Abstract: A coil spring device for mounting on a water tank of a toilet for ensuring that a toilet seat remains closed when not in use.

Abstract: A bottle filling device which is intended to reduce oxidation of the liquid being filled by venting gas displaced from the bottle as filling occurs. If desired, the device can be used to fill bottles under a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically controlling the dispensing of a beverage such as a frothy milk shake into an open mouth container such as a translucent paper or styrofoam cup. A dispensing station defines a designated position for the cup to be filled, and a dispensing nozzle is positioned above that designated position. A radiation source is positioned above the cup to direct radiation downwardly through the open mouth thereof such that it passes through the side walls of the cup. A radiation detector is positioned adjacent to an exterior wall of the cup at a vertical position thereon at which the cup holds a "full" dispensed quantity of beverage, such that it produces an output signal indicative of the radiation passing through the wall at the full position. The output signal is compared with a given threshold level, and when it falls therebelow, thereby indicating that the dispensed beverage is at the "full" height, the dispensing operation is terminated.

Abstract: A food product fill pump apparatus and method are disclosed which greatly facilitate accurate and efficient sequential filling of containers with food product which is flowable in nature. The fill pump is adapted for use with associated packaging machinery for placing predetermined quantities of food product in a plurality of containers which are sequentially presented for filling. The fill pump includes a reciprocating positive displacement piston pump and a rotary valve which are cyclically operable for intermittent filling of the containers with a metered quantity of food product. The fill pump further includes a novel product accumulator arrangement which is adapted to compensate for surges or other fluctuations in the supply of food product to the fill pump so that the pressure of food product received by the piston pump is generally constant.

Abstract: A modular, pre-plumbed shower unit is of self-contained nature facilitating rapid shower installation, and includes a plumbing tree including conduits interconnecting a shower head fixture, a tub spout, and control valve for controlling hot and cold water flow to the shower head or tub spout. Resilient pinch mounting brackets secure the plumbing tree to an exterior wall surface. Water supply connections to the control valve are made outside of the wall through an opening therein. A pre-molded shell is secured to the plumbing tree to surround and conceal the plumbing tree in overlying relationship to the wall while concealing also the wall opening. The shower head fixture, tub spout and a handle for the control valve are connected by openings in the shell.

Abstract: A waste outlet fitting for a bath, basin, sink or the like comprises a tubular body in which a plug is captively mounted. The plug includes a part-spherical periphery which is complementary to a part-spherical seat formed in the tubular body. The plug may be rotated between the closed position shown and an open position in which the plug member stands up-right within the tubular body by application of finger pressure to the edge of the plug. The tubular body may comprise an outer tubular member and insert member as illustrated, or may be in the form of an integral plastics moulding.

Abstract: A self-contained portable shower which can be readily disassembled and conveniently stored in a compact carrying case.

Abstract: A rectal hygiene system for use in conjunction with an existing toilet, having a control valve with a water connection to the cold water supply line of the existing toilet tank, as well as a spray member attached to the underside of the toilet seat at the back end thereof, this member being of small size and light weight and movable with the toilet seat, providing a directed spray into the toilet seat opening from the back end of the toilet seat.

Abstract: A filler pipe for a fuel tank, especially for motor vehicles, with a vent pipe running along an upper wall part of the filler pipe. The vent pipe terminates at a distance from an inlet opening or mouth of the filler pipe. A sloping baffle as well as a fuel nozzle support are arranged between the end of the vent pipe and the inlet opening of the filler pipe. The filler pipe with the vent pipe, sloping baffle, and nozzle support are formed in one piece of a synthetic resinous material, with the vent pipe being formed out of an upper side of the filler pipe and the baffle being formed by a drawn-in wall part of the filler pipe.

Abstract: In a pop-up drain fitting threadedly secured to a spider at the lower end of the drain body, the improvement comprising a detent member pivotally joined to the lower end of the pop-up drain fitting. A stop member is disposed adjacent to the detent member to permit the detent member rotation in only one direction. The detent member depends downwardly by gravitational force to extend through the spider. Clockwise threading motion of the pop-up fitting into the drain body is permitted by the detent arm; counterclockwise rotation of the pop-up fitting causes the spider to impinge upon the detent arm and drive it into the stop member, thereby preventing removal of the pop-up fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating an electrical cord in a heated toilet seat having a toilet seat body and a base cover pivotally connected to each other, wherein an electrical cord adapted for electrical connection between a heater mounted within the toilet seat body and a controller therefore is secured at one by a grommet provided on the base cover and at the other end by a cord fastener in the toilet seat body. Sufficient cord slack is provided in the toilet seat body so that the cord may be retracted or extended during the pivoting of the toilet seat body. The cord slack is in the shape of a loop, and a guide stopper is positioned within the loop to guide the cord during extension and retraction and limit the maximum extension of the cord.

Abstract: A cylinder device including a main body defining a cylinder therein, a cap member secured to the main body for closing one end of the cylinder, a piston working in the cylinder and having a piston rod passing through the cap member to project out of the main body, and a seal member surrounding the piston rod and being urged to abut with the inner surface of the cap member. There is provided a cavity between the cap member and the seal member, and an opening formed in the cap member for communicating the cavity with the outside.

Abstract: A portioning machine and a method for filling containers with food material is disclosed. The machine is particularly useful for meat products which are packed in plastic containers having a lip or edge, and prevents the food particles remaining on this lip and hence interfering with the sealing of the package. The machine has at least two filling stations and a pumping means to supply food material, each filling station is adapted to hold a container.

Abstract: A portable toilet having an improved valve arrangement for minimizing abrasion of the holding tank inlet seal. The valve arrangement includes a valve member which moves generally normal to a sealing plane defined by the seal when the valve is opened or closed. A wiper element is disposed adjacent the holding tank inlet and is positioned to exert a wiping action on the sealing surface of the valve member when the valve is operated.

Abstract: A quiet water closet rim and a method for venting air from a rim cavity of a water closet. The rim has a horizontally oriented annular cavity and is selectively supplied with pressurized water by a flush mechanism. A series of perforations in the rim permits the pressurized water within the rim cavity to exit the rim in the form of a spray. The rim is also provided with a vent passageway having an inlet open into an upper portion of the cavity and an outlet open into the atmosphere. As pressurized water fills the cavity, a portion of the air within the upper portion of the cavity is vented through the vent passageway.

Abstract: A passive dispenser for codispensing a predetermined volume of a first and a second solution into a body of liquid in response to a decrease in the level of said body of liquid comprising a first product chamber having a vent conduit and a refill/discharge pathway, and a second product chamber serially connected to a third product chamber thereabove by means of a conduit entering the second product chamber proximate the bottom thereof, said second and third product chambers having respective vent conduits and said second product chamber having a refill/discharge pathway, said pathways being siphon conduits.

Abstract: A bathtub especially for use on a bed and comprising a flexible liner, one rigid support frame for each of two side walls, frame holding means for each side wall, and a support beam between each side wall to hold said frames upright and spaced apart such that the end walls of said flexible liner will also be held upright by tension; and a method of bathing a bedridden person using said bathtub by sliding said flexible liner under said person, installing said frames in planar contact with said sidewalls, installing said beams to hold said side walls and said end walls upright, and filling said bathtub as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet apparatus with forcible drainage.Said toilet is of the type comprising a bowl supplied with water and communicating through its bottom part with a lower chamber equipped with means for crushing the faeces and removing them towards a draining conduit. Said toilet being characterized in that the crushing and draining means are designed to be removable, thus permitting the dismantling of the crushing means from the bottom part of the bowl. The invention finds application in toilet apparatus permitting the ready dismantling and cleaning of the crushing and draining members.

Abstract: Bathing equipment includes a tub having a gate for admitting a handicapped bather who is unable to step over a rim of a tub in a normal manner. The tub is supported on a base which places the bottom of the tub near the height of a seat on a wheelchair. The tub is equipped with a bath chair for transferring a seated bather from the gate end of the tub to the opposite end. Guides in the tub support the bath chair during back and forth travel between opposite ends of the tub.

Abstract: To eliminate the costly and laborious procedure of emptying the contents of furniture drawers and boxing the contents in the movement of furniture, an inflatable drawer contents stabilizer is placed in each drawer to prevent movement of the drawer contents when a desk or other drawer equipped furniture item is laid on its side or otherwise manipulated during transport.