Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: System for refilling a fuel cell wherein the system includes a main container having at least one movable fuel container, at least one movable electrolyte container, and at least one spent fuel chamber. A valve which regulates or controls fluid flow between the main container and a fuel cell and vice versa. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for moving the at one movable fuel container and the at least one movable electrolyte container to cause spent fuel from fuel cell to enter the at least one spent fuel chamber. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A fluid additive delivery system includes a container for a fluid additive gel. The container has one or more openings to allow contact of the fluid with the gel to cause one or more additive components in the gel to be released into the fluid.

Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel container. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing is interconnectable with the container and the housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: A system for the sealing of inflatable articles, in particular tires, has at least one container containing a sealant. This container has a gas inlet and an outlet which can be coupled to an article to be sealed. A source of gas pressure, in particular an electrically drivable compressor, is connectable to the gas inlet of the container and at least partly accommodated in a housing. The housing of the gas pressure source has at least one coupling section at which the container can be coupled mechanically to the housing, in particular coupled in form-matched and/or force transmitting manner, to establish a state of use in such a way that the housing of the gas pressure source standing on the ground serves as a pedestal for the container, which is oriented in accordance with its intended purpose.

Abstract: Methods for filing tubes having inner and outer tubes separated by a predetermined gap are provided including delivering the tube to a tube filling station, filling the predetermined gap at the tube filling station by centering the outer tube with respect to an elongated nozzle including a plurality of filling pipes corresponding to the predetermined gap and a mandrel for insertion into the inner tube by means of a centering sleeve disposed externally around the elongated nozzle to provide the outer tube with a nominal cross sectional shape and centering the inner tube with respect to the elongated nozzle by means of the mandrel disposed within the inner tube to provide the inner tube with its nominal cross sectional shape, positioning the elongated nozzle proximate to a common tube shoulder at the first end of the tube connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, filling the predetermined gap with the plurality of filling tubes while guiding the elongated nozzle out of the second end of the tube while retain

Abstract: A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the fuel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.

Abstract: A fuel filling device is provided with a fuel supply adjusting section which adjusts the amount of fuel supplied, a fuel feed line which feeds fuel from a fuel supply adjusting section to a vehicle W, a nozzle removably coupled to vehicle W that supplies fuel from fuel feed line to vehicle W, and a discharge device that discharges fuel present within fuel feed line to the outside to prevent deterioration of packings used in the device in the case of filling a fuel at high pressure, while also facilitate the operation of a filling nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a use solution of a concentrate diluted, with a dilution rate of not more than 1:130, into a diluent flowing under pressure in a line. A normally-closed, user activatable valve is operatively coupled in the line allowing the diluent to flow in the line upon user activation. A flow regulator is operatively coupled in the line downstream of the valve, configured to maintain a constant flow rate for the diluent in the line. A constant flow rate pump having an inlet and an outlet is operatively coupled to the valve. The inlet is adapted to be operatively fluidly coupled to the concentrate. The outlet is fluidly coupled to the line downstream of the flow regulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing particles flowing from an orifice comprising a deflecting surface disposed relative to the orifice, wherein the deflecting surface is fixed relative to the orifice, whereby particles flowing from the orifice can impinge upon and can be dispersed by the deflecting surface, wherein the orifice is one of a plurality of orifices disposed in a wall of a conduit, and wherein the conduit has an axis which is oriented between about 45 degrees and about 70 degrees from the vertical such that particles can flow through the conduit and through the orifices by gravity.

Abstract: An aerosol system or method for mixing first and second materials. The system comprises first and second container assemblies and a coupler. The first container assembly contains the second material and a propellant material that pressurizes the second material. The second container assembly contains the second material. The coupler is arranged to couple the first and second container assemblies, thereby forcing the second material into the second container assembly such that the first and second materials mix. The resulting mixture may then be dispensed from the second container assembly using an actuator member. In one case, the first container assembly comprises a male-type valve assembly and the second container assembly comprises a female type valve assembly. In another case, the first material is a catalyst and the second material is a pigmented liquid, which, when mixed, are suitable for repairing a damaged surface.

Abstract: A method for filling a dual fluid cartridge assembly which automatically bleeds air from the cartridge to filling and without extra steps or a vacuum as in known filling methods. In particular, the process relates to providing a dual fluid cartridge assembly which includes vents that bleed air from the cartridges initially and automatically closes the vents as the piston seal moves away from the vent. By utilizing such a self-bleeding cartridge assembly, the cartridge can be filled by a fluid dispenser without the need for shims, a vacuum or bleed plugs.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.

Abstract: A solid chemical dissolver for making liquid solutions from solid chemicals packed in small containers is disclosed. The solutions are used for cleaning tanks, boilers, cooling towers and similar equipment internally. The dissolver has at least one bowl for receiving and holding one or more of the small containers of solid chemical. A spray nozzle aimed at the solid chemical directs fluid under pressure at the chemical to dissolve some of it and form a cleaning solution. A reservoir is provided to hold the solution prior to use, and a drain member leading away from the reservoir is provided for withdrawing the solution and using it to clean the tanks or other equipment. A fluid level detection switch assembly is disposed in the reservoir to control the amount of fluid from the nozzle and the level of the solution in the reservoir. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a use solution of a concentrate diluted, with a dilution rate of not more than 1:130, into a diluent flowing under pressure in a line. A normally-closed, user activatable valve is operatively coupled in the line allowing the diluent to flow in the line upon user activation. A flow regulator is operatively coupled in the line downstream of the valve, configured to maintain a constant flow rate for the diluent in the line. A constant flow rate pump having an inlet and an outlet is operatively coupled to the valve. The inlet is adapted to be operatively fluidly coupled to the concentrate. The outlet is fluidly coupled to the line downstream of the flow regulator.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing café au lait by introducing milk into a drinking vessel to a level below its open top; and introducing hot coffee into the drinking vessel via a flow restrictor member formed with a plurality of holes of such size, number and distribution to permit the coffee to flow therethrough at a sufficiently slow rate to form a distinct layer over the milk with a minimum of turbulence and mixing with the milk.

Abstract: A tire repair device is provided. A receptacle/port is in communication with the air flow path; the receptacle/port is adapted to sealingly receive a container of tire sealant. When the air compressor is activated and a container of tire sealant is received in or secured to the receptacle or port, air from the air compressor is forced into the container and pushes tire sealant out of the container, into and out of the receptacle, into the air flow path, and into a tire. Preferably, the receptacle includes a piercing projection disposed in the receptacle adapted to pierce a seal on a container of tire sealant secured in the receptacle. Preferably, the intake and the exhaust are configured in the receptacle so that both the intake and the exhaust are opposite substantially the same opening of a container of tire sealant received in or secured to in the receptacle.

Abstract: A connector device is provided that permits two separately stored ingredients to be mixed in and dispensed from the same container. The connector device includes an attachment mechanism for connecting two containers together to permit combining of separately stored ingredients and another attachment mechanism for connecting a dispenser to the container containing the combined ingredients to permit dispensing of the product directly from that container. In a preferred embodiment, a stopper is included in the neck of the first container, the second container including a device for penetrating the stopper. Also disclosed is a method of intermixing products with the connector device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing inflatable objects, especially tires, comprising a container (10) with sealing agent and a gas inlet (25), which can be connected to a gas pressure source, and an outlet (28) that can be coupled to an object that is to be sealed. The gas inlet and the outlet are linked to each other via the interior of the container. The gas inlet and the outlet are embodied in a discharge unit (20) that is detachably connected to the container (10).

Abstract: A glycol proportioning station that provides a deicing mixture of glycol and water to tank trucks that in turn spray the deicing mixture onto aircraft. The invention includes a remote control that is positioned where the truck is loaded and which runs in parallel with the controls on the main unit of the system. The proportioning system operates with an economy of parts by employing constant flow rates of both water and glycol. The desired percentage of glycol in the effluent is obtained by initially setting the position of one or more modulating valves provided on each of separate water and glycol lines and then employing a refractometer feedback loop to modulate the flow in one or both of the input lines. A static mixer positioned along the effluent line upstream of the in-line refractometer provides a uniform glycol-water mixture. The system provides other novel features such as a “last fill” option that prevents the system from freezing when it is not being used.

Abstract: Described are a method of and an apparatus for supplying fuel for a motor vehicle comprising at least one hydrogen consumer wherein the hydrogen is liberated by catalytic reaction of a hydrogen donor provided as the fuel and recyclable fuel which has reacted in that operation is produced. The method comprises taking unreacted fuel from a first storage volume, filling at least one second storage volume separate from the first storage volume with reacted fuel and at least partially additionally using the first storage volume which has become vacant by virtue of unreacted fuel being taken therefrom, for storage of the reacted fuel. A fuel container arrangement includes at least one storage container for unreacted fuel and communicating with a removal container for supplying the fuel to the reaction, and a collecting container communicating with a storage container, when vacated of unreacted fuel, by way of a flow transfer conduit for transferring reacted fuel to the storage container.

Abstract: A method for delivering a gas is disclosed and which includes in its broadest aspect providing a conduit which supplies natural gas to a geographic location; and mixing a gas to be delivered with the natural gas for delivery to the geographic location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing columns of material in the ground, especially in the ground under bodies of water, comprising the following: a first material tank (8) and a second material tank (10) connected to the first tank; a deep vibrator element (11) connected to the second material tank (10), a first supply lane (5) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to supply material; a second supply line (6) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to equalize pressure in the first material tank (8). The invention also relates to the production of a column of material in the ground.

Abstract: A system and for creating multiple mixtures is disclosed. The illustrative system described herein includes dispensing elements that are moved into alignment with various receivers (or vice versa) to deliver ingredients. In some embodiments, the system requires only one dispensing element (e.g., valve, nozzle, orifice, etc.) per ingredient dispensed, irrespective of the number of receivers in the system. In accordance with the principles of this invention, the system is operated such that a plurality of ingredients are incrementally added to the receivers. Incremental addition is performed in such a way that, from the “perspective” of the mixture being formed, the ingredients are added quasi-continuously (i.e., a near-continuous flow of an ingredient) or quasi-simultaneously (i.e., all ingredients are added at nearly the same time), or both.

Abstract: The present invention can be characterized as a tamper proof apparatus for dispensing a selected liquid such as a cleaning product in a environment where protection against abuse and vandalism is desired. The tamper proof apparatus includes a cabinet enclosure having an open front for accessing interior components; a hinged faceplate covering the open front of the cabinet enclosure; a mixing unit fastened to an inside surface of the hinged faceplate for dispensing the selected liquid; a filling recess formed in the hinged faceplate for limiting a dimension of a container placed inside the filling recess; a filling nozzle coupled to the mixing unit for dispensing the selected liquid into the container placed inside the filling recess; a pushbutton coupled to the mixing unit through the hinged faceplate for causing the selected liquid to be dispensed through the filling nozzle; and a locking plate that may be detachably coupled to the hinged faceplate for restricting access to the pushbutton individually.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a product includes a first chamber configured to initially contain at least one of a first composition and a mixture of the first composition and a second composition, a second chamber configured to contain the second composition, a flow passage for providing flow of the second composition from the second chamber to the first chamber, and an actuator configured to be actuated to cause an amount of a product to be dispensed from the first chamber. The product dispensed includes at least one of the first composition, the second composition, and the mixture of the first composition and the second composition. The device is configured such that in response to the product being dispensed from the first chamber, an amount of the second composition flows from the second chamber to the first chamber via the flow passage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a car wax spray, particularly to the one stored in the decomposed liquid state in a storage bottle that will turn into solid state after being sprayed out from the storage bottle. The present invention comprises the steps of filling 55% of the solid wax into the bottom of a storage bottle, and then 35% of the soluble gaseous propane to dissolve and decompose the solid wax into a concentrated liquid state, and then filling 10% of the volatile butane into the storage bottle to dilute the concentrated wax liquid by the movement of two steel beads into a diluted ready liquid, such that when the air pressure sprays out the wax, the butane is oxidized by the air and is vaporized instantly, and the even film remaining after the spray will resume its original solid state.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: An air spring arrangement of the motor vehicle is equipped with a tire-fill device which includes the fill unit (20) and a tire-fill connection unit (4). A filling of a reserve tire is ensured even when there is an electric fault in the level control system. The tire-fill connection unit (4) includes an air supply connection (6), a proximity switch (8), an electric sensor connection (10) and a pneumatic connection (12) for rapid coupling and valve connection. The proximity switch (8) includes a reed contact (28) which includes three terminals (32a, 32b, 32c) which are connected to a control apparatus (34). A component (14) has a pneumatic valve connection (16) and a permanent magnet (18) and is connected to the pneumatic connection (12). The permanent magnet (18) excites the reed contact (28) to switch when the component (14) is connected to the tire-fill connection unit (4).

Abstract: A process for filling a mixture of at least two components selected from monomeric and oligomeric components into a container, which mixture, after discharge from the container, polymerizes with at least partial volume increase, comprising a mixing zone to which the at least two components to be mixed are fed, the at least two components being mixed under pressure in the mixing zone and the mixture under pressure being filled into the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing columns of material in the ground, especially in the ground under bodies of water, comprising the following: a first material tank (8) and a second material tank (10) connected to the first tank; a deep vibrator element (11) connected to the second material tank (10), a first supply line (5) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to supply material; a second supply line (6) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to equalize pressure in the first material tank (8). The invention also relates to the production of a column of material in the ground.

Abstract: A paintball cylinder refilling apparatus for installation and use at a paintball field or tournament includes a housing, a high-pressure and a low-pressure fluid source. The housing has a paintball cylinder refill circuit that includes a high-pressure circuit adapted to refill a paintball cylinder and a low-pressure circuit that operates to open and close the high-pressure circuit. The high and low-pressure circuits are also adapted to safely vent into the atmosphere any pressurized fluid that may be resident in either circuit following the termination of a cylinder refilling operation.

Abstract: A device for inflating an elastic, translucent object, specifically a balloon which encloses a nozzle that can be inserted into an opening of the object, whose nozzle bore hole is connected to a compressed gas line, having a self-activating, resettable, release lever for manually controlling the compressed gas flow, designated in such a way so that the nozzle bore hole is connected to at least one paint cartridge, which can contain liquid paint and upon activation of the release lever the paint together with the compressed gas can flow into the inside of the object.

Abstract: A gas cylinder charging system includes (1) at least two gas inlet ports and (2) at least two gas outlet ports, (3) a gas compressor having an input port and an output port, where the input port selectively receives gas from a gas inlet port and selectively transfers the gas to a gas outlet port, and (4) a controller, receiving status signals and transmitting control signals, and connected to and controlling the gas compressor. A method aspect of filling a gas cylinder using the described cylinder charging system further including an input/output selector valve for selecting one of the gasses to transfer to the gas cylinder, includes the following steps. A gas cylinder is connected to one of the cylinder connectors. A user manipulates the selector valve selecting the gas to be transferred to the gas cylinder and activates the cylinder charging system filling the gas cylinder with the selected gas.

Abstract: A lid closure for dispensing a confection into a refreshment, such as a milk shake, in a container comprises first and second molded lid parts with the first lid part having a central opening into which the second lid part is removably inserted. A sealing layer with a circular tear line encloses the confection in an annular compartment in the first lid part and is attached to the second lid part at the center of the sealing layer. The second lid part has two pockets for engagement by the thumb and forefinger of a consumer. To dispense the confection into the refreshment, the consumer twists the second lid part to tear the sealing layer along the tear line and removes the second lid part and a portion of the sealing layer from the central opening in the first lid part.

Abstract: A pressurized package of paint, additives is prepared by mixing water emulsion, stabilizers and a propellant in a pressurizable container. This pressurized container is then sold to retail stores where a water borne paint composition is injected into the pressurized container and sold directly to the end user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A process for filling a powder includes the steps of charging a powder into a cavity of a container and, after the charging step, vibrating a swinging body on the powder which is held in the cavity, thereby filling the powder with a high density. Since the swinging body swings in the cavity, it is possible to fill the powder in the container with a high apparent density being improved much more than conventional processes for filling powders. The process is applicable to an apparatus for filling a powder and a process for producing a composite material.

Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the removal of fluid from a container (10), which carries a gas and which in the area of a collection point (12) for the liquid has a removal connection (14), to which can be connected a collection container (18) by means of a removal conduit (16), which container can be connected through an equalization conduit (20) with an equalization connection (22) arranged on the container (10), which connection is different from the removal connection (14). In this manner a liquid removal device of small structure is made available as a maintenance unit which can be connected with only very short time period of the container being out of commission and in turn can also be rapidly separated therefrom.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing fuel and reductant to a vehicle from a fuel dispensing station are disclosed which allow for providing both fluids to a vehicle equipped with a fuel and reductant tank and allows for providing only fuel to a vehicle without a reductant tank.

Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a container (11, 12) for storing each paint to be fed, such as toning paste or paint, a piston pump (3, 4) arranged in flow communication with the paint in the container for feeding the paint, and driving means (2, 5-10), driven by a servomotor, for driving the piston pump. In the invention, the driving means comprise a device (10) for changing the rotary motion of the shaft (5) driven by the servomotor in different directions of rotation into linear motion moving the piston rod (7) of the piston pump in opposite directions, and a coupling (8, 9) for selectively coupling the piston rod (7) of the piston pump and the shaft (5) driven by the servomotor (2) into engagement via said changing device (10).

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A gas cylinder charging system includes (1) at least two gas inlet ports and (2) at least two gas outlet ports, (3) a gas compressor having an input port and an output port, where the input port selectively receives gas from a gas inlet port and selectively transfers the gas to a gas outlet port, and (4) a controller, receiving status signals and transmitting control signals, and connected to and controlling the gas compressor. A method aspect of filling a gas cylinder using the described cylinder charging system further including an input/output selector valve for selecting one of the gasses to transfer to the gas cylinder, includes the following steps. A gas cylinder is connected to one of the cylinder connectors. A user manipulates the selector valve selecting the gas to be transferred to the gas cylinder and activates the cylinder charging system filling the gas cylinder with the selected gas.