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Title:
LIQUID ADDITIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ENSURING SUBSTANTIALLY ONLY A LIQUID IS DISPOSED WITHIN A CONTAINER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/005726
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed including a method of filling a container with substantially only a liquid. The method can include the removal of a gas from the container prior to, during or after the filling of the container with the liquid. According to one embodiment, the container includes an inner liner and a lid. The method includes providing a volume defined by at least the inner liner and the lid of the container. In such embodiment, the liquid can initially be contained within a first portion of the volume and a remaining portion of the volume can contain a gas. The method can include removing substantially all the gas from the volume via one or more ports that communicate with the volume while retaining substantially only the liquid within the volume.

Inventors:
SCHULZ MARK F (US)
BOOTHMAN BRIAN S (US)
GULLICKS SCOTT D (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2018/039397
Publication Date:
January 03, 2019
Filing Date:
June 26, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO (US)
International Classes:
B65B3/16; B29C31/10; B65B3/18; B65B3/24; B65D83/00; B67D7/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO2013074923A12013-05-23
WO2011085012A22011-07-14
WO2011046802A22011-04-21
Foreign References:
US20050092386A12005-05-05
US20110108568A12011-05-12
EP3135452A12017-03-01
US5636762A1997-06-10
US5909825A1999-06-08
US20130270303A12013-10-17
US20130270303A12013-10-17
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BLANK, Colene H. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What cl imed is:

L A method -df 1 et$,&[ co tainer -w substantially only a li uid, thfe rneif tad com rising:

providing; a. volume defined by a least an inner luser and; a 1¾ of he container, whereinine liquid is contained wltliirt a . first p t on of the volume and a remaining ortion of the volume contains gas;iarid:

removing sobstaatialiy ail she gas; from the volu e via one or more ports that CGmmimieate with the volume while retain mg: substa iaj iy only the liqaid within the volu e

''2, The met&oil of claim K wherein I step of .providing the liquid: and ¾e gas Ineiudes piSiBpiii the i¾uid into volume through, the one or more ports prior o, simultaneous wits, or aHer the step of removing subst n ally all the gas .from the -volume.

3. T¾e method of an one or any combination of of aim s wherein the step of removing substaritially all the gas from the volrae Includes at least; t e Of a plyiri a first ressufe oa a siiriace of the inner Uaer externa Ho; the v^uine te partially collapse the: inner Hiier and applying a second pressure to the one or more ports to draw the gas through the one or more ports,

4. The meth d-of el lat S, wherein.ihe seeon p e su e comprises a pressure les han, a presstire iri the olame.

5. "The method of Cl i ; 3>. wherein the. step of applying the first pressure comprises one or more of filling second volume external to th inner 1 iner to a pressure igher than a pressure in the v lu e and contacting the Surface of the i nner i¾er with a member to cause at least a partial collapse of the Inner liner. The method of any one or .any- comhinatlon of e lairns: 1 -5, wherein the step o removing substantially, all the: gas from the volorne via: the one or more ports includes coupling the lid i» a remainder f the container to displace the gas through the one or More ports. 7, he method of any one or any eombinari p of clasps 1 -6, whereift ttie memcid st¾!iilt^.S¾¾sl^' aciiS^es: e-::i¾$p of r»¾¾ing t e liqyiit and fhe gas o lie vo!ame

Feii50¥iflg :Subsiafitia!ly aii fie: as■■ftom ffee volume via the one or more ports.

S<; The method of any one or any combination of claims 1 -¾ wherein at least one of the one or more ports are la the lid andthe li includes a ump cap thai further comprises; a pum coupled to the pump cap and dis osed within ..the volu e;

aad configured o di pense or both ::fhe l iquid: and the gas from fte contairier;: and

a motor coa ie to rotatiortally drive the pamp to dis en e e liquid through at: least one of til arse or mo e port s: and to the dispenser.

The method of e-laim 8, tether comprising priming the pump with the Ikju driring teMovrag substantially ah the gas from t¾e v ltsmc via: the o e or more ports,

10. The method of claim :8t ferther -'comprising providing a device, comprising: ise or more of a plug? a membr&ne., or ay stye coupled to the: dispenser and configured to prevent gas: from entering the volume, via at least one of tie one or more: ports.

1 1. The method o f an one or an co bination of c ai s: ΙΛ 0, whereia at l ast one of the orse or more ports are positioned at substantially a last to fill location of the voiume an the step of rernovrog: substa tialty all the gas from the:volume includes simultaneously venting the: gas from the at least one of ¾e one or m e ports ai¾d; fit lin the volume with the liquid: until the liquid - reaches the at least one of the one or more ports,

12. Tke: method of «i one or any combination of claims 1- t "I , wherein the/li uid comprises any one or an combination of adhesives, cements, colorants* coatings, detergents., epoxies,: yes,, filers e. ,, -body filler}, nawo-materials. Oils, paints {e.g., automotive paints), astes, pigments, ca«l¾s, nrethases polymer additives (whieh i¾ay hfe Organic or morganfe), sealants, stains, toners, Vamishesf waxes having a viscosity at a shear rate of 0, 1 !/ that is: 1,5 times greater than the viscosity of th : fluid ai a shear rate of I A) S /s.

13. Tt nethod of any one or any eoffibinatioB of claims I A I, w erein the Jkjttki comprises arty mm or any combination of adhesises, cements, colorants,- coatings, detergents, eooxies, dyes, fillers ie.g.? body filler , nario<-maieri:ais, Oils, pa nts (e,g„ automotive paints), .pastes,, igme ts,; eaalks, or et an s^ polymer adtllti ves (ve ck may fee: organic or inorganic)., sealants, stains, toners^ vara ishes, :. waxes ¾¾vip a viscosity of .between 0.1 and ΙΟ,,ίΚίβ i½-s at : shear .rate of 1.0 ts,

Ά. ¾e nie hod of "my one or My eomhination of claims l -i I, wherein fhe jlqtsid comprises any one or any eotnbi nat on of adhesiv^s,: cements, colorants, coatings,

atitomotvve paints),: pastss, pigreents, eaa¾s, urethanes, polymer additives {which may be. Organic or ηοτ^}^:.¾¾.Ι^^^ίπ¾·1<»ίίέι«» varoishes, i es having alirst viscosit tha irrelatively lower :at a higher shear rate such as during flaw into the pum p, and then a second ^viscosit tfmt J higitex at a lower shear rate such as after the liquid has stopped flowing Into, the ptnnp,

1 . The method of any one or any combination of elates 1-14, w¾erein the: inner liner .comprises a flexible material that is collapsible as at least :one of the liqaid and the gas are withdrawn from the; volume and is ex able as at least one of the l quid and gas is provided to the voin B,:

16. A method of filing a container with suhsiantiahy only a ii |utd, the method comprising:

providing a flexible liner ; and lid; that define a v lume;

collapsing: the: flexible tmer substantiall fully such that substantially no gas is present in the vo!urne; and

sequent to; collapsing the': flexible liner, filling the vo nnie with substantially only the liquid via one or more ports: that eomniTOieate w¾ the volyrne.

17.. The method;q claim 16, wherein: the: tep of ^movi g suhstantialiy all the gas l om: the volume includes: &t leasi one of apply ing a first pressure on a sur&ee :of the inner finer external to the whirne to partially collapse the inner liner and appfyseg a seeorid pressure o: the one or mare ports to draw the gas through the one or more ports.

- If. l¾e method of e!aii¾ -w erein the sec nd ross«Fe comprises a pressu e less t$. Ths rne hod of skim 17, wherein the step of applying the first ' ress re com ises csn© : or more of f lin ..second, volume external t the Inner liner to a pressure 'higher than a pressure in the volume and contacting the sn f eo: of the laser liner w¾h a membe to cause M least & partial collapse of the mr liner.

20. : The; method of arty one o any combination of claims 16- 19,: wherein at least one of the Oiie r m fe ports are In the lid and the lid ineliides a pniri cap thai father comprises:

a motor eoapfed to roiationally driye the pamp to d sp nse: the liquid through the least one of the on or more parts rid to the di enser.:

21. The method of claim. ¾ further comprising priming the pump: with the liquid during reinov g substastki y ail the; gas from the volume via the one or more: ports.

.22. The method of daim;20,' further eon¾prising. providing a device comprising one or more of a plags. a membrane, or a valve coupled, to the dispenser: and configured to prevent; :gas front entering the vohitn© via at least one of the:otie . or more ports,.

23. ' ¾e^6^^. i8jy' >tte- 3sr::a-t : combinatio claims 16-22, wherein at least one of the: one or more por sare pos¾loned-.at substantially a last to fill locatio : Of the volum and the step of removing substantially all. the gas from the ..volume includes simnltafteously venting the gas from the at least one of the: one or more ports and filling; the lume with the liq i until the liquid reaches the at least one of the one or more1 ports.

24. The method of any one or any combinat ion ofdaitns 16-23;,, wherein the ΙΙψ ά comprises any one. or any comhlnatlon, of adhesives. cements, colorants^ coatings, detergents,: epQxie d eS:!: fillers (e;g.,: body filler}, nano-rnaterials,. oils, paints (e.g., automotive a¾ts¾ pastes, pigments, caulks, areihane.svp©tynier additi es which may be organic or moronic;}, sealants, stains,, toners, varnishes, waxes having a viscosity having a viscosity at a shear rate of CO, 17s that is 1.5 iines greater than the viscosity '-Of "the Iluid at a shear ate of 1.01s .

¾L 'The iBetivod oi' fty: F aiiy c mbnti n of cteiHis .1.62¾ wherein the !iiru!d

automotive paints), :pastes< f meiitSj C aiks. Brsharies, polymer additi ves (which may be: organic or korgariJc), s¾a!a»ts5 slainss. toners, y^#^:.^^e«.¾8V»iiig--8.'Vt§C€^ity of feetweefl 0.1 md 10,000 Fa~s at a shear rate - of 13 :-ls;

26. ' E he method of any one or any cam tkM of c laim s 16- 3, whereia: the liqeid eoffiprises any one or any combin ti n of adhesives, csm«Rt s, : eoloraots, coatings, detergents, epoxies, dyes, filters: (e.g„ body filler), na»o-aiaterialss oils, paints (e.g„ ^tdmoiive &lHlS},.|ia$tSs> .ρΐξπϊδηϊδ,.δ-ώ^. wetfeai¾ ¾ polymer additives (whic maybe organic or inorganic),: sealants, st ns, toners, varnishes, wsses havin a viscosity that is reitively lower at a higher shear rate sofih as daring flow into the pM f and then a:

stopped flowing intothe: pnm ,

27.. A system for idi eBSBg iq id: comprising:

a first liq«id container^

a second. liqui container;

a dispensing device configured to coup !e to both the first: liquid container and the second liquid container, the dispensing device configured to acuae dspensin : of a specific amoant of liquid from either container as; desired,

28, l¾e system of claim 27,.. wherein :the dispensing: device includes a motor configured to drive apimp in each c ntainer to dispense the specified: amount of the liquid.

29, The system of my mm or any eombmiio of claims :27-2;8, wherein the dispensing device is eonilguredto s itch disperisirt !rotn the first liqui container o dispe?is.ing ftom the. second liquid container «pon sensed: condition related to the amou t of Ikinid remaining in the first H<pid oonta incr.

·· 4i - SO.. The s stem, ofany one or any corn nst on f c aims 7~2¾: hereiu the dispensing: de ic : is configured. to allow the replacement: of either the first liquid, oan ainer r the second Hquid: container with a third container including during dispensing.

31.

replacement of either t e-■first -liquid container or the: second ^^^p^aer :©eeyrs simultaneous with the dispensing device dispensing the specific amount of liquid from the other of the fet liquid: C ntainer of the second, liquid Container,

32. The system of claim 3¾ wherein the dispensing device Is eoBfigured to dispense from both. th fatst ίί ίά container, and' the .secoiid' if uid container simultaneously or sequentially^

33. A method of Si spe mg a liquid during a molding: process com risin :;

eceiving a coffiffland o dispense a speetfied amoynt of the liquid:

determining if ne of a first liquid container or a secon liquid container has: a sufficient atuount of t e liquid remaining. there½ to supply the specified amount ·

dispensing the sp eeified amount of the liquid from at least one of the first liquid container or the second liquid container: if the at least one of the first liquid container and the second l qui container ½ determined: to .have the sufficient amount of liquid; and

:r^l¾^ Kg s'.%^-l.^¾¾0pita!.i).ear'©r the second liqoM container with a third liquid: container during the molding process if the first liquid container or ike second liquid container is determined to nave an insiifiieieut atnount of the liquid rcmaiaing therein : to provide the specified a touut

34. The method of claim 33, wherein fee replacing, of the first container or the second container occurs skiu¼t^us-wi&;<w.:seq¾ent:$o:.l¾e dispensing the specified amount: of the liquid,

35. The method: of any one or. any combination o claims 33-34, w!terein dispensing: the specified amount of the -liquid from at least one of the first container or the second coniaker Includes dispensing from both the first container or the second container during the moldmg process. 3 method of dispensing a liquid during ¾ m ld la rocess eosj lsia :- dis ett§yi :;a. ¾''^» ^ni:.af-tfte liquid from first liquid cpjaisimef during the molding, process;

determining if :tfee first amount of the Ilqiu eo ms oTids o a specified arno Ht of the 'liquid;

without replaeing the; first container, dispensin a. second1 ount of the i id from a second container during the .moldin process If the first ^amou t of the iqui is determined no to eorrespond to the specifie ambuat a the ..liquid.

37. The method of claim -3fi, further eeTOptfe¾g repla¾¾g the first liquid container or the seednd liquM eontaioer with a thir liquid cordaiaer during the niolding rocess if the first liquid container or the: second Jiquid container is deteriniaed to have: an insufficient Mnoata: of. the : liquid rehmin ig therein to p o ide: tie speeified amoun

38. ¾s irseftod of daim ,37s wherei the replacing oflhe first containe . or the second container occurs simultaneous with or sequent to: the dispensing the specified■ -amount of the liquid,

39. A device for d¾ne««ijig a liquid comprising:

a iRotor configured to couple to both a first liquid container an : a: seeoud. liqui container., the motor configured to actuate dispensin of a specific amou«i of liquid from either coRtsifte as desired,

40.. The de:viee of claim 3¾ wherein the evice inclu es: a Tncfe configured to^d ive a. pam each eorstalrser to dispense the speeilied amount of die liquid.

41. The device, of say one or any cohiblMtion of claims- 39-40» wherein the deyice is: configured to switch dis ensing fr m the ifirst !:i¾tiid contaiiter to dis ensiugifro the second liquid confeiner: upon a sensed con ition related to the amount of liqyid remaining In the. first fkptd coiitaiser. 42,. The device: of any one ¾j ny e n&ination ff e Mm x 39-41 :> f jerein. the Sis eas mg

second liqud contafeef ilfi t&d:£0¾¾n«r including dwfeg dispensing,

43 , The device of chlm 42,, where s n: the device.: is coo'pgared. such that the replacement of eitfeer he first liquid eo afee or the s^epnd: liquid container oeeur^

liquid container: or the second lqtiM-eentaiien

44.. ΐ he device of claim 4¾ wherein the device is. configured to dl spensC: from both th first iiquid container and the secondl uid'Con¾'met'«m«lianeDuSly or sequentally.

Description:
LIQUID ΑΒΜΤΪΥΕ I LIVERY SYSTEM ΑΜΪ «TM ¾ FOE E^SIJftMG Sl iSf AHf IALE¥ 0N1Y A WQOI iS iSFOSEP WITHIN A

§©1| The present disclosure relates to the containment of a liipiid within a container.

: ore parisoisiarly, the dlselasnr e relates to methods: for ensuring that sahstastsai ! only the liqaid- is dis sed w¾in the container.. iKISf Many processes require liquids :te he contained within: a vessel for later dispensation. However, the addition of a gas w thin such: vessels in addition to the liquid can cause inaccttracy when the li uid i s dispensed.. In s me eases, the gas can have other ad erse efleets on the liqnid sdeh as causin sp ilage or fiardsnin , Thus, the presence of the jas withirs the vessel along with theliqaid ean eanse waste.

|θβ©3ί :fn light of the ab ve,, a need; exists lor improved methods for : the containment of liquids so as: to h ve rninimalmteiacfion with gas> MIMJ Aspects of the present disclosure include a meth d of fillin a container with substantially only a ilii aid, The method: can include the removal of a. gas froni the container prior to, doring or after the f¾iing : of the :eoBta¾er with the liquid. According, te one embodim nt, the container Irtetudes an inner liner and a i¾ the eofistraetion of which will he discussed subsequently. The: method includes providing a. volume defined by at least the: inner liner and the lid of the container. In such embodiment, t e liquid can Initially be contained within first

volume can contain a gas< An exam le of such a container having the inner liner and the lid Is disclosed in United Stafes Patent Application Pu&lie& ion No, 2013/0270303 l, entiiled, 'TJ>ispenslng liquids front a container Gstipled. to an Integrated pomp cap", the ODS] According t some embodiments, the liquid is Mewton!an fluid, in other embodiments, the liquid is a non-HewtOrii fluid. For example, the liqnid ¾an be ny one or an combination f " "m adhesive, cement, colorant, eoati g. dete ent ©poxies,. dye. filler (<.>¾< » body filter}, nano^material, oil. paint (s>g , automotive : p ¾t), paste, pigment, cau¾ wethane, po ymer additive ( hish m be organic or inorganic), sealant, stain,: toner, varnish;, and wax.

According to some embpdimeii s, ik theology of the Ιϊφ ma be tailored sac thai the viscosity of the l uid is. low clitrmg flow into the ptsrop (prirsing) ; (e.g., i a higher shear iate} » en: the viscosit ean increase: afte the li uid: has stopped f½wifig : into the pump fe. i, at a tower shear: rate);, thereby preh ating the gas from re-enferirsg: the container. This same meGhanism Pa¾ be wse for several of the embodiments fnrtfoer described below. For example, : an erabodlffieni where - " the gas is removed by Vacpiito or higher external pressure to p«sh the air oat through the pismp, en or other small orifice. The properties of the liqu d c n be tailored such thai the liquid seals the pump, veht, or other small or fiee. ' ¾ .ot &r ' ^¾κ« 1ηί^ί§, ' &έ··· | . ' · : <$β. -fee adjusted so the prop to increase the resistance, to gas: : re~ejiter¾g. the eontainer fstnaiier gap sl¾© results in /higher resistanee to flow), hu j the; pro erties o the Mqv$i aad/or : gap sizes can b© adj usted to provide sufficiently «s¾sy; i«m©y 1§ρ$(ψή η$$ΐ po&t f&g., low resistance to flow) and sufficiently diflealt . re-entr of gas back into, the corfiainer (e.g.. high resistanc to low), f#Q07] in sosie embodiments, the viscosity of the fluid Is higher at a lower shear rat©: than it Is, at ¾ : higher shear rate, . For example, in some embadimerjts the vi seoshy of th fluid at 0,1 sec- :! is /i .5 titees greater than the viseosjty ¾f|he .:f1uid at 1.0 see" s , ;fHote that the units of shear rate are s c-, or reciprocal s conds^ fn some embodiments, 3 times greater, 3 time» eater,, times g eater,, 5 times greater,: 10 times greater

£60081 Irs some embodiments, the viscosity ofthe fluid is between 6,1 and 10 s 00:0 Fa-s at a shear rate of 1.0 see. '1 . In some, etn oditnents, between- 0 * 1 and 100©^ bet eert 0.1. and 500, between 1 and T©G (ail at shear rate of 1 see *1 }. M&} I some embo i e ts-, the viscosity of the flu id is between 0.1 and 10,600 Pa-s at a shear rale of 0-1 see "5 . In. some embodiments, between 1 and; 10 0, between 5 and 1000, between l& an 1000, between 50 and 10 9,: between 100 and 10€Q (alj/at shear rate of 0-1 θθ θ] Th liquids may be neat (fnelnding concentrates or la the ¾rrn of dispersion,

¾st i¾i¾. or suspension, ' Unless otherwise noted, viscosity values: if provided a e at a temperature of W ' C mi pressu e of 1 b !!j li u ds Intending the liquids disclosed herein can be very t ilficult t dispense aceufaiefy if gas is present inlfce coa ner; For exanrple, in sorrie: cases the gas does no get: pumped efficiently "m tfee- ump, which results in liquid becoming trapped In the container (ewer ¾ reasonable pii i irjgi tiiHc ., to some em odinieats, the liquid ' does not flow .readily by gravity, resulting in air getting to the ptiai before ibe liquid is completely feraoved; (especially ti the container is filled nprig the inverted to pump}, in turn resulting i the possibility : of intermittent liquid flow . . Fu therm e, the gas, , if present, ; ¾an cause excessive waste of the liquid due to hardening of the liquid. IfcrdeulRg of tbe: Uqaid ean leave an sraonnt of fie liquid trapped within the containe that cannot: be dispense an is therefore wasted. Thus, the disclosed methods and container can ensure substanti Hy n gas is present in the container with die liquid to Minimize waste. Additionally, leaving substantially onl "i be liquid in the container can aiio for a more precise amount of liquid to be dispensed 1B : a more c nttQlled manner. ttO J In some embodiments, tbe disclosed container design wii the lid. the: inner liner attdfor an outer housing can be «s©d: &r injection Molding of colored plasties where the liquid housed by the container comprises a liqui colorant.

with the: teehrsi ues diselossii herei.rj related to ensuring sebstantially only the liquid is- housed i the container,- can therefore be used to educe molding costs. ' for example, a neutral base material can be used for all colors so molders do no need to maintai a number of different colored base m terials ^ Addkionalb/, color quality and/or .molded part; physical properties can fee Improved by eliminating the heat history irorn rebeatmg coloTed base plastic materia! thai has already beeR melted lor coloring. Also using a liquid colorant directly eliminates additional processing, for: example drying pte-colored base plastic materials, thereby saving the t me and cost to dry the base material.

0113] According to one ernbodinienf:,. the method of filling the container ¾ substantially only the liquid includes removing, substantially all tbe gas from: the volunie via one or mor* ports ¾at communicate with tit© volume while retaining substantially only the liquid within the w>iume. A us d here the term ^substantiall all th© : gas", "substastially Bo ga or the like means, some percentage of the volume of the container .may sill! lie filled by the gas after the removal ψ rocess. According to embodiment, this tceatage Is fess than $% of the vaiume, .According to aJ het .<tn½tikfte$ ,- he percentage ma fee less than 3%, ¾ some eases less than ;l¼ f and m some cases less lh&& 0.5% of the v lume. hese percentages wouM sot include any gas that is not tHntediaie!j'' free to escape via the one or raore ports (e.g. 5 a g encapsulated within glass bubbles^, a

9fti :| Similarly,: the term "substantially ©sly a liquid" or 4 ¼ubsi¾n i8lty ortly the lipoi " or the like ineaiss fess t an an entirety of the volum o the eontaihef may be filled by the liquid. For :«3S¾¾s e, some portion :©f the volume container cars, contain the gas as discusse above. Accordin to one embodiment, ^ubsi&n iali only w liquid'',, " ^b&t^itially^;:!?^^: ' iiijitid **'■ or the like me ns that $%> or more of the volume of the container is filled 'by he liquid. According: to lirt!iet enibodime lS j 97% or more of the olume of the cMstainer is filled by the : liquid. ..According to yet further embodim nt , 99% or more ¾f e volume of the container Is filed by the Ikfaid, According to yet furthe embodime :Sj : ;99i5¾ or more of #¾e. volume, of fiie contamer is Sited by the. liqnid. 0015] Aceording to one embodiment, the gas ¾ present in the volume : :deSned by at least a portion of She lid and inner liner prio to filling of the: volume with: the li uid; it i ^therefore desirable to remove the gas from the volume such that substantially only the li uid remains within ; the volume. Contemplated, steps f r the removal of substandally all

a stiri¼e of the inner liner e¾etnai to :the volume to partially collapse: the Inner liner and applying a second pressure to the one or marc ports to draw the gas through the one or more ports* lor example. The second pressure can be a essure that is less than a pressure Within the volume. i r e Mple ¾ tbe second pressure can he a vacuum. Applying the first pressure to ti½ surface of the inner liner external to the volume can include one or more filling the: outer bousing of the container with a fluid or gas and contacting the .surface of the inner liner with a nieeharsieal feature such as. a member.. Other contemplated emb dime t lor the Tesaoyal of substantially all the gas from the vol ume:; of the container will be discussed sahscquentjy,

| i6J Acco in ; to some embodiments^, to additio to the inner liner and the lid, the container can be eompnsed of the outer housing, The mite housing can in the form of a : cup that can he rigid- "I ¾e outer housing can atleasf partially surround and: house the inne liner m can. he coupled to the lid, for example, fey a ring. n some e h dlffientSs the inner liner can. fee Oexlble {e,g.., a bladder) so as to fee eo!iaps¾le and expandable. Thus, the aser line can collapse as the liquid Is: pum ped fi¾m tlie container. fWI Tf In some em odiments, the.lid can Include an integrated : iUBf> c , ' The Integrated pump cap cari integrate a pump into -the 1M. The -pump can eornpftse a Cj-*otor ptimp, a peristaltic pump, a Syringe pump,, or an elasiOmene diaphragm pamp, for example * The pump ca b used to dispense a specl i amouritvof the liqui from the eoiitatner when

f061$| CJtber aspects of the present disclosure are directed t metho of Sling the container with substantially only the liquid where the gas has been removed ta the volume (or was never pfesent hi the .· volume) prior to the filling. For example* .the inner liner can be flexible so as to be subslaotiaiiy fcl!y collapsed prior to tillin such tha substantially no gas is present ½ the volume defined by the flexible liner and the lid. hus, titling the volume with substantially only the liquid via .one or more ports that communicate with the volume cars occur sequent to .collapsing the flexible liner. In other embodiments, no flexible liner may be present, and the gas can fee removed prior to filling e,g., by creating a. vacuum in the container).

The details f one r m re embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification, are set forth in the accompanying: drawings and the description: below. Other and advantages of the sub ect matter Will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Brief Beseri ption of the Drawings

180201 flQi 1 is a perspective view of a container with fid and a housing according to an example of the : present disclosure,

|θίϊ2ί J; IG, 2 is an exploded view of the container showing the lid and housing from; FIG.

1 an also illustrating: a inner liner and ring according t a example of the: present

disclosure,. ' [0022} FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway of the lid sh wing a p mp md Integrated ump m acco ding to m, exaniple of the prsseat disclosure. fi023j FIG. A is sc e a ic view of the : ©OBtsii-ser similar to: as evio sl illustrate

FIGS. t4 containing a 'Ikraid anil- gas within m Inner volume defined fe the inner liner a«d id accordi ng to an example of the present diSclosuHs.

[&824| FTG.. B is s schematic view of the container of PIG. 4 " a ing undergon ■■ : a method to remove substantiall ; all .the gas rom the -volume while re iii!ng substantially only the S¾uid within the volume according to so example: of the present disclosure.

{SfSiJSj FIG * 5 shows the container of FIG. 4B undergoing the method to remove substantially all the gas from the volume while retaining substantially onl the: Ikjuid within: the volnrne: by appiieathm of a essure differential sack as a vacuum that communicates with the volume according to an example of the presenrapplieation. e 26;l I , 6 A shows the container of IG^ 4B undergoing the method to remove substantially all the, ga¾. Horn the volume while wfa lng substantially only the liquid within the volume by application -of a essu e: on the inner liner ; by increasing the pressure in. the container: in a second velurne between t ie mtter: housing and on an outer■ surface ' of the inner liner s the second pressnre e nsing: collapse : of the flexible inner liner to displace substantially all the gas ..from the volume according to an example of the present application. j¾)027J Ft©. 68 shows the container of FIG. 4B undergoing the metho to remove substantially all the gas ft»m the.: volume while, retaining substantially only the liquid within the volume by applicailou of a pressure o the inner l iner by a mechanis suehas member, the pressure causing collapse of the flexible inner liner to displace substantially all the gas from the volume according to an example of the present application,

Ι & FIG. 1 shows the container of FIG. 4 undergoin the method to remove substantia lly all the a from the volume while retaining; subst ntially only the lit ld within the: volume by : application of a lid specifics ly designed: to displace s ubstantla!ly ait the gas fr m: the volume when coupled . to the remm er of the container aeeoriling to m example of the preseut a plie i n. t¾>t s >|. ,FB3 8A &r. t$-: put&p can. form, one or a e of the one or more ports to allow substantially all ihg. - . .-tft . ih£i¾t ¾ W ' f$l- d iSfig - he ethod to remove substantially all tt)¾ as from the volume acco din to m exam l of the presen application, &M] FIG, S : shows the gears of the, pwmp of FIG, 8A. are primed by the .liquid da ing the meth d to remove substantially all the gas from, the ;Vofci«ie while retainirig substantially only the liquid w:it¾in ib& yi>>iwiiEe : ¾c¾«rd¾»g "t® am exam le of the present application. f.063 . 1] FIG. 9A shews a method, of filling a eeritsiner with substantially only a liquid accordin to apother exaitipfe of the present application where a flexible liner of the container is substantially felly collapsed syeh that sphstanti lly no gas is present in the volum prior to illirtg,the volame with substantially o»|y the liquid.

FIG : . 9B shows the ' .method, of FIG, 9A undergoing, the filling of the volwrse with substantially only the liquid- ί 6033] FIG.. i f) sho another exam le of the: container that allows for the method of filling one or more ports comprises a ' Vent for venting the gas from the volume according to an exam le : of th present application, M3<$ FIG. I i shows the eostamer of Fie. 1 being simultaneously filled wish the iqtd and aving the gas nested from the mturae vi at least: one of the on or more ports according to mi example of the present .application,,

]θβ¾$| FIG, 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the container of FIGS; 10 and I I where the container has a tkst port of the one or more ports ;for filling of the volume with Substantially only the hqu and has a second Ort of the one or more ports for venting the gas vented from the volume accordin to : afi exam !e of the present application,

JM36| FIG, 13. shows yet at50ther alternative embodiment of the container of FIGS . 39-12 that allowsdfor simultaneous vent n of gas om the voltime and filling of the volume of the eoiaainer accord tu to as example f tl¾¾ present appl ioatkm 3fj 14 shows a system thai can comprise a dispensor for preci e dispensing ®t the iiq id from m&w of containers according to an exam le: .of the present application. 003S FIG. 15 shows a method: of -using the is elling system of FIG . 14 during an injeetiofv molding process aeeordisg o ari exampl of the present :applieatioft

£θί)39| iG. 16 shows another method, of nsing the dispensing system of FIG ' , 1 daring the; jnjeeiios molding: process ^

|0& (i FIG.. 17 sho ws yet another method of using the dispenser system of FIG- 1 during the inJect ioB molding process; according to example of the present application. © l 1 FIG. ! S show a raph: of viscosity results for a non- ewto slaH: find according to

Example L ewai ed >escnp¾i6¾ f09 2} Aspects : of t ¾e present disc losaPe relate to devices, systems and methods for the containment of liquids. We disclosed methods facilitate the filling:: a container with suhstMtially only the: J¾uid(s) desired. The method can include the . emoval of a gas from the container prior ti% during or aler the filiirig of th¾: contalrier with the liquid. Ί-hns, its some embodiments the method removing of the gas from the "container: -such " fiat sufestaaiialf only the liquid remains within the container. Farther embodiments are discussed herein: and: In reieronce to various of the Fi MBS .

100 3 j As a point of refterenee ? FIG. ! tlhistrates an example container 10 that includes a li 1 , a outer housing 1 and an inner- liner 16 (shown in phantom in FIG. .!):, The outer housing 14 can he a .rigid component and can he a reusable and or disposable part of the container 10.. The. outer feoasing 14 can he confignred to coaple with the ltd 12 and surrounds and receives at least : portion of the inner liner 16. Thus, the inner liner 16 can he positioned within the outer housing ,.1:4 upon, assembly. The inner liner ! (> can he comprised of a flexible niaterial (e,g. s a rubber, flexible plastic fiiru sach as low density polyethylene LDPl¾ for exarpple) so as to b collapsible and expandable, Thus., a votarne I defined By the inner liner 16 and: the hd 12 -can he changeable in size in some emhodhne ts. with the collapse and expansion ofthe inner liner 16. According to ferther embodifBenis, the Inner liner 16 eaa¾e removable fromi e oister hms g 14 and the 2 so ¾$ to e disposable, The oater oaskg: H ' "$$ft provide structural, slabillty when the cofitamer 11} is: transported or otherwise used. According to the. illustrated: enibodiment the uter ous ng 1.4 is removably eoupled -to the ltd 12» for exam le;, «$iag a. threaded ring "¾ t ¾e threaded, ring 20 ears be: integral: to the: 3 12 or can eoinprise a separate piece. Threads on ring M can he either male or femal with the complementary mating : threads formed on the outer: housing lli Tlie theaded nn : ean a!so be used to rsanitaas the ρο»¾ΐ¾: Γΐ1ιβ lid 12 on 1 . Aimoitgft the threaded ring 20 is illustrated in FiCi 1 for reniova iy coupling lid 12 to the outer housing I¾ other couplin raechanisKrs may fee employed such as, lor example, a bayonet connector, snap tabs: or snap wings, anii the like. Which a connect 5 ' capabilit Aitematiye!y, the lid 12 can fee coupled to outer housing 14 by m interference or friction fit be ween these t o: components.

Accordin t the embodiment sno n in FlCiS. 1-3, the container 10 ean include an integrated: pum sap 22: as part of the lid: 1 . This integrated ump cap 22 includes: a moto coupler 24 that, in the illustrated emfeodisnent, rotates about a central axis in. response to a corresponding rotation of ¾: rke component in a. dispenser (not shown). As shewn, the motor eotmler 24 mcindes a number of teeth that can engage a corresponding set of teeth in the mote base:; 24, when: the motor drives a rotational drive shaft coupled ¾ the teeth to the m tor coupl r: 24, the. motor coupler 24 is rotated o: drive the pum 26 (FICJ, 3) so tha .contents of the container 1 can be dispensed .through an out ut port 28 in the lid 1.2; The teet can fee shaped to facilitate transfer of energy frorri the motor to the o p 26 ίΡ ί. 35- Numerous variations on t¾is approach are possible. For exarnpie, motor i¾ats¾- .(jiot-shovwftj.-and ' the-sftotor coupler 24; can have the same eiimber of engagement teet or a different nnrnher of engagetnenf teeth, or they may interact ithout the use of gears thai mesh swell as by inetional engagement or niagnetie coupling. For simplicity and ease of design, it is preferred40 ' >-hwp the . motor transfer rotational energy to the driveshaii but li ar energy transfer can be used too via, for example, a mck mi pinion mechanism, .Adv¾ntageous!y :; mp cap 22 may he read ly disassembled from the motor base and or 1M 12 w thout using tools ·$ · ^¼ί¾δ||||»|?·«!β«ί«ί^.»τ ¾ installation; of a different : coiiiainer 1 . j¾046| Referring, t . specifically to: F 3. the drive motor can be coupled t the integrated p¾mp cap 22 hi order to drive the pump 26 to dispense .a specified amount of the \iqui& in ^roe^m&tKHt&e-tt-^ & .^ro-tor Hnp is integrated into the cap 22 of lid 12 m order t o pump the iqu¾ ' in res nse to the driviag motor. However, many other types of pumps may be readily integrated into the integrated pump cap 22 depending on the matu e of the material to be pumped and other application-specific eonskteraiioos (e.g., cost, efficiency, accuracy, size, weight, whether moving parts can be incorporated into the cap or should :he isolated away from the cap, etc.) such as a peristaltic ump, a syringe pump, or an etestoroerie diaphragm pump. M7{ FR3, 3 shows a cutaway view of the; Integrated p mp cap 22 to illustrate add tion l details. The cutaway view shows the motor coupler 24 and the output port 28, In the example of FK3. 3, the pump 26 can te: form d from metal plastic, otlier materials, or ■combinations thereof. For example, in some implementations, the pump housing is molded or otherwise ■■ fabricated from glass-filled a ion, and the gears are molded or otherwise

dispensed through the output port 28. In some embodiments,, the integrated pump cap 22 is mounted to the motor such thai the motor coupler .24 is coupled to the motor at an upward orientation with the remainder of the containe 10 below the pump 6. : Howeve¾ such orientation is not always necessary. For example, the majority ' of the container 10 can be- positioned ' al ove the pump 2 su.ch that the qiM is gravitationaily directed to an input of the pump 26. Other embodiments- ' are also contemplated, in some embodimeBt;s S : the Bqthd can he dispensed from, the container 10 by methods other than the pump ,26:, For Cx.am.pte, such methods can include: pressurizing the. container (e.g,, pressurizing the space between an outer container and an -inner lirierj* installing a siphon tube that e ends: from outptit port 28 to the bottom of the container, o by using a bladder or other mechanism that expands to expel liquid from the container.

|O048 As shown in FIG. 3, the motor coupler 24 Is coupled to a shaft 25. Xhe shaft 25 is further coupled to an inner or first rotor 2 A,. The pump 26 .includes an inner rotor 29A that sits off center within and engages an outer or second rotor .2 B. As ths motor coap!er 24 is turned by the moto (not .shown}, the shaft 25, rotates. Rotation of the shaft ,2$ causes the inner rotor 2 A to rota te within the outer rotor 29B. Ibe outer rotor 29Β· has more slots than the number of rotor lobes on the iinner rotor 29A siicb. fhaithe itnwr. rotor. ¾4 rotates in an eccentric mann r with .t g outer rotor 29B;, This rotation Is ¾eh that la a Irst position an jffiput port is exposed ailowmg i ulc to Flow from, the container into a space between the lo es of the inner roto 2§A.. As the inmr rotor 2¾V and: outer rotor ' 2§S cont*«ue,to rotate, arr output Is: exposed between the lobes and the li uid is pushed out of the pump through output port 28. The Outer rotor 29E revolves at a slower rale than the inner rotor 29 A, thereby fotating and ch n ing the vo ume of the ehanihers■ created by the slots..

00 i The pump 26 can be reversible allowing liquid to be pumped ' f om: oirtside the container 10 through the output port 28 .{ liidi in this eon taay be regarded as an

Input port) arid into the container 10

out Of the container , The um : 26 can: also be configured to allow the gas to pass through the vofurne between the &rtsr rotor :2#A and the outer rotor 2 .B tei xeaeh the out!et port: 8, The flow of such gas can be either be ite the container 10 o out of the container It) as will be further discussed subsequently.

§§Si) %w referring to ¥1G, 2, :the integrated pump cap 22 includes a, purop cap housing

30, and a container coupler 32 (as part of or separate from the bousing 30) in addition to "the output port 28, and the .motor coupler 24. The pump, eap houskg 30 sta be farmed as a single iece attached together or tha are feed together (e.g., by sorrie welding):. For example, a portion- of the pump cap housing 30 can be c nfigured to fit the rernalrtder of the container 10 (either the oute housing 1 and or the Inner liner 16).

[MSI] According to some eMb dlraersts, a portion of the lid 12 ean be removed in order to form as afe*iutre:¾* which to couple a pump housin including the um for dispensing the ii¾U fr0n¾ he:cij!i iier. In sofue im iernent iouS; the pum cap housing 30 includes a first portion: pois¾ioned : on one side of the li aperture and * Second portion positioned on the other side of the lid aperture., where the : two portion are : configured to engage in ; orde to lock the portions together and to the lid. An o-r¾g or other seal or gasket can be : positioned between the lid 1:2 and a portion of the pump ca -housing 30 to prevent lieju leaks. In s me alternative, ijlftpienreritationSj ihe pump cap housing is joined to the Ik! (e.g. s , by sonic welding o using an dhesive) ¾ bond the purop cap housing to: the }¾. ¾ yet. other embodiments., the mp ca hms g cm be mtegra!ly fer ed with tbe Id ! 2 : for clos ng: the cofitaiftefi

" Tie - coBtaifter coupler 32 allows the integrated ρηκψ cap 22 fa attach to the container 10. In ,lhe- embodiment of Ή . ¾ the ' container coupler 32 is in the.: form of male &r -feaftale ; r©a<fe>-tft_it. Jean- with com lementary threads formed n the container UK. In other implementations, the container coupler 32· is coni ttrsd: to provide an interference or

a bayonet connecter., snap abs, step wings or the. life; (with complementa engaging struetnre -formed 9¾ ·'· ^:-©9ώ¾ «ί8¾ ¾¾* be useM for providing a ' "quick connect 3 ' .capabiiiiy. Ariemaiively, the container eoaple $ i® be p&yi fe& . s-:wel$ e.g., a sonic eld) Of as an adhesive; that joins the; pump .:cap : 22 to the container 10. As . re iously described,, ine owtpai ψο 2S Is c tiS wr ed ¾ out ut Ifgofcfe from the container £f as driven "by the pump 26. 0053 j Still re efring ¾o FI0. 2, the li 12 can be coupled to the rigid outer housing 14 and/or the flexible, inner liner 16. Additional stability can be obtained by, for example, forrnin the inner liner I S with a rim 1:7 at art open end 19 thai rests on the appet edge 15 of the outer housing 14 Securin the lid 12 to the outer housing 14 by: the techniques meifioned above may compress the rim of the inner liner 16 between the upper edge of the outer housing 14 and. the fid .12. If the lid 12 is coupled o he inner liber 16 this m be accomplished, by uction fit betw en the lid 12 and the inner ' liner 16 or by sealing the

|M*a4| According: to : some embodiments, the outer y mg 14 may contain a gas hole comprising a vent that rem ins op¾ or alternatively that can, he opened an closed: as desired. If closure Is desired, a str ip of tape or a valve: can be utilized to close: the: vent. In this manner, when the gas hole Is open, the inner liner 16 may collapse as liquid is pumped front the containef Ιΰ thereby faeiiitat g dispensing the liquid. Thus., the inne liner 16 ¾ combination with the ltd 12 provides the volume 18 that is sealed .liquid container.: I be volume 18 can collapse as the liquid: is dispensed a can expand as the li uid: is pumped or otherwise provided to the volume I S. This construction allocs for an air tight dispensi rig that redyeca the risk, of eontamiriaiion. to the liquid. For example, some hc ids contemplated to he housed within the volume: 18 can react wit xyg n, ie.,g... the ii tiidS : cars cure when ex sed to air). Additionally, the sealed construction ea¾ : reduce the chances that the ftqsald: escapes fm ' tfee. em ainer and contaminates the suFTo ad pgs, Other liquids can easily .fee contaminated y particulates: in the air which can impair their function and discussed,

t e inner liner 16 can . he composed of various, Sexi e ^ : ^ LBF!¾ 0S5:| Although the container .Ϊ0 is described as inclnding :an ' Outer housing 1 a d a inner liner I S, it -iiaa; .¼ a. ' -su^teiC^Hi oi-isBt, a ' lli-e for of a container without a liner or •as outer housing * Thus, the inner liner ean be a layer or part of the outer housing. The container that may be rigid: or flexible and may contain a vent to eqoili >rate the p essure inside the container with airoosphoric o another pressore when the vent Is open, as previously: iscussed A. flexible container may be composed of various flexible polymeric materials, for example, LDPE or, if more:: st engt or durahi!ity is desired, an ¾thy:iene vinyl acetate (E A) resin sucto: as ElVax® & S61 Bearing in mind the configuration: f the container 10. furthe details an aiter ati es are described in detail with reference to the suhsequeiit FK31TRES * For exainpie s various methods of gnspri sohstaHti lly only the li uid fills the volume within the container 1:0 are now described with reference to the subsequent FIGURES.

|ίϊ657| FIBS.. 4A and 4B show a container 1 10 suc as the container IQ previously illnstraied in F!GS- 1 -3. As suef¾ the Container 1 10 includes a volume i > 8 defined b portions of m inner liner 1 16 and a lid 1 12. The container :l 10: also /includes an oute housing 114. i he lid, 1 12 or other parts of the container 1 10 can include: one or more ports 1:28 as. will be described subsequently and for which aa example includes the outlet port 28 previously described in . ' reference: to F!fJS. 1-3, The one or more: ports 128· eoBisBuntcate with the voliimfi iiS a weJl as the arftblen or a device (e,g., ¾ yaenum or a: part of the dispenser :a : escribed in United States Patent Application Publication No.

j¾§S§f PI©. 4 A shows: liqui 102 {indicated as shaded) and a gas (indicated as "GAS" in

Fie. : ' 4 but simply shown in white hereinafter for brevity) are contained in the vohtme 1 18, la particular, a first portion: 104 of the volume I IB contains the liquid t02 : and remaining: portion .106 contains the gas. As; used herein, the gas ean include any gas such as air, aerosol, or an ine t gas, for example> The liquid 102 ca be provided to the volume 118 hy a pum ^ for example. The liquid 102 can be any one or any combination of an adhesive, cemeai* eo! rststj coating, detergent,, ©poxies, ..dye,, filler |e.g. 5 lody materjai oil, pahtt .-{¾:¾., automotive . paint).,.: pasts, pigment, ®m\k, wreihass, pol mer ddit ve ( ic may -he organic or- Ifeorgarne}, sealant, stain, toner var ¾ Μά wax ' : as prevlomiy described- Similarly, the viscosity and/or the shear rate of ih& liquid 102 ti vary s pre iously discussed. In s m embodiments, components: of the container 110 syeh as: a pomp * like or similar eortsiraetfe id the pomp 26 previously described can e specifically configure to accommodate and ' facilitate umpfeg of the liqid Cs) disclosed herein to: dispense: the liqu d 1 2 from ;¾e volume - I ]¾,,

£0659] FIG, 4B stows the container 1 11) having under one a method 108 to remove substantially all the gas om ftse volume 118 via the one or more ports 1-2:8 while retaining substantially only the. liquid 102vwi£hlit the volume 118. As-shown In- iCi, 4B, the inner liner 11£> is- flexible aad has. at least rtially collapsed in res onse io, : ; lo &. or to facilitate the removal of the gas,

FIG. S shows the container 1 10 undergoin one enmodiroent of a method 200 to remove substantially ail the gas : (ih® flow: of which s: indicated by arrow) from the volume 118 while retaittfeg sdhsiantiaily only the liquid 202 within the lume 1 18. According to the embodiment ¾f FI¾ S, : a pressure dlfeentia! is applied: such that a pressure Pi within the volum 1 18 differs .from a pressure P2 within a/first device 204. Although indieated as a device, the: ilrst device 20.4 cars, simply he a region: such as the immediate ambient a ouad the container 110 that has a pressure differential relative; to the ; : : presst¾e Pi of th ' volume; U:& The voltirfte nS coramankates with the first device 204 via the one or more ports 128. According to one embodiment, the first: device 204 comprises a vactai 206 that communicates With the volume 118 via the one o more ports 128- Irs other embodiments^ the : : first: deviee 204 need not: comprise the vacaism 206 hut can b a ■container, volume -or region wit a pressure ditlerentiai relative: to the pressure PI of the voluffse: 118 sufficient to cause the gas to flow from the volume 1 18, In further embodiments, the first: device 204 can be used; with a dispenser as describe in- United States atent A plic tio Fublieatioa M , 2013/0270303 A 1 or another device could be l sed to drive the pum : io um the air out In some embodiments,

§061f As shown in K). ;S ): the container S I D, the: first device 10 and the other compo ent ilfiistrated can be part Of a system 208 that includes second device: 210 to regulate communication between the volume 1 18 and the first device 204 for .ambierit) via the one more parts 13:8.. For - exam le, . the- second: devlce : 21(f can comprise a &es way ν«ΐ a cheek valv or the 1 ike,, hi othe exam le embodiments, the second devic 210 can com ose a l g: of a seal ^c^ -^ ' OTeSniisijr^nft ' fc^i-^i ' be enctiired e.g. fey item | |2) to' iaciii te communication between the volume 1 IS and t¾e second container 20 (or ambient). Although a regulating: device such as, the secon : device 21J is aot shown or specifically described in the prior ot sorae of the remaimng embodiments, ¾ should be recognized that . such a device (e.gi, a valve, a p ug* a seal, or i e: -like) can included as desired. o j FIG, 6 · again shows the .container ! !0. an example o which includes the container 10 of ; I<JS, 1-3 as previously discussed. The container HQ is undergoing another euibodinient of a meth d 3Q¾ to remote substantially all ihe gas (tie How af hich is ¾d% e>3 ' --b W&N. ' $®r¾ the olume 8 while retaining S bsi¾ral| only the liquid 302 wjmin the volume 118. According to fhe embodiment of FIG, (>A, a pressure differential is applie such, that the pressure Pi within the volume 1 18 dlilers: from a third pressure P3 within a second volume. 3:04 defined between m outer suriaee(s) 30§ of the inner liner 1 16 and an Inner surik;e s} 308 of the : oute housing: ί 14. Ihis pressure differential can cause a collapse of the flexible inner liner 1 16 that reduces the volume 118 and displaces: substantially all ti^-fas.-jS¾ra.tl¾e . volume 118 as shown. 063] As shown is. FIG.. 6 , the third pressure F$ ca be supplied from a third device 310. The third device 310 can fee a pom * blower or the like, for exatnple. According to further embodiments, the third d v ce 3:1 Θ can simply be a region, such. as the: Immediate ambient around the containe 1, 1 & that has a pressure differential relative to the pressure PI. of the volume 1 18. The second volume 304 communicates with the third deviee 310 vi one or more of the one or more ports 128 (e.g, f via port Ϊ28Α). As shown in BIG. ¾A, the port 128 A can differ from an outlet port: Γ 8Β from which the gas exits the voltwne Hi. As shown, a regulating device: 314 .such as valve, plug or seal (e.g. a membrane) can be utilized wi th the embodimeni of FIG, o ' A.

|O064f FIG. 68 shows an embodiment of a method 4:0δ whereby a membe 402: is utilized to cause a collaps : of the nner liner 116 of the container: I I that reduces the volume 118

retaining substantially only the liquid 302 within the: volume 11.8, The member 402 is moveable to contact aud apply a : fourth pressure F4 to the outer swfacefs} 306 of the inner fms US to ermte a. pressure ifferential between the ressure PI within the volume 118 an fee fourth ressure P4, This, pressure differential can caitae at least a partial eollspse of the flexible inner liner 116 that reduces the ydl ffie 1 18 - and disp aces subs antially all t¾e gas ftoro the volu e 1 1 .as; -shown. Although shown as a: piston type mechanism, the m ber 402 can comprise a spring * -diaphragm, a second bladder, or another meeha srn that ears be deployed as needed ts - facilitate the collapse of the i rper liner 116.

{0065} FIG .7 shows m em b diment of a method 500 whereby the IM 1 12 of the container

110 has as to be co«flg«i¾d to displace the gas and the liquid 502 as desired, to particular, the gas : car, be displaced so as to be substantially removed front the volnine 118 wh le substantiall only the ll¾uid S02 is retained within the Qlarse 118 when the lid 1.12 is coupled o the housing 14 to ibrrrs the container 110. According to FJQ 7, the lid 112 has bees provid d with a projection 50 so as to extend ow ard :into>fe.e;v !«ffi« 11$ when the: lid; 112 is disposed on reniain er of the container iL Ports 06 A, 506& iethers not shown) comprising some of the one more port facilitate m vement of substantially all the gas from the volume 1 8 tipon cou ling of the lid 112 to the rematrrder of the containe 1 0.

10066} It should be recognized the: geometry of the lid 1 12 can; be configured in other mariners in keeping with the enclosed: teachings so as : to facilitate removing: substantially all the gas from the volume 118- while retaining substantially only the ; liquid 502 within : the voiisme 118. For example the lid 112 may iot project down into the volume 118 in the same manner as shewn in 1¾3, 7 at the: method can rather . ely on precise; filling of the volume 118 with the liquid 502 t king into account any displacement that would result due to the ltd 112. fft J Fh3S. 8 -.and S show an enlargement of lid 612 constructed in a manner identical to that of the lid 12. of FIi3S. : 1-3. Thus. the. fid 612 can include the integraied: pump cap 22 and the p¾mp 26 as previously described,. 1& pump 26 has the rotors 29A and The volume between the rotors; 29A and 29B and between: the rotors 29 A nd: 29® and th lid housing 6I2A. can define separate of one or ; more ports 628 that; communicate ith the vol urns 6 IS (only a: portion of which is shown m §A and t68 As sh n j» FIG. 8A S the one or ma e po ts 628 can allow for the passage of sufestastialiy all t¼g-¾^ Q^-¾iIi¾. rt:.62§iA;.. FIG. SB shows that the one or more ports §28. eaiv afso ½ configured to allow for passage of fne fluia 602 to the outlet pott 628A, in some eases, the pump 26 can be driven to tar the rotors MA and 29 to facilitate the passage o f the liquid ' 602 through the -.one or mom ports 628, In th is manne r the po mp 26 ears be primed with the liquid 602.. Furthermore, the liquid i»02 can be aOored so as to efieetiwly ton a seal in i¾e one or more ports 6 ¾ or ai the outlet port 628 A against the : ambien if desired, For .exampl , the rheoie&y of the Outd may be tailored such thai the viscosity of the fluid is low during flow iftte-the pomp: (priming) (e.g., at a- i her shear rate), then the ^so&!t :ir^ir&¾$es "aftef the fluid has stopped flowing ίηΐο the pump £¾ g,, . at lower shear rate), the eby preventing the gas from reent ri the container. This sa e mechanism can be used for several of the above em odirnents where: the gas is removed . ' by vacuum or higher external pressure to .push the air out through the pump, vent, or other s all orifice. The fluid properties can fee tailored such that the ftnid seals the pomp, ves ,, or other small orifice, ' In other .embod ments, hergap sizes cam be adju ted in the purap to increase the: resistance to gas re-entering the container (smaller gap size results in higher resistance to flow), Thus the iiutdv pf^rtjjeS'-.^d/^ gap: sizes: can be adjusted by one skilled, in the art to provide sufficiently easy -removal f gas/pri ing of pnrep (e-g ¾ lo resistance to flow) and $a¾!islea ' -^ *: fficult^!&H¾tt)¾ of g;as bacfc into the container (e-g-j high resistance to flow),

{0&69J FK3S.. A and: 9& show : another method 700 iersfe container 1 ha been provided with an inner liner 7.16 ' and: a fid 712. that define a volume 7iS. iG, 1 shows the method: ?0Q where the container 10 and: the inner .liner 7 6 are partM!y filled during :a: filling rocess The Inner liner 716 Is flexible as pevloitsly discussed such that the method 700 substantially lly collapses the-inner liner 716 ¾ a manner that leaves substantially no gas s present in the volume 711 as shownjn FIG.■ 9A. Seqaent to collapsing the ianer liner 716, the meffioit 700, fills the w ime 718 with substantiall only a liqui 70¾ v one: or ine e ports 728 that eomra»nfcate wi the volume 718 as shown in FIG. 9B. Fat another: way, the method 700 utilises a pre-collapsed- inner imer 16 that forms the vol urne 7Ι$ ν¾&· .§.^b^ast¾il3 - op-gas . therein as-shown in 9 A, The method 700 then: fills the inner- liner 7!(¾ whic . expands in response, with substantially onl the liquid 702 as: shown, in FIG, SB, t¼>? | FIGS. I d- show various designs far the one or more $ thai can allow S¾r simidtane s filling of the volume defined by the inner liner and die 1 wMh the liq id while also venting the: gas frotn the v lume.

0Θ71) For e arnp!e, FIG, 31} . : . shews ¾ lid 8:12 ha ftg a first po t $ A.. n the manner previously discussed: similar to ports 28 and 128, he first port 828A ©an be: used ,to 10. A second- port SB: has bees ^td dd -for ' velifiiSg-. of the gas from a volume 818, However, i oilier embo iments, soclras the en¾ odlment of FIG , 1.1, the first port 82SA cm he used fctf -veatiirg. ^ §t^%Hy- !;¾he,g¾s. f«a t s v lmn© SIS- and tire second pott 82:SB : a be use tor t¾h¾g ' with the uM 802.

[007 ] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11, at least one of the first port

82$A or the second port S2SB that is used for veffiing can be positioned to eemn^hica e With substantially a lasrto .fill , location for the liquid 802 contained b t e volnrne 818,

pointof the container s 10 on the lid f 12,

|O073| FIG, 1 shows yet another embodiment: of■ a container 10 used with a method 900,

The c nt iner 910 has two or more ports that are used according to the method 900 f r simultaneous filling of the volume: with a lipnd 992 and for venting of a gas ffom a volume IE. I the enihodiment of RG. l¾-¾ first port 928 A communic tes ith an inner liner 916 at : relatively lowest point of the inner line -9W (corresponding: to a relatively lowes point of the volume 918 defined: :by the; inner liner 91 and a l id 9:12), Mather than the flexible inner 1|B¾¾? £^v_i¾i-S!y d^r^ed^ths:- ' ¾&&e* liner 91 can be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material so as to swhstanilaliy maintain a desire l shape and have desired volume thron hotit the fillin an l ventin process in some eases. In othe cases, a fJexiWe inner liner such as those previousl described can be utilized. As shown in FIG. 12. the first port. 92$ A receives the liquid 902, which can: be pnrriped or carj otherwise be made to flow into, the volume 9 8 through an oilier houslng 914 as well as the inner liner f 16, Simultaneous with filling of the liqui 902, the gas can he vented om the volume 91.8 via a second port 92SB, According: to the embodiment of EfG. 12, the sec nd port 928B can: be substai iaiiy a .last fill location for the iiqaid 902 contained by th volume 91$; Thus, in FIG, 2, th second: port 928B can he positioned at::Or::adj:acent substantially a highest point of the containe 9:10 on tbe lid 912. 1014 J FIG. 13 shows another emixxlinreM: of a container 1010 used with a i»e hod 1 00.

The container 1 10 cm h ve, two or more o that .are. ¾sed according to the method

yofane 1018, In the embodiment of FIG. 12L the container 103.0 has te n inverted on the to the ei¾b dimen of 10, I t. Thusi a Stsi ort 1028A communicates with an tiner . liner 101 a a relatively highesi-point of the inner liner IQ S (corresponding to a - relatively highest jjoini of te v l«tt5e 1018 defined ' - -the inner liner .l ' J6-a ii a lid 1012). Rather than the tl&xlb!e. inne liners previously described., the inner liner 1016 can be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid n>ateria1 so as te substantially maintai a desired shape an bave-a desired v siume throughout the filling and v nting: process. In other cases, : a f1extb!e : inner liner saeh as ihose previously described c n b utih¾ed. The first port |Θ2ΕΑ receives the liqui which can be pumped or ears otherwise be. made to l w into the . v lame l Oi S throiJgh an outer housing 10 i 4 as wel l as the inner liner 1016. As shown, in FIG, 12, simultaneous with filling of the liquid 1002,. the gas can be vented fern the v-oh. ¾e 1,018 to a second volume ΙΘ04 (defined between and / inner sartaee of the outer housing 1014 and art eater surface of the inner liner 1016) via the second port 102&B, " the g s easi be further vented or otherwise ex ansted from the second volume 1J04 to the ambient as desired.. According to the embodiment of FIG. 13, the: second port IPI&B: can be pos oned to eoinmuMcate with substantially a last to fill location for the liqtnd 1002 containe b the votutne 10! 8, Thus, the second port 1028 can: be. positioned a or adjacent substantiall a highest point: of the containe 1010 on the inner liner 10:16; The first por 1028 A and the second port 1028B can be sealed after tilling via a: valve, embrane^ insert plug or the - like Tnbt specifically shown), The c ntainer 1010 can optionally he re-oriented such that an outlet port 1028C and the ltd 101 can be positioned above the outer housing i!14 and inner liner 1112, in Other embodiments the container 1010 can remain ¾ the: orientation shown and can be used to dispense . substantially only the lk|ui 1002 Frorn that orientation.: w i ms SMG SYSTE A D METHODS EX MPLE

0076 j FIG. 14 sho s a system | 200 that can include.; any of the containe s (along with the methods) as previously described and shown, ' The .system 1200 comprises dispensin syste 1202 i¾r precise dis|jensing of the liquid as previously described: from the container. According to the em bodiment of I¾, 1 > the ispensin system 1202 includes a motor bas l^^sj- vw : w ie--C.Q»i¾in§irs 1206 A and: 1206¾ 077 According &>:· the e b iment of■FIG. 14, the motor base 1204 ¼ehsdes. one m : mere moto s (eejit explicitly sho n separate if) for driv n the punip ontaine:d in. the mtegraied pum cap {previously : shown and desc ibed: m. reference: t FIGS, 2 and 3) of the container. The motor, can be an AG. or t>C electric motot (e 0.. stepper motor, servo rntjtorj etc ^ ) configured ίύ drive a driveshaft: feat eng ges the: integrated ump ca 1¾. Alternatively; the motor can he pneumaiic S: hydraulic, e¾o-eleetrie 5 mechanical (e.g., using, a rack and prato¾ crankshaft ? cam or other similar: mechanism), or hsn driven, provided: that it is eorr8g»red to transfer energy to a dnvesbart thai engages the: integrated 2 and 3). For simplicity and ease of design, it; is preferred tO/.¾ave: t¼e motor t ajiiSifer roiat energ : o t¾e : driveshaft b¾ . Itaea energ transfer can fee: used too.

109 * 7 [ The motor Base 1204 cap also indude a programmable controller., either as a separate unit or as pari of the motor itself, such that particular commands can fee input in order to, for example,, release a specified amount of liquid according to the. command. The amount can fee according to the weight o the liqui dispensed, or exaraple, one command can .caase. the motor to operate such thai one gram of liquid is dispensed. A second command can cause the, motor to dispense.two grams of liquid and so ;on. Thus, ap tieatian. For example, diiferest liquid coio nt amounts can be dispensed: depending on the desired color and the, mount of plastic material tbat is to be colored. In some other impiemetvtaiioBs, motor commands ma b calibrated to dispense a liquid by v lu e rather ihas by weight fe.g. a programmed mnnfeer of milliliters).

1 The controller can calcn late motor dr u time based on a specific flow rate of the pump for a given motor speed. This can depend on th particular !$¾U ' M feeing dispensed (e.g. as a ftmetk n of the viscosity or density of the l iquid) : . Thus, the motor speed and flow rat can fe iised to calculate a motor run time to dispense a specified amount, (weight or vol me) of the liquid.

The mot r base 1204 can ineluile an interface fo entering: commands, e.g., for particular liquid dispensing. For example* one: or more: interface, eontrols can allo the user to specify pQi ¾ti$r · corrtt&a&if . ·¾$ί|ϊ% . s^enm* command eo es t Of ¾ eour riati fs of oth ί , feuttoris, touch screen Interface.: Or after i put);. OSI] Alternatively,: in ome i plementatio s; th motor base : 126 Is coupled to another devise that ovides a control interface, for exanrple, a compu ing■■devic , T ie GQpipotlrjg device can include software, for bot controlling, the motor base 1204 and o idin '. a. user interf e. The user interface can allow the user to provide eornmands for dispensing liqui s, F r exarnjile,: one or rn re inieriiaee controls ear* allow; the user to specify a particular eop aud using meau^ coairriand cedes, or a combination Of r > h :{e,g.,, using buttons, .touchscreen interface, .or oilier input). j¾0S2j Acfcord.b : to the embodiment of FIQ 4 two of more containers 1.206 A and

1:20;6B can be con^led to the motor base 1:21)4 and can fee driven . to disp nse tn¾ liquid : as described above. By havin the two or more eosiakiers I2MA and Ι20ώΒ various additional f¾pc i¾nali¾ can be achieved by the system .1200 . .. For ex mple, the two or more containers 12Θ6Α and fZM can- carry a. liquid haying: substantially a same ibrmnlaiiom la uch stanees, if the liquid of one container (e.g.. container 12 6A) is exhausted the motor base 1.204 can be switched to drive, dispensing from the second container i,e»g< 5 container 1206 ), This allows: for se&rrdess transition such that the liquid c n be ^substantiall supplied: continuousl without i.substaniial interruption to replace container. The contairser {e.g;,. container ί2Θ6Α) : with: the: exhausted liquid ca t fee replaced fey personnel while the liquid from the second container {e.g. > :ec¾talner 12068 is being dispensed. Although the examples, feelow are to a series process and ' s ste ; * it should fee recognized that- the motor base 120 could fee driven in parallel on some occasions to faeilitate simuftansons .dispensing rom both (or more) containers Γ206.Α and 1206B as desired,

| 680{ in some Implementations, liquid colorants are the liquid dispensed by the dispensing, system 1202 and further described methods below) into an injection molding device In order to produce colored: plastic .articles, flowever, other types of moldin devices may be used too including blow molding, injection blow molding,: exirasion molding, compression molding, and rotational molding devices for example. In. particular , a neutral plastic b se: material (e,g.,. pellets or beads of plastic resin): can be heated by the ni lihn device. Advantageously, the plastic base material ma possess its; ' ' na ural' * color (i-e., the inhereui: color of the plastic rcsb with u the add-ition of dyes, i ineuts or other colorants). The plastic bass material ma be white, ' beigi¾ « .gi¾',/¾T ^ ^e-i. ' -aettifat-c fe ' F-'aaif it may be fra&spar*ii1it< t¾nsluemfc Gr opag¾e ^ A . preci e amoant ef : Ii tjicS calor sii cm be dosed int the nen rai plastic ¾ase Mat rial. ' .- that the i«e¾ed plastic base nisterial is colored accordingly. The atnonnt of colorant mil vary depending OH t¾e natnre: o the plastic base material, the colorant, the desired color, etc. hat ai oant of ab nt (100! %·* is then delivered by ipjectfon or extrusion into a mold cavity or ait extruder head a ¾g the s a e or profile of the plastic article that is to he formed which eotiM be, for e ample, a battle, a l , or many ether products conventionally txAced by plastic molding: de¾ees.

While the dispeiisirig system ! . ' .'02 and:: meth ds 1 00 and I 0 are particularly described; in the conte t of a dispenser for delivering liquid colorant to : a molding device, this is: merely to illustrate one. referred application. Ills invention disclosed, herein may be used; to dispense a variet of liquids as tevioml described and the dispensed liquid may be delivered to device .other than molding : evices a Mixing or blending device or a : device that fills » container) or may be delivered ibr itnmediaie end use {e.g. ; a sprayed liquid or an extracted paste). Examples of ' other additives that could be dispensed indnded antioxidants, processing stabili¾ef s. heat abilizers, lubricants. Sight siabfl&ers, flame reiardants : optical brighteriers, bioeldes, a^tWc Obials, oxygen. scavengers, fragrances, conductive additives, repe Slants,, foaming agents, anti-static agents, nucleatin agents, clarifying, agents, plasfielzers,:. surface modifiers, slip gen , chai extenders, erossimking agents, coupling agents, and: eompatibilkers. The moun of additive will vary depending on the nature of the plastic ½se material, the add tive, the desired properties, etc. but an mount Pf about JO01%*10¾ By weight or volume is generally nsefhi.

FK1 15 shows one method i 300 of using the dispensing sys ern 1202 doring: the injection molding process. he: method 1300 iriel des initlatibii of an injeetion molding cycle !IOE- Initiating an injection:: molding eyele cart Inclnde releasing base plastic material .flora ' .a hoppe into a heating portion of the irneetj rs: molding device to melt the base plastic material. During ne ' h molding cycle the method 13D ^attempts to dispense a : arnoont of he: liquid colorant from the first container i<¾g,, container I206A)., he i jethod 130if than determines I 3€ if the am ount dispensed from : the fet eontainer eorresponds to a. desired amount o£ Ji¾ujd. eploraM as sufficient if the amount lii ld dispensed is determined to he suffi&fent the li uid colorant along with plasiiefs} or other materialsjs Iajss$ed Into i & mold 1308, However, if the amount dispensed from the first c ntainer does not correspood to the desired amount is dei miiried to be: |r5a¾f¾¾ieot a remaining amount of lie ld cotorariito achieve the desired amount is dispensed J 310 from a secon container (e.g f:5 :eo«iai{¾ar J and is injected alon with piastie(s) OF other materials '¾ø the mold 13:12, At any time in the method 1360 sequent to: the step 1306 whe e it : fs deieenined if the amoant oHiqnid dispensed is deteo»¾ed: to he iftis flcieat, the fist, cont iner (e.g., container |2Q6A} ' ea-i be repl ced or refille to provide !br a Ml container,. Replacement with a fall coniainei can occur■wit out:: interruption of the moldin process as the metho proceeds w th steps 131 © and 3312 is parallel with the replacement of the first container, .

Io : io¾ys; another ra eihod 1 00 of using the disperssing system .. T202 dijnng the injection molding process. The method i 400 ¾clu4es a deieordnaiion Ϊ 02 of m

motor thai drives the pump of the Integrated pump cap. in some implementations, commands are associated with a timing cycle forthe injection : ^^ hat the precise amount of colorant CM be dosed for each molding cycle:. The method 1400 can deierTnirre 1404 if ¾e : first container (e.g., container :120δΆ) lias sufficient liquid colorant remaining to pr vide for the desired ose * For exasapie, the weight of the first container can he sensed or other parameters of the first coittainer indicative of SI fevefeari : he monitored or sensed , if the amount of I iquf d colorant remaining in the first .. container proceeds to inliiate the injection .molding cycle 1406. initiating: an. injection molding; cycle: can include releasing base plastic materia], from a hopper into a heating portion of the injection molding: device to melt the base plastic material. The determined: 1 08 dose o liquid colorant is added;: : to the meStlng or melted base plastic material from the first conta ner.:; The; melted colored plastic is theft injected; MfO lnto a mold cavity to forma finaicdior molded plastic.

However, if the method 1400 determines: the : first container f e>g„ container 1206Λ has insufficient liquid colorant remainin :, to provide for the desired: dose, the met od proceeds to determine 14.1 if the second container (e.g, 5 c ni irie 12060) has sufficien liquid colorant remaining; to provide for the desired dose, for example, e: weight; of the second container ears h$>^«^ :^.st¾6? . p¾r¾¾ete¾s- -eff t¾ jM oetf container indicative : f fill level can. he monitored ' or sensed. If the am un of liqui colorant rernaif ing m fh¾ second, container is determined to be .s»$¾fent ? the- method WM p oceeds to initiate she injection molding cycle; Initiating an injection molding cycle can include releasing base plastic material from a hoo e into a heating portion .of the injection molding de ice to mel the base plastic material. The determined 1 1 S dose of liquid: colorant is added to the melting: or melted bas -plastic " , material fr m the second container. ' !¾© melted color ed plastic is t e»i*¾e¾ted 1.420 into a mold cavity form a. final colo molded plastic * At any time ¾ the method 1 00 sequent, to the step 1 04 where t is d¾ei*fsi8ed if the moiMt of liquid. ¾ the first eOfita neF is insufficient te^ the diske dose, the met od

1400 can provide asa alert 14:14 to ersonal that the first eont«jssrfiee s to ½ replaced or reified. Similarly, the: method 1400 ca p ovide, for an afct 142 to personnel should: it he determined that both the first container and the second ©ontaiiier c ntain insufficient liquid colorant to provide far the desired dose. j GS&J FK 17 shows yet another method 1500 of using the di ensing system. 1262 durin the: injection moldin process- The method 1500 can processl as the molding cycle begins 1502. The method 15G0 includes an initial deiermination 15M if the fts container end■ the second container are: empty, if both ate empty the disr^nsrag system 1202 is ; not activated 1506. Fiowever. if one or both of the first container and the second container are not empty, the meth d ! 500 : activates 1508 the dispenser system WM 4 makes a determination if the first container is empty 15.10 and if the second eontalnei 1520 is empty . If it is determined both are empty an alarm 1507 or alert can be aetiv ¾sNi. i089 If it s initial ly determ med at step I 508 the first container is not empty, the method 1506 can proceed to dispense 1512 a <iesi isd aafceuflt · ©niquid.:-jBt¾R the . first container and inject: i 514 this amourst Into the mold. Mowever s if the first container is later determined 1510 to ' he em t , : the rriethod I500 ca send ah alarm 15 :36 or another signal to the user and also can activate I51B the dispenser -system .1202 to dispense: f ont Ismtid container

"t ' O..: 00¾f if it is mitlaf!y determined at ste 150S : the second: container is not e pty, th method: ca proceed to dispense 1 22 a desired amount o liquid from the- second container and inject 1524 this amonrst into the: mold. However, if the second container is later determined J 5¾S to fee empty,- the. metho 1500 can sersi an alarm 1 24 or another signa to the .user and: also can activate ISM |> dispenser system 1202 to dispense -ί½$ι ΙΐψΜ container one. ¥M) As discussed previously, iis ids other than e loMMs may b& dispensed and roMmg. systems other than ■' injection Moldin systems may be used. The oJ^r tio t principles of these alternatives: can be understood ik¾¾ ifee block diagrams arid: other FTGiiRBS and description; provided ,

16692) The operations described in this specti¾atio«, in partieular, processin commands for a i Ofer to drive a piar p to dispense a specified amount of ' liquid, can be implemented as operations performed by a data processin apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices :or received ftom other sources. 0093] The term iS data: proeessipg apparatus' * enc mpasse all kinds : of apparatus, devices, and machines for: processing & > . including hy way ί example a programmable proeessoft, a computer, a system an a chip, or multiple, ones, or eo ib nai sns »f the foregoing. The apparatus -eg^. ' if).c<1t ^.-^ Qi<E- ' - : ^ ^^^e " i ;i<^ eircpiry. e.g., :an TBfJA. (field programniabk gate array) or an ASIC (applicatlon-speciie integrated circuit . The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environrnerii: for e: c ute program in question; e.g,, : code that constitutes processor Fimrware, : a protocol stack, a database ^agOTenl s tcro, an operating system, a cross- platferm runtiffie : environment, a virtual machine,: o a combination of one or more of these-. The apparatus and executio environment c n i¾s.i¾e: -y^ri©u$-. :d.i-H ys!:nt-: .e$8ip«iHjg ' . model im¾astruetures, sueh as web services, distributed c&imptiiing and grid computing infrastructures. 6Mj ©ompuier program (also , known as a program., software, software application, seript, or c dej eaa be written in any form of programming language^ includrag: compiled, or interprete languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including: as a st od¾ane program or as a module, eoniponeni, subroutine, object, or ether rait s«¾able for use in a eom utmg cTivimnmerit,. computer program. can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers thai are located at one site or distribined across multiple sites, and interconnected by 3 eomm niic iioa network. pi!**5:| Alternatively or in addition, the prograin tetectiotrs can be: eoe iie ors or can fee \& tided i a comput r s omge RedimB, a c pa e e able storage de ce, a com uter rea ahle storage substrate, a r n om or serial access memory array or device;, or a corofe jnatio : of one or more of these. M reo er, wbi le : a eorapttter storage Median* : is not a propagated signal, a co pter stom rned um can be a source: or destination of computer program iristaetioris encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium ears also he, ot te included in,,o¾e or More separate physical components or media ie.g,, multiple CDs, disks, or other storage, devices);. ®ΘΜ| The- processes arsd logic flows described in thi speeifea ion can he perforined by one or rnor pr gr mmable processors exec¾jtin one or mor computer programs to • ^f^^.^iam^ ' ^ ial^ig on input data an .generating output The processes anel logic fl ws can also he- perlbrrned: by, nd appa atus can also be implemented as, : special purpose logie circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (Held pr gr mmable fa array) or an ASIC

| Θ97] Processors: suitable for the execution of a. computer program include, by ay of exatnpfe boin general mi special, purpose mieroprocessors, and any one or more processors: of ny jdmd of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive kst ucti iS: and data from a read-only memory or a rand : access memory or both. The essential: elements ef a :conjjpa¾sf ar processor for e fbOTm actions- m accordance: with: instraetkips and Oiie

insinKtions and data. Devices su ble for storing compiiter pr gram: iristractions and data include all: forms of nonvolatile memory, media and memory de iceSj including by way of esampie semieondueto memory devices, e,g., BP , BEPftOM, and fiasfr memory devices; magnetic: isks, e.g. s internal hard disks or removable disks: magneto-optical disks; arid: CD-RG aftd ©¥D-ROM disfe, pi*98]

in ibis specification caii: be: implemented o a computer having: a display device, evg, s a GBT (cathode ray tobe) or LCB CSi¾md crystal display) monitor, for displa ng:; infbrmatiop io fhe aserarid keyboard, and a poiniing;::device 5 .;e.g. ! a mouse or a irae¾ball, by w ich the user can provide: input to tlse c ute .: Cithe kin s of devices can be used: to provide for in er ction: with, a user as well; for example,., feedback provided to the user can be ¾n form of sensory feedback,, e.g., visiial feedback, auditory feedback,, or tactile; feedback * and mp it ironr the user ca¾ be received in any form, including aoonstte,. speech, or taciiSe i»f>at. i»: atldi feft, :& computer can. interact -with; a mm by sending, documents to "and receiving doeomefiteJrosi a device tbat is used by the %ser; for ex mple, by se din web pages to a : web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser, 099f Aitfiotigh the present diselosare has been described with reference to preferred emtediments, workers .ήΜίόάάη: die art will recognixe that changes earl be made in form and

p§i»j OR 1 G EXAMPLES

Summary of M&ter s Q0JI ¾ The material used ..the example, referred to as Fluid 1, was liqui colorant dispersion DXO RED 1077-20, available fl ra PolyOne (Avon t lte, Qriio), liM S Test etboils £Θ01Μ| Visc sity easarerrterit

mm gap. After loading the material in the . instrument, the sample was conditi ned by soaking for 120 see followed by applying a preshear at 1 s c to 30 sec. After eonditiontrig the sample, a soak time of 12Q see was applied to the material before

fliilif | The viscosity of Fluid: 1 was measured as described above, The. results are shown in Figure l.Sii I Example 1, a container in accordance with this invention comprising a collapsible liner {available from 3M™ f$ m Large l d and Liner Kit Part Mamber io02;4) inside: a rigid wter cup (available from 3 PFS™ large Gup and d llar, Par of space at the top of the: collapsible liner * A lie! corrs isisg a p mp as described m United States ' Patent Application Publication No. 2Θ! 3/027Θ303Α1 ' ;. (in this case, G- ti¾or pump¾: was put onto

and Cellar Mi was fastened . &> the outer eup, thereby hoMing ihe purap ¾d setiurci to the linear and outer cup. Care was taken to ensure that, t e liquid did riot touch the piintp lid during assetabiy. A vaeuOTO tube was ssembled which comprised a plastic s ^Bt ttae¾ed to one end of the hose and the other end: of the hose was attached to a ·: vacuum pum , The vaetsuffi pMsip as turned oa such that air would, flow hrou h the plastic spout i«h :tfee vac u um: puipp. The plastic spout was placed t& the outlet port of the pump lid of the eoniaiftst until the liqu d M the: container first touched the plastic spout on the vacuum tube. The liner fwttally collapsed whets the air was removed. After one week, the liner remained partially collapsed, indicating that air had not, reenter d the container through tbe pump. iOei j Example 2: ¾>iO9j The procedure of Example I was repeated to create a sealed container of Fluid 1 without air iu it. A plastic spout was attached, to the ump l id outlet : The container was shaken slightl by hand inverted and placed n o: a d ispenser as: describe in United' States: ■Patent Ap lieatios !¾b|ication. Ho. ' 2Οϊ ' 3 : 02ί03Ο3Α1 Fluid I mm dispensed: from: the sealed container: into a separate container at ia¾¾tl:-?at« -o:F p xfai tly ' 5,,fgmt$f$@c„ : The dispeMing contin ed until the rate of iqiiid disfensi¾g :from the pump decreased to 0,0 grarBs see '' for "3 seconds. The weight: of fluid regaining: In the collapsed container as: recorded. ¾e uSiS: are sl wn iu Table: L pill®!

{WIIIJ This is i-a eo r a ive example of dispensing fluid ί from a container without irst removing the air from the con .ter. The procedure of ' xample 2 was repeated, with the exception thai air was Knot removed from the container before placing the container on the Sisee^ ' ser, Results are shown in Table I, Sample Weig of lliiiil m

C i imr Bet¾re RessatoiBg hi

BisperaSsBg C ) Oo atfter after

ispensiiig (g)

813

Comparat ve 804 425

EXEMPLARY CLAIMS in the First Embodiment a metho of filling; a container with substantially orsly a liquid, the method cars include; providing . volume., defined by at least an inner iner and a li of the container, w ere n the liquid Is contained within a first portion of the .-volume and a remaining portion of : the v .fcrae.·(κ>π¾1m:¾ · s;:^ rem v¾3t s bsiantfal ' ly ail the gas : from the volume via one or more ports that; eomrau ½te with the volume while retaining substantially only the liquid within the volume.

|00ll5| In the SeSGnd Embodirne t the method of t e first enifeodiraent, wherein the step of providing the Is M and the. gas includes pumping, he liquid into volume through t e one or more ports prior to, s raulfaneous with, or after the step oi removing stibstantiail all the gaslrorri the volume, fO 16] the- Third. Embodiment, the method of any one or any combination of previous emb dirneRts, wherein th step df removing substantially all the gas from the volume includes at least one of applying a first pressure on a surface of the iririer Boer external to the volume to partially collapse: the iuaer liner and applying a .second /pressure to the one or more: ports to ..draw the gas through the one or more ports. fOOll?! In the Fourth Embodiment, the: method of the third em^dimenf wherein th ^(^d-pie¾ ' U3»:^i«pri^s 8- ' ^r^«i« , te ¾u a pressure : in the volume.. el Mf in th f ilth ¾rodltBent, the method: of the third: erafeodimerrL wherein the/step of applying the first: pfessure eoniprises one or more: of f ll ing second volume external to th inner Ihierto a■ pressure higher than a .pr¾s§ure;½ the ¾ol me: nii pnfacijiif tfes s¾rfce of the inner liner with . a. member to cause .¾t least a partial collapse of theinner 1 inter.

I In the Sixth. Embodimen ,: the method of any one. or any oomblnarton d ' f: ?eviea:S a ' i Ite gas from the voterne via the one r snore poos includes coupling the .lid. to a remainder ©f the container to displace the gas through the one or more ports.

[00120} In the Seventh Embodiment* the method; of an one or any combination of previous , embodimenis, wherein the method imittatteo«dy ' :.iacliKles t&e-sti-f* of providing th li uid: and the gas to the volume and remo ing sti¼ii8&iia¾f -Ml ti &. . gas from the volume via the one or more ports. f 00121 J I the : Eight J¾bodf merit, the method of any one F any combination of pre ious embo iments, where in at least one; of the one Of more ports are in the lid and the lid includes a pump cap that further eomprises::;a pump coupled to the um cap and disposed within : the volume ; a .dispenser, eommtmlcatirt wit th pump ma. at least one of the one or more ports and configured to dis ens 1 ne or both the liquid; and the as : fro the container; and a motor coM led to rotailonally drive the um ; to dis nse ' the liquid through at least one of the on or more ports and to the dispenser. 0llI2| In th ittih Embodiment, the method of the eighth embodiment, further eomprising iming the pump with the: li uid: dtffin -rer oviTJg substantially all the gas front the volume Via the one or more ports. 0123J In the Tenth Embodiment, the m hod: of the eighth: embodiment further a membrane, or a valve : couple to th dispenser and configured to prevent gas ironi entering: the v lume via at; least one of the one or more ports,

P0 In the Eleventh Embodiment, the method of any one or any combination of previous embodiments, , wherein at least one of the one or more ports: are n si ioeed at substantially : last to fill location of the volume and t e:: siep of removing substantially all venting the gas ik>m the at leas one of

the one or more ports -and filling the volnnte ith:the liquid «rstii the iiqwM reaches the at least one of the; on or more ports,: [MllSf In the ' IwelH Effibodlmeat tw methixl of any om or any combinatio ø£ pt tou enibodimsnts,, wherein the · li uid. eon^ns s any one or aity combi ati n of adhesfyes, earnests, colorants, eoaHrigs* detergents,, epexies, dyes, fillers (e,g,, body ililer), nano- materials, oils, paints (ig. ^. amo tive paints), pastes, pigments, $&ul&¼ isfeibaneSj polymer additives ( ic may be: organic or morganlc). se lants, stains, oners,: tarnishes, waxes: having a viscosity at a. shear rate : of 0.1 lis that is 1,5 times greater than the iscosity: of the flui at a shear Me of 1 Ik,

160136} in the : Thirteenth Embodiment, :;the method of any me or any eon inMiofi: of previous embodiments, wherein the liquid comprises any ©tie- or any combination of adhesives, cements,. :eo ranis f coalings, detergents, poses, dyes, fillers: (e.g„ body Slier), napo-ffiaterials, oils,. aints |e<g., automotive paints), >astes pigttients, e lks^ urethane^ dlyrae addi ii ves : Cwhleh t¾ay be organic o inor gatne ) * . scalar it s, stains,, oners, varnishes, waxes having a vlseosiiy ^wees 0,1, and 10,00© Pa-s at a shear rate of 1.0 : i/s. 0ii! 7;j in th Fourteenth Bmhodhnent, th - method of any one o any eomfoinaiion: of previous: embodiments, wherein the liquid comprises airy one or any combination of adhesives, eements,: colorants, eoatipgs, detergents, epoxies, es, fillers fe,g., body filler), sano-njalerlafe, oils, paints {e.g., autet. !Otive : paints ,: astes* pigments,. ea lfe¾ urethanes, polymer additives {whkb rriaj ' ' be organic or inorganie} 5 :seala.pts, stains, toners:, varnishes, waxes having ¾ first viscos ty that Is relatively: lower at a higher shear: rate sweh as during: flow into the pump, and then a second viscosit that is relatively higher at a lower shea rate such as after the Jiqaid #8128] In the Eiieenib ' Embodiment, the method of any on or any combination of previous embodiments:, wherein the Inne liner comprises a lexi le materia! that is collapsible as at least ooe of the liquid and the ga¾ are withdrawn, from the " volume and: is expandable as a least one of the- liquid a d gas is provided to the volume.

P0129J m the Sixteenth Embodiment, a method of filling: a container with subs ntiall nly a liquid, me method can include * providing a flexible liner and a lid that define a volume;: jcollapsmg the flexible liner substantially fully such that substantially no gas i present; in: the volume; arid seq ent to collapsing tire flexible liner, filling tne volume with. : substantially only the li^nid via One or more ports Ibat cQrhniJiulcate with the wlnrim f l3©| fn the Severrieerah E !^imest, the metho of the sixteenth emhadimeni , wherei the step of removing substantially all the gas from, the volume hieludes at least one of applying a: first pressure on a : my-fece of the inne liner eternal to the olisrne to partiall eoIlapse : the inne liner and applying a second pressure to ¾e : one mo ports to dra the gas: through the one or more ports..

|Θ013 in the Eighteenth Bmho irneM, the method: o the: severjieersih embodiment,

0Θ13:2| I the Nineteenth. Efflbodirneni, the met d οί ' the seventeenth enitediment: wherein the step of applying the first pressure comprises one or more of filling second volume external to the inner liner to a pressure higher than a: pressure in the volume and contacting the sur face of the inner Iker w«h a member fe cause at least a part ial collapse of the inner liner. 00133} In the Twentieth Embo iment, the method of any one or any combination of emb di en s! 6-19, wherein at least one of the one or more porfs are in the lid: and t e: lid ineludes a pump ca thai fhrther comprises: a pump coupled to the pump cap and disposed within the vo ume; a dispenser eomiriuiiicaiiiig With the. pump via the at least one of the one or mor ports and coni¾ured. to : dispense one or both the ho-uid and the gas fioni the. container and a motor coupled to rotationally drive: t e pump t dispense the liquid , through ihe least one of the one Or more por s and to the dispenser.

|M 13 J in the Twenty-ftst Embodiment * the rue! hod of the tweRtieth ernbodimeu% further comprising: priming the pump with the li uid during removing substantially all the gas from the volume via the one o mor ports. l3S| in th Twenty Second Embodimentj the method of ^ enihodirnent s ¾5rther eon prising providin a device comprising one or more of a plug, a membrane, or a val ve cou Sed to the. dispenser and configured to prevent gas n'om ::errtering the volume via at least one of the one more potts.

In the Twenty Third Embodiment, the method of any on : or any combinati n of embodiments 16-22, &yreitt at leas one of the one or more : ports are positioned at SubstantiaHy a last, to fill location of the volume aud the step of emovin substantially all the gas from the volume includes simultaneousl venting the 1 gas from the at least one of the one w m ports ai¾d iilii the volume with the . liquid nntilihe l ui , reaches the at least one; of the ems o more norte..-

|f in the Twent ' . o rft Bmbodineni, the met ed »f asy o&e or any combinatio of ejMfeodimenis 16-23, wherein ti liq»i# com rises any one or any com ination of adfiesives, cements, e .toi¾n ' coatings, " .detergents; epoxje$ 5 dyes, fillers (e.g- ? body filler), nan - atefials, oils, paints (e.g,, aaiomotwe- /paints), pastes, pigments, /caulks, urethanes, polymer additives (which may stains, toners, varnishes* waxes havi a viscosity ha ing a viscosity 3t a shear rate of 0.1 1 s that is 1.5 times greater than the viscosity . of th : Said, at a shear rate of 1 j

I i in the Twen y Fifth Embodiment, the : method of any : one or an corn binatfojr of emb diments i *2 : . wherein the l q id comprises any erne or any combinat on o adhesiVes,: cements, colorants, . ' coatings- detergents,. epoxies, dyes,, fillers (e.g.., body filler), nano-materials, oils, nts {e,g., automotive paints), pastes, pigments, eaulk ^ urethanes, polymer additives { which may be organic or inor anic), sealants, stains, toners * varnishes^ w x s having a viscosity of betwee 0, 1 and 1.0,000 Fa-s at a shear rate of 1.B 1/s,

In the Twenty Sixth Embodiment, the method of■any one or any corribtnation of embodiments, 16-23, wherein the l qu d ' ' eoirrprises any One or an combination, of adhestves, cements., colorants, coatings, deterg*nts s epd ies,. dyes, fillers : e.g < , body filler}, n3no»s«a : teriai$, oils, pate {e.g., .aut motive: paints), pastes, pigraents, milks, laeihanes, polymer additives (Which ma T»e organic or inorganic}, sealants, stains, toners, varnishes, waxes having a viscosity that is relatively tae at a highe shear rate such as du flow into the pump, and then a second: viscosity that is relatively higher at a lower shear: rate such as: after the liquid ¾as stopped flowing into tfee ptm ,

[ίίβ14§| ]n the Twenty Seventh Embodiment, a system for dispensing a liquid ears i clu e;:: a fi st liquid container; a second liquid container; and a dispensing device coniigiired to couple to both the first liquid: container and the second liquid container, th dispensing; device, configured to actuate dispensin of ·¾: specific amount o li wi r m either eoataiueras desired.

|#(iI JJ In the Twenty Eighth Embodiment, the system, of the twenty-seventh embodimeat, wherein the dispensing device i clude ; a motor configured to drive a pump in eac e uta ser to dispense the specified Monot . ¾T the: li ui . 1( 01.421 fs ¾e Twent N¾ h Embodiment, the :systcra of .my on© or y- combinati n of e txxikneuts .2?*2$ s wherein the dispensing, device & configured to switch dispensing feini Ike first liquid container o dispensing f om t e second liqui container upon: a sensed condition related to the amount of liqui remaining ΪΏ Ihi? first liquid container.

[0Θ143] In he Thirtieth Embodiment, the ystem of any one: or any c binati n of embodiments 27-29, wherein the dispensing deyiee Is eerifignred to allow the replacement of eit er: the f¾st liqwid container or the second liquid container wit a third container including daring dispensing.

1001441 fe the Thirty Hkst Embodiment,, the system of the thirtieth embodimentj \% herein the dispensin device: is eonfigyred: such that the replacement of either the first liquid container or the second liquid eontainer occurs simultaneous wife the. dispensin device dispensing the specific amount of liquid from the other of the first liquid container or the second liqui container * 014S] in the Thirty Second Enthodiraeat, the system o the thirtieth embodiment, wherein the dispensing device is configured to dispense fr^m hoih the first liquid container and the second liquid contai er simultaneously or sequentially *

liquid container If the at least one ό ' : ·βΓ§ί · · ' ¾»ί(ί· container and the- second liquid container: is determined to have the snCfleient amount of liquid; and replacing the first liquid: container or the second liqui container with a third li uid container during the molding process if the first !¾pid container or the second liquid container is determined to have an insufficient: amount of the liquid remaining , therein to provide the specified amount, 0θί47 M the Thirty Fourth Embodiment, the method of example 33, wherein the replacing, of the: first container or the second container occur simultaneous with or sequent to the dispensing the specified :amotmt of the liquid. |0fi4 | & the Thirty Fifth E >o ime¾ the method of my one or arty combin tion of exam les 33»34, wherein dispensing, the specified amount of the liquid ΤΟΪΪΚ # legsi one of

or the: second container daring ike mold sng : process. f βδ¾49¾ In the Thirty Sixth Embodiment, a method of dis ensing a Bfjutd during a oldin process comprising:, dispensing :: ¾ first amount of the liquid frorn a first liquid container dhring the molding .process; deternmirag if the first amount of the . liquid corresponds to a specified amount ( f the lli tt}d; without replacing the ..first container, dispensing a second amount of the liquid fro a second containe during the: molding: process if the first amount of the liquid is determined, not to correspond to the specifie amount of the liquid,

}¾6i5( | In t e. Thirty Seventh Emb im n ,.: the: metho of the thirty-sixth, embodiment, further comprising replacing: the first liquid, eoatainer or the -second: liqui : container with a third liquid, container during the molding process if the first liquid container or the second jiqaid container is. determined to have an insufficient amount of the liquid remaining therein to provide the specified amount, fCTOfSIJ In the Thirty Eight EmbodireenL the method of the t iri »$evenih embodiment, wherein the: replacing of the first icotrt iner or the second container oceiirs simultaneous with or sequent to the dispensing the specified: amount o hediquid.

|:00.ii5£] In the Thirty Ninth Embodiment, a: device for -dispersiiig a liq id can include: motor configured to ooup!e to both ¾ first liquid container and second iquid container, the motor configured : to actuate: dispensing of ;a specific am Bn of liquid from either container: as desired *

|0 153| In the Fortieth Embodiment, the deviee of the thirty-ninth embodiment, wherein the device inel des. a motor .eoofignred to drive a purnp in each container to dispense the specified amount of the liquid. ¾®154| In the Forty first Embodiment, the device: of any one: or an : comhination of embodirftents 39-40,. wherein the: device is configured to switch dispensing from the first liquid, container; to dispensin from the second liquid container up n sensed condition related to the amount of liquid remaining in the first liquid container. ί$ΘΙ55| ίο the Forty, S cond · Eiabodimejtt, .-the evice f a¾ ne ¾r any :«orftbinatioa of embodiments 34:1, wheein the dispensing deyieets ooailgwsed to allow ih&-t^\®&t ≠ of either the first liqtiid cont iner: or the second liquid container with a third eonfainer including during dispensing. 00ί.56| In. the forty ' f ' ird Embodiment, the devic of the forty-second embodiment, wherein the device of either the first iiqnid container or the second liquid container occur.s simultaneous with the dispensing debtee dispensing the specific amount of liquid -fhw- ss. ^ier of the first ■■ li uid container or the second liquid container.

P0|.S7| In the Forty iotirth Smho i ent, t&e device: of the ferty-seco eitifeodiment, wherein the device i$ config red to ispense ir ra oth the: first, liquid container and the second liquid container simalaneously or sequentially.




 
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