Patent Description:
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, for example as described in <CIT>. 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 & 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 & 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 backsplash 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.

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, characterized in that the inner diameter of each passageway stays the same throughout the length of the respective passageway.

<FIG> show a non-limiting example of a multi-hole nozzle assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the multi-hole nozzle assembly <NUM> may generally comprise an air cylinder <NUM>, an optional connecting body <NUM>, and a nozzle body <NUM>. The air cylinder <NUM> may move the stopper <NUM> inside the nozzle body <NUM> to open and close a multi-hole nozzle component <NUM>. The optional connecting body <NUM> may connect the air cylinder <NUM> to the nozzle body <NUM>.

The air cylinder <NUM> may comprise an air cylinder housing <NUM> having an interior hollow space <NUM> therein. The air cylinder <NUM> further comprises an air cylinder rod <NUM>, a piston <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>. In its usual orientation, during operation, the air cylinder <NUM> will move the air cylinder rod <NUM> upward in order to open the nozzle component <NUM>, and downward to close the nozzle component <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may hold the stopper <NUM> against the openings in the nozzle body <NUM> and may keep liquid from running out of the nozzle component <NUM> 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 <NUM> may comprise any suitable commercially available air cylinder. The optional connecting body <NUM> may comprise an element of any configuration that is suitable for connecting the air cylinder <NUM> to the nozzle body <NUM>.

The nozzle body <NUM> may be joined to the other portion(s) of the nozzle assembly <NUM>, and may form the outlet of the nozzle assembly <NUM>. The nozzle body <NUM> may comprise a nozzle body housing <NUM> and may have at least one inlet conduit <NUM> joined thereto so that it is in fluid communication with the inner chamber <NUM> of the nozzle body <NUM>. The nozzle assembly <NUM> may further comprise an optional stem <NUM> that may be joined to the air cylinder rod <NUM>. A flexible diaphragm <NUM> may encircle at least a portion of the length of the air cylinder rod <NUM> or stem <NUM>.

The nozzle body <NUM> has a plurality of spaced passageways <NUM> that pass through the nozzle body <NUM>. The passageways <NUM> may be integrally formed in a portion of the nozzle body <NUM> itself, such as the nozzle body housing <NUM>, or the passageways <NUM> may be formed in a separate nozzle component <NUM>, such as an insert or an attachment, that is joined to the remainder of the nozzle body <NUM>. For example, such a separate nozzle component <NUM> may be removably affixed, such as by a clamp, to the nozzle body housing <NUM>. The term nozzle component <NUM> will be used herein to describe either of the following nozzle constructions: the portion of the nozzle body <NUM> that has the passageways <NUM> formed therein; or a separate nozzle piece that has the passageways <NUM> formed therein. The nozzle body <NUM> may have a stopper <NUM> therein at the end of the air cylinder rod <NUM> or optional stem <NUM> for closing the passageways <NUM> and shutting off the nozzle component <NUM>.

The multi-hole nozzle assembly <NUM> may function as follows. The liquid to be filled into containers is delivered under pressure to the nozzle inlet <NUM>. The air cylinder rod <NUM> is in the closed position. In this position, the liquid is contained inside the inner chamber <NUM> of the nozzle body <NUM>. 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 <NUM>. The air cylinder rod <NUM> moves upward allowing the liquid to flow through the passageways <NUM> 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 <NUM> downward closing off the passageways <NUM> and preventing any additional liquid from flowing out of the nozzle component <NUM>. The liquid may be any liquid.

<FIG> shows a multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> in the form of a nozzle piece. The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> may have a nozzle component periphery <NUM>, an inlet side <NUM> having an inlet surface <NUM>, and an opposing outlet side <NUM> having an outlet surface <NUM>. The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> may have a longitudinal axis L extending from the inlet side <NUM> to the outlet side <NUM>.

The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> has a plurality of first passageways <NUM> extending through the multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> from the inlet side <NUM> to the outlet side <NUM>, in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of first passageways <NUM> forms a plurality of first openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM>. The plurality of first openings <NUM> may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component <NUM>. The plurality of first openings <NUM> are arranged about the longitudinal axis L. Each first opening <NUM> has a first opening <NUM> area.

The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> has a plurality of second passageways <NUM> extending through the multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> from the inlet side <NUM> to the outlet side <NUM>, in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of second passageways <NUM> forms a plurality of second openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> are arranged about the plurality of first openings <NUM>. Each second opening <NUM> has a second opening <NUM> area. The second opening <NUM> area is greater than the first opening <NUM> area.

The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> has a plurality of third passageways <NUM> extending through the multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> from the inlet side <NUM> to the outlet side <NUM>, in order to provide passageways for liquid to flow therethrough. The plurality of third passageways <NUM> forms a plurality of third openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM>. The plurality of third openings <NUM> may be where liquid ultimately exits the nozzle component <NUM>. The plurality of third openings <NUM> is arranged about the plurality of second openings <NUM>. Each third opening <NUM> has a third opening <NUM> area. The third opening <NUM> area is equal to the second opening <NUM> area.

<FIG> show different multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> embodiments. <FIG> shows a perspective view of a nozzle component <NUM> having centering elements 60A-60C thereon. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the outlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> without the centering elements 60A-60C thereon. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a nozzle component <NUM> without the centering elements 60A-60C thereon. <FIG> shows a nozzle component <NUM> having a plurality of grooves <NUM> in a substantially linear arrangement in the plan view. <FIG> shows a nozzle component <NUM> having a plurality grooves <NUM> in a substantially circular arrangement in the plan view. <FIG> shows a nozzle component <NUM> having a plurality of grooves <NUM> arranged about the openings. <FIG> shows a nozzle component <NUM> wherein each distal end <NUM> of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by the same predetermined magnitude of projection. <FIG> shows a nozzle component <NUM> wherein each distal end <NUM> of each passageway projects beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection.

As shown in <FIG>, the multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> has a longitudinal axis L extending from the inlet side <NUM> to the outlet side <NUM>. The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> may have a centroid <NUM>. The centroid <NUM> is the center of mass of the nozzle component <NUM>. The longitudinal axis L may pass through the centroid <NUM>.

Each of the first openings <NUM>, each of the second openings <NUM>, and each of the third openings <NUM> may be sized and configured so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component <NUM>, the liquid exits the outlet side <NUM> in the form of separate streams from each opening.

The plurality of first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis L. The plurality of second openings <NUM> may be arranged concentrically about the plurality of first openings <NUM>. The plurality of third openings <NUM> may be arranged concentrically about the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The plurality of first openings <NUM>, plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> 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 <NUM> is placed above or within the top opening of the container. A concentric arrangement may provide the benefit of balancing the nozzle component <NUM>. 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 <NUM> has at least three pluralities of openings. The multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> may have at least three pluralities of openings arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis L.

The plurality of first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> are substantially circular, as shown in <FIG>. The arrangement of the plurality of first openings <NUM> may be substantially circular. The arrangement of the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be substantially circular. The arrangement of the plurality of third openings <NUM> 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 <NUM> and about <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the liquid exits the outlet side <NUM> in the form of separate streams from each opening.

The first passageways <NUM>, second passageways <NUM> and third passageways <NUM> extending through the nozzle component <NUM> may be substantially parallel to each other and may also be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle component <NUM>. 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 <FIG>, the plurality of first openings <NUM> may have fewer openings than the plurality of second openings <NUM>. When the plurality of second openings <NUM> is arranged about or arranged around the plurality of first openings <NUM> and the plurality of second openings <NUM> is closer to the nozzle component periphery <NUM> than the plurality of first openings <NUM> is to the nozzle component periphery <NUM> and the plurality of first openings <NUM> is closer to the centroid <NUM> than the plurality of second openings <NUM> is to the centroid <NUM>, having more openings in the plurality of second openings <NUM> 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 <NUM> in the form of separate streams from each opening.

As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of second openings <NUM> may have fewer openings than the plurality of third openings <NUM>. When the plurality of third openings <NUM> is arranged about or arranged around the plurality of second openings <NUM> and the plurality of third openings <NUM> is closer to the nozzle component periphery <NUM> than the plurality of second openings <NUM> is to the nozzle component periphery <NUM> and the plurality of second openings <NUM> is closer to the centroid <NUM> than the plurality of third openings <NUM> is to the centroid <NUM>, having more openings in the plurality of third openings <NUM> 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 <NUM> in the form of separate streams from each opening.

The first passageways <NUM>, second passageways <NUM>, and third passageways <NUM> may be sized so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component <NUM>, the liquid exits the outlet side <NUM> 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 <NUM> may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways <NUM> may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways <NUM> may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. Each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways <NUM> and each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways <NUM> may have the same cross-sectional size and configuration. The inner diameter of each passageway stays the same throughout the length of the passageway. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of first passageways <NUM> may be about <NUM>. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of second passageways <NUM> may be about <NUM>. The inner diameter of each individual passageway of the plurality of third passageways <NUM> may be about <NUM>. The plurality of first passageways <NUM>, plurality of second passageways <NUM> and/or the plurality of third passageways <NUM> have substantially circular cross-sections.

The first openings <NUM>, the second openings <NUM>, and the third openings <NUM> may be sized so that when liquid is dispensed through the nozzle component <NUM>, the liquid exits the outlet side <NUM> in the form of separate streams from each opening.

The first opening <NUM> area, second opening <NUM> area, and third opening <NUM> area is each a measurement of the cross-sectional area of the respective opening measured at the opening at the distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each first opening <NUM>, each second opening <NUM>, and each third opening <NUM> each have a substantially circular cross-section.

Each first opening <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM> diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. Each second opening <NUM> may have a second opening <NUM> diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. Each third opening <NUM> may have a third opening <NUM> diameter measured at the inner surface of the opening. The third opening <NUM> diameter is equal to the second opening <NUM> diameter.

The first opening <NUM> diameter may be about <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> diameter may be about <NUM>. The third opening <NUM> diameter may be about <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> diameter to the second opening <NUM> diameter may have a ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>. The second opening <NUM> diameter to the third opening <NUM> diameter has a ratio of about <NUM>: <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> diameter to the third opening <NUM> diameter may have a ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>. The first opening <NUM> diameter to the second opening <NUM> diameter to the third opening <NUM> diameter may have a ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>. Without being bound by theory, a first opening <NUM> diameter to second opening <NUM> diameter ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM> 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 <NUM> diameter to second opening <NUM> diameter ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM> 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 <NUM> diameter may be about <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> diameter may be about <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> diameter to the second opening <NUM> diameter may have a ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>.

The plurality of first openings <NUM> may comprise about five or more first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM> may comprise about ten or more second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may comprise about fifteen or more third openings <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the outlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> may have a plurality of grooves <NUM> therein that are disposed to run among the first openings <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM>.

The grooves <NUM> may each be sized and configured to reduce dripping of liquid after the nozzle component <NUM> is closed by separating the first openings <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM> such that any individual meniscus formed at the first openings <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> cannot combine to produce a large drop. The grooves <NUM> in the outlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be substantially rectilinear, curvilinear, rectangular, rounded, oval, v-shaped or combinations thereof at the cross section. Grooves <NUM> that are substantially rectangular at the cross section may provide the benefit of having a sharp edge at the top portion of the groove <NUM> where the groove <NUM> meets the outer surface <NUM> that may keep liquid from being pulled into the groove <NUM>.

The grooves <NUM> 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 <NUM> can range from two to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in <FIG>. The number of openings that are separated from each other by the grooves <NUM> can range from three to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in <FIG>. The number of openings that are separated from each other by the grooves <NUM> can range from five to more, depending on characteristics, such as viscosity, of the liquid being dispensed, as shown in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> from combining to produce a large drop, the grooves <NUM> permit the openings and thus each opening's respective passageway to be located closer to each other without this occurring. The edges of the grooves <NUM> may be adjacent to the openings. The edges of the grooves <NUM> may not touch the openings.

As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the outlet side <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> may have a plurality of grooves <NUM> therein that are disposed to run among the run among the first openings <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM> where the grooves <NUM> may separate one or more first openings <NUM> from each other, one or more second openings <NUM> from each other, and/or one or more third openings <NUM> from each other. The grooves <NUM> may extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis L towards the nozzle component periphery <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> may intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L. The grooves <NUM> may not intersect with each other at the longitudinal axis L. Some of the grooves <NUM> 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 <NUM> may, but need not, extend all the way to the nozzle component periphery <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM>. In <FIG>, the grooves <NUM> separate the openings into groups of six openings wherein the six openings may comprise one first opening <NUM>, two second openings <NUM>, and three third openings <NUM>. The first openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter and the second openings <NUM> and the third openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM> measured close edge to close edge. The grooves <NUM> may have a width of between about <NUM> and about <NUM> and a depth of at least about <NUM> measured at the cross section.

As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the outlet side <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> may have a plurality of grooves <NUM> therein that are disposed to run among the plurality of first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM>, separating each plurality of openings. The grooves <NUM> may at least partially surround the plurality of first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> to separate the plurality of first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> from each other. The arrangement of each groove <NUM> may be substantially circular in the plan view. In <FIG>, the grooves <NUM> separate the openings into a plurality of first openings <NUM>, a plurality of second openings <NUM>, and a plurality of third openings <NUM>. The plurality of first openings <NUM> may comprise about five or more first openings <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM> may comprise about ten or more second openings <NUM>, and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may comprise about fifteen or more third openings <NUM>. The first openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter and the second openings <NUM> and the third openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of <NUM> measured close edge to close edge. The grooves <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> in width and a depth of about <NUM> measured at the cross section.

As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the outlet side <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> may have a plurality of grooves <NUM> therein that are disposed to run among one or more of the first openings <NUM>, one or more of the second openings <NUM>, and one or more of the third openings <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> may at least partially surround one or more first openings <NUM>, and or one or more second openings <NUM>, and or one or more third openings <NUM>. In <FIG>, the grooves <NUM> separate the plurality of first openings <NUM> from the second openings <NUM> and the third openings <NUM>. In <FIG>, the grooves <NUM> separate the openings into groups of two or three openings wherein the two or three openings may comprise at least one second opening <NUM> and one or more third openings <NUM>. The first openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter and the second openings <NUM> and the third openings <NUM> may be about <NUM> in diameter. The openings may be spaced apart by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM> measured close edge to close edge. The grooves <NUM> may have a width of between about <NUM> and about <NUM> and a depth of at least about <NUM> measured at the cross section.

The arrangements of the plurality of grooves <NUM> as shown in <FIG> are meant to be non-limiting. <FIG> show that the grooves <NUM> that divide the openings and/or divide the plurality of openings can be arranged in many different patterns.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the first passageways <NUM>, each of the second passageways <NUM> and/or each of the third passageways <NUM> may have a distal end <NUM> and an opposing proximal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of each passageway is attached to the outlet surface <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of each passageway may project beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by a predetermined magnitude, or length, of projection. As shown in <FIG>, each distal end <NUM> of each of the plurality of first passageways <NUM>, the plurality of second passageways <NUM>, and the plurality of third passageways <NUM> may project beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by the same predetermined magnitude of projection. Having a void space between each opening rather than having the outlet surface <NUM> between each opening may provide the benefit that any individual meniscus formed at the first openings <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM> 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>, each distal end <NUM> of each of the plurality of first passageways <NUM>, the plurality of second passageways <NUM>, and the plurality of third passageways <NUM> may project beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection. Having the distal ends <NUM> 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 <NUM>, second openings <NUM>, and third openings <NUM> at the outlet surface <NUM> cannot combine to produce a large drop and may further provide the benefit of easier fabrication of the nozzle component <NUM> by providing more space for a drill bit to drill around. Each distal end <NUM> of each of the of the first passageways <NUM>, each of the second passageways <NUM>, and each of the third passageways <NUM> may project beyond the outlet surface <NUM> by varying, or non-uniform, predetermined magnitudes of projection. The inner diameter of each passageway stays the same throughout the length of the passageway.

The predetermined magnitude or magnitudes of projection can range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, depending on characteristics of the liquid such as the liquid'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.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the multi-hole nozzle component <NUM> may have a centering feature <NUM> that extends outwardly from the outlet side <NUM>. The centering feature <NUM> is used to align the nozzle component <NUM> with the neck of the container to be filled. The centering feature <NUM> may be placed adjacent to the neck of the container. The centering feature <NUM> may be placed above the neck of the container. The centering feature <NUM> may encircle the neck of the container. The centering feature <NUM> 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 <NUM> aligning the nozzle component <NUM> 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 <NUM> may have several spaced apart centering elements 60A-60C that comprise extensions of the nozzle component periphery <NUM> of the nozzle component <NUM>. The centering elements 60A-60C have inner surfaces that are tapered so that they are wider at their base (or "proximal ends") and narrower at their distal ends.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a stopper <NUM> for the nozzle assembly <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be of any suitable configuration, and may be made of any suitable material(s). In the embodiment shown, the stopper <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the nozzle body <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be made of a single material, such as stainless steel. As shown in <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> may comprise a metal insert <NUM> and a compressible material <NUM> at least at the end thereof for shutting off the nozzle component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the compressible material <NUM> may encase the metal insert <NUM>.

The components of the multi-hole nozzle assembly <NUM> 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.

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 <NUM>.

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.

Claim 1:
A multi-hole nozzle component (<NUM>) comprising:
a periphery (<NUM>), an inlet side (<NUM>) having an inlet surface (<NUM>), an outlet side (<NUM>) opposing said inlet side (<NUM>) having an outlet surface (<NUM>), a longitudinal axis L extending from said inlet side (<NUM>) to said outlet side (<NUM>);
a plurality of first passageways (<NUM>) extending through said nozzle component (<NUM>) from said inlet side (<NUM>) to said outlet side (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of first passageways (<NUM>) form a plurality of first openings (<NUM>) at said outlet surface (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of first openings (<NUM>) are arranged about said longitudinal axis of said nozzle component (<NUM>), wherein each of said first openings (<NUM>) has a first opening area;
a plurality of second passageways (<NUM>) extending through said nozzle component (<NUM>) from said inlet side (<NUM>) to said outlet side (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of second passageways (<NUM>) form a plurality of second openings (<NUM>) at said outlet surface (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of second openings (<NUM>) are arranged about said plurality of first openings (<NUM>), wherein each of said second openings (<NUM>) has a second opening area, wherein said second opening area is greater than said first opening area; and
a plurality of third passageways (<NUM>) extending through said nozzle component (<NUM>) from said inlet side (<NUM>) to said outlet side (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of third passageways (<NUM>) form a plurality of third openings (<NUM>) at said outlet surface (<NUM>), wherein said plurality of third openings (<NUM>) are arranged about said plurality of second openings (<NUM>), wherein each of said third openings (<NUM>) has a third opening area, and wherein said third opening area is equal to said second opening area; characterized in that the inner diameter of each passageway stays the same throughout the length of the respective passageway.