Abstract: An improved generally concave body (bell attachment) is disclosed for applying a vacuum to conventional canning jars. Like the prior art, the bell attachment fits over the jar top and a placed flexible lid for sealing the jar and seals to the top of the jar at the jar sealing rim. Unlike the prior art, the top locates with respect to the thread on the jar to limit the penetration of the top of the bell over the top of the jar and to define clearance between the bell and lid. This clearance sets forth a small distance of vertical excursion between the captured flexible lid and the top of the bell. Preferably, a system of peripheral and overhead grooves are provided in the interior of the bell so that the flexible top may be guided into sealing registry with the jar top while still maintaining a free passage for the evacuation of gas interior of the jar to an evacuating connection communicated to the bell.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing gun includes a case housing a replaceable nozzle, which defines a number of liquid passageways, and a beverage selection button array. The liquid passageways are connected to flexible liquid lines. A printed circuit (PC) board, mounted within the case underlying the button array, includes pressure actuated switches actuated when the corresponding button is depressed. Holes in the rigid PC board beneath each button house light emitting diodes to light up the buttons to aid visibility. The PC board is protected from moisture using a flexible plastic film on the upper surface and a rubber boot covering the bottom and the peripheral edge of the PC board. A metal band sealingly secures the peripheral edge of the rubber boot to the PC board. The speed of the liquid is reduced as it passes through the nozzle by increasing the area of the passageway. This is achieved by either injecting the fluid into a common, enlarged passageway section or by enlarging each passageway with a venturi region.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing beverages from a pressurized source of syrups and soda to be mixed in and discharged from a beverage dispensing head. The head includes a housing within which first, second and third valve blocks are amounted. The first valve block includes first and second sets of intersecting openings extending from first and second faces. Third and fourth openings extend into and through the second and third valve blocks. The openings all extend straight into the valve blocks so the valve blocks can be injected molded. The second, third and fourth openings define valve stem bores for reciprocally housing spring biased valve stems which have user accessible buttons mounted to the upper ends. The valve stems and valve stem bores define valves for controlling the flow of beverage components. The center button actuates the soda valve stem.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument with fixed frets is provided with the capability of employing more than one tonal scale. At least two fretted fingerboards are provided with frets located at different relative positions on the respective fingerboards. A transversely opening groove is formed on the instrument beneath and parallel to the strings. On the underside of each fingerboard, a corresponding groove is provided which opens transversely with respect to the fingerboard. Each of the fingerboards can be mounted to the instrument when desired by engaging the groove on the selected fingerboard with the corresponding groove on the instrument. A mechanism is provided for forcing the grooves together so that the fingerboard is secured to the instrument in a releasable fashion.