Abstract: An automated, syringe filling apparatus is disclosed for the on-site filling of syringes with a viscoelastic fluid material from a supply reservoir. A housing has a port for receiving the outlet end region of the viscoelastic supply reservoir and a retainer is provided for releasably retaining a conventional syringe to be filled from the viscoelastic supply reservoir. A flexible plastic tube, preferably formed as part of the viscoelastic supply reservoir, is used to interconnect the supply reservoir with a filling end of a syringe retained in the syringe retainer. A peristaltic pump mounted in the housing has a rotating head with a plurality of rollers which force the viscoelastic material through the tube from the supply reservoir into a retained syringe when the tube is locked between the pump head and a back-up member. Electric pump controls include a timer calibrated for causing the automatic filling of the syringe with predetermined amounts of viscoelastic material from the supply reservoir.

Abstract: A thermoplastic closure for a fluid container which has a flexible needle-like dispensing extension continuous with and extending from the base and ending at a tip wherein the extension has an internal cylindrical cavity with an interior aperture positioned within the base and an exterior aperture positioned at the tip. The flexible, needle-like extension facilitates ease in refilling reservoirs such as ink-jet cartridges and facilitates control over the rate of flow of the ink from the container into the reservoir.

Abstract: An ink refill adapter to be used for refilling a used ink cartridge with ink from a separate ink container. The ink refill adapter includes a support plate and a conduit extending through the support plate. When the ink refill adapter is placed on the used cartridge, the ink container and the ink cartridge are brought into full engagement via the adapter so that the ink in the ink container flows down by gravity into the conduit and further into the cartridge. The ink refill adapter is designed so as to form an air escape between the adapter and the cartridge so as to let the air inside the cartridge go out smoothly as the ink flows in and is further provided with a safety cap that has an ink absorbing material.

Abstract: A pastry bag supporting device for facilitating the filling, cleaning, drying or storing of pastry bags. Also, an assembly comprising the pastry bag supporting device, a pastry bag positioned therewith, and a support system; and methods for using the pastry bag supporting device or the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a pressurized can is provided that includes a pumping assembly having a piston for driving a liquid into the can. A cabinet encloses the pumping assembly and has a door which provides access to the pumping assembly. A first embodiment of the apparatus includes a manual lever arm assembly for driving the pumping assembly. A second embodiment of the apparatus includes a powered pneumatic cylinder for driving the pumping assembly and a control circuit for cycling the pneumatic cylinder. Preferably the control circuit includes a control valve for alternately supplying pneumatic fluid to upper and lower spaces of the pneumatic cylinder and a pair of accumulators for alternating the control valve. A third embodiment of the apparatus includes automatic means controls for driving the pumping assembly a selected number of piston cycles.

Abstract: An adaptive holder for a pump-style dispenser including a holder base and at least two converging side rails slanted from top to bottom and connected to the holder base. The dispenser base slides between and under the top of the converging side rails until it is secured to the holder base by frictional compression forces between the dispenser base, the converging side rails and the holder base. A toothbrush holder system for positioning a toothbrush in proximity to the dispenser is disclosed. A toothbrush holder base is secured in the adaptive holder along with the dispenser. The toothbrush is supported by support base and held in proper position by the side rails. As an alternative, the adaptive holder which includes a support rail can be provided with a toothbrush support base and toothbrush guide rails. The adaptive holder can be provided with support arms and an extension handle arm pivotally connected to the support arms. When the extension arm is depressed the pump actuator is also depressed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for filling insulating glass panes (10) with filler gas comprises two plates (1 and 2) and an endless conveyor belt (9) provided at the lower rim of the plates (1 and 2), on which the insulating glass pane (10) stands with its lower, open edge. Sealing devices (30 and 31) that can be brought into contact with the vertical edges of the insulating glass pane (10) are provided between the plates (1 and 2) in order to seal the interior of the insulating glass pane (10). The sealing device (30)is associated with a connection (50) for feeding filler gas into the interior of the insulating glass pane (10). Air and air-gas mixtures can be removed from the insulating glass pane (10) via a channel formed between the other vertical edge of the insulating glass pane (10) and a sealing device (31) applied at that location, whereby air or air-gas mixture can flow out over the entire height of the open, vertical rim of the insulating glass pane (10) from the interior of the latter.

Abstract: A structure found of several structural segments with superposed rooms is used for chemical plants which permit a very flexible method of production with rapid product changes. The plant components together with associated connections are housed on mobile frames in the rooms so that the plant components can be simply and rapidly replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling, sorting, apportioning, packaging and dispensing bulk food products is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is connected to a reservoir containing a supply of a dry, granular foodstuff. The dispenser receives and dispenses a predetermined portion of the foodstuff from the reservoir through a dispensing opening. In one embodiment, a predetermined portion of the foodstuff is received by the dispenser by rotating a manually operated rotatable member. The reservoir is rotatably attached to a mounting rack, the rotation of the reservoir permitting access to its interior to fill it with foodstuff to be dispensed. A plurality of dispensing systems, each containing a different foodstuff, can be juxtaposed to form a foodstuff dispensing bar.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus including a clam-jaw spout having an inner liner and interior chute suspended beneath a hopper. The bottom end of the inner liner is pleated, and a pair of air jets disposed on opposing sides of the liner project a stream of air toward each concave side of the liner ensuring a uniform and repeatable fold and substantially dust-tight seal as the clam-jaw sections of the spout begin to close. The oval shape of the dust collectors and increased cross-sectional area of the ports and conduits increases the volume of air and amount of airborne particulate matter withdrawn from above the top of the bag without unduly increasing the flow velocity of the air through those ports, and without requiring separate air removal means disposed within the interior of the bag.

Abstract: The cup locator includes a plurality of non-concentric rings placed one on one top of the other from smallest to largest. A backstop is integrally formed at the rear of the cup locator. Different sized beverage cups will be properly positioned with respect to the nozzle of the beverage dispenser and the cup lips will be properly positioned within an acceptable range of positions with respect to an ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: In a fluid vending machine, a pivoting dispensing assembly comprises a housing having the form of a cylindrical sector, and a conformingly shaped platform rotatingly secured therein having a sectorial base plate and rectangular inner and outer sides. A spring disposed between the base plate of the platform and a bottom plate of the housing urges the platform towards a closed position therein. A user supplied container disposed on the base plate is filled with fluid dispensed through an aperture on a top plate of the housing. A switch on the housing in contact with the inner side of the platform when in the closed position shuts off the egress of fluid into the container should the user draw out the platform during a dispense cycle.

Abstract: A balloon vending machine having a number of uninflated balloons positioned in a balloon support structure housed within the balloon vending machine. Attached to each balloon is a valve that not only maintains the balloon in the support structure but facilitates the inflation of the balloon. An operator selects one of a variety of balloons available for inflation. By rotating the balloon support housing the various balloons. Once the operator selects a balloon for inflation, the chosen balloon is indexed within the balloon support structure. The balloon is then inflated by dispensing a pressured gas through a series of regulators while still positioned in the balloon support structure. After the balloon is completely inflated, the inflator transports the balloon to a balloon hatch for delivery to the operator. The balloon hatch prohibits the operator from having access to the internal working of the balloon vending machine while retrieving the inflated balloon.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods for aseptically transferring fluid into or out of a closed aseptic processing system. The apparatus comprises a novel fluid transfer station, including a needle bundle driver, a mounting base mounting the driver to a tank, and a fluid receiver assembly. The needle bundle driver includes a needle bundle holder which holds a needle bundle while the ends of the needles are driven into the tank through the fluid receiver assembly. The cooperation between the needle holder and the needle bundle includes a pair of clamp arms which extend outwardly from the needle bundle, and terminate in top and bottom pods. The top and bottom pods cooperate with the top surface of a support block and a bottom surface with an overhead clamping block, for locking the needle bundle into the needle holder, immobilizing the needle bundle between the clamping block and the support block.

Abstract: A cup holder is provided which is suited for attachment to a spout of a conventional beverage preparation machine so as to support a cup in a fluid-receiving orientation adjacent to such spout. The cup holder includes a base which is configured for securement to the spout, and a U-shaped cup-gripping member which includes a pair of space side walls separated by generally horizontal floor. One of the side walls extends from the base to the floor and the second side wall extends upwardly from the floor and terminates arcuately to provide a seat for a cup's lip. The arc of the second side wall is similar in shape to the side edge of a conventional lipped cup, accommodating angular placement of the cup on the second side wall during filling of the cup.

Abstract: A developing device including a device body which has a toner reception port and supplies toner stored therein to a photosensitive member, a toner cartridge, which is detachably mounted in the device body has a toner discharge port opposed to the toner reception port, and supplies toner stored therein to the device body through the ports, and a toner cartridge cover which has a side that is connected to the device body without a gap. When the toner cartridge is removed from the device body of the developing device to the toner cover, the toner left in the toner cartridge doesn't leak out the gap between the toner cartridge and the cartridge cover and the surroundings of the developing device are not soiled with the toner.

Abstract: The discovery of the present invention includes method and apparatus for a strainer funnel with means for supporting itself over a wide variety of receptacles. The method and apparatus for a new and improved strainer funnel aid a cook in separating liquids from solids. The new and improved strainer funnel of the present invention comprises: a bowl, a strainer, a funnel in the lower portion of the bowl and support means attached to the bowl such that the bowl is adequately supported if placed on a flat surface and on top of a receptacle being used to collect the liquids passing through the funnel. The method includes providing an improved strainer funnel and using it to separate liquids from solids.

Abstract: A self-closing cap for the filler neck of liquid containers, comprising a closure ring having an annular seal, said ring being attachable to said filler neck and having an orifice for receiving a nozzle that discharges a pressurized stream of liquid into the container, and of a spring-biased closure flap swivel-mounted on said closure ring and provided with a seal, wherein the improvement is the provision of a gasket around the orifice for preventing atomized liquid from said nozzle from being back-blown out of the orifice and onto the hand of the person handling the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a high flow, pilot actuated pressure relief/rollover valve into a refueling vapor recovery system having a vapor vent line for recirculating vapor past the aspirator of a refueling nozzle and a nozzle seal for engaging a refueling nozzle in an airtight manner. All vapor of evaporative hydrocarbons created during the act of refueling are routed directly to an onboard storage canister.

Abstract: A gas cap permanently mounted to an access door for preventing back flow of fuel from a filler neck. A tubular member is secured to the access door including a mating member for connecting with the filler neck and locking members. Upon the presence of pressure caused by a fuel backflow, the locking members are engaged to the filler neck preventing the gas cap from being removed. Thus, release of fuel in vehicle accidents, such as rollovers, is prevented.

Abstract: An inoculation device preferably for use in the testing of a fluid sample such as urine. The device includes a capillary flow system which allows for immediate and contemporaneous inoculation of a plurality of reagent pads forming part of a test substrate. The flow system includes a plurality of nozzles and a support structure which directs flow into the individual reagent pads while avoiding cross-contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining viscous fluids to the cap-ends of various sizes and shapes of containers without shaking or tapping the containers to hasten the process. The apparatus has three openings within a base having varying diameters, depths and shapes to accommodate containers of varying dimensions. For draining uncovered containers, a catch drawer is provided for two of the opening sets. A third opening set is provided for smaller bottles that are to be drained with caps left in place, such as personal care items. The apparatus can be molded from plastic to make it food-safe and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A device that holds a pitcher at a preselected angle of tilt while the pitcher is being filled with a beverage. Where beer is the beverage, the angle of tilt ensures that the beer will flow down the inner side walls of the pitcher, thereby suppressing the foam or head that would develop if the pitcher were charged while in an upright disposition. The weight of the beer as it gradually fills the pitcher gradually overcomes the bias that causes the initial tilting so that the head is continually suppressed throughout the charging operation and so that the pitcher is completely upright when filled. The device saves its user from having to hold a heavy pitcher at a tilted position throughout the charging process.

Abstract: A filing system which prevents the contamination of a container's sealing surface during the system's filling procedure is disclosed. A first endless belt is used to convey a succession of containers below a second endless belt. The first and second endless belts travel synronously and in the same direction. A similar succession of shields is attached to the second endless belt. As the two belts converge, the shields separately protrude into and extend over the open end of the laterally traveling containers. The shields prevent product or other contaminants from depositing on the containers' sealing surfaces as the containers are filled. Drip guards positioned on the downstream portion of the second endless belt collect drippage from each shield as it is removed from its seal protecting position within each container. The first and second endless belts are sanitized on every revolution to further prevent container contamination.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for use in a filler neck sized to receive a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The sealing assembly includes an elastic seal member between the filler neck and a fuel-dispensing nozzle and a seal retainer for clamping the seal member in the filler neck to define in the filler neck an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber. The seal is configured to admit the fuel-dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in vapor communication. The sealing assembly partitions a fuel-conducting passageway in the filler neck to limit flow of vapors and gases through the passageway during dispensing of fuel into the filler neck and past the sealing assembly.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispensing system includes a probe assembly for automatically shutting off dispensing when dispensed beverage reaches a predetermined level. Upon initial shut-off, a waiting period occurs during which the foam portion at top of the beverage is allowed to settle. At the end of the wait period, an additional top-off period is initiated during which beverage is again dispensed to top-off the beverage to the desired level.

Abstract: A tube holder is adapted to be positioned in a ring on the conveyor of the tube filling machine. The tube holder is cup-shaped and has a central, generally cylindrical, tube gripper consisting of eight upwardly extending fingers. The fingers have radially inwardly directed pads on their upper ends. The fingers lean radially inwardly. When a tube is placed in them, they flex outwardly and provide a friction grip to the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring toxic waste liquid directly into a 55 gallon waste drum includes a mobile drum cradle that lifts the drum so it can be moved to a container presently holding the toxic liquid. A vacuum is produced in a transfer reservoir, and an inlet valve of the tank is opened and a dump valve of the tank is closed. The vacuum draws waste liquid through a tube and the inlet valve into the transfer reservoir until a full condition is sensed. The vacuum then is released, the inlet valve is closed, and the dump valve is opened, dumping waste liquid from the transfer reservoir through the dump valve directly into the drum. This procedure is automatically repeated until all of the waste liquid is transferred or a drum full condition is sensed. The drum is then carried to a disposal site by the mobile drum cradle.

Abstract: An improved drip tray for a beverage dispenser, an improved cold carbonated beverage dispenser and a kit for retrofitting existing beverage dispensers into the improved beverage dispenser have a drip tray with a front nose which is extended and spaced upward of and forward of an original drip tray and cup rest, and wings which extend transversely outward beyond sides of the dispenser. An improved and enlarged receptacle rest extends to the nose and across both wings. The improved dispenser handles both standard sized cups and extra large beverage receptacles of at least one quart volume, specific examples of which are 44 oz. cups and pitchers, while providing automatic unattended shut off of dispensing in response to sensing of the level of beverage being adjacent to the upper rim of any of the standard or extra large receptacles, and complete and stable unattended support of the extra large receptacles during dispensing and shut off.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine is disclosed in which a chamber is provided for receipt of a refillable bottle with a resealable opening through which a probe may extend. Centering means extend into the housing to center the bottle on the base of a chamber. Then a probe extends into the chamber and engages an opening in the refillable bottle to fill and pressurize the bottle. After filling, the probe retracts allowing the filled bottle to be removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A drink dispenser assembly used for filling receptacles when placed into a position to receive liquid dispensed from a nozzle comprises a valve which is controlled by a solenoid connected to an electric circuit, a switch operated at the will of the operator to actuate the electric circuit and the solenoid to open the valve and initiate a filling cycle, an assembly operative to suspend the receptacle below the nozzle, and an arm positioned proximate the receptacle when the receptacle is placed into a position to receive liquid, the arm operative to sense the filled condition of the receptacle and deactuate the electric circuit and the solenoid to close the valve and terminate the filling cycle.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for use in a filler neck sized to receive a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The sealing assembly includes a sealing ring between the filler neck and a fuel-dispensing nozzle and a support for locating the seal in the filler neck to define in the filler neck an outer chamber communicable with the atmosphere and an inner chamber. The seal is configured to admit the fuel-dispensing nozzle into the inner chamber without coupling the inner and outer chambers in vapor communication. The sealing assembly partitions a fuel-conducting passageway in the filler neck to limit flow of vapors and gases through the passageway during dispensing of fuel into the filler neck and past the sealing assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a bottle containing a medicament to a syringe the needle of which is housed in a closed chamber defined by the apparatus and from which the needle can be made to emerge by sliding the separate constituent parts of the appartus along each other. To prevent the needle from emerging from the chamber when no bottle is housed in the appropriate seat provided in the apparatus, there extends from one of the parts of the apparatus an elongated flexible appendix having at least one protuberance which projects into the seat and against which the bottle presses when inserted into the seat, so bending the appendix outwards. In front of the free end of the appendix there is provided a stop tooth projecting from that consituent part of the apparatus which is projecting from that constituent part of the apparatus which is mobile along the first part and extends totally around the seat.

Abstract: A vial holder for a septum closed vial is disclosed which vial holder enables automated vial insertion to and withdrawal from puncturing hypodermics for the removal of contents or the communication of electrodes to liquids within the sealed vial. The vial--a commercial item of manufacture--includes a cylindrical glass body closed at the bottom and terminating upwardly at a narrowed neck to an opening. The opening accommodates both a septum and a septum retaining cap. A vial holder having an inside vial containing cavity with inside dimension complementary to the outside dimension of the vial is disclosed. This vial holder is formed from elastic material such as semirigid commercially available plastics and is vertically slotted from an open top at least partially to and towards the bottom of the holder. The vial holder is provided at the open top with inwardly extending fingers which register to the outside of the narrow neck of the septum sealed vial.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: A device is provided for bleeding entrapped gas from a master brake cylinder assembly when the latter is removed from a vehicle or prior to the assembly being installed in the vehicle and all of the outlet ports of the assembly are plugged. The device includes a support member having an upright section with a transversely extending passage formed therein. Removably mounted on one side of the upright section is the master cylinder assembly. The assembly is positioned so that an access opening which is formed in one end of the cylinder assembly to provide access to an end portion of a primary piston of the assembly, is aligned with and is adjacent to the passage in the upright section. Disposed in spaced relation to the opposite, or second, side of the upright section is an actuating unit which is mounted on the support member for selective manual adjustment between operative and inoperative modes.

Abstract: The cup locator includes a straight rear wall about 1" long and a pair of spaced-apart, straight, angled side walls, one at each end of the rear wall, about 1" long and each at an obtuse angle of about 150.degree. to the rear wall. Differently sized beverage cups, placed against the rear wall of this cup locator, will be properly positioned below the nozzle of a beverage dispenser valve assembly.

Abstract: The platform support invention comprises a device for attachment to a liquid dispenser of the pump type for dispensing fluid from its spout while upright. The platform support invention has a platform which is mounted to one side of the dispenser and extends about the dispenser and has securing means to secure the platform to the dispenser in fixed relation. The platform is directly beneath the spout and spaced above the bottom of the dispenser, and whereby when a receptacle is placed on the platform it will be beneath the spout and spaced above the bottom of the dispenser so as to conveniently receive fluid pumped from the spout of the dispenser without the operator having to physically hold the receptacle in that position.

Abstract: Either a pyrotechnic-powered needleless injector or (with spacer adapters) a conventional syringe is held in firmly abutting alignment with a dispensing orifice of a special storage vial. A flexible perforated seal forms a plug in the dispensing orifice, opens under liquid pressure to dispense medicament from vial to injector, and seals around the dispensing path between vial and injector against loss of the medicament. The liquid medicament is forced through the orifice under the action of a plunger forming one wall of the vial. The plunger in turn is driven by a micrometer-type screw whcih is calibrated in terms of dispensed volume.

Abstract: A portable dispensing appratus which includes a resiliently deformable dispensing reservoir adapted to mount removably on the uppermost end of a dip tube which extends into a bulk container of liquid. The dip tube includes a one-way inlet valve near its lowermost end which prevents flow of liquid out of the dip tube, but which permits flow into the dip tube. Suction created by compressing the resiliently deformable reservoir causes liquid to enter the dip tube through the one-way inlet valve and to flow into the reservoir. The dispensing reservoir can then be removed from the dip tube and taken to a location where it is desired to dispense all or a portion of the liquid. The liquid is dispensed by squeezing the resiliently deformable reservoir, thereby forcing the liquid out through the nozzle. A one-way, pressure-operated outlet valve is preferably located in the dip tube inside the bulk container to permit compression of the resiliently deformable reservoir after placement of the reservoir on the dip tube.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveyance of waste water or liquid by vacuum operation, including a vertically movable container in which the waste water is collected. By causing the weight of the liquid to surmount a spring force and a force originating from the vacuum in the pipeline system an inlet for the waste water is opened. The waste water present in the container is then drawn into the conduit system by means of the vacuum present therein.

Abstract: In machines for vending liquids into cups, a cup guide and a cup stabilizing flapper are used to place the cup in position to receive the selected liquid. A flapper retractor apparatus is connected to the vending machine sliding door so that when a user opens the door to remove a filled cup, the cup flapper is simultaneously moved aside by the flapper retractor so that the filled cup may be more easily removed.

Abstract: A liquid fraction collector has a first series of containers and a second series of containers, each of the first and second series of containers being arranged in a plurality of groups with means to support each group at a different elevation. A conduit leads upwardly from each container in said first series with the upper ends of the conduits lying in a first row and a conduit leads upwardly from each container in said second series with the upper end of the conduits lying in a second row parallel to the first row. A carriage is mounted above said conduits. The carriage has means to discharge a liquid having an inverted V guide member with one trough over one row and the other trough over the other row and a discharge tube having its discharge end movable from a position over one trough of the guide member to a position over the other trough of the guide member.

Abstract: An adapter unit, or apparatus for the receipt and containment of a fluid specimen sample under sub-atmospheric or supra-atmospheric pressure. The device is useful in facilitating the transfer of the fluid specimen to a fluid injector device, or needle syringe. In one form, the device is comprised of a valved, closed container the wall of which is fitted with oppositely disposed tubular seals within which is contained a reciprocable plunger. In another form, the device is constituted as an adapter unit which can be adjoined with a valved container for taking a sample therefrom, and subsequently separated therefrom, as desired. In either form, a yoke-like member or C-shaped frame is provided as an overall and necessary part of the combination. One end of the C-shaped frame is secured to a side of the reciprocable plunger, and the other end thereof is provided with a guide or holder.

Abstract: A pre-adjustable device to which a medicant syringe may be attached for the filling of the syringe with medicant, to limit the extent of withdrawal of the syringe plunger during filling and thereby prevent inadvertent injection of an overdose of medicant. The device includes an overfill control, to allow for slight overfill of the syringe and subsequent expelling of the overfill medicant and entrapped air.

Abstract: A device which forms a closed compartment for an expandable container to permit a vacuum to be created around the flexible container so as to reduce the pressure inside the container and thereby permit the transfer of fluid materials into the expandable container. The vacuum device is simple in its construction in that it comprises a cover and base member forming a compartment which houses the expandable container and through which a vacuum line is interconnected. In a preferred manner, the cover has a pocket which supports the expandable container and positions it in a slanted manner such that a sealable inlet port is in a raised position as it extends through the cover. The cover member also has means to release the vacuum in the compartment. As a further embodiment, an electrical inlet and outlet are provided in the base which by means of a switch can operate a vacuum pump in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover.