Container for storing and dispensing liquids

Abstract

A fluid container (1, 1 ', 1' ') provided with the same valves (8, 9) at its opposite first and second ends and containing a single liquid (2), such as a solvent, in which activated carbon is disposed to adsorb impurities. The activated carbon may be contained in a nonwoven fibrous bag (12) disposed in a liquid as if tea may be contained in a tea bag. The first and second ends (4a, 4b) each have a functionally identical valve, for example a structurally identical valve, which permits the installation of the fluid container (1, 1 ') into the dispensing equipment (14) irrespective of the orientation of the fluid container in the dispensing equipment, since the liquid contained in the container can be dispensed through either valve.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 587,322, filed October 2, 2023, entitled “Receptacle For Storing and Dispensing Liquids,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a container for storing liquids to be dispensed from a container, such as solvents used for storing and dispensing in the cleaning of fiber optic connectors and fiber end faces. Any other liquids capable of being dispensed by gas pressure can be stored in and dispensed from the container. The container may include a valved canister that can be inserted into any suitable dispensing device, such as a cleaning device for fiber optic connectors and end faces. For example, when the liquid is depleted or if a different liquid is desired, the container can be easily removed from the device in which it is placed and replaced with a new canister.

[0004] The container is designed as a consumable for use with any suitable dispensing device. For example, the container can be used to supply solvent to fiber optic cleaning devices. Such devices emit pulses of compressed gas to entrain and atomize the solvent, and entrain the atomized solvent in a gas stream that impacts the fiber optic components to be cleaned. Typically, such cleaning devices are accompanied by pulses of gas stream that do not contain solvent in order to dry the components being cleaned. Background Technology

[0005] U.S. Patent 6,196,421, granted to Williams (“Williams”) on March 6, 2001, discloses a disposable handheld aerosol reservoir with a dispensing valve at each opposite end. See, for example, Figures 4 and 8. In various configurations, different types of valves are provided at each end to produce different types of discharge, such as water flow, spray, or foam. See Figure 2. Figure 3 Figures 4 and 7. In other embodiments, the can may contain two different products, as shown in Figures 5-8. Figures 6 and 8 illustrate structures that physically separate the two different products through barriers 69 and 70 in Figure 6 and collapsible bags 181A and 181B in Figure 8.

[0006] UK patent application GB 261025 A, granted to Rushton on March 29, 2023, discloses a multi-purpose water bottle comprising a mesh structure with an adsorbent, such as activated carbon, disposed in water to purify it. See, for example, [link to relevant patent information]. Figure 3And Figure 5. For example, the use of activated carbon as an adsorbent is disclosed on page 10, line 22 and thereafter, and in claim 13. Lines 25-31 on page 8 disclose that the mesh structure can be “similar to various well-known tea bags.” The application teaches the use of mesh structures (e.g., tea bags or small refillable mesh reservoirs) that can be replaced or refilled with adsorbent as needed. The disclosed advantage, compared to a fixed adsorbent column through which water flows into a container, is that such columns eventually become saturated and can become a source of contamination, while the mesh structure can be replaced or refilled with new adsorbent as needed.

[0007] The abstract of Korean Patent 2002-008977 A shows a tea bag filled with activated carbon for use in purifying water. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a container for a liquid (such as a solvent) is provided, the container comprising a container body having a first end and an opposing second end, each end comprising a valve, the first and second ends and their respective valves being identical. The orientation of the container is therefore irrelevant when installed in a given cleaning device, as the configuration is identical regardless of whether either end (first or second) faces upwards or downwards. An adsorption medium (such as activated carbon) may be disposed in the liquid contained within the container. The adsorption medium may be dispersed as granules throughout the liquid, or the granules may be contained in a liquid-permeable package.

[0009] Specifically, according to the present invention, a container for storing and dispensing a single liquid is provided, the container comprising the following components: a closed container body containing a single liquid, the container body having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end having a first dispensing valve and the opposing second end having a second dispensing valve. The first valve and the second valve are functionally identical; thereby, by opening one of the first and second valves that contacts such liquid, such liquid can be dispensed from the container via the first valve or the second valve.

[0010] Other aspects of the invention include one or more of the following features implemented in any suitable combination: the adsorbent material can be disposed in a liquid; a pressurized gas can be disposed within a container to form bubbles defining a headspace above the liquid; the adsorbent material can be dispersed as particles in the liquid; the adsorbent material can be contained within a package containing a liquid-permeable package material; the package material can contain Melfit BT 60 nonwoven fibers, or preferably, spunbond high-density polyethylene fibers, which will be described more fully below. The liquid can be an organic solvent suitable for cleaning the end face of an optical fiber.

[0011] In one particular aspect of the invention, the liquid may include a solvent mixture comprising:

[0012] Methyl nonafluorobutyl ether, by weight approximately 30% to approximately 60%.

[0013] Methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether, by weight, comprises approximately 30% to approximately 60%

[0014] (Z)-1-chloro-2,3,3-trifluoropropane by weight, and

[0015] The pressurized gas may include heptane, which is present in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight of the solvent mixture and the pressurized gas.

[0016] As used herein and in the claims, the following terms have specific meanings. The term "functionally identical" means that a pair of valves (valves on opposite ends of the same container) can each be operated by the same mechanism or device. Preferably, for the purpose of simplifying the manufacture and storage of parts, the pair of valves are identical valves. The term "single liquid" means that the container contains only one type of liquid, which differs from the case where, for example, a barrier shown in Figures 6 and 8 of the aforementioned U.S. Patent 6,196,421 separates the liquid in the container into two different liquids. The terms "container" and "jar" are used interchangeably. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1A This is a frontal sectional view of the container in the early stages of manufacturing, before the openings at both ends are closed.

[0018] Figure 1B It is a frontal cross-sectional view of the completed container, which is closed at both ends and equipped with male stem valves, and contains liquid and air bubbles;

[0019] Figure 1C It is similar to Figure 1B The cross-sectional view, but equipped with a female recessed stem valve;

[0020] Figure 1D It is similar to Figure 1B The cross-sectional view shows a male stem valve at one end and a female recessed stem valve at the other end;

[0021] Figure 2A This is a side view of the fiber pack; and

[0022] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of the package; and

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partially cutaway schematic diagram of an apparatus in which the container of the present invention can be used. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Portable Container 1 ( Figure 1B It is made into a container for storing and dispensing liquid contents, such as a specialized cleaning solvent or liquid surface treatment agent, such as a polish, lubricant, specialized adhesive or protective film.

[0025] as Figure 1A As shown, the container body 4, in an early stage of its production, has identical openings 3 at its opposing first and second ends 4a, 4b. Each end is then closed with corresponding sealing caps 5a, 5b, as shown. Figure 1B As shown in the diagram, the two closures 5a and 5b are fitted with corresponding valves that are identical in size, shape, and on / off function. Figure 1B The same male stem valve 8 is shown in the closure caps 5a and 5b respectively assembled at opposite ends of the fluid container 1. Figure 1C The same female recessed stem valve 9 is shown in the closure caps 5a and 5b assembled at opposite ends of the fluid container 1. Figure 1D In this illustration, to demonstrate the purpose of using both male and female stem valves, a male stem valve 8 is shown installed in a cover 5a at the first end 4a of the fluid container 1”, and a female stem valve 9 is shown installed in a cover 5b at the second end 4b of the fluid container 1”. It should be understood, however, that if it is desired that the container 1 does not require orientation distinction during insertion of the device, then the two valves will be identical. That is, the two valves will be like… Figure 1B The male stem valve 8 shown in the figure or similar Figure 1C The female recessed stem valve 9 is shown in the figure. In either case, one valve is located at the first end 4a of the fluid container and one valve is located at the second end 4b of the fluid container, for a total of two valves for each fully assembled fluid container.

[0026] When fluid containers 1 or 1' have valves 8 or 9 of the same type at their first and second ends, respectively, the fully assembled fluid container does not have a functional top or bottom orientation that would require special positioning or orientation of the top and bottom when installing the fluid container into an apparatus or fixture (not shown) for dispensing the contents of the fluid container. The reference to "valve 8, 9" herein is intended to indicate two male stem valves 8 or two female recessed stem valves 9 that may be used on a given fluid container.

[0027] Valve 8 or 9 is fitted to the sealing caps 5a and 5b using a mechanical crimping fitting 10 to seal the container opening 3, establishing a permanent seal that prevents gas, liquid, or vapor from escaping from or entering the sealed fluid container during transport or storage. This conventional crimping method of the sealed container body 4 prevents accidental dispensing or spillage and prevents the intrusion of dust, moisture, and oil, which could contaminate the liquid contents 2 or negatively affect the intended function of the liquid contents 2 during fluid dispensing.

[0028] Valves 8 and 9 are manufactured to industry-standard aerosol valve dimensions, featuring desired characteristics selected from available aerosol valve variants, and are available out of the box from multiple aerosol valve suppliers. Ideally, valves 8 and 9 are characterized by a minimal valve body height to minimize or reduce the extent to which the valve protrudes into the container, thereby minimizing or reducing the exposure of the polymer used to manufacture the valve to the solvent contained in the fluid container. This is to minimize the leaching of non-volatile organic residues (“NVR”) from the valve into the solvent and to ensure complete evacuation of the fluid, such as liquids, from the fluid container during use. Valves 8 and 9 are not configured with a draw tube. Valves 8 and 9 can be sized to assemble with an industry-standard 1-inch (2.54 cm) opening for aerosol valves, or smaller, such as a 20 mm opening, and the container opening 3 and the crimp 7 will also be sized to fit the dimensions of valve 8 or 9 used.

[0029] The two container openings 3 are configured to employ an industry-standard aerosol valve crimp geometry 7, which is sized to fit the size and type of the sealing caps 5a and 5b used. The crimp 7 is configured to allow mechanical crimping to form the crimp 10 of the sealing caps 5a and 5b onto the container openings 3 located at both ends of the container body 4.

[0030] The valve can be configured as a male stem valve 8 or a female recessed stem valve 9 for valve actuation, but the female recessed stem valve 9 is preferred because the male stem valve 8 is prone to breakage during transportation and handling, which would render the valve inoperable. Furthermore, the female recessed stem valve 9 is less likely to be accidentally opened because its stem is recessed within the valve, while the male stem valve 8 is exposed and could be easily actuated and opened by accidental pressing, leading to unintended loss of the liquid contents 2. In normal use, as described above, only one type of valve (male stem valve 8 or female recessed stem valve 9) is used to close the opposing first and second ends of the fluid container.

[0031] Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1DArrow A in the diagram indicates the direction of movement for actuating valve 8 or 9 to the open / open position. Valve 8 or 9 must be kept depressed to maintain the valve in the open / open position. When not in use, the lever on each valve 8 or 9 defaults to the closed / off position (not shown) to prevent accidental flow or leakage of fluid from the filled fluid container 1 through valves 8 and 9.

[0032] A full-circumferential mechanical crimp 10, sized according to the valve manufacturer's specifications, is used to secure aerosol valves 8 and 9 to container opening 3. The crimp 10 ensures that valves 8 or 9 cannot be removed or tampered with by the user without damaging the valves and / or the fluid container 1. This ensures the purity of the liquid contents 2 during storage, transportation, and dispensing.

[0033] Liquid 2 (such as a solvent used for cleaning fiber optic end faces) may be contained in fluid containers 1, 1', or 1"; for example, liquid 2 may include solvent mixtures used in laboratory tests described below. When the fluid container is pressurized, bubble 11 provides headspace 6, as... Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D As shown in the image.

[0034] To dispense the liquid contents 2, the fluid container 1 or 1' is oriented in a vertical position, with one valve 8 or 9 located at a first end 4a of the fluid container 1, and a second valve 8 or 9 located at a second end 4b of the fluid container. As described above, each opposite end of a given container will have a valve 8 at both ends or a valve 9 at both ends. The liquid contents 2 are dispensed only when each valve 8, 9 is engaged with a valve actuator fixing device (not shown) that simultaneously opens each valve 8, 9.

[0035] When the liquid is positioned at the second end 4b as the bottom, it flows only through the open / closed valve at the second end 4b. This flow is established by gravity or by introducing compressed gas, which is introduced through the open valve at the opposite end of the fluid container 1. When compressed gas is used to dispense the liquid 2, the compressed gas forms pressurized bubbles 11 above the liquid contents 2 inside the closed fluid container 1, thereby expelling the liquid contents 2 through the open valve at the opposite end of the container 1. As the liquid volume decreases due to dispensing, the compressed bubbles 11 are replenished through the open valve of the adjacent bubble. The pressure of the bubbles 11 can be adjusted to control and maintain a constant internal pressure in the closed fluid container 1.

[0036] The flow rate of the liquid contents 2 from the fluid container (e.g., fluid container 1 or 1') can be controlled by changing the internal pressure, or the flow rate can be measured by using a fixed device (not shown) that can open and close valves 8, 9 located at the first and second ends independently or simultaneously.

[0037] For high-precision dispensing of liquid contents 2, the liquid container 1 can be adjusted to the desired set internal pressure using compressed air bubble 11 and a metering valve (not shown) used downstream of the valve, from which liquid contents 2 are dispensed.

[0038] If necessary, the pressure of the compressed bubble 11 in the fluid container 1 can be released by closing the valve at the end of the fluid container that is in contact with the liquid 2, i.e., closing the valve at the end of the fluid container opposite the end containing the bubble 11, and venting the bubble through the open valve of the adjacent bubble. The valve of the adjacent bubble is then closed to re-establish a completely sealed fluid container. This venting releases internal pressure for convenient transport as a non-hazardous material and prevents the liquid contents 2 from spilling or accidentally leaking during storage.

[0039] Regardless of which end of the fluid container 1 is oriented at the top, gravity ensures that the liquid contents 2 remain positioned at the bottom of the fluid container 1.

[0040] Advantageously, the contents of fluid container 1 do not need to be pressurized during packaging or during transport or storage prior to use. If the formulation of liquid contents 2 does not meet the definition criteria for hazard levels and classifications detailed in 49 CFR Part 173 and 49 USC 5103 or 49 CFR 172.101, unpressurized, fully filled or partially filled containers can be transported and stored as non-hazardous materials, thereby reducing transport and storage costs.

[0041] The container body 4 may be constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, electroplated carbon steel, brass, or molded plastic (such as polypropylene), or other materials / polymers that are compatible with the liquid contents 2 and ensure the long-term sealing and purity of the liquid contents 2 during storage, transportation, and use.

[0042] Granular activated carbon particles (not shown) can be immersed in the liquid contents 2 of the fluid container 1 to selectively adsorb non-volatile organic residues (NVRs) that may leach into the liquid contents 2 from the reservoir and / or valves 8, 9, gaskets, and associated plastic components, or that may be generated when moisture in compressed gas is introduced to form bubbles 11. Granular activated carbon can be added in its loose granular form and retained in the fluid container 1, provided that the size and shape of the granules ensure that they do not clog valves 8, 9, thereby impeding fluid flow, and that the size of the granules is not so small that they can flow through the valves and be dispensed with the liquid contents during use.

[0043] Preferably, the granular activated carbon particles can be packaged in a porous nonwoven fiber package 12. Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe porous nonwoven fiber package encloses the particles within the package. The fiber package 12 has sufficient porosity to not impede the NVR adsorption capacity of the activated carbon. This package is sized to fit within a fluid container 1 and is added to and immersed in the liquid contents 2 during fluid packaging. The activated carbon package 12 allows for the use of smaller particle sizes, which increases the exposed surface area and enhances selective organic adsorption performance. The ideal material for the package 12 is a porous nonwoven fiber fabric, which allows the liquid contents to flow freely through the fabric and prevents small particles of granular activated carbon from escaping from the package. The fabric package must prevent the release of small particles of granular activated carbon and their distribution with the liquid contents. The package 12 is discarded when the fluid container is discarded and is therefore a single-use package.

[0044] Packet 12 is preferably made of fabric that is permeable enough to allow the solvent to pass through the fabric to contact the adsorbent material inside pack 12, but not permeable enough to allow particles of activated carbon or other adsorbents in the pack to expose carbon (or other dust) from the pack and contaminate the solvent. A suitable material for packs used in solvents (such as those used in laboratory experiments described below) is spunbond high-density polyethylene fiber material.

[0045] As mentioned above, containers filled with high-purity solvents, i.e., tanks, may allow plasticizers and organic contaminants to leach from the polymer contained in the tank's internal gasket valve mechanism, and thus be exposed to the solvent within the tank. In applications requiring high-purity solvents, such as cleaning fiber optic end faces, the leached organic contaminants can lead to unsatisfactory cleaning results.

[0046] High temperatures can accelerate the dissolution of organic pollutants in solvents. Solvents with low surface tension and high solubility can penetrate into small spaces and leach pollutants through direct contact with the polymer or through evaporation and condensation on the polymer surface. Thermal cycling can also increase solvent evaporation and condensation on polymer surfaces that are not in direct contact with the polymer.

[0047] Adding activated carbon packets to containers has been found to remove organic contaminants leached from polymers. Activated carbon efficiently removes organic contaminants from liquid solvents through adsorption on its carbon surface. Activated carbon packets offer a convenient method for passively purifying solvents. These packets can be permanently retained in the liquid solvent to leach organic contaminants that may have dissolved in it.

[0048] The materials used to manufacture the packaging should, of course, not generate additional contamination in the solvent. Furthermore, the packaging material must allow the solvent to penetrate and approach the activated carbon, while also preventing fine carbon dust from escaping from the packaging into the solvent.

[0049] Nonwoven fiber packaging materials allow low-surface-tension solvents (such as hydrofluoroethers) to rapidly penetrate into the packaging. This solvent penetration allows carbon to effectively adsorb organic contaminants. Especially when stored at high temperatures (e.g., 40°C) or in tanks subjected to high temperatures and containing high concentrations of leached organic contaminants, nonwoven fiber packaging successfully and rapidly removes nonvolatile residues (NVR).

[0050] Packaging made from spunbond high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers, such as those sold by DuPont (Wilmington, Delaware) under the registered trademark TYVEK, is less efficient than nonwoven fiber materials in allowing solvents (including HFE solvents) to permeate into the packaging. Solvents do eventually permeate through TYVEK® packaging, but much more slowly than through nonwoven fiber packaging. However, TYVEK® packaging does not allow fine carbon particles to escape from the packaging, whereas nonwoven fibers may allow particles to pass through the packaging into the solvent after prolonged storage. Studies have found that particles from nonwoven fiber packaging are smaller than 0.2 micrometers in diameter and, when they enter the solvent, cause discoloration and contamination.

[0051] When nonwoven fiber material packages containing activated carbon and TYVEK® spunbond high-density polyethylene fiber packages are placed in tanks containing solvent, organic contaminants are successfully removed from the solvent over time. Evaluation of both types of packages indicates that the activated carbon package prevents NVR from increasing in tanks with polymer portions from which organic contaminants may leach.

[0052] The activated carbon pack 12 is sized to contain the appropriate amount of granular activated carbon required for purifying the liquid contents. It must also be sized to be loosely assembled to allow the pack to move within the interior of the fluid container 1.

[0053] Regardless of which end of container 1 is oriented at the top, gravity ensures that the loosely assembled granular activated carbon pack 12 remains positioned at the bottom of fluid container 1.

[0054] The use of granular activated carbon (not shown) or granular activated carbon in package 12 eliminates the need for downstream liquid filtration of fluid container 1. This reduces the user's responsibility to routinely replace contaminated filters to ensure liquid purity.

[0055] Laboratory tests confirmed that adding a packet containing granular activated carbon to the liquid contents of the reservoir significantly reduced the presence of organic NVRs in the liquid. The adsorption capacity of the granular activated carbon was predicted by the following values:

[0056] 1. Volume of the liquid to be processed

[0057] 2. Amount of organic NVR to be treated in the liquid

[0058] 3. The desired purity level in the treated liquid.

[0059] As an example, laboratory tests have consistently demonstrated that approximately 1 gram of granular activated carbon is needed to effectively remove organic NVRs in 1.7 liters of solvent containing <200 ppm of total organic NVRs over a long period.

[0060] Laboratory test results were obtained using the following materials and procedures:

[0061] 1. Each activated carbon packet contains 1 gram of granular activated carbon.

[0062] Carbon granular particle size: 12x30 mesh.

[0063] Packaging material: Melfit BT-60; nonwoven fiber packaging measuring 27mm wide x 48mm long, supplied by Desiccare, Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada.

[0064] Solvent weight / volume: 85 g / 1.5 fl oz

[0065] Test solvent formulation:

[0066] 30-60% by weight: Methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (CAS No.: 16370207-6);

[0067] 30-60% by weight: Methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether (CAS No.: 16370208-7);

[0068] 5-10% by weight: (Z)-1-chloro-2,3,3-trifluoropropene (CAS No.: 1263679-68-0).

[0069] Gaseous propellant: 5-10% by weight: heptane (CAS No.: 142-82-5).

[0070] 2. Initial conditions; Organic solvent NVR level: 160 ppm

[0071] Test Procedure Immerse the activated carbon pack in the test solvent at room temperature and measure the solvent NVR every 24 hours.

[0072] result :

[0073] A. Within 48 hours of immersion, the initial organic NVR level of 160 ppm decreased to less than 40 ppm.

[0074] B. After 90 days of immersion, the organic NVR level remained below 40 ppm.

[0075] C. Granular activated carbon exhibits selective adsorption of organic NVRs in solvents.

[0076] D. No measurable degradation or change in solvent composition or properties was observed after 90 days of immersion.

[0077] 3. Melfit BT-60 nonwoven packaging material has shown very satisfactory results in reducing NVR levels. Packaging materials made of spunbond high-density polyethylene (SHDPE) fibers have also achieved similarly satisfactory results. However, SHDPE fiber materials are preferred because they have been found to be superior to nonwoven packaging materials in preventing fine activated carbon particles from escaping from the packaging into the solvent. This is particularly important when cleaning fiber end faces, as high-purity solvents are essential for good cleaning results. Fine carbon particles escaping from packaging made of Melfit BT-60 nonwoven packaging material are unacceptable for cleaning fiber end faces, but satisfactory for applications with lower precision requirements.

[0078] As is well known, filtration methods using granular activated carbon involve packaging the activated carbon, which is then contained within a closed filter housing. The liquid requiring removal from the organic NVR flows through the filter housing containing the activated carbon, where the contaminated liquid enters and the purified liquid exits for packaging or use. Over time, the filter needs replacement because as the volume of liquid passing through the filter increases, the activated carbon particles gradually become saturated with organic contaminants, causing the activated carbon contents to lose their adsorption capacity. Filter performance must be monitored, and the filter replaced as performance deteriorates to ensure that the liquid purity level is properly maintained.

[0079] From a packaging perspective, it is well known that when high-purity liquids are packaged in storage containers, their purity level will decrease over time. This is because impurities are introduced into the liquid by the storage container and its associated components, such as closures and associated sealing seals. This is especially true if the sealing seals are made of elastomer / rubber. Careful selection of packaging materials to minimize the introduction of impurities into the liquid is crucial. Even with careful selection of packaging materials, over time, as impurities are continuously extracted from the packaging, the impurities introduced from the packaging will become more concentrated in the liquid.

[0080] The activated carbon impregnation method described herein is considered novel because granular activated carbon is added directly to the reservoir while packaging the liquid contents and remains permanently in the solvent until the solvent in the container is completely emptied. This method provides selective adsorption and efficient long-term control of organic NVRs in a closed reservoir. This ensures the liquid contents maintain the desired purity at use and eliminates the need for additional filtration during use. This novel NVR adsorption method integrates the filtration function within the fluid container, thus eliminating the burden on the user of maintaining and replacing downstream filters. Each installation includes 12 adsorbent packets (…). Figure 2A and 2B When a new fluid container containing an adsorbent dispersed in a liquid is provided, it is equivalent to providing a brand new "filter" without requiring any additional action from the user. Pack 12 is a single-use pack that is discarded along with the used, for example, empty fluid container.

[0081] Figure 3 An apparatus in which the fluid container of the present invention can be used is schematically illustrated. The apparatus includes a carrying case 14 having a handle 14a and a reclosable lid 14b, which can be opened to insert the fluid container of the present invention (container 1' shown) into the carrying case 14 and then closed. A valve operating device 16 is located at the lower end of the fluid container 1' (e.g., ...). Figure 3 Valve 9 (as shown) Figure 1C , Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) is operably associated. The liquid contained in the fluid container 1' will be positioned at the lower end of the fluid container 1' under the influence of gravity (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown), and therefore in contact with the valve at the lower end of the fluid container 1'. Bubble 11 ( Figure 1C , Figure 3 The nozzle 18 (not shown) will move to the upper end of the fluid container 1'. Actuation of the valve operating device 16 will open the valve associated with the device 16, allowing the liquid contents of the fluid container 1' to flow through the conduit 18 and be discharged via the nozzle 18a of the conduit 18. A hose (not shown) may be connected to the nozzle 18 and may have a hose handle (not shown) for operating the valve operating device 16.

[0082] The invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but these specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A container for storing and dispensing a single liquid, comprising: A closed container body containing a single liquid, the container body having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being provided with a first dispensing valve and the opposing second end being provided with a second dispensing valve; The first valve and the second valve are functionally identical; Thus, by opening one of the first or second valves that comes into contact with such a liquid, the liquid can be dispensed from the container through either the first or second valve.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorbent material is placed in the liquid.

3. The container of claim 1, further comprising a pressurized gas within the container, the pressurized gas forming bubbles defining a headspace above such liquid.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein, The adsorbent material is configured as particles dispersed in the liquid.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein, An adsorbent material is disposed in the liquid and is contained within a package containing a package material permeable to the liquid.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein, The packaging material comprises a liquid-permeable nonwoven fiber material.

7. The container according to claim 5, wherein, The packaging material comprises a liquid-permeable spunbond high-density polyethylene fiber material.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein, The liquid is an organic solvent suitable for cleaning the end face of optical fibers.

9. The container according to any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein, The liquid comprises a solvent mixture, the solvent mixture containing: Methyl nonafluorobutyl ether, by weight approximately 30% to approximately 60%, Methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether, by weight, comprises approximately 30% to approximately 60% (Z)-1-chloro-2,3,3-trifluoropropane by weight, and The pressurized gas includes heptane, which is present in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight of the solvent mixture and the pressurized gas.

10. The container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, Both the first valve and the second valve are female-type recessed stem valves.

11. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Both the first valve and the second valve are male stem valves.

Images