Abstract:
Foam dispensers having integral air compressors with connectors to connect with a disposable refill unit, disposable refill units and liquid pumps are disclosed herein. A refill unit includes a container and a liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a liquid chamber defined at least in part by a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. A piston that reciprocates horizontally in the liquid chamber. A mixing chamber is located downstream of the liquid chamber. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and has an air inlet. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet to prevent liquid from contaminating the air compressors.
Abstract:
A modular liquid pump operable as a liquid pump when used by itself and as a foam pump when combined with a modular air pump is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the modular liquid pump includes a housing for forming a least a portion of a liquid pump chamber; an inlet valve for allowing liquid into the liquid pump chamber; an outlet valve for allowing liquid out of the liquid pump chamber; and an attachment mechanism configured to secure the liquid pump housing to a modular air pump. The modular liquid pump operates alone to output a liquid or operates in combination with an air pump to output a foam. One embodiment includes a modular air pump configured to be secured to the modular liquid pump. In such a combination, the modular liquid pump and the air pump operate together to output a foam.
Abstract:
Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system is also disclosed herein. The foam dispenser has an air compressor secured thereto and the air compressor is not disposed of with the refill unit. The refill unit includes a liquid pump and a container for holding a foamable liquid that is connected to the liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a pump housing and a mixing chamber having an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. The mixing chamber has an extended position with a first volume and a contracted position with a second volume. The pump housing includes an aperture therethrough configured to receive air from an air compressor that does not form part of the refill unit. One or more one-way sealing members are located within the pump housing between the aperture and the mixing chamber for preventing liquid from passing through the aperture in the pump housing for receiving air. A foaming element and outlet nozzle are located downstream of the mixing chamber. The refill unit is configured to be received by a foam dispenser having an air compressor located therein and configured to receive pressurized air from the air compressor through the first aperture. In addition, the refill unit may be disposed of without disposing of the air compressor.
Abstract:
An improved utility knife with an ergonomically shaped handle having a cavity and a working blade holder slidably disposed within the cavity is described. A bottom release lever and a top drive lever are pivotally mounted to the handle and movable with respect to the handle for releasing and moving the working blade holder, respectively. The knife includes an extra blade holder slidably mounted to the handle and movable with respect to the handle within the cavity. The extra blade holder includes a front support end for engagement with a working blade, whereby slidable displacement of the extra blade holder disengages the support end from the working blade to allow removal and replacement of the working blade from the utility knife.
Abstract:
Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.
Abstract:
Foam dispensers and pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a foam dispenser system includes a liquid container for holding a foamable liquid. A flexible and resilient liquid delivery compressible member connects the liquid container to a mixing chamber. A flexible and resilient air delivery compressible member connects a source of air to the mixing chamber. A compression member compresses the compressible members to move liquid and air into the mixing chamber to become a foam. The liquid container and the liquid delivery compressible member may both be disposed in a removable and replaceable refill unit assembly.