Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.

Abstract: A metering device includes a valve body defining a chamber extending longitudinally between an inlet and an outlet and an intake valve having an opening extending into the chamber adjacent the inlet and a metering valve having an opening extending into the chamber between the intake valve and the outlet. A tube is connected to the chamber outlet, and a reciprocable piston closure is positioned for sealing the chamber from the tube. An intake piston is positioned within the intake valve and reciprocates in operation to draw product into the chamber in a retracted position and to seal the chamber inlet in an extended position. A metering piston is positioned within the metering valve and reciprocates in operation to draw product into the chamber in a retracted position and to expel product from the chamber by forcing product to open the flap in an extended position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus cleanses a portable keg tap for a keg of a beverage, such as beer. A keg tap coupling has an orifice which emulates a fluid outlet orifice of a keg. The keg tap coupling is connected to the inlet of a portable keg tap. A cleaning fluid coupling is disposed to connect to a cleaning fluid source, for example, a water spigot or water outlet from a water heater. A fluid regulator regulates the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid flowing from the cleaning fluid source. A shut-off valve is used to selectively initiate and terminate the flow of cleaning fluid flowing from the cleaning fluid source. As a result, a portable keg tap can be efficiently cleaned and sanitized.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device which delivers microliter and sub-microliter volumes by means of a reciprocating force mechanism requires no capillary contact between the delivery system and work surface. Furthermore, a built-in vacuum-based rinse station permits the user to dispense a variety of fluids while avoiding complex and time consuming changes to the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A liquid weigh scale hopper receives a plurality of liquid ingredients for dumping into a receiver/mixer and includes a pair of high flow rate spray nozzles near the top thereof for spraying chilled water into the hopper. As a discharge valve at the bottom of the hopper is opened, chilled water is sprayed into the hopper and fills it to create a gravitational pressure head helping to force the liquid batch out of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling and/ or distinguishing liquids used in the brewing industry. To distinguish water, rinse water, different kinds of beer, and various non-alcoholic drinks with the help of technical measuring devices, a measuring instrument for monitoring or distinguishing the conductivity of the liquid concerned by inductive measurement is used.

Abstract: An improved powder feeder having a hopper with an opening in its bottom. A resiliently deformable element is positioned in the opening of the hopper. The element has a flexible exterior dimension and is suitably positioned in relation to the opening to prevent the free flow of material through the opening. The element is mounted on an axle having an axis of rotation. The element is capable of carrying a metered volume of material through the opening as it is rotated. The axle is connected to a variable speed motor. As the element turns, the material flows into the element and moves through the hopper opening in precisely metered amounts relative to the volume and the speed of rotation of the element.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for viscous foods comprising a vertical tubular filling nozzle having a flow inlet formed in a tubular wall close to the lower end thereof and a piston-incorporating metering cylinder in communication with the flow inlet, and a plunger accommodated in the filling nozzle so as to open or close the flow inlet. The plunger has an air discharge annular opening defined by a lower-end peripheral portion thereof for blowing off adhering food and a recess formed inside the air discharge opening and providing an air reservoir for preventing adhesion of the food.

Abstract: A system for hermetically dispensing and diluting a concentrated chemical from a container into a dilution tank which includes (i) a first portion for attachment to the container which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the container through the first portion, (ii) a second portion for attachment to a source of pressurized water and a measuring receptacle which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the source of pressurized water through the second portion and a valve for controlling fluid flow through the second portion into the receptacle, (iii) a coupler for attaching the first and second portions so as to provide fluid flow from the container to the measuring receptacle, and (iv) a valve over an outlet orifice in the receptacle for controllably releasing the contents of the receptacle into a dilution tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquids which harden in the presence of ambient atmospheric conditions includes a housing for receiving one or more liquids and rotating rollers having roller surfaces which define an orifice through which the liquid is dispensed. A doctoring surface continuously cleans the roller surfaces to eliminate clogging of the orifice or the deposition of hardened material on the housing.

Abstract: A system is provided for the productive utilization of paint in a paint supply line, changing paint colors and cleaning paint lines by inserting and propelling a termination piston or slug having an outer diameter which forms a sliding fit within the supply line to wipe paint off the interior walls of the supply line. Preferably, the supply line is elastic and the termination piston squeegees the paint off the interior walls. A manifold is fitted with various valves to selectively supply pressurized air, solvent and two or more paint colors to the supply line. A process controller controls the timing of the valves of the manifold.

Abstract: A pressure holding liquid bottle for mounting on a standard bicycle liquid bottle cage or bracket and having a container for holding a liquid, a cap removably attached to an open end of the container and a friction grip removably mounted on the bottle. The cap is provided with a spout forming a disengagable pressure seal having a number of different positions. These positions include a closed seal position, a pair of partially open positions providing different fluid flows and an extended open position that permits washing the underside of a large diameter surface on the spout which facilities closing the spout. The container, grip and cap include a color from a group of different colors which allow different color combinations for the completed bottle. The bottle can have extensions which expand its capacity and a one way air vent allowing air to replace displaced liquid.

Abstract: A metering apparatus, which may be single or double acting, includes a valve device including a closure member, an inlet port, an outlet port and one or two other ports communicating with a metering chamber of the single-acting apparatus or respective metering chambers of the double-acting apparatus. The closure member prevents communication between the inlet port and the outlet port during normal working, but, to allow flushing of the apparatus by cleaning fluid, the closure member can be displaced to an abnormal position in which the inlet port communicates with the outlet port by way of the other port(s).

Abstract: A hand held dispenser for chemical foam compositions having enhanced service life and being capable of delivering higher outputs of foam products is provided. In accordance with the invention, a dispenser cartridge is mounted in sealed movable relation to a cartridge carrier. Reliable face to face compressible seals are employed to accomplish primary porting to pressurized sources of chemical components. The dispenser cartridge does not rely on a sealed interface between a cylindrical valving rod and a dimensionally unstable TEFLON.RTM. bushing for porting which provides improved sealing performance. Multiple porting from two or more pressurized sources of chemical components is also facilitated by the sliding seal feature.

Abstract: A suction type coal feeder provided with a rear cleanout opening normally closed by a pivotally mounted cleanout door. A quick release mechanism normally clamps the door in its closed position with this mechanism including a pair of brackets mounted on each side of the housing of the feeder. These brackets are secured in place by the mounting bolts for the feed roll plugs that form a part of the feeder and are located at each end of the feed roll that is mounted at this rear portion of the feeder. Studs extend from these brackets in a rearward direction and a clamp bar is pivotally mounted on one of these studs and extends to the other stud which is received in an upwardly extending slot in the clamp bar. The position of the clamp bar is such that it extends across the upper region of the cleanout door and is effective to clamp the door closed by means of handle nuts threaded onto the studs. Loosening of the nuts permits the pivotal removal of the clamp bar and opening of the cleanout door.

Abstract: A thin-film coating apparatus for forming a metal oxide film or diffusion source film on the surfaces of materials to be treated. The apparatus includes a solution-dropping nozzle device including an inner tube adapted to cause a solution to flow down therethrough and an outer tube enclosing the inner tube. The inner wall of the outer tube is spaced from the outer wall of the inner tube so as to define a flow path therebetween, the flow path being adapted to supply a cleaning solution to the tip portion of the inner tube. Because the tip portion of the inner tube can be cleaned efficiently, any concentration or deposition of the dropping solution is prevented from occurring at the tip portion of the inner tube.

Abstract: A cleaning system is disclosed for pumping compressed air and cleaning solvent to the injection cartridge of a foam-in-place packaging system. The cleaning system comprises a solvent tank for containing a stock supply of solvent; a source of compressed air; and an air-activated submersible solvent pump in air flow communication with the compressed air source. The system also includes an injection cartridge of a foam-in-place packaging system in liquid communication with the solvent pump; and a regulator in air flow communication with the compressed air source, the pump, and the injection cartridge. The regulator distributes compressed air to operate the pump and to travel with solvent to the injection cartridge to provide a cleaning mixture of solvent and air to the cartridge.

Abstract: A solventless, flushless hand held impingement mixing and dispensing gun for dispensing controlled quantities of a controlled thermal insulation grade reactive chemical foam composition is provided. The dispenser gun preferably includes a unitary socket member mounted to the gun body having a receptacle portion for receiving an extended service life impingement mixing and dispensing module. A converter subassembly is provided to convert variable pressure and flow rate streams of the chemical components into regulated controlled pressure metered flow rate chemical component flows for introduction to the opposed sides of the impingement mixing dispenser gun.

Abstract: A mixing head has a holding body, in which there is tightly supported a rotary body having inlet ducts for the materials to be mixed, leading to a mixing chamber. A delivery duct extends from the mixing chamber for delivering the mixed materials and the inlet ducts are selectively coupled to both plastic material inlet openings and to a washing fluid inlet chamber.

Abstract: A piston filler apparatus as disclosed in which the filler pistons and associated reciprocal valves are disposed below the product containing bowl so that they can be withdrawn into the bowl to effect easy in-place cleaning. A method of in-place cleaning is also disclosed, as well an an alternate method of operation.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment (10) for cleaning residual material from a mixhead pour nozzle (16) having a cylindrical body (17) terminating in an end face with an axial bore (20) receiving a plunger (23) including, a sleeve (30) positioned outwardly of the cylindrical body forming a plenum chamber (52), ports (40, 41) in the sleeve communicating the plenum chamber with a source of pressurized fluid (70), and a cap (60) positioned circumferentially of the end face of the pour nozzle and providing an annular substantially radially inwardly directed orifice (65) communicating with the plenum chamber for directing pressurized fluid inwardly across the end face of the pour nozzle to remove residual material therefrom. A pressurized air supply system (70) provides air at different pressures to the nozzle attachment at selected times during the operating cycle of the mixhead pour nozzle.

Abstract: A foam dispensing system and apparatus for mixing a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam and dispensing the mixed foam components, the apparatus having a body portion and a cartridge assembly mounted on said body portion. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber having a longitudinal bore and an aftermix chamber in communication with the mix chamber. The apparatus further includes inlets and passageways for supplying the plurality of foam components to the longitudinal bore of the mix chamber and a slidable valve rod for controlling the flow of the plurality of foam components into the mix chamber. A pressurized gas is injected into the aftermix chamber to aid in the mixing of the plurality of foam components and to provide an improved spray pattern of foam.

Abstract: A finger actuated plunger of a dispenser has a protector cap telescoped over the plunger head for reciprocation independently thereof along the axis of plunger reciprocation. A portion of the cap side wall covers the discharge orifice in the head in a condition of non-use, and the cap side wall has an aperture adjacent such wall portion for alignment with the orifice for uncovering the orifice in a condition of use. A spring extends solely between the head top wall and the cap top wall for resiliently urging the cap into its condition of non-use.

Abstract: In a process for dosing detergent compositions, which either are in the form of pastes or gels, or render such compositions when they are brought into contact with water, into a washing machine, the detergent composition is transported from a container for holding the composition to the washing machine via a conduit, whereafter said conduit is purged by means of a pressurized gas, preferably steam or air.

Abstract: A condiment shaker including a hollow body with an enlarged opening therethrough receiving a pivotally mounted lid for rocking between a closed position and a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, slots through the lid flange are open and provide transverse dispensing passages. Lugs on the container body align with the slots and move through the length thereof as the lid is closed. The lid is positively positioned and releasably retained in each of the two positions by cooperating abutment areas and a complementary protuberance and recess respectively on the container body and the lid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing and dispensing two fluids from a nozzle comprises a mixing chamber for the two fluids defined by the nozzle. A first fluid of the two fluids is sprayed into the mixing chamber from a first aperture within the nozzle and a second fluid from a second aperture within the nozzle is sprayed into the mixing chamber. The second aperture is oriented in a direction within the nozzle such that the fluid dispensed therefrom is incident upon the first aperture for cleaning the first aperture.

Abstract: A proportioning pump has a first piston and cylinder, a second piston and cylinder, a shaft connecting the first and second pistons, a spring for biasing the first and second pistons in a first position, a shuttle valve for controlling flow through the first cylinder, and two check valves for controlling flow through the second cylinder. The proportioning pump is used to dispense a predetermined ratio of two fluids. A pressurized first fluid fills the first cylinder and forces the first piston to move to a second position. The motion of the first piston is communicated to the second piston via the shaft. Movement of the second piston draws the second fluid through a check valve into the second cylinder. When both the first and second cylinders are full the shuttle valve closes the inlet to the first cylinder and opens the outlet. The spring then urges the first and second pistons back to their first positions, thus forcing the two fluids from their respective cylinders.

Abstract: A foam dispensing system and apparatus for mixing a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam and dispensing the mixed foam components, the apparatus having a body portion and a cartridge assembly mounted on said body portion. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber having a longitudinal bore and an aftermix chamber in communication with the mix chamber. The apparatus further includes inlets and passageway for supplying the plurality of foam components to the longitudinal bore of the mix chamber and a slidable valve rod for controlling the flow of the plurality of foam components into the mix chamber. A pressurized gas is injected into the aftermix chamber to aid in the mixing of the plurality of foam components and to provide an improved spray pattern of foam.

Abstract: An apparatus for an improved aerosol spraying device comprising an aerosol valve being moveable between an open and a closed position for releasing a product from the aerosol container. The aerosol valve is resiliently biased into the closed position. A valve button having a terminal orifice is movable between a first and a second position with the valve button being biased into the first position. The valve button opens the aerosol valve when the valve button is moved into the second position and allows the aerosol valve to close when the valve button is in the first position. A vent cooperating with the valve button and the aerosol valve is closed when the valve button is moved into the second position to direct the product release from the aerosol valve to the terminal orifice.

Abstract: Remote delivery system for potentially toxic moisture sensitive process gas to a point of use (e.g. CVD system).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spin coating apparatus for feeding a clean liquid at a fixed rate. In any of the feeding apparatus in the prior art, no constituent other than a filter has the function of eliminating foreign matter, and the operation of feeding a liquid under precise control is not attained. This results in the problem of the mixing of the foreign matter (and air bubbles) in the feed liquid, and the problem of nonuniformity in a feed speed as well as a feed amount. As expedients for solving these problems, the present invention provides the functions of automatically sensing and excluding factors for the appearances of the foreign matters, and devices for automatically and precisely controlling feed control elements such as a pump, thereby feeding the clean liquid in a constant amount and at a constant speed.

Abstract: A transfer and rinse unit of the present invention is used for transferring liquid from a container to a liquid distribution system, such as spraying apparatus, and for rinsing the container. The unit includes a suction conduit and a rinse conduit positioned alongside one another. The conduits have upper and lower ends and the lower ends of the conduits are adapted to be inserted inside the container. The suction conduit has an inlet adjacent its lower end, and an outlet communicating with a pump whereby liquid may be pumped from the container via the suction tube to the liquid delivery system. The rinse conduit has an inlet adjacent its upper end for connection to a supply of pressurized rinse liquid, and an outlet for flow of rinse liquid into the container. An inlet valve is provided for controlling the flow of rinse liquid into the rinse conduit.

Abstract: A filling valve wherein a piston is mounted for angular movement about a vertical axis immediately above a thin bottom wall of a housing which defines a metering chamber for a flowable material to be introduced into a succession of vessels. The material which is to be dispensed flows from a metering chamber in the housing through one or more channels in the piston and into and from dispensing openings in the bottom wall. The bottom surface of the piston has sharp sealing edges which slide along the upper side of the bottom wall and shear off the flow of material at the outlets of the channels when the piston is turned to a position in which the outlets of the channels are sealed from the dispensing openings in the bottom wall. This prevents dripping of flowable material in such position of the piston.

Abstract: The finger actuated plunger of a dispenser has a protector cap pivotally mounted thereon and normally disposed for covering the discharge orifice. The cap is pivotally movable relative to the head upon application of finger force to the cap in the direction of plunger head reciprocation for uncovering the orifice. The cap is resiliently urged into its normal orifice-covering position upon removal of the applied finger force.

Abstract: A polymeric insert is arranged for securement within a base portion of a water cooler housing to accommodate drainage from a water cooler top wall. Drainage and condensation is accommodated to minimize corrosion of a lower portion of the water cooler housing. A modification of the structure includes a fungicide and herbicide distribution reservoir and an alarm indicating stoppage of the associated drain structure of the organization.

Abstract: An actuator for a dispensing pump is disclosed that pressurizes air and releases the air into an internal fluid passage to mix with, and aerate, fluid dispensed from the dispensing pump and expels residual fluid. The actuator has a body portion, an actuating portion biased away from the body portion, and an air chamber formed between the two portions. Force applied to the actuating portion is transmitted to, and serves to operate, the dispensing pump and compresses the actuating portion toward the body portion, pressurizing the air in the air chamber. The pressurized air is selectively released into the fluid passage. Disclosed embodiments employ a dome-shaped resilient membrane and a piston as the actuating portion.

Abstract: A removable overcap for a finger actuated pump dispenser surround the plunger head and is frictionally mounted in place on the pump body. An upper portion of the overcap side wall bears against an orifice cup located in the head, the cup containing a discharge orifice through which product is dispensed with the overcap removed. In conditions of non-use, the overcap covers the orifice to prevent drying of product. And, the overcap wipes the orifice clean of any accumulated product each time the overcap is removed and reapplied over the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning fluid lines is disclosed. This apparatus contains a fluid manifold, a valve, and a line connecting said fluid manifold and said valve. The valve used in the apparatus contains at least two input ports, at least two output ports, means responsive to fluid pressure for closing off the flow of liquid from a first of said ports, and means responsive to fluid pressure for opening the flow of liquid from a second of said ports.

Abstract: An improved plural component dispensing apparatus having a chemical flow stream separator to ensure separation of the isocyanate and polyol plural components is disclosed to permit solventless operation and the cleaning by an aqueous cleaning medium followed by a gaseous drying purge stream to prevent the reaction of water and the isocyanate component.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for cleaning a drain conduit. The assembly includes first and second conduit sections that are communicably connected to respective upstream and downstream sections of the drain conduit. A valve, interconnected between the first and second conduit sections, is selectively opened to permit communication between the first and second conduit sections and closed to restrict communication between the first and second conduit sections. A first connector section, communicably attached to and extending transversely from the first conduit section, is selectively engaged by one of a pressure source and a vacuum source to introduce, when the valve is closed, one of a pressure and vacuum, respectively, into first conduit section, whereby the upstream section of the drain conduit is cleaned.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispenser having a multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including means for preventing color and flavor carryover from one drink to the next. The automatic dispenser includes an electronic control system with an on-board computer with a microprocessor which, when a drink vend signal is received by the electronic control system, first checks to determine whether a dark or light colored drink was requested, then checks the last vend to determine if it was a light or dark drink. If the drink ordered was a light drink and the previous drink was a dark drink, then the controller looks to see if the cup dispenser position is occupied. If it is occupied, the flush is delayed until it is free when the soda water will flush to cleanse the nozzle. After flushing, the vend is processed.

Abstract: A system for hermetically dispensing and diluting a concentrated chemical from a container into a dilution tank which includes (i) a first portion for attachment to the container which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the container through the first portion, (ii) a second portion for attachment to a source of pressurized water and a measuring receptacle which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the source of pressurized water through the second portion and a valve for controlling fluid flow through the second portion into the receptacle, (iii) a coupler for attaching the first and second portions so as to provide fluid flow from the container to the measuring receptacle, and (iv) a valve over an outlet orifice in the receptacle for controllably releasing the contents of the receptacle into a dilution tank.

Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and is swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.

Abstract: A device for application of a glue strip on a movable paper web by means of at least one glue sprayer for glue under pressure. The device incoporates a valve housing (12) for two diaphragm-magnetic valves (13, 14) or the like, the spring loaded rubber diaphragms (23, 24) of which are provided between one inlet chamber (19, 20) and one outlet channel (21, 22) each, intended for glue and for a rinsing liquid respectively. The outlet channels (21, 22) are interconnected and adapted to open into a common nozzle (31) with a fine outlet opening (32) located at some distance from the paper web (35). The piston (27, 28) of each magnetic valve (13, 14) acting upon the rubber diaphragm (23, 24) has a very short stroke.

Abstract: A superflow diffuser and spout assembly includes an inlet for carbonated water, an inlet for syrup, a diffuser assembly through which the carbonated water passes prior to being dispensed, a spout, a syrup distributor, and a flow separator within the path of the carbonated water. An embodiment herein includes a channel about the inner periphery of the spout wall to distribute syrup to holes passing through the wall of the spout. The syrup is thus mixed with the diluent flow outside of the spout.

Abstract: A device for delivering paints comprises a housing containing a rod which is movable by a microprocessor controlled pneumatic piston, to seal both ends of a discharge duct. The pneumatic piston is activated to move the rod to open both ends of the discharge duct for the delivery of paint. The rod can then be moved to close the discharge duct and avoid the drying of paint within the duct.

Abstract: A two-way valve apparatus for a fluid distribution pipe adapted to be cleaned by scraping, comprising a ported tube containing a mobile abutment member for receiving a scraper, and a sleeve and a tubular confinement member fastened to and moving axially in unison with the abutment member to open and close the tube port.

Abstract: An improved turret-type portioning apparatus (10) is provided which includes a selectively pivotal portioning assembly (14) for moving a pair of upright product-receiving cylinders (84, 86) between a fill position for receiving product and a discharge position for discharge of accurately sized portions. Cleanout of the apparatus (10) is facilitated by means of a selectively actuatable piston and cylinder assembly (158) which operates to elevate the portioning assembly (14) away from an underlying frame assembly (12). Operational control for the apparatus (10) is achieved by means of pneumatic control circuitry (18).

Abstract: A volumetric apparatus for portioning fluidic material into fractions of predetermined size includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a piston movable in the housing and defining a product portioning chamber and a compression chamber. Fluidic material is fed into the product portioning chamber through the inlet under pressure when the inlet is open and the outlet is closed, the pressurized fluidic material forcing the piston from a first position by a preset distance such that a predetermined volume of the fluidic material is fed into the product portioning chamber. Thereafter, the piston is driven from the second position to the first position when the inlet is closed and the outlet is open so as to deliver the portioned fluidic material from the product portioning chamber through the outlet.

Abstract: In an electrostatic spray coating apparatus (10), liquid coating material is applied to a workpart inside of a spray booth (12). Alternating flows of liquid coating material, liquid solvent and air are conducted through various internal flow passages in a conduit (14) inside the spray booth. An electronic differentiator (24) is positioned adjacent a predetermined location along the conduit (14) and energized from an electrical source disposed outside of the spray booth (12) to differentiate between liquid and gas in the internal flow passage for nonintrusively detecting when the head of liquid flow reaches the predetermined location along the internal flow passage. This is accomplished by an electromagnetic field extending into the flow passage and sensing the changes in the electromagnetic field resulting from dielectric differences between liquid and gas in the flow passage.