Abstract: A multipurpose dispenser system including a hand-held dispenser which is capable of dispensing viscous fluid and particulate materials. When dispensing viscous fluids, the dispenser precisely dispenses such materials without wasteful post-extrusion. The system also includes an adaptor for mounting a particulate material dispenser to the dispenser as well as particulate material dispenser cartridges suitable for mounting to the dispenser.

Abstract: An adjustable shelving system has a plurality of generally cylindrical posts each having a plurality of vertically-spaced annular grooves therein and a plurality of tapered sleeves fitted on the posts. The tapered sleeves include an annular rib engageable with the annular grooves on the posts and an exterior mating surface. At least one plastic shelf has a plurality of tapered step holes for receiving one of the tapered sleeves fitted onto the post. The step holes are defined by an interior mating surface, and one of the exterior and interior mating surfaces is formed with a series of spaced cylindrical ledges to increase the friction between the sleeves and the step holes.

Abstract: A vertical retractable storage system includes a frame, a storage unit, and a vertical lift mechanism retractably supporting the storage unit relative to the frame. The vertical lift mechanism includes a lift structure that operates on a horizontal plane to provide both vertical and horizontal stability to the storage unit during movement between a storage position and an access position. In one aspect of the present invention, the frame is fixed to a roof or super-structure above a suspended ceiling such that in a retracted position the storage unit is disposed above the ceiling, and a base or bottom portion of the storage unit conforms with the ceiling and thereby hides the unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the vertical lift mechanism retractably supports the storage unit such that in the retracted position an access portion of the unit remains extended below the ceiling to permit access to at least a portion of the unit.

Abstract: A probe comprises a plurality of longitudinally extended conductors forming a probe electrode, a laterally displaced ground electrode and two laterally displaced active guard electrodes interposed between the probe electrode and the ground electrode. The conductors are surrounded by solid insulation and the probe guard electrodes are driven at substantially the same potential as the probe electrode. The probe is utilized to measure the condition of materials in which the probe is immersed.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator including an under and over pressure shut-off valve assembly has a toggle mechanism which "breaks" a critical connection when the outlet pressure gets too high.

Abstract: A vending machine such as a coffee vending machine has a hot water tank connected to the outlet side of a pump. The inlet side of the pump is selectively connected to one of a plurality of water storage containers by way of a valve. Water for the hot water tank is pumped thereto from the storage containers. When a storage container is empty, the valve is moved to a position so as to communicate with another one of the containers.

Abstract: Liquid flowing through a housing is sterilized by being subjected to radiation which passes through a window transparent to ultraviolet rays. The liquid is prevented from contacting the window by an air pocket. The air in the pocket is maintained by introducing air into the liquid which either replenishes air absorbed from the pocket by the liquid at the air-water interface or prevents the liquid from absorbing air from said pocket.

Abstract: Liquid flowing through a housing is sterilized by being subjected to radiation which passes through a window transparent to ultraviolet rays. The liquid is prevented from contacting the window by an air pocket. The air in the pocket is maintained by introducing air into the liquid which either replenishes air absorbed from the pocket by the liquid at the air-water interface or prevents the liquid from absorbing air from said pocket.