Michael Lee Tucker

US Patent:

7143909, Dec 5, 2006

Filed:

May 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/851871

Inventors:

Scott Peterson - Cary IL, US
Michael Tucker - Valatie NY, US
Peter Elliot - Old Chatham NY, US
James E. Johanson - Old Chatham NY, US
Fedor Baranov - East Greenbush NY, US
Innesa Baranov - East Greenbush NY, US

Assignee:

Sonoco Development, Inc. - SC

International Classification:

B67D 5/00

US Classification:

222 83, 222456, 222565

Abstract:

A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a container assembly, a diffuser and a metering cup. The container includes a reservoir which supports a disposable cartridge of granular material. The cartridge is supported in the reservoir so as to define a passageway therebetween. A nozzle is defined for the outflow of material from the cartridge. The diffuser is disposed on one end of the container and includes a plurality of apertures. The metering cup is disposed on the opposite end of the container and has an open end adapted to receive granular material. Adjustment of the axial spacing between the nozzle and metering cup varies the quantity of granular material collected in the cup. The granular material is dispensed by inverting the container to a second orientation, such that material flows out of the metering cup, through the passageway and out of the diffuser. The nozzle may serve as a piercing mechanism for opening the disposable cartridge upon its insertion into the reservoir.