Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification and ejection of associated pipette syringes.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette assembly, including a plurality of syringes of different volumes and a powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification, operation, and ejection of said syringes.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a grasping mechanism for a powered, handheld positive displacement pipette, the grasping mechanism configured to grasp and releasably retain the piston head of a syringe that is usable with the pipette.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a syringe for use with a handheld positive displacement pipette, the syringe being releasably retainable by the pipette. Syringe embodiments may be configured to hold different material volumes. At least certain syringe embodiments may include a cooperative adapter that is used to releasably couple the syringe to the pipette.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette assembly, including a plurality of syringes of different volumes and a powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification and ejection of said syringes.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for filling a bag with beer where the bag is contained in a beer keg having an aperture. The valve assembly has a valve body assembly adapted to be secured in the keg aperture. The valve assembly has an anti-tamper ring that has a plurality of tongue protrusions for mating reception with a locating groove or indentations in the neck of the a valve assembly for an alcohol beverage container. The anti-tamper ring also closes a vent opening of an air relief passageway that extends through the valve body assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chime for an alcohol containing cask. The chime has an annular rim portion that is secured by snap fitting with a groove of the cask. The chime further includes a pair of opposing wing portions that extend outwardly from the rim portion beyond the cask. Each of the wing portions has a central portion and two side portions. Each of the side portions has an outer edge portion that slopes in a concave curvature of predetermined radius from the central portion to the rim portion.

Abstract: A tap adapter suitable for use in dispensing an alcohol beverage from a keg which tap adapter has a hollow arm adapted for mounting to a valve assembly in fluid flow communication with a beverage dispensing valve in the valve assembly. The arm may contain a dispensing tube. A first end portion of the arm is adapted to releasably connect to the beverage dispensing valve to open the valve and has a tap permitting beverage to flow through the hollow arm and out the tap. An air line passageway is adapted to be connected to a second valve in sealed fluid flow communication therewith passing through the valve assembly or keg. A source of air is connected to the air line passageway for supplying pressurized air to the second valve and into the keg. A relief valve is provided which can be opened to allow air to pass into the discharge tube upstream of the discharge end portion whereby the beverage in the discharge tube downstream of the relief valve freely flows out of the discharge end portion.

Abstract: A rotary walk behind lawn mower has a wheeled cutting deck with a downwardly facing cutting chamber. A rotatable cutting blade is contained inside the cutting chamber above a lower edge of a peripheral sidewall and beneath a central hub, an annular channel being formed between the sidewall and the hub of the cutting chamber for receiving grass clippings from the cutting blade. A portion of the peripheral sidewall of the cutting chamber above the level of the cutting blade and a portion of a top wall of the cutting chamber form a pivotal mulch door for opening and closing the annular channel in which the grass clippings are moving.

Abstract: An alcohol beverage dispensing apparatus has a keg having top and bottom portions and a bag contained within the keg for containing an alcohol beverage. The apparatus has a dispensing device that has a hollow elongated tube extending into the bag towards the bottom portion of the keg for inserting the beverage into the bag during a bag fill operation and for dispensing the beverage from the bag during a dispense operation. The hollow tube has an end portion having an opening which may comprise a plurality of laterally spaced apart notches positioned between interval side wall portions to provide crenellated openings in the end portion throughwhich the beverage passes into and out from the hollow elongated member. The interval side wall portions have rounded tip portions or carry an interface plate to reduce the risk of the end portion puncturing the bag during beverage filling and dispensing cycles.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling a bag with an alcohol beverage inflates the bag with an inert gas prior to filing the bag with the beverage. The inert gas is vented from the bag as the bag is filled with the beverage. By initially inflating the bag with the inert gas, the bag is not inflated during the step of filling the bag with the beverage and hence, the bag is less susceptible to rupture during beverage filling the inert gas acts to purge any air trapped in the bag. During the venting step the inert gas and air mixture is vented from the bag. There is less chance for air to be trapped in the bag and spoil the beverage in the bag. In a further aspect, the bag is contained in a container and the air between the container and the bag is also evacuated. The inert gas may be CO2 or nitrogen when the beverage is beer. Also provided is a valve and valve and spear assembly for alcohol dispensing apparatus.