Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Separating
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-05
2004-02-10
Popovics, Robert J. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Separating
C210S801000, C210S514000, C210S515000, C222S001000, C222S567000, C222S572000, C099S496000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06689279
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
“Not Applicable”
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
“Not Applicable”
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to separating the lower viscosity fluid from the heavier high viscosity fluid in a dispenser blocking the lighter weight viscosity fluid from exiting the dispenser. When applying pressure to the dispenser, the high viscosity fluid is forced through the lower aperture of the inverted conical device leaving behind the lower viscosity fluid in the dispenser. Subsequently, the heavier high viscosity fluid is pushed through the device and expels out of the top opening aperture of the cover of the dispenser. The dispenser cover can be flat, conical, round or any variety of functional shape.
Anyone who has dispensed ketchup or mustard from a plastic squeeze container and has had a watery substance flow out and onto the bun or bread would appreciate the value of this device. While stored in a refrigerator, these products separate and collect an undesirable fluid on top of the desired product. Subsequently, the undesirable product is released first when the container is squeezed. Our device will eliminate this problem by allowing smooth flow of product thus expelling unrestricted flow of desirable product.
At the present time Heinz has a product that is similar but fails to continue to provide product separation. Product collects in the cover thus clogging the area for lower viscosity storage. Product separates in the cover but fails after a couple of uses.
There have been many attempts to correct the problem of dispensing smooth flowing substances by extracting the fluid from the bottom of the dispenser or storing the container inverted. Bottom extraction of product may drip or leak from the outlet and is difficult to use. Leaving the dispenser inverted can produce a way to extract a premium product and eliminate squirting and spitting of substance but it can have the same problem with leakage. Storage of inverted containers can be cumbersome and top heavy.
Dispenser valves are expensive and functionality can present a problem. Sanitary conditions may be a concern due to fluids being trapped. Fluids that collect and clog the valve continuously coat valves and tubes. Any added device springs, disc closures, valves, squeeze bulbs, screens, pumps, or flexible pouch, etc. that are not smooth and without ridges, may retain product and clog or become unsanitary. Compression chambers and air relief openings while in theory may work, may clog and stop functioning. Our device will allow a smooth flow through the bottom of the device and without restriction through the opening of the top cover of the dispenser allowing even flow of product. The aperture opening of the cover may be the same size as the bottom aperture of the device but can vary.
Manually operated closure members that separate do no offer the same convenience or economic advantage. In addition, closure mechanisms can become clogged or frozen thus initiating possible contamination. This device has not moving parts and will help to eliminate problems of mechanical failure.
There have been proposals to extend a tube to the bottom of the dispenser. Retrieval of fluids from the bottom of the container will leave a residual amount of fluid in the tube that may collect and clog the tube. Additionally, all the substance may not be withdrawn from the dispenser resulting in loss of product. The device will not have these problems because the opening is adequate to allow residual fluid to be gravity feed back to the dispenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 315,448 Stoddard. He discloses a milk settling apparatus that has an inner tube to separate fluids. Different concept of separation of type of fluids and inner tube used.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,257,170 Marcus, et al. The device discloses a liquid separator apparatus in which an upper container has a lower opening that forms a fluid-tight seal. A stopcock is provided in the funnel and has a separate tube between the stopcock and interior of the container to supply air to the interior of the container. Separate tube can create buildup of product and spoilage
U.S. Pat. No.3,713,778 Karamian. This apparatus has an inner tube and a glass pane where separation level can be viewed at the top of the inner tube. Separate tube and breakage of glass may be a cause for concern.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,417—Simmons, Michael J. Fluid dispenser molded plastic material into plural compartments to improve squeeze-dispersing function. Manufactured with plural compartments and does not separate fluids.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,513—Bull, Jr.—Employs a combination of spring and sponge power to dispense fluids and semi-solids from a container. Use of plastic bags and springs will be difficult to implement. Not costs effective and sanitary concern.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,702—Horvath, William—Automatic dispenser cap. Allows product to flow upon application of manual squeeze pressure. Two valve head with an upper disc closure. Disc closure would be unreliable and development is a problem.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,918—Heiligman, Randy B. Squeeze bulb actuator needs a spring lever actuated by the air squeeze bulb so that the lever opens the spout. Difficult to manufacture and valves buildup with accumulation of substance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,715 Redmond, Sanford. He developed a flexible pouch adhered to a stiff sheet material which is opened along a fault line or pattern. Behind the fault line connecting two laterally spaced pockets located on either side of the fault pattern to eliminate squirting or spitting of the flow able product upon rupture of the fault line. Not reusable and use of pouch is not sanitary due to substance accumulating. Difficult to develop.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,185 Joyner, Auvin H. Funnel stock/sauce separator. Separating fat from liquid is provided and consists of a funnel with a closure member positioned within the funnel over a spout for controlling outflow of the liquid. Manual operated closure member could malfunction and residual substance may become unsanitary.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,420 Radna, Rachel. Gravy separating device. Conduit extending down to the lower most part of the container. Usage of a screen filter and conduit extending down to the lowermost section of dispenser can trap product. Not economical and unsanitary.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,075 Lund back, Rune. This device shows a dispensing device for flowing substances that attaches to a container with an outlet tube. Furthermore, the device comprises a valve arrangement comprising of two valve members and can retrieve high viscosity fluids from bottom. Valves may become clogged and sanitary concern to the consumer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,653—Kaufman, John. Dispenser with compression chamber—temperature control and air relief to minimize the risk of temperature driven dispensing. Invention includes levels, air relief opening and a reservoir. Device is complicated and hard to implement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,005—Appleby, et al.—Valve dispensing outlet located on a lower side face of the container. Leakage may occur and causes concerns with sanitary conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,946—Libit. Squeeze bottle that eliminates a separate tube and has no moving parts. The supply tube extends from the bottom of the container and it is not necessary to shake before using. Tubes would be difficult to use due to high viscosity fluid leaves a residual deposit that could cause dispenser to clog.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,094—Permutter, Thom M. Dispensing closure for squeeze bottle—Moveable closure body has an open position and a closed position . Controls the flow but does not separate fluids. Valves can stick and are not economical.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,965—Lee, Gary K. Device needs inverted position for dispensing. Cap has to be removed and replaced with a nozzle. Bottle needs to be inverted and cap needs to be removed and replaced by a nozzle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,463 Hodgson, Dale A. Invention has a condiment dispenser that has a pump-actuating member. Also, consists of a collapsible condiment ba
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