Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The feed connector (270) capable of interacting with a device for delivering active principles comprising a reservoir delimited by at least two lateral walls of substantially cylindrical shape and extending opposite one another, is characterized in that it includes means (202, 203, 204, 205) for dispensing active principles into the reservoir that are arranged such that said reservoir is filled substantially uniformly between the two lateral walls.

Abstract: An inflating device has a tubular body, a connector, an inflating needle, an end cap, a holder, an adapter and an airflow controlling device. The body has a central hole. The connector is formed on the body and has an inlet channel communicating with the central hole. The inflating needle is mounted on the body and has a first inflating channel communicating with the central hole. The end cap is attached to the body. The holder is received in the body and abuts against the end cap. The adapter is received in the body and has a second inflating channel. The airflow controlling device is mounted in the body to selectively communicate the inlet channel in the connector with one of the inflating channels. Accordingly, the inflating device can be adapted to inflate different types of objects and is versatile in use.

Abstract: An automatic system and method for changing a disposable nozzle for a multiple component reactant mixture injector. A robot supports a mixing head that is used to inject a reactant mixture. The robot moves the mixing head including a shroud and the disposable nozzle to a nozzle changing station. The shroud is retained on the mixing head by a threaded collar that is unscrewed at the nozzle changing station by a nut runner. The used nozzle is ejected from the shroud, engaged by a gripper and disposed of while a new disposable nozzle is obtained from a magazine and placed in the shroud. The threaded collar reattaches the shroud to the mixing head and the mixing head is returned to operation.

Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for evacuating and containing a fluid from a reservoir of fluid, such as brake fluid from a brake system. The attachment (3) has a body (21, 25) with an inlet (22) for the fluid and an outlet (24) that may be sealingly attached to a front end of a gun (2). The attachment (3) also has a coupling (26), a container (27) which is releasably attachable to the coupling (26), a first passage (33, 34) extending between the inlet (22) and the container (27), a second passage (35, 36) extending between the container (27) and the outlet (24), and a tap (70) which may be moved to either close or open the said passages (33, 34, 35, 36). In use, the gun (2) generates a vacuum within the attachment (3) and when the tap (70) is in the open position, the fluid may be collected within the container (27). A float valve (83) within the second passage (35) ensures that the container (27) cannot overfill with fluid.

Abstract: Containers are directed onto a carousel rotatable as one about a vertical axis with a tank affording a fluid-tight enclosure and equipped with filler valves, each positionable over the mouth of a relative container; the tank is filled with a liquid substance until a given head has been established, whereupon the enclosure is negatively or positively pressurized, according to the type of liquid substance being handled, in such a way that the jet formed at the outlet of the filler valves will be dispensed at a selected discharge pressure different to the pressure deriving solely from the head of the liquid substance in the tank. The tank is depressurized when filled with foamable liquid substances, and pressurized when filled with viscous substances.

Abstract: A method of filling containers with bulk material wherein a bag is filled, weighed and densified at the same time. The bag is supported on a releasable hanger. The bag is constantly weighed, and a predetermined quantity of material is placed in the bag. The bag is raised and lowered and vibrated to settle, or densify, the material while the material is being admitted to the bag. The bag may be vibrated while being filled by counter-rotating vibrators. The material is weighed and the net weight is determined. The method of the present invention can be used for filling drums, boxes and other containers, as well as bags. Specific designed power operated hooks are used to support the bag. The containers are supported on a platform. Drums as well as bags can be filled without any change in the machine requiring tools. A three piece spout is used to fill bags and a drum head adapter is supported on the spout to fill drums.

Abstract: A plant comprising a post (2') with fixed sections attached thereto at various heights, and a horizontally distortable articulated pipe (3') attached to each of said sections. Other fixed sections (B'1 . . . B'19) are arranged on a single level along a substantially horizontal reference line (L'). The end of each pipe is connected to a tubular column (8') extending up to the reference line. Each column is movable along the reference line and may be shifted transversely so that the columns can pass one another in the vicinity of said line. Said plant is particularly useful in the oil industry.

Abstract: A container filling machine having a frame and a fill station on the frame. The fill station has hooks to engage stirrups on the top of the bag. The fill station also has a platform to support a first open topped container. The fill station also has hooks to support a first open top container. A filling member is supported on the hooks for supporting an open top container. A dispensing means is supported on the frame of the open top container to fill the top container and to fill a container resting on the platform. Means is provided to automatically release the hooks and means is provided to shake the bag to settle the material in it and to move the bags towards the front of the machine. Hooks are used to facilitate removing the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting containers intermittently. The apparatus has two guide rails which extend in a horizontal plane. Container carriers, which have receiving elements for the containers are disposed on the guide rails. The container carriers are fed by means of gearing embodied on them and transport gears embodied on the guide rails. Transfer devices and format changer devices are disposed on the ends of the guide rails. The output of the apparatus can be increased by subdividing it into continuous and intermittent feed zones.

Abstract: Two or more of a bottle-cleaning operation, a bottle-filling operation, a cap-dispensing operation, and a cap-affixing operation simultaneously process arrays of equally sized containers in an x-y array by engaging the bottles with movable heads of a head-carrying assembly. The containers can be a compressed array of bottles or a case of bottles in a box or the like. The nozzles for the cleaning and filling operations, and cap-handling devices for the dispensing and affixing operations can be repositioned for change to a new container size, for example with motor driven positioners. At least a subset of the heads are displaced along the axes of the container array, into registry with bottle arrays of the different size bottles. Preferably, each operational system in sequence is independently controlled to effect a container size change, such that the production line can be changed to the new size as the leading edge of containers of the new size arrive at the respective operational system.

Abstract: A work head changer is disclosed which automatically changes a capping head used in a rotary multicapper or a filling nozzle in a rotary filler. A controller controls the rotation of a rotatable body of the rotary multicapper, for example, thus bringing the individual capping heads to a stop successively and intermittently at a predetermined work head replacement position. In case of the rotary multicapper, each capping head is detachably mounted on the rotatable body through a connection. A work head delivery mechanism removes a capping head which is brought to a stop at the work head replacement position from the connection, and attaches a capping head of another variety which has been stored in a stocker to the connection at an empty location from which the capping head has been removed.

Abstract: A method of withdrawing the fuel from the fuel tank of a liquid-fuel powered vehicle and discharging the fuel into bulk storage tanks includes providing a pump that is selectively actuatable for pumping liquid fuel and having an inlet that is connected with a hose having a portion of sufficient length and flexibility to be inserted into the fuel tank of a vehicle. The pump has a liquid discharge conduit for connection to a fuel storage tank. The hose is extended through the vehicle's filler pipe to the bottom of the tank. The fuel being withdrawn is metered to measuring the quantity of liquid being discharged by the pump into the discharge conduit. The hose may include a shutoff valve, which may be an automatic shutoff valve of the type used at gasoline stations.

Abstract: A filling machine for containers simultaneously fills an array of containers, for examples immediately following depalletizing, and includes motor driven positioners for the nozzles to accommodate changes in the size of container being run. The containers are laterally abutted to occupy evenly spaced container positions, and the array can be compressed by a contoured push bar to force the entire array into registry. The nozzles are flexibly coupled to a source of material to be discharged into the containers, and are mechanically moved by actuators that displace at least a subset of the nozzles along the axes of the array. In this way the nozzles are moved into registry with the container array. The nozzles are also vertically movable relative to the containers, and each includes a valve opened by contact with a respective container, for discharging only into occupied container positions and not voids in the array.

Abstract: A container filler indexing counter is provided for an automatic filling machine, which consists of a conveyor having a belt and guide rail for carrying a plurality of containers therealong. Two cylinders are spaced apart and adjustably mounted to the conveyor, in which the first cylinder is positioned as an incoming stop gate, while the second cylinder is positioned as an exit stop gate to form a filling area therebetween. Two fiber optic sensors are spaced apart and adjustably mounted to the guide rail of the conveyor, in which the first fiber optic sensor is positioned as a counter for the containers entering the filling area, while the second fiber optic sensor is positioned as a counter for the containers leaving the filling area.

Abstract: Package or container product filling apparatus that can easily be disassembled for cleaning and reassembled comprises a hopper and manifold to supply a plurality of package dosing filling tubes in turn insertable in multiple packages simultaneously. The manifold supplies a plurality of flexible tubes leading to a plurality of bellows type reciprocable dosing pumps. The dosing pumps in turn supply product through flexible tubes to the filling tubes. Any parts through which product passes or contacts are simply connected requiring no tools for disassembly or assembly. The bellows chambers and check valves of the dosing pumps are constructed of inexpensive plastic and discarded when the apparatus is disassembled for cleaning because they are relatively difficult to clean with absolute assurance that no product remains to contaminate a subsequent different product. The remaining mechanical portions of the dosing pumps do not contact the product.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring liquids of varying viscosities ranging from that of water to that of oils or greases utilizes a source of compressed air passed through or past a venturi nozzle to create, respectively, a negative or positive pressure in a transfer container. The container is preferably, but not necessarily, a portable bucket, pail or drum having a removable lid, which lid is fitted with all of the assembly operating components, such as the transfer line, the valve assembly, and the like. The valve assembly can be adjusted to direct the stream of compressed air into the bucket to transfer liquid out; or to direct the stream of compressed air through the venturi nozzle, so that air will be drawn out of the bucket, and the liquid will be transferred into the bucket. Manually operable flow controls are included, and a single inlet/outlet line is also preferably used.

Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing the fuel form the fuel tank of a liquid fuel powered vehicle and discharging the fuel into bulk storage tanks includes a pump that is selectively actuatable for pumping liquid fuel and having an inlet that is connected with a hose having a portion of sufficient length and flexibility to be inserted into the fuel tank of a vehicle. The hose is adapted to extend through the vehicle's filler pipe to the bottom of the tank. The pump has a liquid discharge conduit for connection to a fuel storage tank. A fuel meter is provided that is adapted to measuring the quantity of liquid being discharged by the pump into the discharge conduit. The hose may include a shutoff valve, which may be an automatic shutoff valve of the type used at gasoline stations.

Abstract: A lubricating system for the pump of the vapor recovery circuit of a nozzle for dispensing a hydrocarbon. The lubricating system comprises a capillary pipe which takes off a small flow of hydrocarbon from the main pump of the feedpipe and feeds it to the inlet of the vapor recovery pump.

Abstract: Beverages, in particular wine, are preserved by forming an atmosphere within the container, above the liquid level, which will help to preserve the qualities of the beverage. In the case of still beverages, a subatmospheric pressure will be produced by placing a non-return valve in the mouth of the container and then evacuating air from the container. In the case of sparkling beverages, a superatmospheric pressure is produced instead. The pressure inside the container is produced by a motor driven pump and is controlled so that when a predetermined pressure level is reached, the pump stops pumping and the container is sealed.

Abstract: A variable stroke lifter system for lifting a container so as to surround a filler nozzle for "bottom-up" filling thereof. The lifter system includes a pivotally mounted slide arm, a lift arm operatively connected to the slide arm for movement therewith, a plurality of different size cams, a follower secured to the slide arm for cooperation with the plurality of cams for raising the lift arm. The lift arm engages a container to lift same. A series of suitable actuator devices, such as air cylinders, serve to position the slide arm and follower to engage selected cams for raising particular size containers through the desired stroke length.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost container filling machine includes a pulse pump for drawing high-density, high viscosity, thixotropic pigment from a shipping container, an accumulator for smoothing flow of the pigment, a non-adjustable and replaceable anti-drip dispensing tube, an adjustable optical level sensor, and electronic means for setting the optical sensor. A fixed platform for containers being filled includes anti-splash and aligment devices.

Abstract: The present application discloses an invention which addresses and resolves long standing lid size reduction problems in the beverage-canning industry and comprises diametrally reduced adapter nozzles, and related methods, used as replacements only for the nonaccommodating distal discharge nozzle structure of a commercially existing fill valve, which is preferably removed by conventional machining techniques. The adapter nozzles preferably comprise a single die cast stainless steel article.

Abstract: A filling machine wherein a lost motion mechanism is provided with a counteracting element to counteract forces between the driver and the filling unit to assure that the lost motion mechanism operates with lost motion. The counteracting element is provided between the lost motion mechanism and the driver and is operable during the suction stroke and inoperable during the discharge stroke.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying an ice filled cup to any of a plurality of parallel lanes each having a forward conveyor system, a beverage dispenser valve associated with each of the lanes, and each forward conveyor system conveying a cup received from the transverse conveyor to a beverage fill station and then to a cup pick-up station. The dispenser can also be operated manually using buttons on the dispenser itself.

Abstract: A convertible metering apparatus for dispensing metered quantities of different flowable goods of unlike physical properties comprises a housing defining a material storge chamber therein; a motor; and a drive shaft being rotatably connected to the motor and extending into the housing. There is further provided a metering member adapted to handle a flowable material of a first physical property; a discharge unit configured to receive the metering member therein; and a first releasable connecting arrangement for readily connecting the metering member to and readily disconnecting it from the drive shaft. This arrangement ensures that the metering member is readily replaceable by another metering member adapted to handle a flowable material of a second physical property.

Abstract: A toner container is detachably attached to a developing device and used for supplying a developing agent held therein to the developing device. The toner container, after completing supply of the toner, is then detachably attached at a position suitable for recovering developing agent remaining on an electrostatic latent image carrier, and allowed to accommodate therein the recovered developing agent. A main body of the toner container accommodates the developing agent. A mouth is formed in the main body, and is adapted to effect supply or recovery of the developing container. A form-changing member effects a change in the form of the main body when the main body is attached in the position for recovery of the remaining developing agent to indicate that the toner container has already been used as a supply container.

Abstract: A pump (18) draws liquefied carbon-dioxide from a reservoir (4 or 6) and delivers it via a controllable heater (20) and a filling valve (14) to a cylinder (26) to be filled to any required density. This receiver cylinder (26) is controllably warmed by a heater (32) while sensors (22,24) are provided to indicate the pressure and temperature of its contents. For each required density a table of figures is provided relating pressures (above saturation pressure) to temperature, for that density. A temperature (which must be clear above the lowest temperature at which the receiver will be liquid-full at the required density but which need not exceed the critical temperature) is selected, and the heaters (20 and 32) are controlled so that the receiver cylinder and its contents will converge at or near that temperature as filling is completed. During the final phase of filling the indicated temperature will rise slowly and the pressure (from the time the receiver is liquid-full) will rise relatively fast.

Abstract: Modular apparatus for mixing, storing, metering and dispensing flowable materials wherein the modules constitute standard containers for shipment of bulk and other goods and the containers confine and/or support various material treating units. The apparatus can treat and/or store two or more different types of flowable material which are stored separately or in admixture to one another. The containers can be assembled into a group which contains superimposed horizontal and/or upright containers.

Abstract: An automatic exchange device for format dependent cellular panels used in container-filling machines for filling containers with foodstuffs, flavorings or other liquid to pastiform products, the machines being arranged to pick-up and transport the containers whereby cellular panels are arranged adjacent to each other on a through-conveyor or periodically circulating conveyor and are corrected to the conveyor. A replacement mechanism for the cellular panels. The exchange of panels is effected with the assistance of a manipulator, which automatically detaches the connection with the assistance of a motor driven screw tool and also reattaches the connection after the exchange. After releasing the connection, the manipulator picks up the cellular panel by means of suction cups and removes it via the use of an elevator into a magazine, which, for example, is comprised of a drum with radially arranged partitions.

Abstract: A device for connecting two or more bulk compounding systems for mixing hyperalimentation solutions is described. The device allows electrical signals from each bulk compounding system to be connected to one another so that each bulk compounding system may act in concert with other bulk compounding systems to fill an individual receiving container with minimal modifications to the internal circuitry of an individual bulk compounding system.

Abstract: A machine for applying sub-atmospheric pressure through a filter to pull material from a hopper laterally into a non-rotatable chamber at a presettable volume and after the chamber is filled blowing the material out of the chamber through the filter out of a discharge nozzle at the bottom of the chamber into a receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the material is a pulverulent material which is fluent en masse and the material is aspirated into the measuring chamber by applying a sub-atmospheric pressure above a variably positionable head in the chamber which head has a filter in it through which the suction is drawn. After the chamber is filled, a super-atmospheric pressure is applied over the head to shoot the mass of particulate material out of the discharge nozzle, the particulate material having been held back by a discharge valve prior to the application of the super-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A narrow, modular automatic beverage dispensing assembly to be attached to an existing ice dispensing beverage dispenser, to provide automatic beverage dispensing capability. The modular assembly includes two separate subassemblies; the first subassembly includes an automatic cup dropper, and the second subassembly includes an automatic beverage dispensing means and an automatic conveyor. The existing beverage dispenser to which the modular assembly of this invention is attached is modified by adding thereto an automatic ice dispenser that feeds ice into the attached modular assembly.

Abstract: An improved diluent valve actuator for a soft drink beverage dispenser serves dual functions. The first function, accomplished when the actuator is in a first operative position, is to actuate the solenoid controlled valve for the beverage diluent (such as carbonated water) when the actuator is pressed by an operator. The second function, accomplished when the actuator is in a second non-operative position is to act as a cover over the opening in the dispenser where the actuator would have extended if the actuator were in the first position. In the second position, the remainder of the actuator is concealed within the beverage dispenser out of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneously transferring, in both irections, a plurality of quantities of liquids between a first receptacled assembly disposed in a first arrangement and a second receptacled assembly disposed in a second arrangement of different disposition and/or dimensions, said device comprising a plurality of vertical syringes of which the needles are arranged in register with said first receptacled assembly and a connecting assembly comprising on the one hand a plurality of orifices arranged in register with the needles of said syringes and on the other hand a plurality of conduits arranged in register with the receptacles of said second assembly, each of said orifices being connected to one of said conduits. The invention finds particular application in the handling of microdoses of liquids, particularly for biological, serological . . . microtests.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small container for liquid gases for filling of the various types of gas lighters having various forms of intake valves. This is achieved by the small container for liquid gas according to the invention, wherein the bottom member and the top member at the two ends of the container are each provided with a self-acting, normally closed outlet valve and these two valves are different from each other and are adapted for filling-up the gas tanks of different types of gas lighters.The container is also provided with a single cover cap to cover one or the other end of the container and the respective valve selectively. The container and the cover cap are provided with matched snap-in portions in one embodiment. In a further embodiment the cover cap and the ends of the container are provided with members for joining the cover cap and the end of the container in a relatively tight sliding fit and thus to secure the cover cap over the valve which it is desired to cover.

Abstract: The invention contemplates means importantly including a combined spigot and plug for removable sealed attachment to a vacuum bottle or the like for enabling selective spigot dispensing of the contents of such a bottle mounted in inverted position. The invention features simplicity of molded-plastic spigot and plug elements.

Abstract: A filling machine which in its original construction includes a first number of filling units and which is adapted to be converted into a filling machine with a second number of filling units greater than the first number; to that end the actuating drives of two filling units on the same side of the machine are interconnected by the use of a linking bar detachably mounted over the eccentrics thereof while bearing sleeve housings and bearing bushings are detachably secured on the linking bar in a predetermined number and at predetermined locations for installing thereon the lower ends of the filling units; the pump post mounting members for the upper ends of the respective filling units are removed and in lieu thereof an upper mounting bar is fastened to the filling machine by the use of the same threaded holes in the filling machine which were originally used for fastening the pump post mounting members; the upper mounting bar is provided with a number of pump post members detachably secured thereto which cor

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle, e.g., a nozzle for a gasoline station filling pump, is provided with a trigger retaining mechanism which allows an operator to retain the nozzle trigger member in its operative position by exerting a continuous relatively low manual force in contrast to the relatively high manual force required to operate the trigger member. The trigger member automatically returns to its inoperative position immediately upon release of the manual force on the trigger retaining mechanism. The fluid dispensing nozzle is particularly suitable for use in self-service gasoline filling stations.