Patent Publication Number: US-9849470-B1

Title: Variable size hole multi-hole nozzle and components thereof

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     A variable size hole multi-hole nozzle and components thereof for a filling machine. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid products, particularly household and fabric care compositions such as dishwashing soap, hand soap, and surface cleansers, are a popular choice among consumers. Generally such liquids are sold within plastic containers. These plastic containers oftentimes have a body with a larger bottom end and an opposing tapered neck connecting to a smaller top end. The larger bottom end allows for a container to stand upright on a surface such as for storage purposes. The smaller top end can be attached to a cap or to a dispenser for dispensing purposes. The smaller top end is oftentimes a round opening. This opening is usually relatively small in area to make it easier for a consumer to control the amount of liquid that poured out of the container. During the manufacturing process of the container holding the liquid, manufacturers will use a container filling system to dispense liquids through the opening into the container. 
     High-speed container filling systems are well known and used in many different industries. In many of the systems, the containers are filled through a series of pumps, pressurized tanks and flow meters and/or valves to help ensure that the correct amount of liquid is dispensed into the containers. These pumps, pressurized tanks, flow meters, and/or valves are typically connected to a nozzle having an opening above or within the container opening. The liquid flows through this nozzle opening into the container. Manufacturers are continually looking for ways to increase the volumetric flow rate of the liquid during the filling process, which in turn increases the speed and efficiency of the process of filling containers with liquids. 
     Filling containers through small top openings can be challenging to do quickly due to size constraints of the top opening and the neck coupled with the rheological properties of the liquid. To compensate for slower filling speeds associated with conventional size, single orifice nozzles, the nozzle orifice size can be made larger, allowing higher volumetric flow rates and faster filling cycles. However, when filling containers, especially at high volumetric flow rates, the large opening can create a surge of liquid at the end of the filling event that can cause the liquid in the container to splash in a direction generally opposite to the direction of filling and often out of the container being filled. This is especially true for lower viscosity liquids such as hard surface cleaners, examples of which are under the tradenames MR. CLEAN, SWIFFER WETJET, and VIAKAL manufactured by The Procter &amp; Gamble Company. Higher viscosity liquids, such as dishwasher liquids, such as, for example, those sold under the tradename DAWN and laundry detergents such as, for example, those sold under the tradenames TIDE and GAIN manufactured by The Procter &amp; Gamble Company may result in a filament or string that forms and hangs down from the filling nozzle at the end of the filling event, this filament or string taking some time to break up after flow to the nozzle ceases. 
     Alternatively, a nozzle can have a multitude of smaller openings through which liquid flows during the filling process. However, there is a limitation on the number and size of openings that can be placed in one constrained area. If the openings are spaced too close to one another, the liquid may join together to form one stream, which in turn, can result in the same aforementioned stringing and/or splashing problems. If the openings are spaced too far apart, fewer openings will be able to fit on the nozzle surface resulting in reduced volumetric flow rate and slower filling speed. Stringing and splashing can waste liquid, contaminate the outer surface of the container and/or contaminate the filling equipment itself. Having a nozzle with too large an opening or a nozzle with openings spaced too closely to one another may result in an increase in the velocity of the liquid. An increase in the velocity of the liquid stream may result in greater entrapment of air which in turn causes undesirable foaming of the liquid near the impinging jet when the liquid hits the bottom surface of the container. In order to mitigate or avoid splash-back and air entrapment, manufacturers can use oversized containers to provide enough head space to prevent any back-splash from exiting the container. This creates waste in terms of the amount of material used to make the containers, which can be costly, and can result in containers that appears to be less than completely filled. Manufacturers also slow the filling line rate down to compensate for splash-back and for air entrapment which may result in a decrease in number of containers that can be filled on a single filling line during a given time. 
     In view of the above, there is a continuing unaddressed need for nozzles for filling machines that are capable of quickly filling a succession of containers with liquid by increasing the volumetric flow rate of the liquid while lessening or avoiding splashing, stringing, dripping, and foaming of the liquid, and that are capable of cleanly shutting off the flow of liquid between containers to avoid dripping of the liquid outside of the containers at the end of a filling event. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multi-hole nozzle component comprising: a periphery, an inlet side having an inlet surface, and an opposing outlet side having an outlet surface, wherein the nozzle component has a longitudinal axis extending from the inlet side to the outlet side; a plurality of first passageways extending through the nozzle component from the inlet side to the outlet side, wherein the plurality of first passageways form a plurality of first openings at the outlet surface, wherein the plurality of first openings are arranged about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle component, wherein each of the first openings has a first opening area; a plurality of second passageways extending through the nozzle component from the inlet side to the outlet side, wherein the plurality of second passageways form a plurality of second openings at the outlet surface, wherein the plurality of second openings are arranged about the plurality of first openings, wherein each of the second openings has a second opening area, wherein the second opening area is greater than the first opening area; and a plurality of third passageways extending through the nozzle component from the inlet side to the outlet side, wherein the plurality of third passageways form a plurality of third openings at the outlet surface, wherein the plurality of third openings are arranged about the plurality of second openings, wherein each of the third openings has a third opening area, wherein the third opening area is about equal to the second opening area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a filling nozzle. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cut view to show internal detail with a further partial cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a nozzle component having centering elements thereon for centering the nozzle component on the outside of the neck of a bottle. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the outlet surface of a nozzle component without the centering elements thereon. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a nozzle component without the centering elements thereon. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a nozzle component having grooves. 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a nozzle component having grooves. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a nozzle component having grooves. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a nozzle component wherein each distal end of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface by the same predetermined magnitude of projection. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a nozzle component wherein each distal end of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface by varying predetermined magnitudes of projection. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a stopper for the filling nozzle. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle component having grooves and centering elements thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Nozzle Assembly 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a non-limiting example of a multi-hole nozzle assembly  20 .  FIG. 2  shows that the multi-hole nozzle assembly  20  may generally comprise an air cylinder  22 , an optional connecting body  24 , and a nozzle body  26 . The air cylinder  22  may move the stopper  28  inside the nozzle body  26  to open and close a multi-hole nozzle component  52 . The optional connecting body  24  may connect the air cylinder  22  to the nozzle body  26 . 
     The air cylinder  22  may comprise an air cylinder housing  30  having an interior hollow space  32  therein. The air cylinder  22  further comprises an air cylinder rod  34 , a piston  36 , and a spring  38 . In its usual orientation, during operation, the air cylinder  22  will move the air cylinder rod  34  upward in order to open the nozzle component  52 , and downward to close the nozzle component  52 . The spring  38  may hold the stopper  28  against the openings in the nozzle body  26  and may keep liquid from running out of the nozzle component  52  in the event air pressure to the filling machine is turned off, for instance for an emergency, maintenance, air tubing failure, or any other such event. The air cylinder  22  may comprise any suitable commercially available air cylinder. The optional connecting body  24  may comprise an element of any configuration that is suitable for connecting the air cylinder  22  to the nozzle body  26 . 
     The nozzle body  26  may be joined to the other portion(s) of the nozzle assembly  20 , and may form the outlet of the nozzle assembly  20 . The nozzle body  26  may comprise a nozzle body housing  42  and may have at least one inlet conduit  40  joined thereto so that it is in fluid communication with the inner chamber  44  of the nozzle body  26 . The nozzle assembly  20  may further comprise an optional stem  46  that may be joined to the air cylinder rod  34 . A flexible diaphragm  48  may encircle at least a portion of the length of the air cylinder rod  34  or stem  46 . 
     The nozzle body  26  may have a plurality of spaced passageways  50  that pass through the nozzle body  26 . The passageways  50  may be integrally formed in a portion of the nozzle body  26  itself, such as the nozzle body housing  42 , or the passageways  50  may be formed in a separate nozzle component  52 , such as an insert or an attachment, that is joined to the remainder of the nozzle body  26 . For example, such a separate nozzle component  52  may be removably affixed, such as by a clamp, to the nozzle body housing  42 . The term nozzle component  52  will be used herein to describe either of the following nozzle constructions: the portion of the nozzle body  26  that has the passageways  50  formed therein; or a separate nozzle piece that has the passageways  50  formed therein. The nozzle body  26  may have a stopper  28  therein at the end of the air cylinder rod  34  or optional stem  46  for closing the passageways  50  and shutting off the nozzle component  52 . 
     The multi-hole nozzle assembly  20  may function as follows. The liquid to be filled into containers is delivered under pressure to the nozzle inlet  40 . The air cylinder rod  34  is in the closed position. In this position, the liquid is contained inside the inner chamber  44  of the nozzle body  26 . After a container is in position to be filled, a machine program sends a signal to a conventional solenoid valve that shifts and sends air pressure to the air cylinder  22 . The air cylinder rod  34  moves upward allowing the liquid to flow through the passageways  50  into the bottle. When the program detects that the correct amount of liquid has been delivered to the container, a signal is sent to the valve that shifts and moves the air cylinder rod  34  downward closing off the passageways  50  and preventing any additional liquid from flowing out of the nozzle component  52 . The liquid may be any liquid. 
     Multi-Hole Nozzle Component 
       FIG. 3  shows a multi-hole nozzle component  52  in the form of a nozzle piece. The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a nozzle component periphery  54 , an inlet side  56  having an inlet surface  57 , and an opposing outlet side  58  having an outlet surface  59 . The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a longitudinal axis L extending from the inlet side  56  to the outlet side  58 . 
     The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of first passageways  64  extending through the multi-hole nozzle component  52  from the inlet side  56  to the outlet side  58 , in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of first passageways  64  may form a plurality of first openings  65  at the outlet surface  59 . The plurality of first openings  65  may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component  52 . The plurality of first openings  65  may be arranged about or arranged around the longitudinal axis L. Each first opening  65  has a first opening  65  area. 
     The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of second passageways  67  extending through the multi-hole nozzle component  52  from the inlet side  56  to the outlet side  58 , in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of second passageways  67  may form a plurality of second openings  68  at the outlet surface  59 . The plurality of second openings  68  may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component  52 . The plurality of second openings  68  may be arranged about or arranged around the plurality of first openings  65 . Each second opening  68  has a second opening  68  area. The second opening  68  area may be greater than the first opening  65  area. 
     The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of third passageways  70  extending through the multi-hole nozzle component  52  from the inlet side  56  to the outlet side  58 , in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of third passageways  70  may form a plurality of third openings  71  at the outlet surface  59 . The plurality of third openings  71  may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component  52 . The plurality of third openings  71  may be arranged about or arranged around the plurality of second openings  68 . Each third opening  71  has a third opening  71  area. The third opening  71  area may be about equal to the second opening  68  area. The third opening  71  area may be greater than the second opening  68  area. 
       FIGS. 3-10  show different multi-hole nozzle component  52  embodiments.  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a nozzle component  52  having centering elements  60 A- 60 C thereon.  FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  without the centering elements  60 A- 60 C thereon.  FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a nozzle component  52  without the centering elements  60 A- 60 C thereon.  FIG. 6  shows a nozzle component  52  having a plurality of grooves  62  in a substantially linear arrangement in the plan view.  FIG. 7  shows a nozzle component  52  having a plurality grooves  62  in a substantially circular arrangement in the plan view.  FIG. 8  shows a nozzle component  52  having a plurality of grooves  62  arranged about the openings.  FIG. 9  shows a nozzle component  52  wherein each distal end  82  of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface  59  by the same predetermined magnitude of projection.  FIG. 10  shows a nozzle component  52  wherein each distal end  82  of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface  59  by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , the multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a longitudinal axis L extending from the inlet side  56  to the outlet side  58 . The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a centroid  74 . The centroid  74  is the center of mass of the nozzle component  52 . The longitudinal axis L may pass through the centroid  74 . 
     Each of the first openings  65 , each of the second openings  68 , and each of the third openings  71  may be sized and configured so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component  52 , the liquid exits the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
     The plurality of first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  may be concentric about the longitudinal axis L. The term concentric is used herein to denote circles, arcs, or other shapes that share the same center. The plurality of first openings  65  may be arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis L. The plurality of second openings  68  may be arranged concentrically about the plurality of first openings  65 . The plurality of third openings  71  may be arranged concentrically about the plurality of second openings  68 . The plurality of first openings  65 , plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  may be arranged about or arranged around the same center, the longitudinal axis L. Arranged around may encompass a substantially circular arrangement, not limited to a full circle. A concentric arrangement may provide the benefit of centering the liquid stream when the nozzle component  52  is placed above or within the top opening of the container. A concentric arrangement may provide the benefit of balancing the nozzle component  52 . A concentric arrangement may provide the benefit of the liquid streams being less likely to come into contact with the sides of the container which could lead to uneven flow. The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have at least three pluralities of openings. The multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have at least three pluralities of openings arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis L. 
     The plurality of first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  may be substantially circular, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The arrangement of the plurality of first openings  65  may be substantially circular. The arrangement of the plurality of second openings  68  may be substantially circular. The arrangement of the plurality of third openings  65  may be substantially circular. A circular arrangement may provide the benefit of more accurate positioning when placed on a container with a circular neck. A circular arrangement may provide the benefit of filling a container properly with less to no splashing, dripping, or stringing even where the outer rim of the container neck is between about 1 mm and about 1.25 mm in close edge to close edge distance from the outermost openings. A circular arrangement may also provide the benefit of being able to place a greater number of openings in a finite space with enough room in between each opening so that the liquid streams do not converge and are maintained as separate streams from each opening. Having a greater number of openings for liquid to flow through may provide the benefit of increasing the volumetric flow rate, or the volume of liquid which passes through the openings into the container per unit time, while decreasing the velocity of the liquid. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of each plurality of openings is not so limited. Other suitable spatial arrangements for each plurality of openings may include but is not so limited to substantially triangular and substantially rectangular. The arrangement of each plurality of openings may be any suitable spatial arrangement that would provide the benefit that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component  52 , the liquid exits the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
     The first passageways  64 , second passageways  67  and third passageways  70  extending through the nozzle component  52  may be substantially parallel to each other and may also be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle component  52 . The passageways being generally parallel to each other may provide the benefit of allowing for the liquid to move in a substantially linear motion for faster delivery through the passageways and the passageways to not cross each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , the plurality of first openings  65  may have fewer openings than the plurality of second openings  68 . When the plurality of second openings  68  is arranged about or arranged around the plurality of first openings  65  and the plurality of second openings  68  is closer to the nozzle component periphery  54  than the plurality of first openings  65  is to the nozzle component periphery  54  and the plurality of first openings  65  is closer to the centroid  74  than the plurality of second openings  68  is to the centroid  74 , having more openings in the plurality of second openings  68  may provide the benefit of increasing the volumetric flow rate by providing a greater number of openings in a finite space, providing more of a combined opening area of all openings for liquid to flow through and leaving enough space in between the openings for the liquid to exit the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , the plurality of second openings  68  may have fewer openings than the plurality of third openings  71 . When the plurality of third openings  71  is arranged about or arranged around the plurality of second openings  68  and the plurality of third openings  71  is closer to the nozzle component periphery  54  than the plurality of second openings  68  is to the nozzle component periphery  54  and the plurality of second openings  68  is closer to the centroid  74  than the plurality of third openings  71  is to the centroid  74 , having more openings in the plurality of third openings  71  may provide the benefit of increasing the volumetric flow rate by providing a greater number of openings in a finite space, providing more of a combined opening area of all openings for liquid to flow through and leaving enough space in between the openings for the liquid to exit the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
     The first passageways  64 , second passageways  67 , and third passageways  70  may be sized so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component  52 , the liquid exits the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. Each of the individual passageways has a cross-section. Each individual passageway of the plurality of first passageways  64  may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways  67  may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways  70  may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways  67  and each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways  70  may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. The inner diameter of each passageway may stay the same throughout the length of the passageway. The inner diameter of each passageway may vary throughout the length of the passageway. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of first passageways  64  may be about 2 mm. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways  67  may be about 3 mm. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways  70  may be about 3 mm. The plurality of first passageways  64 , plurality of second passageways  67  and/or the plurality of third passageways  70  may have substantially circular cross-sections. 
     The first openings  65 , the second openings  68 , and the third openings  71  may be sized so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component  52 , the liquid exits the outlet side  58  in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
     The first opening  65  area, second opening  68  area, and third opening  71  area is each a measurement of the cross-sectional area of the respective opening measured at the opening at the distal end  82 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , each first opening  65 , each second opening  68 , and each third opening  71  may each have a substantially circular cross-section. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the shape of the cross-section is not so limited. Other suitable cross-section shapes may include but are not limited to ellipses, rectangles, triangles, and horseshoes. 
     Each first opening  65  may have a first opening  65  diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. Each second opening  68  may have a second opening  68  diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. Each third opening  71  may have a third opening  71  diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. The third opening  71  diameter may be about equal to the second opening  68  diameter. The third opening  71  diameter may be greater than the second opening  68  diameter. 
     The first opening  65  diameter may be about 2 mm. The second opening  68  diameter may be about 3 mm. The third opening  71  diameter may be about 3 mm. The first opening  65  diameter to the second opening  68  diameter may have a ratio of about 2:3. The second opening  68  diameter to the third opening  71  diameter may have a ratio of about 1:1. The first opening  65  diameter to the third opening  71  diameter may have a ratio of about 2:3. The first opening  65  diameter to the second opening  68  diameter to the third opening  71  diameter may have a ratio of about 2:3:3. Without being bound by theory, a first opening  65  diameter to second opening  68  diameter ratio of about 2:3 may provide the benefit of less foaming given the lower surface tension each droplet of liquid forms. Without being bound by theory, a first opening  65  diameter to second opening  68  diameter ratio of about 2:3 may provide a benefit of less splashing and less dripping contamination given the lower surface tension each droplet of liquid forms. Alternatively, the first opening  65  diameter may be about 2.5 mm. The second opening  68  diameter may be about 3.5 mm. The first opening  65  diameter to the second opening  68  diameter may have a ratio of between about 2:3 and about 2.5:3.5. 
     The plurality of first openings  65  may comprise about five or more first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68  may comprise about ten or more second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  may comprise about fifteen or more third openings  71 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of grooves  62  therein that are disposed to run among the first openings  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71 . 
     The grooves  62  may each be sized and configured to reduce dripping of liquid after the nozzle component  52  is closed by separating the first openings  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71  at the outlet surface  59  such that any individual meniscus formed at the first openings  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71  at the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  cannot combine to produce a large drop. The grooves  62  in the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  may each be of any suitable configuration and be arranged in any suitable pattern to keep the aforementioned individual menisci from combining to produce a large drop. The grooves  62  may be substantially rectilinear, curvilinear, rectangular, rounded, oval, v-shaped or combinations thereof at the cross section. Grooves  62  that are substantially rectangular at the cross section may provide the benefit of having a sharp edge at the top portion of the groove  62  where the groove  62  meets the outer surface  59  that may keep liquid from being pulled into the groove  62 . 
     The grooves  62  may, thus, at least partially surround the openings to separate the openings. The number of openings that are separated from each other by the grooves  62  can range from two to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The number of openings that are separated from each other by the grooves  62  can range from three to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The number of openings that are separated from each other by the grooves  62  can range from five to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . Keeping the individual menisci from combining to produce a large drop may provide the benefit of preventing stringing, preventing dripping on machinery and on the container, which in turn may also provide the benefit of preventing label adhesion issues which can occur when liquid drips onto the container. While it is possible to separate openings by distances that are large enough to avoid any individual liquid menisci formed at the openings on the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  from combining to produce a large drop, the grooves  62  permit the openings and thus each opening&#39;s respective passageway to be located closer to each other without this occurring. The edges of the grooves  62  may be adjacent to the openings. The edges of the grooves  62  may not touch the openings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the surface of the outlet side  58  of the nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of grooves  62  therein that are disposed to run among the run among the first openings  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71  where the grooves  62  may separate one or more first openings  65  from each other, one or more second openings  68  from each other, and/or one or more third openings  71  from each other. The grooves  62  may extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis L towards the nozzle component periphery  54  of the nozzle component  52 . The grooves  62  may intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L. The grooves  62  may not intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L. Some of the grooves  62  may intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L and some of the grooves may not intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L. The grooves  62  may, but need not, extend all the way to the nozzle component periphery  54  of the nozzle component  52 . In  FIG. 6 , the grooves  62  separate the openings into groups of six openings wherein the six openings may comprise one first opening  65 , two second openings  68 , and three third openings  71 . The first openings  65  may be about 2 mm in diameter and the second openings  68  and the third openings  71  may be about 3 mm in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of between about 0.35 mm and about 4.5 mm measured close edge to close edge. The grooves  62  may have a width of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm and a depth of at least about 1 mm measured at the cross section. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the surface of the outlet side  58  of the nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of grooves  62  therein that are disposed to run among the plurality of first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71 , separating each plurality of openings. The grooves  62  may at least partially surround the plurality of first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  to separate the plurality of first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  from each other. The arrangement of each groove  62  may be substantially circular in the plan view. In  FIG. 7 , the grooves  62  separate the openings into a plurality of first openings  65 , a plurality of second openings  68 , and a plurality of third openings  71 . The plurality of first openings  65  may comprise about five or more first openings  65 , the plurality of second openings  68  may comprise about ten or more second openings  68 , and the plurality of third openings  71  may comprise about fifteen or more third openings  71 . The first openings  65  may be about 2 mm in diameter and the second openings  68  and the third openings  71  may be about 3 mm in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of 3.4 mm measured close edge to close edge. The grooves  62  may be about 2 to about 4 mm in width and a depth of about 2 mm measured at the cross section. 
     The grooves  62  may have a width and a depth as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The depth of the grooves  62  may be formed into the surface of the outlet side  58  such as to form a recess. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the surface of the outlet side  58  of the nozzle component  52  may have a plurality of grooves  62  therein that are disposed to run among one or more of the first openings  65 , one or more of the second openings  68 , and one or more of the third openings  71 . The grooves  62  may at least partially surround one or more first openings  65 , and or one or more second openings  68 , and or one or more third openings  71 . In  FIG. 8 , the grooves  62  separate the plurality of first openings  65  from the second openings  68  and the third openings  71 . In  FIG. 8 , the grooves  62  separate the openings into groups of two or three openings wherein the two or three openings may comprise at least one second opening  68  and one or more third openings  71 . The first openings  65  may be about 2 mm in diameter and the second openings  68  and the third openings  71  may be about 3 mm in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of between about 0.35 mm and about 4.5 mm measured close edge to close edge. The grooves  62  may have a width of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm and a depth of at least about 1 mm measured at the cross section. 
     The arrangements of the plurality of grooves  62  as shown in  FIGS. 6-8  are meant to be non-limiting.  FIGS. 6-8  show that the grooves  62  that divide the openings and/or divide the plurality of openings can be arranged in many different patterns. 
     Passageways of Predetermined Magnitudes of Projection 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , each of the first passageways  64 , each of the second passageways  67  and/or each of the third passageways  70  may have a distal end  82  and an opposing proximal end  84 . The proximal end  84  of each passageway is attached to the outlet surface  59 . The distal end  82  of each passageway may project beyond the outlet surface  59  by a predetermined magnitude, or length, of projection. As shown in  FIG. 9 , each distal end  82  of each of the plurality of first passageways  64 , the plurality of second passageways  67 , and the plurality of third passageways  70  may project beyond the outlet surface  59  by the same predetermined magnitude of projection. Having a void space between each opening rather than having the outlet surface  59  between each opening may provide the benefit that any individual meniscus formed at the first openings  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71  at the outlet surface  59  of the nozzle component  52  cannot combine to produce a large drop. Keeping the individual menisci from combining to produce a large drop may provide the benefit of preventing stringing and preventing dripping and may also provide the benefit of preventing the decrease of the volumetric flow rate. As shown in  FIG. 10 , each distal end  82  of each of the plurality of first passageways  64 , the plurality of second passageways  67 , and the plurality of third passageways  70  may project beyond the outlet surface  59  by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection. Having the distal ends  82  of each plurality of passageways at varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection may provide the benefit of a greater void space between each opening which in turn may provide the benefit that any individual meniscus formed at the first opening  65 , second openings  68 , and third openings  71  at the outlet surface  59  cannot combine to produce a large drop and may further provide the benefit of easier fabrication of the nozzle component  52  by providing more space for a drill bit to drill around. Each distal end  82  of each of the of the first passageways  64 , each of the second passageways  67 , and each of the third passageways  70  may project beyond the outlet surface  59  by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection. The inner diameter of each passageway may stay the same throughout the length of the passageway. The inner diameter of each passageway may vary throughout the length of the passageway. 
     The predetermined magnitude or magnitudes of projection can range from about 1 mm to about 6 mm, depending on characteristics of the liquid such as the liquid&#39;s viscosity and on characteristics of the container the liquid is being dispensed into such as the size and depth of the container neck, and also depending on the dispensing rate. 
     Centering Feature 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 , the multi-hole nozzle component  52  may have a centering feature  60  that extends outwardly from the outlet side  58 . The centering feature  60  is used to align the nozzle component  52  with the neck of the container to be filled. The centering feature  60  may be placed adjacent to the neck of the container. The centering feature  60  may be placed above the neck of the container. The centering feature  60  may encircle the neck of the container. The centering feature  60  may be joined to the neck of the container in any way suitable to for liquid to flow into the container. Having a centering feature  60  aligning the nozzle component  52  with the neck of the container during linear filling or rotary filling may provide the additional benefit of the bottom of the container being accurately positioned as well as the benefit of the container not having to be supported during filling. The centering feature  60  may have several spaced apart centering elements  60 A- 60 C that comprise extensions of the nozzle component periphery  54  of the nozzle component  52 . The centering elements  60 A- 60 C have inner surfaces that are tapered so that they are wider at their base (or “proximal ends”) and narrower at their distal ends. 
     Stopper 
       FIG. 11  shows one embodiment of a stopper  28  for the nozzle assembly  20 . The stopper  28  may be of any suitable configuration, and may be made of any suitable material(s). In the embodiment shown, the stopper  28  is configured to have a substantially flat free end that is large enough to simultaneously cover all of the openings formed by the passageways in the inlet side  56  of the nozzle body  26 . The stopper  28  may be made of a single material, such as stainless steel. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the stopper  28  may comprise a metal insert  70  and a compressible material  72  at least at the end thereof for shutting off the nozzle component  52 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , the compressible material  72  may encase the metal insert  70 . 
     The components of the multi-hole nozzle assembly  20  may be made in any suitable manner from any suitable materials. The various components (other than any compressible material used for the stopper) can be machined or cast from metal, such as stainless steel, or from plastic, or certain components may be made out of metal, and certain components may be made out of plastic. 
     Process 
     In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a process of dispensing liquid. The process may comprise the steps of: providing a low viscosity liquid hard surface cleaner, providing a container, and filling the container with a multi-hole nozzle component  52 . 
     Combinations: 
     
         
         
           
             A. A multi-hole nozzle component  52  comprising:
           a periphery  54 , an inlet side  56  having an inlet surface  57 , an outlet side  58  opposing said inlet side having an outlet surface  59 , a longitudinal axis L extending from said inlet side to said outlet side;   a plurality of first passageways  64  extending through said nozzle component from said inlet side to said outlet side, wherein said plurality of first passageways form a plurality of first openings  65  at said outlet surface, wherein said plurality of first openings are arranged about said longitudinal axis of said nozzle component, wherein each of said first openings has a first opening  65  area;   a plurality of second passageways  67  extending through said nozzle component from said inlet side to said outlet side, wherein said plurality of second passageways form a plurality of second openings  68  at said outlet surface, wherein said plurality of second openings are arranged about said plurality of first openings, wherein each of said second openings has a second opening area, wherein said second opening area is greater than said first opening  65  area; and   a plurality of third passageways  70  extending through said nozzle component from said inlet side to said outlet side, wherein said plurality of third passageways form a plurality of third openings  71  at said outlet surface, wherein said plurality of third openings are arranged about said plurality of second openings, wherein each of said third openings has a third opening area, and wherein said third opening area is equal to said second opening area.   
         
             B. The multi-hole nozzle component according to paragraph A, wherein said nozzle component has a centroid  74 , and wherein said longitudinal axis passes through said centroid. 
             C. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A or B, wherein said plurality of first openings, said plurality of second openings, and said plurality of third openings are concentric about said longitudinal axis. 
             D. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to C, wherein said plurality of first openings, said plurality of second openings, and said plurality of third openings are circular. 
             E. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to D, wherein each of said first openings, each of said second openings, and each of said third openings are sized and configured so that when liquid is dispensed through said nozzle component, the liquid exits the outlet side in the form of separate streams from each opening. 
             F. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to E, wherein said plurality of first openings has fewer openings than said plurality of second openings and wherein said plurality of second openings has fewer openings than said plurality of third openings. 
             G. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein each of said first openings has a first opening diameter and wherein each of said second openings has a second opening diameter, wherein said first opening diameter to said second opening diameter has a ratio of about 2:3. 
             H. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to G, wherein said plurality of first passageways, said plurality of second passageways, and said plurality of third passageways extending through said nozzle component are parallel to each other. 
             I. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to H, wherein said plurality of first passageways, said plurality of second passageways, and said plurality of third passageways have substantially circular cross-sections. 
             J. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to I, wherein said nozzle component comprises a plurality of grooves  62  in said outlet surface that are disposed to run among said first openings, said second openings, and said third openings, and wherein each of said grooves are sized and configured to reduce dripping of liquid after said nozzle component is closed by separating said first openings, said second openings, and said third openings at said outlet surface such that any individual meniscus formed at said first openings, said second openings, or said third openings at the outlet surface of said nozzle component cannot combine to produce a large drop. 
             K. The multi-hole nozzle component according to paragraph J, wherein said grooves at least partially surround said plurality of first openings, said plurality of second openings, and said plurality of third openings to separate said plurality of first openings, said plurality of second openings, and said plurality of third openings from each other, and wherein each groove is in a circular arrangement. 
             L. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs J or K, wherein said grooves extend radially outward from said longitudinal axis towards said periphery of said nozzle component. 
             M. The multi-hole nozzle component according to any one of paragraphs A to L, wherein each of said first passageways, said second passageways, and said third passageways has a distal end  82  and an opposing proximal end  84  attached to said outlet surface, wherein each of said distal ends projects beyond said outlet surface. 
             N. The multi-hole nozzle component according to paragraph M, wherein each of said distal ends of each of said plurality of first passageways, said second passageways, and said third passageways projects beyond said outlet surface by the same magnitude of projection wherein said magnitude of projection is 1 mm, preferably 2 mm, more preferably 3 mm, more preferably 4 mm, more preferably 5 mm, most preferably 6 mm 
             O. The multi-hole nozzle component according to paragraph M, wherein each of said distal ends of each of said plurality of first passageways, said second passageways, and said third passageways projects beyond said outlet surface by varying magnitudes of projection ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm. 
           
         
       
    
     As used herein, the term “joined to” encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially part of the other element. The term “joined to” encompasses configurations in which an element is secured to another element at selected locations, as well as configurations in which an element is completely secured to another element across the entire surface of one of the elements. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.