Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings in communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) having a bore (14) for receiving a fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing (12) and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) that interface with the upper gasket, permitting communication between the outer housing (12) and the fluid container. A spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with protruding pins (48) that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the housing (12) and the detent ring (50) rotate, the pins (48) enter radial grooves (54) and (55) causing the housing to remain at a desired location. A closure assembly is snapped onto the inner housing to permit a fluid path to be formed between a specific compartment in the container and the bore (14) in the outer housing.

Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings which are in fluid communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) with a bore (14) therethrough for receiving a singular fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) interfaces with the upper gasket, thus permitting fluid communication between the outer housing and the fluid container. A molded spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with pins (48) protruding externally that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the outer housing (12) and the detent ring (50) are rotated, the pins (48) are urged into radial grooves (54) and (55) thereby causing the housing to remain at a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting data including controls to a computer, or other equipment, such as for CAD, three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation systems and for motion control. Included are a two-handed, hand-held apparatus and a method for inputting data, including alpha-numeric information and control signals, while using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of input and/or control devices, each having input elements for inputting data to a computer or other equipment by the transmission of signals to such computer or equipment, and a pair of holders that mount the input devices and have holding portions and hand resting portions. The holders are releasably joined in back-to-back relation by a connector mechanism that allows the holders to be individually held in free space by and between the two hands of a user.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting data including controls to a computer, or other equipment. Included are a two-handed, hand-held apparatus and a method for inputting data using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of input devices, each having input elements for inputting data to a computer or other equipment by the transmission of signals to such computer or equipment, and a pair of holders that mount the input devices and have holding portions and hand resting portions. The holders are releasably joined in back-to-back relation by a connector mechanism that allows the holders to be individually held in free space by and between the two hands of a user. The apparatus can be used in any position but the preferred method of use involves turning or rotating the hands so that a selected input device is positioned on top in a convenient position for manipulation by the uppermost hand while it rests on the uppermost holder and while the entire apparatus is being supported by the lowermost hand.

Abstract: An inexpensive adapter enabling the facile manual switching of the fluid uptake port of a standard manually-operated fluid dispensing pump fluid between a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The adapter, which has a low internal dead volume, has an adapter outlet port that is in fluid communication with the fluid uptake port of the fluid-dispensing pump and at least two adapter inlet ports. The adapter inlet ports are in fluid communication with respective fluid reservoirs. The adapter has concentric outer and inner housings. In a preferred embodiment, the outer housing is non-releasably affixed to a fluid dispenser head while the inner housing is releasably affixed to a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The position of the outer housing, which is manually rotated with respect to the inner housing, is determined by means of a spring-loaded detent.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.