Isolation of product and propellant in various dispensing devices and platforms

Abstract

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, platforms from which various dispensing devices, both manually operated as well as 'touch-less' (motion sensor based) are presented. The exemplary devices comprise two main components: (i) the 'bag within a bag' technology, and (ii) a OnePak type dispensing head (with a normally closed outlet valve). The platforms can be, for example, overpressure based or underpressure based, can have various application based features, and can interface with various exemplary Flair type bottles. Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to dispensing systems comprising (i) the fluid or other dispensate to be dispensed, and (ii) the propellant used to dispense it. Whether the propellant is a fluid, a gas, air at atmospheric pressure, or other, are completely separated in separate circuits, controlled separately, and only optionally mixed at the final dispensing time, if desired, at a point downstream of the normally closed outlet valve. Additionally, in such devices, the propellant can be used for other ancillary functions, such as, for example, cleaning a spout or output channel, making foam or spray, controlling valves, pistons, pumps, making noise, and the like. Certain of such exemplary systems utilize a unique bottle in the dispensing appliance. (i) The unique bottle cannot be replaced by a competitor's, or other third party's bottle and (ii) cannot be refilled by a consumer.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 518,677, filed May 9, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 595,472, filed February 6, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 623,492, and also claims priority to U.S. Utility Application No. 13 / 289,874, filed November 4, 2011. The disclosures of each of these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to dispensing technology, and in particular to various metered and non-metered dispensing platforms and devices, such as for air freshening, condiment dispensing, detergent, soap and foam dispensing, toilet seat cleaning, and sanitizing items, where dispensing The fuel and propellant are independently controlled. Background technique [0004] In traditional distribution systems, liquid and air are not controlled. They are of...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Finally, because the propellant is allowed to mix with the product being dispensed, in practice the propellant is not properly controlled and may not be precisely controlled

Therefore, it cannot actually be used for any other purpose than to re-vent the reservoir bottle

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