Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing droplets of liquid sample and droplets of a diluent and/or a standard produced by droplet-on-demand generators for use with an analysis device. Two different liquids may be introduced to an analysis device for simultaneous analysis. The method preferably comprises using a first droplet-on-demand generator to provide a first stream of droplets of a first liquid; using a second droplet-on-demand generator to provide a second stream of droplets of a second liquid; and combining the first and second streams of droplets before they enter the analysis device.

Abstract: Device for supplying evaporated gas from a storage tank to a consumer at varying pressure and mass flow requirements, having: a high-pressure pump for the liquefied gas, the speed of which determines the mass flow of the pumped liquefied gas; an evaporator for the liquefied gas; a pressure-regulating valve for the evaporated gas, the outlet of which is connected to the consumer; a first regulator, the measured variable of which is the pressure of the evaporated gas and the manipulated variable of which acts on the pressure-regulating valve; a second regulator, the measured variable of which is the pressure of the gas and the manipulated variable of which acts on a rotational speed controller for the high-pressure pump; and means for combining the manipulated variable of the two regulators in such a manner that the manipulated variable of the first regulator additionally acts on the rotational speed controller.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method for dense and homogeneous loading of catalyst into the annular space of bayonet tubes employed in a steam reforming reactor, said device employing removable slowing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adhering a soft slab and a covering material together. The apparatus for adhering the soft slab and the covering material together includes: a moving unit consisting of a plurality of rollers for moving the soft slab; a conveyor unit including a belt configured such that air passes through the top and bottom surface thereof, and a driving unit for driving the belt, the conveyor unit being intended for transferring a covering material seated on the top surface of the belt toward an adhesive surface of the soft slab; and an air suction unit provided at the bottom surface of the belt so as to suction air such that the covering material is tightly attached onto the top surface of the belt, thereby attaching the covering material onto the adhesive surface of the soft slab without generating pleats.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for densely and homogeneously loading catalyst into the annular space of bayonet tubes utilized in a steam reforming reactor. The device is of pneumatic type and uses a detachable feed tube for introducing gas into the annular space.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method for dense and homogeneous loading of catalyst into the annular space of bayonet tubes employed in a steam reforming reactor, said device being constituted by a series of removable helical elements.

Abstract: A sealed flexible pouch having an aseptic interior, the sealed flexible pouch including a container for holding a pharmaceutical solution, one or more additional components, and a template frame, wherein the container and the one or more additional components are affixed to a template frame in a predetermined first arrangement and provided inside the sealed flexible pouch.

Abstract: A first pressure sensor that detects pressure in a narrow pressure range with high accuracy is provided in a fuel tank, and a second pressure sensor that detects pressure in a wide pressure range with low accuracy with respect to the first pressure sensor is provided in vapor piping between the fuel tank and a tank blocking valve. Until internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes a second predetermined pressure, meter indication is performed on a display on the basis of a second tank internal pressure P2 calculated by the second pressure sensor and an atmospheric pressure sensor, and when internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes less than the second predetermined pressure, the meter indication is performed on the display on the basis of a first tank internal pressure P1 obtained by the first pressure sensor until internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes a fifth predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A vaporizer filler includes a fill port. The fill port defines an open interior. The open interior is configured to receive the nozzle of an anesthetic bottle. An agent reservoir is configured to receive and store anesthetic agent. A valve is disposed between the open interior and the agent reservoir. At least one vent extends through the fill port. A method of filling a vaporizer includes inserting the nozzle of a bottle filled with anesthetic agent into a vaporizer filler. At least one vent is occluded from fluid communication. Fluid communication between and open interior and an agent reservoir is opened. Anesthetic agent is poured into an agent reservoir of a vaporizer. Fluid communication is closed between the open interior and the agent reservoir. At least one vent is opened to fluid communication with the open interior. Pressure within the open interior is released through the at least one vent.

Abstract: A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of an incorrect liquid into a tank, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first embodiment, the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered vehicle is configured with a sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation is attempted, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered vehicle, at least one but fewer than all of displaceable mechanical elements are displaced, and the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling.

Abstract: A method for producing concrete blocks, and in particular paving stones, building blocks or the like, with a storage container forming a receiving space for a plurality of layers of different-colored concrete, dispensing means being provided in order to dispense partial amounts of the layers from the receiving space in such a way that a downstream release device receives a mixture of the layers of different-colored concrete, characterized in that at least a partial portion of a side wall of the receiving space is provided with at least one dispensing opening for dispensing a partial amount of the layers, the size of passage of the dispensing opening being variable by the dispensing means.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. An inflation pressure of a tire may be checked when a tire pressure sampling interval has elapsed. The tire pressure sampling interval may be adjusted based on a type of pressure drop when the inflation pressure is less than a target tire pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes an open-face tub and a closure element selectively closing the open face of the tub and housing a user interface powered by a rechargeable power supply, such as a battery, operatively coupled to a power charger. In one embodiment, the user interface is not removable from the closure element, and the power charger may be remote from the closure element to selectively provide power to the rechargeable power supply. In another embodiment, the closure element may include a first door and a second door, with each door having an inductive part for formation of an inductive coupling to charge the rechargeable power supply when the doors are in juxtaposition.

Abstract: A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.

Abstract: A resealable decanter associated with a gas evacuation system, the decanter having a body with an upper opening adapted to be closed with a removable sealing closure, a movable wall located within the body, the moveable wall moveable at least upwardly within the body through application of a vacuum thereto, a moveable wall guide portion associated with the moveable wall, and a valve assembly located adjacent the upper opening allowing the vacuum applied to move the moveable wall thus moving the liquid within the decanter to evacuate gas from the decanter while preventing loss of liquid from the decanter as the vacuum is applied whereby the liquid contents are removable from the decanter by pouring from the decanter.

Abstract: Machine and method for the automatic preparation of medication, comprising:—a starting products area comprising at least one receptacle with bane products; a transfer tools area further comprising at least one transfer tool; a prepared products area comprising at least one container; and one robot with holding means for transporting the receptacle, the transfer tool and/or the container; wherein the robot, the starting products area, the transfer tools area, and the prepared products area are disposed in the same cabinet or chamber of the machine, so that the robot is adapted to transport the receptacle, the transfer tool and/or the container between the areas in the chamber. The machine further comprising a holding device between the receptacle, the transfer tool or the container and the robot's holding means, said holding device comprising elastic means for fixation to different sizes/forms of receptacles, transfer tools or containers.

Abstract: A fill control system includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel storage vessel to provide fluid communication between a fuel source and the fuel storage vessel, and a fill control valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel storage vessel, an actuation of the fill control valve causing a pressure level upstream thereof which emulates a full condition of the fuel storage vessel.

Abstract: A container is configured for selectively dispensing a personal care product. The container includes a body, a drive apparatus, and an elevator. The body at least partially defines a product chamber and a distal opening. The elevator is disposed within the product chamber. Rotation of the drive apparatus results in axial movement of the elevator within the product chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for venting a well that receives a liquid. The method includes providing a microplate including a well that has a cavity with an open inlet and a closed end. The cavity extends between the open inlet and the closed end. The cavity is defined by a wall surface having a cross-sectional contour that includes at least one continuous section and at least one discontinuity section. The method also includes depositing a liquid into the open inlet of the well. The liquid enters the cavity and flows toward the closed end to at least partially fill the well. The liquid flows along the continuous section of the wall surface and remains separated from the discontinuity section of the wall surface, thereby maintaining a gas exhaust path along a spacing between the liquid and the discontinuity section as the liquid flows toward the closed end.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a system includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and an adjustable volume coupled to the first outlet and the second inlet. The first solids feeder is configured to supply a feedstock at a first feed rate and the second solids feeder is configured to supply the feedstock at a second feed rate. The adjustable volume is configured to adjust based at least in part on first feed rate and the second feed rate.

Abstract: A storage system (1) has a chamber (3). In the chamber (3), multiple storage tanks (5) are arranged, and a picking and placing device (8) is arranged above these tanks. Carrousels (8) are arranged in the storage tanks. These carrousels are suspended from a top pivot bearing (35) and laterally guided by a bottom pivot bearing (44). The top pivot bearing (35) is located outside the insulation (12) of the storage tanks and is thus protected from extreme temperatures. In the carrousel (18), storage cassettes (20) are arranged which are laterally held by guide elements (31).

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit which includes a transport region for transporting, in a transport operation, a sample rack holding the sample container to the sample processing unit, and a rack removal region where the sample rack is accessible to an operator. A restraining member is also provided, which restrains contact by the operator to the sample rack on the transport region. A transport controller controls the transport unit to transport the sample rack on the transport region to the rack removal region after a predetermined transport suspension event occurs during the transport operation.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: A closed path vial fill system includes a bulk product vial, a peristaltic pump operated by a stepper motor, a dispensing manifold assembly to which may be coupled at least one final product vial, an optional quality check station, and an optional waste collection system. A concentration, activity, and volume (CAV) sensor may be incorporated into the system to receive a radiopharmaceutical product directly from a synthesizing unit. A control system may be integrated into the system to provide automated control of various aspects of the radiopharmaceutical dispensing process. The system is used to aseptically dispense finished radiopharmaceuticals into receiving vessels, such as a Quality Control vial, a sterility vial, and/or final product vials, while providing users an efficient means for removing and discarding contaminated disposable components.

Abstract: A filling platform connected to a ship, and at least one manifold which opens onto the platform. A detachable tubular connector connects the manifold to a fluid delivery hose carried by a delivery installation. At least one carriage conveys the connector over the platform. The carriage is moveable across the platform to convey the tubular connector over the platform between a storage position and an active position, in which latter position, the connector is fixed to the manifold. The system is applicable to the transfer of liquefied natural gas from offshore storage installations to tanker ships.

Abstract: A gap amount (62) between a liner (53) and a reinforcement layer (55) before filling gas into a tank (30) is calculated on the basis of a tank pressure and a tank temperature in the tank (30). It is predicted whether a load larger than or equal to an allowable amount acts on the liner (53) by the gas filling on the basis of the calculated gap amount (62). When it is predicted that the load larger than or equal to the allowable amount acts on the liner (53), a filling flow rate at which the gas is filled into the tank (30) is limited in comparison with a case where it is predicted that the load larger than or equal to the allowable amount does not act on the liner (53).

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic formulations based on pumpkin products, in particular to encapsulated formulations for oral administration. A product of the invention comprises a hard gelatin capsule which encloses a unit dose of a formulation which comprises at least 50% by weight of one or more pumpkin product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support structure article having a frame with a top side, bottom side, back side and front side. The front side may include both a straight front side and slanted front side between the top side and the straight front side. The top side and bottom side of the frame may be parallel, and the back side and straight front side of the frame may be parallel. The top side and bottom side of the frame may each be perpendicular to the back side and straight front side of the frame. The article may also have a first set and a second set of crossing members inside the frame that intersect. A bag is also provided having walls that correspond in shape to the sides of the frame. Methods of making and using the bags and/or support structures of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for machine retrofits and interactive soda fountains are provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for loading a food processing machine, in particular a filling machine or a cutter, with food, including a container for receiving the food, a lifting means by which the container can be driven upwards, a drive for the lifting means, and a measuring means for detecting the amount of food in the container.

Abstract: A butter dispenser has a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a stick of butter from a housing or container whereby the dispensing mechanism may be separate from or integrated with the housing for containing the butter. The butter dispenser further provides for a dispensing mechanism that includes an automatically retractable dispensing mechanism for reloading the butter without requiring manual retraction of the dispensing mechanism to its fully retracted state.

Abstract: A manufacturing method including: forming a first electrode; forming a first bank; forming a first organic functional film; forming a second bank; forming a second organic functional film; and forming a second electrode. In the forming of the second bank, the second bank is formed such that, in plan view, a bottom edge of a sidewall surface of the second bank facing the second aperture is located at the same position as or is set back from a bottom edge of a sidewall surface of the first bank facing the first aperture. In the forming of the second organic functional film, the droplet of the second ink is applied such that an upper edge of the second organic functional film within the second aperture is located at a same level as or at a higher level than the bottom edge of the sidewall surface of the second bank.

Abstract: A process for dispensing a beverage into a cup comprising the steps of: providing a dispensing structure; providing a transportation mechanism linked with the dispensing structure; providing a staging structure linked with the transportation structure; providing a control system linked with the dispensing structure, staging structure and the transportation mechanism; providing a sensor mechanism linked with the control system, the sensor mechanism providing signals indicating the position of a cup; providing a cup identification system having an interactive display connected to the control system; picking a cup from a storage device and positioning it within a dispensing structure; dispensing ice and a beverage at separate locations within the dispensing structure; transporting the filled beverage to a staging structure; positioning the filled cup in the staging structure; removing the filled cup from the staging structure for sale to a customer wherein the cup identification system and the display outputs vi

Abstract: A conveying device for free-flowing fine-particle solids, in particular for powdery and/or granular (mixed) material, especially plastic granulate, includes a vertically arranged and flexibly mountable telescopic pipe for the conveyance of, preferably, polymer granulates, for example in a plant for the filling of polymer granulates.

Abstract: A paint can lid assembly having a universal paint cup port member adapted to receive and retain a paint spray cup in an inverted position such that unused paint will drain from the paint spray cup back into the paint can. The paint cup port member has a tubular main body that extends through the upper surface of the mixing lid, the internal bore of the main body being sufficiently sized so as to receive the mating spout of any type or brand of paint spray cup. In a preferred embodiment, the paint cup port member is provided with an annular locking shoulder to better secure paint spray cups possessing retention clip members.

Abstract: A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot.

Abstract: In a spreader for winter service vehicles, brine is filled from a tank sack into additional tanks by purely hydrostatic effect substantially without the use of pumps, by the tank sack being so filled for example by excess pressure that the brine is urged through a liquid line where it forms a closed liquid column. The exit end of the liquid line lies below the entrance end of the liquid line so that, upon filling, the liquid from the tank sack automatically flows into the additional tanks due to hydrostatic forces. Upon emptying the liquid tank, the liquid also flows in a corresponding manner from the tank sack into the additional tanks, thereby completely emptying the tank sack.

Abstract: A valve comprises a shell, a flexible valve member sealingly mounted within the shell, and a valve body mounted atop the flexible valve member within the shell. The flexible member is moveable between closed and open positions to allow the flow of fluid therethrough. The valve is engageable with a filling device having flow ports and a surrounding closure. The closure and/or the shaft is movable between (i) a first position wherein the closure closes the port(s), and (ii) a second position opening the port(s). Alternatively, the valve may comprise a portion of a female connector and the filling device may comprise a portion of a male connector to form an aseptic fluid connector for the aseptic transfer of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A dosing method and apparatus for filling containers in an automatic in-line or linear liquid filling machine where a single positive displacement dosing apparatus produces a repeatable volumetric or net weight master dose which is precisely subdivided hydraulically into a plurality of equal and repeatable subdoses. Each equal subdose synchronously fills a container such that with each dosing apparatus cycle all containers are simultaneously and equally filled. A precision dose control is located in each subdose flow branch.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions contain hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 8 wt % and 28 wt % inclusive. The amino acid; hydrochloric acid mole ratio may be between 0.2 and 1.5. Sufficient water is present to dissolve the hydrochloric acid and the amino acid. Such compositions have utility as retarders for acid compositions employed in the stimulation of subterranean formations. Slowing the reaction between the acid and formation helps maximize formation permeability and productivity.

Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A cavity of the attraction is located underneath an upper surface, the upper surface configured to support a flow of water and at least one rider thereon. A volume of water is configured to be disposed within the cavity, the upper surface floating upon the volume of water while connected to at least one side wall, floor, and/or nozzle structure. A pump and nozzle assembly, positioned outside of the cavity, communicates with the water within the cavity for flowing a portion of the water over the upper surface. A drainage portion, adjacent to the upper surface, drains the flowing water back into the cavity for recirculation. Support components, such as a plurality of beams or an inflatable grid structure help maintain stability for the attraction.

Abstract: An adapter assembly and a process for supplying a sterilant to a packaging system for cleaning and filling of packages. Specifically, an adapter assembly for directly supplying a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, from a packaging container, such as a blow-molded tight-head plastic packaging container, to the packaging system without using any intermediate carrier, such as a carboy.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into an array of substantially vertical tubes; wherein the loading tray comprises a plurality of loading tray elements, each loading tray element comprising at least one loading opening and at least some of the loading tray elements comprising at least two loading openings, the loading tray elements being fitted together to form an array of the loading openings.

Abstract: A method of filling by weight containers having respective bottoms standing on a conveyor. The method comprises the steps of: grasping each container in order to separate it from the conveyor and to bring it up to a substance dispenser spout; weighing the container while it is held separated from the conveyor under the dispenser spout and while simultaneously filling it in order to reach a desired weight; and putting the container back onto the conveyor. An installation for performing the method.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into a catalytic reactor comprising an upper tubesheet and an array of reaction tubes extending downward from the tubesheet; wherein the loading tray comprises: a loading template comprising one or more loading openings; one or more supports for spacing the loading template above the tube-sheet to form a volume between the loading template and the upper tube-sheet; and a vacuum outlet for application of suction to the volume between the loading template and the upper tubesheet.

Abstract: An oil pourer includes a spout shell that is configured to be connected with a bottle of culinary oil and a collapsible funnel section connected with the spout shell and moveable with respect to the spout shell between an open position and a closed position. When the funnel section is in the open position, the funnel section and the spout shell define an oil-filling opening. When the funnel section is in the closed position, the funnel section seals against the spout shell to close the oil-filling opening. A method of using an oil pourer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web with finely divided powder in which the web is fed continuously to and through a powder filling stage including a driven roller. At the powder filling stage, the powder, which is fed either onto the web upstream of the roller or to the roller of the powder filling stage, is filled into the microdepressions of the web using the driven roller, wherein said roller is rotating about an axis generally transverse to the direction of web, while the surface speed of the roller and the web speed are different and wherein the roller and web are positioned relative to one another, such that between the upper surface of the web and the outer surface of the roller there is a gap.

Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a top (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the top (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the top, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.