable volume.
The second cylinder q1 is coaxial with the first cylinder S such that the flrst stem 6 traverses axiall~ th~ second cylinder and is received within a tubular seeond stem 37 integral ~ith the second piston.
wo ssnl lo~ PCT/GB94ml85U
32~7~
The second stem 37 constitutes an actuating member or effecting movement of the second piston 39. The first and second stems 6,37 are connected by means of the stem engaging portion 21 in a manner S providing lost motion between the stems as described below.
In Figure 1 the apparatus 101 is shown connected to the container 107 by means of a screw fitting 44, the container having in its normal orientation as 10 illustrated in the Figures a quantity of liquid contained in its lower portion and a volume of air occupying a head space 108.
The body 42 is connected to a casing 43 of the apparatus 101 which includes a screw fitting 44 for 15 connection to the container 107, the casing being formed integrally with an annular seal member 45 through which the second stem 37 is axially slidable.
The casing 43 further includes a tubular skirt engaging portion 46 projecting upwardly into 20 telescopic engagement ~ith the depending skirt Z7, the skirt 27 I~eing slidably received in engagement with an internal cylindrical surface 47 of the stem engaging portion .
As shown more clearly in Figure 6, although the 25 first and second cylinders 5 and 41 are formed integrally so as to comprise a body 42, there are six circumferentially equispaced slots 109 formed in an annular interface 110 between the respective cylinders such that in th~ normal upright orientation of the 30 apparatus 101 as shown in ~igure 1 any liquid contained within the second chamber 41 is able to drain .hrough the slots.
.~n annular resilient gasket 111 has a lip portion 112 providing a seal between the body 42 and 35 the container 107 and further comprising a depending skirt 113 havi ng an inwardly tapered inner periphery _ _ . . .. . _ . , . . _ . . _ . . . _ .
Wo ~S~21100 PC17GBg4/0185 114 whlch i n _he rest positlon as shown ln Figure 4 makes seal~nq co~ttact with the external surface of the first cylinder 5 The skirt 113 thereby defines an outer surface of ' he second ch2mber 41. The s~asket 5 111 has sufficient resilience to a~ ate deformation of the inner periphery 114 away from the body ~2 in resFonse to excess pressure within the second chamber 40 to allow the release of pressurised contents from the second chamber into the head space 108 through an uutlet port 140 defined between periphery 114 and body 42. The inner periphery 114 thereby functions as a check valve.
An annular air duct 38 is defined between the tubular f irst and second stems 6 and 37 respectively and communicates with the second chamber 40. The second stem 37 has an upper end portion 48 which is received within a cylindrical socket 22 defined in the actuator 20 in coaxlal relationship with the end portion 24 of the first stem 6. The end portion 48 of the second stem 37 is of thin walled tubular form and is provided with an inner tubular portion 115 of smallor diameter and which is connected integrally with the end portion by a web 116 defining four circumferentially spaced slots 117 as shown in Figure 7.
The il~ner tubular portion 115 makes slidinq contact with the end portion 2~ of the f irst stem 6 and in the rest position as shown in Figure 1 abutts against a shoulder 118 which acts as a stop to limit .0 relati~de movement between the f irst and second stems .
The actua~or ~0 is provided ~vith a tu~ular projection ~1~ which projects within the socket ~2 so as to exten~ between the end portion 48 of the second stem and the inner tubular portion 115 The er-d p~rtion 48 of the se~ond stem 37 has cylindrical outer surface 121 which makes slidinq W095/2110V PCTIGB9~01850 2 ~ 7 ~
sealing contact with the outer side wall 56 of the socket 2Z thereby allowing a circumferential seal to be maintained between the actuator 20 and the external surface of the second stem 37 throughout relative 5 movement between the actuator and the second stem.
A radially extending bore 120 is provided in the first stem 6 at a location downstream of the seat 9 so as to communicate between the liquid delivery duct 7 and the ~ap formQd between the tubular projection 119 10 of the actuator and the inner tubular portion llS of the second stem 37. This gap in turn communicates via the slots 117 ~ith the air duct :~8 and the second chamber 4 0 .
Durinq the actuat ~ ~g stroke of the apparatus 15 101, the initiation of downward movement of the actuator 20 moves the f irst stem 6 downwards in unison with the actuator while the second stem 37 initially remains stationary by virtue of frictional resistance between the second piston 39 and the second cylinder 20 41.
Lost motion between the actuator 20 and the second stem 37 is eventually taken up by contact between the actuator 20 and the end portion 48 of the second stem such that as shown in Figure 5 the tubular 25 projection 115 makes sealing contact with the end portion 48 and the inner tubular portion 115.
Lost motion is also taken up between the core 102 moving downwardly ~ith the first stem 6 and the cylindrlal extension 11 which initially remains 30 stationary due to frictional forces. The linear displacement re~uired to take up the lost motion between the core 102 and cylindrical extension 11 is arran~ed to be sllghtly~ greater than the linear displacemen~ required to take up lost motion between 35 the actuator 20 and the second stem 37 so that the cylindrical extonsion 20 begins to move momentarily _ _ _ _ _ , . . . .. , _ . . ..
WS~95121100 '~ ~ ~? ~ 7 ~ PCT/C~B9 a r ter the second stem 3 7 . Th i s d i f f erence 1 n displacemerlt ensures that pressurisation of liquid ~ithin the f irst chamber ~ does not commence until after tne second chamber 40 has been isolated from the , dispensin~ channel 30.
Continued travel of the actuator 20 is accompanicc by movement in tandem of the f irst and second stems ~,37 together vith the first and second pistons 3/39 thereby pressurisinq the contents of the lO first and second chambers 4,40. Air and any liquid accumulated within the second chamber 40 is progressiYely e~pelled from the second chamber through the check valve constituted by the gasket lll so that air and/or liquid from the second chamber is delivered 15 into the head space 108.
At the same time pressurised liquid from the first chamber ~ is expelled from the nozzle 32 via the dispensing channel 30 which becomes filled with liquid. The actuatlng stroke may be terminated either 20 by the actuator 20 reaching a fully depressed position as sho~7n in Figure 7 or by reaching an intermittent position determined by the release of f inger pressure by the operator . ~7hen f inger pressure is released ~rom the actuator 20, the actuator will beqin to 25 return to its rest position throughout a return stroke in which return movement is provided by action of the spring l}. In the absence of downward movement of the ~irst piston 3, the pressure within the ~irs~: chamber 4 ceases to beco~e sufficient for the valve member 8 ~0 to be unseated from the seat 9 so that the valve ~ember lS r~turned by ~pring 13 to a position in which it closes the !iquid delivery duct 7. At this point a residual quantlt~ o~ liquid will ~enerally remain .;ithin the 1~ispensing channel 30.
.`.s the actuator 20 beglns its return stro};e, the first piston 3 together with the ~irst stem 6 begin to WO 95f21100 . ~ C1850 - 15 ~ 2 t~, 7 ~
move upwardly relative to the second piston 39 and second stem 37 which initially remain static due to friction between the second piston and the second cylinder. This relative movement results in separation be~ween the tubular proiection ll9 of the actuator and the inner tubular portion 115 thereby opening the gap which communicates between the air duct 38 and the liquid delivery duct 7 via the bore 120 provided in the first stem 6. The portions 115 and 119 thereby constitute a first valve means which is opened during the return stroke to allow withdrawal of the residual liquid by suction, During the r~ i rd~r of the return stroke, the volume of the second chamber expands thereby creating suction which is communicated to the dispensing channel 30 such that residual liquid is drawn through the air duct 38 into the second chamber. The residual liquid so collected will accumulate at the lower end of the second chamber 40, passing through the slots 109 into contact with the gasket 111. During the next actuating stroke, positive pressure within the second chamber 40 will expel the collected liquid via the outlet port 140 provided between the inner periphery 114 of the gasket lll and the body 42 into the head space 108 so that the residual liquid is returned to the bulk o~ liquid contained within the container.
As can be seen f rom Figure ~, the volume of the f irst chamber is reduced to an absolute minimum at the completion of the actuating stroke by shaping the valve member to be conformal to the interior of the f irst piston and by virtue of the constructional features of the extension 11 and lower portion 12 of the valve member. h high compression ratio of the first Fllmping means is thereby achieved and this facllitates the primin~ of the first chamber with liquid .
WO951~110U PCI~/CB94101~0 7 ~ 1 6 ,2~ further modified apparatus 130 is shown in Figure 5 and will be described using corresponding reference ~umerals to those of Figure 1 ,~rhere appropriate for corresponding elements.
:, The apparatus 130 differs from the apparatus 1~1 of Figure 1 in the construction of the actuator 20 and the end portion 24 of the f irst stem 6 .
Whereas apparatus lO1 has a radial bore 120, no such bore is provideù in the end portion 24 of 10 apparatus 130 which instead is provided with an axially extending groove 131 in the actuator Z0 which cooperates with the outer cylindrical surface 132 of the end portion 24 to define a conduit communicating between the socket 22 and the dispensing channel 30.
Durir~g the return stroke of the apparatus 130 suction i5 applied to the dispensing channel 30 via the conduit defined by the ~roove 131 to thereby remove residual liquid which is then accumulated in the second chamber 4 0 and subsequently returned to the 20 container during the next successive actuating stroke.
The dimensions of the first and second pistons 3,39 and first and second cylinders 5,40 are selected such that the volumetric displacements o~ the f irst and second pumping means 2 ,106 meet the requirements ~ of the particular application to which the apparatus is designed. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the apparatus ~ 01 is designed to achieve equal volumetric -isplacements far the first and second pumping means 2, ~6 when measured over a complete actuating stroke 30 so ~hat the volume of liquid pumped from the container via the dip tube 17 is made equal to the to~l volume of residual liquid and air returned to the container via the check valve constituted oy ~asket 111. By this arranqement the pressure CL coneents wlthin the ~:~ container ~07 remains subs~antially equal to ambient atmospheric pre~sure in use.
WO ~5/21 I(U? P~ ~ ,'U 1850 -~17~~ 2b7~
For certairl applications it may be desirable to achieve a positive pressure ~ithin the container.
This can be achieved by choosing dimensions for the components of the first and second pumping means 2,106 :5 sucn that the ~olumetric displacement of the second pumping means is greater than that of the f irst pumpinq means. At each actuating stroke, the total volume of f luid comprising air and residual liquid displaced from 'he second chamber so as to enter the 10 head space will then be greater than the volume of liquid dispensed so that the f lui~ must be compressed into a volume equal to the volumetric displacement of the f irst chamber . An accumulated positive pressure within the container is thereby established.
For other applications it may be desirable to achieve a negative pressure differential between the head space and ambient air in which case the volumetric displacement of the second pumping means may be arranged to be less than that of the f irst 20 pumping means, The construction of the core 102 of the apparatus 101 shown in Figure 1 is illustrated further in Fiqures 9 and 10. The core 102 has four flanges 104, each formed on a respective leq 141 formed 25 integrally ~ith the enlarqed lower portion 12.
The legs 1~1 extend coaxially with the valve member ~3 and are spaced apart as shown in ~igure 10 to define axially extending flow channels 142 allowing liquid to freely flow between the conduit ~;0 and the 30 liquld inlet port 105.
This arrangemen~ also facilitates assembly of the ~ore 102 with the cylindrical extension 11, each of the flanges 104 having a leading ramped surface 143 such that when the core 102 is illserted into the 35 extension 11 the legs are deformed inwardly by ramp action until the assembled position is reached in _ _ _ _ ., . . . _ . , , . _ _ _ _ .
WO9~2110U PCTJGB9~018~0 which the legs snap back to their rest position. Once assembled ky this snap action, the core 102 remains connected tc the extension 11 in a manner providing the lost motion referred to above.
:, In the assembled apparatus 101, the spring 13 bears axially against the flanges 104 while the flange 103 formed cn the cylindrical extension is spaced fro~
the upper end of the spring by the f lange 104 of the core 102.
A modified core 144 is illustrated in Pigure ~1 and differs from the core of Figures 1, 9 and 10 in that each of the flanges 104 has a profile of smaller radius when viewed in axial projection than the radius of the outer circumference of the legs 141.
A further alternative core 145 is illutrated in Figures 12 and 13 and comprises a solid central portion 146 depending from the enlarged lower portion 12 of the v~lve me~ber 8. The outer periphery of the solid central portion 146 defines a cylindrical 20 surface 147 interrupted by axially extending fluted recesses 148 which constitutes flow channels for li~uid passing from the conduit 60 to the li~uid inlet port 105.
The shape of the ~ecesses 148 is arcuate when 2s viewed in axial projection. Recegses of other shapes may also be uti~ised in accordance with the present invention includinq for example recesses of rectangu lar s ided prof i le .
Flan~es 104 including rarnped surfaces 143 30 project radially ~rom the cylindrical surface 147 and function lrl lik~ manner to ~hose of the cores 102 and 144 .
~ ftlrther alternative core 14~ is illustrated in Figures 1~ ~nd 15. The core 149 is similar to the 35 core 145 in tha~ it includes a solid central portion 1'6 and a c~tlin.~rical surface 147 interrupted by WO95/2111~0 PCT/GB~1/01850 2 ~ 7 ~
axially extending recesses 148. The recesses 148 are however of ~ shaped cross section when viewed in axial projection so as to define side walls 150 arranged at rignt angles to one another. ~hen viewed in axial projection as shown in Figure 15 the core 149 thereoy assum~s a cruciform ap~earance.
In each of the preferred embodiments, the cylindrical extension 11 makes continuous sliding contact with the internal surface 15 of the tubular extension 16. The lower end portion 14 is maintained to an extent under radial compression within the tubular extension 15 by being a force fit. Such an arrangement has been found preferable to alternative constructions in whLch the cylindrical extension 11 would be made to slide externally on a re-entrant portion of the tubular extension, a pro~lem with such constructions being that it is found necessary to disengage the tubular extension from the sliding surface in the rest position to avoid deformation over time into a set position in which good sealing contact was no longer made. In the configuration shown in the preferred embodiments however the cylindrical extension when held in radial ~ es:,ion is found to be more resistant to deformation so that separation in the rest position is not necessary.
By maintaining continuous sealing contact in the rest position as shown in the preferred embodiments, emptying of the f irst chamber 4 via the dip tube 17 during prolonged periods of non-actuation is avoided.
In the rest position between successive actuating strokes, a residual quantity of liquid will generally reside in the second chamber 40 and it is believed that the presence of this liquid contributes to avoiding the solidification of any traces of liquid in the narrow passageways of the dispensin~ channel 30 since the liqui~ pro~ides a vapour permeating through _ _ _ , .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .
WO 9~2 1 100 1 ~ ,.,, I.'C IO.~
3 ~.b7~d 20 -the dispenslng channel. An additional small quantity of liquid wlll also in general reside in the liquid deliver~ duct 7 at a level beneath the location at which suction is applied during the return stroke. In the case of Figure l this level is that o~ the bore 120. Again the presence of this small quantity of liquid pro~ldes a vapour within the constricted dispensing ~hannel 30 which avoids solidification of any traces of liquid which may remain after suction 10 has removed the residual quantity of liquid.
For the above reasorl it is beli2ved to be desirable to locate the bore 120 at a finite axial separation above the location of the valve seat 9 in order to retain a droplet of liquid at this position.
;5
Claims (21)
1. A method of dispensing liquid from a container (107) comprising the steps of actuating a reciprocatable first pumping means (2) having a first chamber (4) of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the first chamber during an actuating stroke of the first pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the first pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid from the first chamber to a nozzle (32) via a dispensing channel (30) during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity of liquid is dispensed from the nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the first pumping means respectively a second pumping means (106) having a second chamber (40) of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, connecting the second chamber by operation of a first valve means (115, 119) to the dispensing channel during the return stroke thereby withdrawing by suction the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means (114) to the container by an outlet port (140) during a next subsequent actuating stoke.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outlet port communicates with the container and including the step of thereby returning the residual quantity of liquid to the container from the second chamber.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second chamber expands during the return stroke by a volume which is greater than the volume available within the dispensing channel to the residual quantity of liquid whereby the withdrawal of the residual quantity of liquid into the second chamber is accompanied by an inflow of air through the dispensing channel.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first and second pumping means displace substantially equal volumes from the respective first and second chambers during the actuating stroke.
5. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second valve means comprises a one way opening check valve whereby the second valve means opens in response to excess fluid pressure in the second chamber.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second pumping means are actuated by depression of respective first and second actuating members (6,37) relative to the first and second cylinders, the first and second actuating members being connected by connection means (21) providing lost motion between the first and second actuating members and wherein the first valve means is operated to open and close communication between the dispensing channel and the second chamber in response to relative movement between the first and second actuating members provided by the lost motion.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first pumping means comprises a liquid inlet valve (11, 12) which is operable to admit liquid from the container to the first chamber and wherein the method comprises the steps of closing the liquid inlet valve during the actuating stroke and closing the first valve means during the actuating stroke prior to opening the liquid inlet valve.
8. Apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container (107) comprising a reciprocatable first pumping means (2) having a first chamber (4) of variable volume and operable in response to movement of an actuator (20) to displace liquid from the first chamber during an actuating stroke and to recharge the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke, a dispensing channel (30) defined by the actuator and communicating between the first chamber and a nozzle (32) for conducting pumped liquid during the actuating stroke, characterised by the provision of a second pumping means (106) operable during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke respectively in response to movement of the actuator and defining a second chamber (40) of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, a first valve means (115, 119) operable to connect the second chamber to the dispensing channel during the return stroke to thereby withdraw by suction residual liquid from the dispensing channel into the second chamber and a second valve means (114) operable to discharge fluid from the second chamber to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the - 23a -second valve means define an outlet port (140) communicating between the second chamber and the container when the second valve means is opened.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the volumetric displacement of the second pumping means during the actuating stroke is greater than the volume of the dispensing channel such that an inflow of air is drawn by suction through the dispensing channel into the second chamber.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the volumetric displacement of the first pumping means during the actuating stroke is substantially equal to the volumetric displacement of the second pumping means.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the second valve means comprises a one way opening check valve responsive to excess fluid pressure in the second chamber.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the check valve is constituted by a tubular resilient gasket (114) having an inner periphery sealingly engaging an external surface of the first cylinder and displacable therefrom to define the outlet port in response to excess pressure in the second chamber.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gasket (111) is formed integrally with a lip portion (112) providing an annular seal between a mouth of the container and a body (42) constituted by the first and second cylinders.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first and second pumping means are actuable by depression of respective first and second actuating members (6,37) relative to the container, the apparatus further comprising connection means (21) providing lost motion between the first and second actuating members and wherein the first valve means is operable to open and close communication between the dispensing channel and the second chamber in response to relative movement between the first and second actuating members provided by the lost motion.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the connection means is constituted by the actuator being fixedly connected to the first actuating member, the actuator defining a socket (22) receiving an end portion (48) of the second actuating member and there being provided cooperating stop formations (118,119) on the second actuating member and the actuator to limit relative movement therebetween.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first actuating member comprises a first tubular stem (6) defining a liquid delivery duct (7) communicating between a liquid outlet valve (8,9) of the first pumping means and the dispensing channel.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the first tubular stem is provided with a radial bore (120) communicating between the delivery duct and the first valve means and wherein the bore is axially spaced from the first valve means.
19. A method of dispensing liquid from a container (107) comprising the steps of actuating a reciprocatable first pumping means (2) having a first chamber (4) of variable volume so as to displace liquid from the first chamber during an actuating stroke of the first pumping means, recharging the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke of the first pumping means, characterised by the steps of conducting liquid from the first chamber to a nozzle (32) via a dispensing channel (30) during the actuating stroke such that a dispensed quantity of liquid is dispensed from the first nozzle and a residual quantity of the liquid remains in the dispensing channel, actuating during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke of the first pumping means respectively a second pumping means (106) having a second chamber (40) of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, admitting air from the dispensing channel to the second chamber by operation of a first valve means (115, 119) during the return stroke, and connecting the second chamber by operation of a second valve means (114) to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke whereby air is displaced from the second chamber into the container.
20. Apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container (107) comprising a reciprocatable first pumping means (2) having a first chamber (4) of variable volume and operable during an actuating stroke in response to movement of an actuator (20) to displace liquid from the first chamber and to recharge the first chamber with liquid from the container during a return stroke, a dispensing channel (30) defined by the actuator and communicating between the first chamber and a nozzle (32) for conducting pumped liquid during the actuating stroke, characterised by the provision of a second pumping means (106) operable during at least part of the actuating stroke and the return stroke respectively in response to movement of the actuator and defining a second chamber (40) of variable volume such that the volume of the second chamber is decreased during the actuating stroke and increased during the return stroke, a first valve means (115, 119) operable to admit air from the dispensing channel to the second chamber during the return stroke and a second valve means (114) operable to connect the second chamber to the container during a next subsequent actuating stroke whereby air is displaced from the second chamber into the container.
21. Apparatus (102) for dispensing liquid from a container (107) comprising a first piston (3) slidable in a first cylinder (5) to vary the volume of an annular first chamber (4) defined therein, a tubular stem (6) integral with the first piston and extending outwardly of the first chamber to define a liquid delivery duct (7), a valve member (8) slidably received in the first stem and co-operable therewith in a rest position to close the delivery duct, characterised by the provision of the valve member having a separately formed cylindrical extension (11) defining an inner wall of the first chamber and having an outer periphery (14) maintained in continuous sliding engagement with an inner cylindrical wall of a tubular extension (16) of the first cylinder, the cylindrical extension defining a conduit (60) communicating with the container, a spring (13) extending through the conduit and acting on the valve member to bias the valve member into the rest position, and connecting means (103, 104) providing lost motion between the valve member and the cylindrical extension whereby the valve member and the cylindrical extension are movable into and out of engagement to respectively close and open a liquid inlet port (105) communicating between the conduit and the first chamber, wherein the connecting means comprises co-operating stop formations (103, 104) of the valve member and cylindrical extension respectively co-operable to limit relative displacement therebetween.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/190,923 | 1994-02-03 | ||
| US08/190,923 US5458289A (en) | 1993-03-01 | 1994-02-03 | Liquid dispensing apparatus with reduced clogging |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2182678A1 true CA2182678A1 (en) | 1995-08-10 |
Family
ID=22703357
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002182678A Abandoned CA2182678A1 (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1994-08-24 | Dispensing apparatus |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5458289A (en) |
| EP (2) | EP0835820B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH09508340A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR970700625A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1142806A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU688786B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2182678A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE69418907T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2132994T3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2286230B (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2126353C1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995021100A1 (en) |
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1994
- 1994-02-03 US US08/190,923 patent/US5458289A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-08-24 EP EP97118990A patent/EP0835820B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-24 AU AU74658/94A patent/AU688786B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1994-08-24 ES ES97118990T patent/ES2132994T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-24 KR KR1019960704223A patent/KR970700625A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-08-24 WO PCT/GB1994/001850 patent/WO1995021100A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-08-24 JP JP7520430A patent/JPH09508340A/en active Pending
- 1994-08-24 CA CA002182678A patent/CA2182678A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-08-24 DE DE69418907T patent/DE69418907T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-08-24 DE DE69410825T patent/DE69410825T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-08-24 RU RU96117649A patent/RU2126353C1/en active
- 1994-08-24 EP EP94924364A patent/EP0742777B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-24 CN CN94194959A patent/CN1142806A/en active Pending
- 1994-10-13 GB GB9420678A patent/GB2286230B/en not_active Revoked
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0835820A1 (en) | 1998-04-15 |
| CN1142806A (en) | 1997-02-12 |
| RU2126353C1 (en) | 1999-02-20 |
| GB2286230A (en) | 1995-08-09 |
| JPH09508340A (en) | 1997-08-26 |
| EP0742777A1 (en) | 1996-11-20 |
| EP0835820B1 (en) | 1999-06-02 |
| EP0742777B1 (en) | 1998-06-03 |
| WO1995021100A1 (en) | 1995-08-10 |
| DE69410825T2 (en) | 1998-10-01 |
| US5458289A (en) | 1995-10-17 |
| GB9420678D0 (en) | 1994-11-30 |
| KR970700625A (en) | 1997-02-12 |
| DE69418907D1 (en) | 1999-07-08 |
| ES2132994T3 (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| DE69418907T2 (en) | 1999-09-30 |
| DE69410825D1 (en) | 1998-07-09 |
| AU7465894A (en) | 1995-08-21 |
| GB2286230B (en) | 1997-07-30 |
| AU688786B2 (en) | 1998-03-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |