Abstract: A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger.

Abstract: A syringe filling apparatus having a housing, a fluid reservoir, and a port for providing a fluid pathway between the syringe and the fluid reservoir. The apparatus has an alarm to indicate the fluid level within the reservoir. The apparatus has a heating system for heating the fluid within the reservoir to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: A closure for a container for sealing the contents of the container includes a cap assembly having a first portion that is insertable into a dispensing opening formed in the container and a second portion that is rotatable relative to the first portion. The cap is positionable between at least a dispensing position in which the contents of the container can be dispensed through the cap assembly and a closed position in which the contents are sealed in the container from atmospheric conditions. The closure also includes a rollable, flexible liner for receiving and holding the contents, the liner being coupled to the cap assembly and in fluid communication therewith so that the liner can initially receive the contents and later dispense the contents through the cap assembly.

Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: A feed system and related process are configured to continuously feed measured doses of source material to a vapor deposition apparatus wherein the source material is sublimated and deposited as a thin film on a substrate. The system includes a bulk material hopper, and an upper dose cup disposed to receive source material from the hopper. A lower dose cup is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber to receive a measured dose of source material from the upper dose cup. A transfer mechanism is disposed below the vacuum lock chamber to receive the measured dose of source material from the lower dose cup and to transfer the source material to a downstream deposition head while isolating the deposition conditions and sublimated source material within the deposition head.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a device for selectively opening or closing an anesthetic reservoir, the device having a first component adaptable to a reservoir and a second component adaptable to a vaporizer. The first component may have a base, a nozzle, and a through-hole. The second component may have a support member with a knob for engaging the through-hole of the first component and preventing liquid from flowing from the through-hole. The first and second components may be threaded to engage with each other such that when the components are twisted relative to each other, the knob may move toward or away from the through-hole to prevent or allow liquid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mixing unit comprising a sealed container joined to a second container. When the second container is fully united with the sealed container, a seal in the sealed container is breached and the contents of the first container and the second container can be mixed. The seal is breached by a bushing enclosed within the sealed container or enclosed in a coupler between the sealed container and the second container which is advanced against the seal, and ruptures the seal when the second container is advanced into the coupler of the coupler portion of the sealed container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including a dispenser for dispensing liquid such as water to a user. A liquid container is located below the dispenser and removably attachable to a pivoting cradle engaging the liquid container. The cradle may be pivoted about an axis located adjacent an exit location for liquid within the liquid container. A filling device may be located below the liquid container for removably engaging the liquid container in fluid communication.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for dispensing biological fluids, such as allergens.

Abstract: A metering device for dispensing a free-flowing, fine-grained granular material. The metering device can be connected to the packaging container which holds the granular, fine-grained material and contains a housing (1) which holds the granular material. The housing (1) can be closed by means of two closures (19, 20), which can be moved alternately from an open position (25) into a closed position (26) and vice versa.

Abstract: A refill cartridge for a printer and an ink refilling apparatus adopting the same. The refill cartridge includes a case having an ink supply outlet and an air hole, a shaft rotatably supported within the case, a propeller installed on the shaft for discharging ink contained in the case to the ink supply outlet, a shaft driving device for rotating the shaft, and an ink supply outlet plug for opening and closing the ink supply outlet.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with an anaesthetic liquid container, comprising a connector with the help of which an anaesthetic liquid container and a transport or supply container of anaesthetic liquid can be connected to one another for guiding the anaesthetic liquid from the transport or supply container to the anaesthetic liquid container and for removing a volume of gas equivalent to the anaesthetic liquid from the anaesthetic liquid container to the transport or supply container. In order to provide a reliable and tight connection, the connector comprises a conduit arrangement which, when connecting the anaesthetic liquid container and the transport or supply container to one another, is adapted to open first a flow connection exclusively to gas.

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer filler valve is disclosed that can be used in conjunction with anesthetic agent bottles currently commercially available and which have standard keying systems with rotating collars having lugs extending therefrom. The standard collar of such anesthetic agent bottles is keyed into the vaporizer filling valve. the vaporizer filler valve has an internal valve that must be opened in order to introduce the liquid anesthetic agent into the vaporizer sump. By means of a corresponding slot in the vaporizer filler valve that correspond with mating lugs of the standard anesthetic agent bottle, only a proper anesthetic agent bottle can engage and be screwed into the filler valve designed for that specific anesthetic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological specimen and incubation container having a cylindrically shaped housing having a closed first end and an open second end. A plug, having a longitudinal bore therethrough, is anchored into a first position at the open end of the container. The container may then be supplied, via a pipette, through that bore in the plug. When the container is filled, the plug may be pushed further into the container, where it is squeezed by intermating tapered surfaces, to close the bore therein. An arrangement of annular lips and grooves in the container and the plug, anchors the plug to the container and ultimately seals and secures them together.

Abstract: A link for use between a needleless syringe and a liquid medicine vial may be used equally well with both Luer lock and slip tip syringes. An adapter flange forms both an anchor for a conventional Luer lock and a receiving receptacle for a conventional slip tip syringe. The bottom end of the receiving receptacle is capped with a cylindrical sieve providing multiple fluid flow paths. The vial end of the link is formed with a pocket for collecting fluid when the vial is inverted. Two separate versions are provided, with one having a flip-top cap flush with the top of the medicine vial and the other having a twist-off top extending above the top of the vial. An outer jacket, surrounding the vial top is an optional variation on either version and provides for resealing of multiple dose vials. A valve automatically seals the vial to protect against loss of fluid and contamination of remaining fluid within the vial, in the event that the vial is overturned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid from a closed, liquid-containing blood collection tube is described. The apparatus includes a dual conduit providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from a closed blood collection tube and a gas conduit providing a passage way for gas to be introduced into the blood collection tube. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for inserting the dual conduit into the blood collection tube, turning the tube away from a vertical and upright orientation, connecting and disconnecting the gas supply to the gas passageway, and providing control over the operation of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A binary connector intercouples a plugged drug vial and a plugged, flexible-walled diluent container so that the diluent can pass to the vial from the container only after the latter has been pressurized by squeezing. Sharp-tipped, hollow spikes with intercommunicating axial bores extend in diametrically opposite directions from a disk-shaped base, with jaws having circularly arrayed flexible arms extending in diametrically opposite directions from the base, coaxially around respective ones of the spikes. A compressible rubber plug is wedged in one of the bores. A vial is engaged to a container for liquid communication by snapping the connectors' jaws around their respective inlets, causing the connectors' hollow spikes to pierce their respective plugs. However, not until the container is squeezed is the plug expelled from the blocked bore and communication established between vial and container.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a liquid container, a cover body, a control pin, a bottom seat, a hose, and a valve. The cover body is fastened to the bottom portion of the liquid container and provided with a protruded seat with a permeating hole. The control pin is encased in a coil spring and received in the permeating hole. The control pin is provided at an upper end thereof with a water-checking washer. The bottom seat is provided with a receiving space dimensioned to receive therein the cover body. The bottom portion of the bottom seat is provided with a through hole and a connection tube to which the hose is attached. The receiving space is provided with a support rod capable of pushing the control pin to move upwards, thereby permitting the liquid held in the container to be dispensed via the receiving space, the hose and the valve.

Abstract: A material handling system for effecting the transfer of powdered fluent material with respect to a container while preventing the escape of such material to a surrounding work environment. The system comprises a container having an opening in its top, a lower closure device secured to the container at its top movable between a closed position closing the container opening and an open position for permitting access to the interior of the container opening. An upper closure device is releasably attachable to the container above the lower closure device. At least part of the upper closure device is removed from the container to permit access to the container opening when the lower closure device is open. The system also includes a tubular head comprising an outer sleeve, and an inner tube mechanism inside the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Described is a refilling container for refilling a writing, painting or drawing implement, a cosmetic applicator implement or the like, wherein the implement (44) comprises an applicator member (48) which projects out of a casing and which has a capillary conveying action, for a fluid of relatively low viscosity, a reservoir for the fluid, which is in fluid communication with the applicator member (48), and a vent passage (78) in the vicinity of the applicator member (48). The refilling container (10) is provided with a neck portion (58). The implement (44) to be refilled can be inserted with its applicator member (48) and with a casing portion (46) adjoining the applicator member (48), into the neck portion (58) of the refilling container, in such a way that the neck portion (58) is sealed off by the casing portion (46) and a fluid communication is formed through the vent passage (78) between the refilling container (10) and the reservoir in the implement (44).

Abstract: A container having a pouring spout for pouring oil into an engine (14). The container has a cap (24) which is screwed onto a neck portion (16) of the container. The cap (24) has radial ribs (32) tapering toward the cap bottom (28). The end of the neck portion (20) has a reduced diameter and is aligned with a breakable portion (28a) formed in the cap bottom. In use, the container is inserted in an inverted position so that the spout attends into an inlet opening (11) of the engine. Radial ribs (32) are wedged in the inlet opening by applying an axial force to the container body (10), and the body is then rotated with respect to the immovable cap (24). As a result of this rotation, the reduced-diameter portion (20) of the container neck moves axially toward the breakable portion (28a) until the portion (20) breaks it, thus opening the container and allowing the oil to flow into the engine oil tank (14).

Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized. Furthermore, a process for distributing toxic chemicals is disclosed which provides full control over the chemicals being distributed and prevents unwanted spillages, misuse, and mishandling of the chemicals in an unpressurized, gravity fed system.

Abstract: A hollow lid (14) with a built-in scoop (25) combines with an integrated sliding blade (18) to form a single mechanical system for the removal of dry foodstuffs. The scoop and cut-off blade are integrated mechanically, and function in concert, so as to permit the scoop to connect with the blade to pull the blade over a dispensing hole (36B), thereby blocking the flow of dry foodstuffs while at the same time allowing the scoop to release freely from claws (54) that hold the scoop while the blade blocks the flow of material and permits the scoop to be removed from the jar or container lid with the scoop's measured contents that have filed the scoop by gravity flow.

Abstract: A container system is provided for storing, transporting, measuring and loading liquid into dispenser equipment. A predetermined quantity of liquid is stored within a first larger container having gradings or markings for visually observing the quantity of liquid in the container. A lower discharge outlet is provided for selectively discharging liquid from the first container. A second smaller container, also including gradings or markings for visually observing the quantity of liquid within the second container, is removably mounted to the outer surface of the first container. A spray nozzle for metering and controlling the quantity of liquid to be discharged from the first larger container may be stored within the smaller second container when not in use. The container system enables a user to transport both a larger and smaller container, and a discharge nozzle, as a single assembled unit.

Abstract: A seal puncture fitting mounted to the distal end of a spout of a liquid container including a cylindrical collar disposed about the spout in telescopic relation thereto wherein the collar is attached to the spout by a cam structure designed to allow both rotational and vertical movement of the collar in relation to the spout. A cutting blade is disposed within the collar at an upper end thereof, such that downward vertical movement of the collar causes the cutting blade to puncture a membrane seal disposed in covering, sealed relation to the spout opening. The upper portion of the collar includes a threaded outer surface for threaded engagement of a cap thereby preventing liquid from spilling between each use.

Abstract: A food supporting element is used to support food, such as dip, in position near the open mouth of a food container to be easily accessible for serving. The supporting element includes a bowl that is spaced from the container, and is mounted on the container near the cover for that container. When the cover is closed, the container is inverted so food product moves past the food supporting bowl, and is then re-inverted to an upright orientation so food is supported on the bowl. The container is then opened and the food supported on the bowl is in position for serving.

Abstract: By employing two independent, separate and distinct flow paths which are controllably sequentially opened during use in a single actuation operation, an error-free, spill-free flame and explosion proof liquid delivery/filling system is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, both flow paths are normally maintained in a closed, sealed configuration, requiring an actuation force to controllably, sequentially open the flow paths. In addition, by providing a cooperating, mating liquid transfer assembly, the container on which the liquid delivery/filling system is mounted can be refilled with safety and ease, completely eliminating spillage of the liquid. In this way, a fully integrated, cooperating, liquid flow controlling system is realized.

Abstract: A developer supplying structure of a developing device includes a device body formed with an opening through which a developer is dispersed; a lid for the opening; a developer cartridge formed with an outlet corresponding to the opening of the device body, and detachably mounted on the device body; and a seal member folded in two portions in which one portion seals the opening of the developer cartridge and the other portion is left free as a flap; the seal member being torn off from the opening of the developer cartridge by pulling the flap; a sliding member provided between the two portions and sliding the lid interlocking with pulling the flap; and a pair of projections laterally formed in the lid and a pair of claws coming in contact with the projections and moving the lid in the direction to expose the opening of the device body.

Abstract: A device for dispensing predetermined equal amounts of coffee into the reservoirs mounted to the upper termination of the lower detachable portion of an expresso coffee pot. The device is adapted to securely receive the open end of a cylindrical coffee container on one end and the other end has several concentric recesses that cooperatively receive the upper termination. A dispensing member with hemispheric shape is rotably mounted within the device to cover the opening of the smaller one of the concentric recesses with the convex side and capable of dispensing a predetermined amount of coffee when rotated with an externally accessible handle member.

Abstract: Apparatus for formulating pasty materials comprising a set of supply containers each containing a pasty material and each having an extrusion nozzle. A receiving tube is adapted to fit on each extrusion nozzle. An element is included for stimating the amount of material extruded from a selected container of the set into the receiving tube when the tube is fitted on one of the extrusion nozzles. The receiving tube is of flexible material to allow pasty material extruded into the tube to be ejected from the tube by application of a traveling pinching action along the tube. The apparatus may include a container for the receipt of such ejected material and an element for stirring or mixing to homogeneity material in the container.

Abstract: An oil nozzle allows for oil to be poured into an engine without the spillage and waste commonly accompanying oil pouring from conventional threaded containers. By use of the tightening member a threaded oil container is attached to the oil nozzle in its closed position and positioned on top of an oil receiving port of an engine. The oil container is pushed downward which opens the oil nozzle and allows oil flow from the container into the oil port. After a desired amount of oil has been dispensed, downward pressure is applied to the shut-off handle which seals the nozzle in its closed position.

Abstract: A method of utilizing an apparatus of the type comprising a vial container hazardous material in the vial container in a condition requiring a diluent to be mixed therewith to form the liquid solution, and an assemblage carried by the vial container for providing (1) a sealed medicament chamber within the vial container within which the hazardous material is disposed, (2) a filter vented control chamber and (3) a sealed variable volume control chamber between the vented control chamber and the medicament chamber. The method is such as to enable an open end of a syringe needle of a diluent syringe having a syringe chamber containing diluent in communication therewith to be moved into and withdrawn successively from the chambers so as to mix the diluent with the hazardous material. The method also contemplates procedures for separately refilling a dosage syringe and for relieving any residual pressure in the vial chamber with the use of an empty syringe prior to initial or final refilling of a dosage syringe.

Abstract: A disposable tint pack assembly is provided for use in a contact lens tinting apparatus. This disposable assembly includes a plurality of disposable packages, each for containing a supply of a given fluid material for use in a contact lens tinting process carried out by the apparatus. A fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled with each of these packages and is selectively operable for dispensing the fluid contained therein, preferably in premeasured, incremental quantities. A tray-like carrier member is provided for supporting and locating all of the packages in predetermined relative positions for use in a given order in the lens tinting process carried out by the tinting apparatus. A retaining structure is provided for releasably holding each of the packages in the desired position in the carrier tray. The invention also extends to individual portions or sub-assemblies of the foregoing tint pack assembly.

Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing product from a container is illustrated in an embodiment in which a closure, for a container having a neck portion, has a discharge port with a spout pivotally supported in the port. The spout has a top wall which closes the port and has spaced opposed depending side walls which extend into the container when the spout is in the closed position. The side walls have matching curvilinear edges. A valve member is supported in the container so that the spout can be moved into and out of registration with it. The valve member has a curvilinear surface that conforms to and mates with the curvilinear edges of the side walls when they are in registration to define a closed dispensing chamber having a predetermined measure of product therein. The spout is filled when out our registration with the valve member.

Abstract: A toner supply device for supplying a developing unit of an electrophotographic copier with a toner developer which is stored in a cylindrical cartridge. The cartridge is fixed in a horizontal position in the vicinity of the developing unit of the copier while occupying a minimum of space. The toner supply device is desirably applicable to a small-size electrophotographic copier.

Abstract: A toner dispensing apparatus consists of a toner receiving portion and a toner container unit to be mounted on the former. The toner receiving portion has an openable cover for opening and closing an opening portion of the toner receiving portion. The toner container unit has container, a seal member for sealing an opening portion of the container, and a slide member connected with a portion of the seal member and slidable with respect to the opening portion. The seal member is torn off from the opening portion when the slide member is moved in conjunction with the opening motion of the openable cover.