Abstract: A method is provided for feeding small items, for example pills, that does not require tooling changes or position adjustment regardless of the size or shape of the pills. A first hopper supplies small items to a second hopper that separates the small items. The method incorporates sensors to detect the presence, size and travel time of the pills in the separating bowl hopper. The method uses the sensed values for setting vibration amplitude and the duration of an air flow to discharge pills from the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nozzles connectable to a hose or other fluid supply. The nozzles can store an active material such as an insecticide and then dissolve it into the water from the hose. The nozzle has an elongated cylindrical outer housing. A sleeve is positioned in the housing which stores the active material. An interaction between a cap and a valve controls the valve on/off operation and also a rinse by-pass in response to rotation of the housing relative to a knob. After the liquid passes into the sleeve, it travels a serpentine path before it reaches the outlet of the housing. This, along with a particle trap and a swirl chamber, provides a relatively consistent solution concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical bottle having a neck region with an open end, pills therein, a fibrous hygroscope member, such as a cotton wad, in the neck region of said bottle and a closure cap sealing the bottle opening. The neck region has on its inner surface a leaflet retaining ring which serves to hold the leaflet in place within the bottle immediately after the insertion. The tendency of the leaflet to unfold or open, causes the edges of the leaflet to engage the retaining ring and to be held in place at least until the bottle is sealed. The leaflet is in compression engagement with the fibrous hygroscope member, such that the pills are substantially prevented from moving relative to one another.