Abstract: The incorporation of a non-thermosettable phenolic tackifying resin surprisingly provides improved solvent free, hot melt processing of hydrocarbon elastomers with crosslinking promoters to form pressure sensitive adhesive tapes. The tapes advantageously have a desirable balance of the properties of resistance to slow rate peel and fast rate peel adhesion.

Abstract: A vacuum storage and dispensing container for use with perishable items, particularly food products, and more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the perishable item. The invention includes a storage and dispensing container, and further includes a valve mechanism for opening the cylinder to the atmosphere. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.

Abstract: Defects, associated with the presence of microbubbles in the photoresist developer solution, have been largely eliminated by providing an apparatus and method whereby the photoresist developer solution, while on standby status in a buffer tank, is maintained at a negative pressure (about minus 0.5 kg/cm.sup.2). This allows any microbubbles, that were introduced into the solution during the course of conveying it to the buffer, to escape. The negative pressure in the buffer during its refill and standby stages is generated by adding a venturi valve to the existing equipment. This keeps the impact on the control software to a minimum and has little or no effect on the cost of the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A liquid flow control apparatus (5) suitable for handling milk from a milking machine, comprising a first chamber (10) that comprises an inlet (11) for the milk, an outlet (12) for connecting to a vacuum pump, and an outlet (14) for the milk to flow by gravity to a second chamber (13). The first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) are in communication with each other by means of the outlet (14) at the bottom of the first chamber (10). The second chamber (13) has a float valve (23) that closes off communication between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) depending on the level of liquid in the second chamber (13). A conduit tube (18) for air communication is disposed between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13). A second float valve (17b) closes off communication via the conduit tube (18) between the two chambers. A third chamber (21) has two valves with one valve (26) opening to the atmosphere and a second valve (20) opening to the second chamber (13).

Abstract: A method for the multiple filling and emptying of a receptacle with pourable product having low bulk density. The method comprises the following features:a) providing a flexible and air-permeable fabric container with at least one access port as a receptacle;b) filling the fabric container with product by applying a negative pressure to the fabric container and sucking the product through an opened access port into the fabric container, until a predetermined filling weight is reached, and closing the access port;c) emptying the fabric container, by connecting an access port to a discharge device and opening the access port and sucking the product into a conduit system or a reservoir until the fabric container is evacuated and has folded up; andd) closing the access port.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum storage and dispensing container for use with perishable items, particularly food products, and more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend the shelf life of the perishable item for several months. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container having a cylinder with a top end and a bottom end. An upper enclosure is attached to the top end and a lower enclosure to the bottom end. There is provided a system for releasing and creating a vacuum in the cylinder, upper enclosure, and lower enclosure for maintaining freshness of the perishable item. In another aspect, there is disclosed a merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables comprising a plurality of storage and dispensing containers. Each container includes a cylinder having a top end and a bottom end. An air-tight upper enclosure is attached to the top end and an air-tight lower enclosure to the bottom end.

Abstract: In order to convey granular material from an upstream processing location, a vibratory feeder includes a conveyor having an inlet end and an outlet end disposed in spaced apart relation. The conveyor has the inlet end disposed in a position to receive the material from an outlet of a source of the material by way of gravity. The vibratory feeder utilizes an unbalanced motor for vibrating the conveyor to apply a vibratory force causing the material to be conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The transfer of the material from the source to the conveyor is controlled by using a receptacle have a valve for dispensing the material in the receptacle at the inlet end of the conveyor. Specifically, the receptacle receives the material from the source by gravity and the valve opens and closes dependent upon accumulation of the material in the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid from first and second containers is disclosed herein. The liquid dispensing system includes a first media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the first container, for transferring liquid from the first container. A second media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the second container, is disposed to transfer liquid from the second container. When placed in a first state a switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the first media transfer line and allows liquid to flow through the second media transfer line. In a second state the switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the second media transfer line while allowing liquid to flow through the first media transfer line. A liquid storage reservoir connected in liquid-flow communication with the switchable valve stores liquid received from the first and second media transfer lines by way of the switchable valve.

Abstract: A method for dispensing or depositing particulate material includes accumulating particulate material in a nozzle having an opening at the bottom for discharging the particulate material, and applying positive air pressure to a buffer chamber positioned in communication with the accumulation of particulate material to start and control the flow of particulate material through the opening and applying negative pressure to the buffer chamber to stop the flow of particulate material. An unobstructed interface can exist between a surface of the particulate material and air in the buffer chamber. In one embodiment, roofing shingle granules are applied intermittently to a moving coated asphaltic sheet through a slot to form strip roofing shingles.

Abstract: A storetank for a powder supply is disclosed which is capable of discharging the powder particles stored therein in a constant amount without the caking and blocking of the powder particles by a method different from the conventional method.

Abstract: An expressor for varying the amount of fluid in a variable-volume container connected to at least one conduit includes a housing defining an enclosed chamber which can accommodate the container. The housing has at least one opening through which a conduit can extend. A pressure regulating mechanism is coupled to the housing to vary the pressure of fluid in the chamber and thereby vary the volume of the container.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials for storage in a receiving container comprising a hollow tubular container having a generally horizontal axis for receiving and holding flowable material. A vacuum pump or venturi and suitable valving are used to first create a vacuum within the chamber and then to return the chamber to atmospheric pressure instantaneously, thereby compacting the flowable material. An auger extends from the inlet end of the tubular container to the outlet end of the tubular container for moving flowable material into and compacted material out of the tubular container into a receiving container.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing apparatus (10) having a hopper (16) and a lid (26) includes an adhesive curing abatement system (12) comprising a plurality of gas jets (40) mounted proximate to the side wall (42) of the hopper (16). The gas jets (40) inject one of either an inert gas or dry air downwardly and inwardly into the hopper (16), thereby reducing the contact of moisture laden ambient air with moisture cure adhesive contained therein. The adhesive curing abatement system (12) may also include an exhaust system (50) to vacuum vapors generated by the moisture cure adhesive and the inert gas or dry air from the hopper (16) when the lid (26) is open and to bleed off any injected inert gas or dry air as well as vapors generated by the moisture cure adhesive when the lid (26) is closed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurate measuring and mixing of chemicals is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more metered vessels having a container of predetermined volume and at least one constricted vent tube therein. By mounting a sensor on the constricted vent tube, a greatly amplified measurement of the precise chemical volume in the metered vessel is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention readily lends itself to a variety of applications and can be adapted to handle virtually any form of chemical mixing, diluting, or generating process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing process particularly for a sealing/adhesive product which comprises at least one step of pumping the sealing/adhesive product to allow a step of distribution thereof onto at least one part to be sealed, such as for example a motor vehicle mechanical component; an intermediate step of deaeration of the sealing/adhesive product, so as to optimize its distribution on the part to be sealed, is provided between the pumping step and the distribution step. The apparatus for dispensing the sealing/adhesive product (14) comprises elements (2) for feeding the sealing/adhesive product to elements (4) for distributing it onto at least one part (5) to be sealed and sealing/adhesive product deaeration means (3) which cooperate with the pumping and distribution elements for the uniform deposition of the sealant/adhesive on the part.

Abstract: A method and device for the application of mortar or concrete by spraying, wherein a quick-acting binding agent mixed with an admixture is transferred to a spraying-nozzle by a pneumatic conveyor where water is added, wherein the binding agent is added mixed with the admixture during the pneumatic transfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.

Abstract: A rotary filling apparatus includes a rotatable drum body having an apex and a base, an outer circumferential wall which defines a drum periphery, and lateral walls which extend from the drum periphery into the drum body to define a plurality of spaced drum chambers. The lateral walls have aligned keyhole slots, positioned away from the drum periphery, and a vessel is slidably positioned in each drum chamber. A key, having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area which increases from a base portion to a head portion, is positioned in the keyhole slots, so that upon longitudinal displacement of the key the vessel is caused to ascend or descend in the chamber, thereby decreasing or increasing the volume of the chamber. A cover plate is positioned adjacent the drum periphery, between the drum apex and base, for retaining material in drum chambers during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A powder charging apparatus includes a low pressure chamber for accommodating a container to be charged with powder. The low pressure chamber is separable into an upper section and a lower section. A pressure reducer reduces the pressures in the low pressure chamber and the container at the same time. A pressure riser increases the pressure in the low pressure chamber. A powder supplier allows a predetermined quantity of powder to fall into the container under a difference in the pressures between inside and outside the container. The powder supplier includes a hopper having an outlet port. The container has an inlet neck portion engageable with a nozzle secured to the low pressure chamber. The nozzle is connected to the outlet port of the hopper. A buffering member is disposed at a space from the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a photo-resist comprises a resist supply reservoir, a pump and a supply line from the pump to a nozzle. Further provided is a standby receptacle into which an end portion of the nozzle is inserted when not being utilized in a spraying operation. The standby receptacle is supplied with N.sub.2 gas, bubbled through a solvent which is held at a bottom portion of the container, surrounded by an air space. The nozzle rests in a nozzle holder so as to be exposed to the internal atmosphere of the container for preventing clogging of the nozzle due to drying of the solvent when the nozzle is not in use.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for continuously deaerating and compacting flowable materials for transportation and storage in containers includes a first rotatable chamber valve for receiving the flowable materials. Attached to the rotatable chamber valve is a fixed position chamber connected to a vacuum source for receiving the flowable materials from the first rotatable chamber and for deaerating the flowable materials. The fixed position chamber is in turn connected to a second rotatable chamber valve for receiving the deaerated flowable materials from the fixed position chamber, maintaining the materials in a vacuum, then returning the materials to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously as the valve rotates to compact the deaerated materials into a substantially solid mass.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, closed, chemical transfer system is described. The system includes a support frame, a container, a vacuum pump, a leveling means for the container, a valved inlet line, and a valved outlet line. The leveling means allows for use of the portable, self-contained system on various surface levels. The vacuum pump can provide solely a vacuum to the container of the system or can be structured to also provide pressure to the container of the system to facilitate emptying of the container. When a pressure means is not provided, gravity is utilized to facilitate emptying of the container. The vacuum pump of the invention which provides alternatively for both vacuum and pressure includes a single operating lever operatively connected to two 3-way valves which are used in conjunction with a motor, air pump, and appropriate air lines. The system is operated through the use of a minimal number of valves which provides for simple construction and operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding granular silicon material comprises a hopper for storing granular silicon material, a feeder for feeding granular silicon material stored in the hopper, a first guide tube for leading granular silicon material fed from the feeder, a feed tube for feeding granular silicon material, which is arranged in a lower portion of the first guide tube and movable upward and downward, a housing incorporating the hopper, the feeder, the guide tube and the feed tube, a sluice valve for closing an opening of a chamber of the apparatus for manufacturing silicon single crystals, and a second guide tube which is positioned in a portion of the opening of the chamber and which leads granular silicon material to a crucible for melting granular silicon material.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing multiple alternating pressure vessels, chemicals are drawn from virtually any bulk source and delivered to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure.

Abstract: A syrup dispensing assembly is provided for a soft drink dispenser. This assembly includes a plurality of syrup supply sources in communication with a plurality of syrup pumps. Each of the pumps is interconnected with a common manifold connected at one end to a source of CO.sub.2 gas under pressure, and at the other end by a vacuum pump. Actuation of a valve allows the gas pressure source to pressurize the pumps for dispensing. Closure of that valve and actuation of the vacuum pump allow the pumps to refill with syrup from the syrup supply sources. The system can operate with any of various types of syrup supplies, as well as combinations of such supplies.

Abstract: In a device for pumping meat-containing products, such as pieces of meat, meat paste and meat pulp (dough), it is aimed at avoiding problems of the meat forming bridges in a feed space, of meat remaining in the device during a too long time, of too much churning up of the meat and to provide a simple device adapted to discharge at will a continuous meat discharge flow under constant pressure or at a constant flow rate. Thereto, there is a feed space with means for feeding the meat under pressure to one of a number of cylinders with reciprocating pistons or the like, acting in parallel, with a controlled valve in the delivery line between each piston and a common discharge duct. Several feed means are proposed, depending on the application of the devices for pieces of meat on the one hand or for paste or pulp.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for aseptic volumetric packaging has a fixed means for forming a flow of sterile air to the apparatus, a feed member, at least one pumping member which is movable relative to the flow of sterile air, at least one filler spout and at least one dispenser member attached to the pumping member and the filler spout and disposed so as to be alternatable between positions connecting the feed member to the pumping member and the pumping member to the filler spout. The pumping member comprising a cylinder connected to the dispenser member, a piston mounted to slide inside the cylinder, a drive rod fixed to the piston and connected to an actuator device, and an enclosure fed with sterile air and mounted adjacent the cylinder. The enclosure surrounds the drive rod of the piston and is fed with sterile air from the flow of sterile air by a fan member associated with the pumping member.

Abstract: A pressurizable container has a removable cover. The removable cover has locking elements to maintain the cover sealed to the container when the container is pressurized. The locking device is a piston received in a cylinder, and the cylinder communicates with the interior of the container. When the container is pressurized, the pressure fluid forces the piston and its associated locking bolt into a position such that the bolt passes through a wall of the container and a wall of the removable cover, locking the cover to the container. It is also possible to draw a vacuum on the container when the container is used as a sterilizing device.

Abstract: A method of venting a plant for filling containers (2) with an apportioned quantity of liquid without air inclusions by means of a dispensing pump (9) in which two control valves (11', 12') disposed at the outlet from a filler pipe (4) are intermittently opened and closed, the liquid (17) being supplied via a buffer container (13).

Abstract: A wine dispensing device for dispensing individual portions of wine from a bottle while protecting the remaining wine in the bottle against contact with the ambient air. The device uses a source of a special inert gas/carbon dioxide gas mixture connected to a delivery assembly coupled to a bottle of wine through the bottle's cork for dispensing the contents and supply the blanketing gas mixture to the exclusion of undesired ambient air. The delivery assembly is so designed that is purged of ambient air prior to and during dispensing of the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: A connector for a bottle of concentrate for a carbonating apparatus has a cylindrical body the upper end of which carries a structure defining a number of radially extending baffle and a central opening through which a dip tube may be inserted into the bottle. A latching ring for connecting the connector to the carbonation apparatus is carried by the body at a position outwardly thereof and lower than the baffle structure. The latching ring is constructed to snap on to a corresponding boss on the carbonation apparatus. The bottle is detached from the carbonation apparatus, after exhaustion of the contents, by removal of a tear-off strip which connects the latching ring to the body of the connector. To facilitate connection of a fresh bottle of concentrate to the apparatus, the apparatus includes a housing which is detachable from the remainder of the apparatus and which carries the dip tube and other elements co-operable with the connector for attaching the bottle.

Abstract: A improved silo is provided having a pair of pivoting receiver gates overlying a pair of receiver openings and a pair of pivoting discharge gates overlying a pair of discharge openings. A deformable seal is secured to the silo between the receiver openings and the receiver gates and between the discharge openings and the discharge gates. The gates are vertically adjusted by an eccentric assembly to compress the respective deformable seal for forming an air tight barrier between the respective openings and the gate.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for draining a viscous material, such as a molten polymer, from a vessel that contains the material. A ram-type valve is mounted on the outside of the vessel in line with a drain opening in the vessel. The valve is enclosed in a removable housing mounted on the outside of the vessel. During a process run, the valve piston closes off the drain opening, and an inert atmosphere inside the housing prevents oxygen from forming polymer "gels" that can plug the drain opening. When it becomes necessary to drain the vessel, a remote control valve actuator moves the valve piston out of the drain opening, so the polymer can flow out of the vessel.

Abstract: In a powder recharging apparatus for a low-pressure plasma spraying system having a powder magazine with a fill pipe (22) at its bottom and a powder feeder (32) cooperating with the magazine (23) and connected by a hose or pipe to the vacuum chamber, a valve pair (19, 20) is inserted into the fill pipe (22) and is connected by a tee coupling (21) both to a valved vacuum pipe (25) and to an additional connecting pipe or flange (30), this flange (30) being joined by a releasable pipe coupling, such as a pipe union (18) for example, to the flange (29) of a funnel neck (10) of a supply funnel (9), a second valve pair (15, 16) being inserted between this flange (29) and the outlet connection (10).

Abstract: A liquid metering unit comprising a conduit of flexible material depending between first and second rotatable rollers, each having first and second curved surfaces and first and second flat portions. The rollers are driven in opposite directions so that their first curved surfaces impinge upon the conduit, constricting it and causing it to move upwards along its longitudinal axis such that any liquid contained therein is expelled from its lower end. Continued rotation of the rollers presents the second flat portions to the conduit, which is released and drops back to its original position. The conduit is recharged with liquid from a reservoir connected to its upper end by means of a vacuum source selectively connectable to its lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus for blending two gases together in precisely adjustable proportions. The apparatus includes a mechanically adjustable, blending subassembly adapted to receive the first gas at a predetermined pressure and a one to one force balanced pneumatic relay which is operated by the first gas and which meters the flow of the second gas to the blending subassembly at a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the first gas being supplied to the blending subassembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the container/dispenser for an ultra high purity chemical includes a thin walled inner container made of TEFLON polymer. The thin walled inner container is closed at the top by an inner container lid. An outer container surrounds the inner container and comprises a metal outer wall that is interiorly covered or lined with TEFLON polymer or other polymeric material. The outer container is closed at the top by an outer container lid. The inner container is separated from the outer container by a spacer assembly that spaces the side and bottom walls of the inner thin walled container away from the inteiror surface of the outer container. An inert gas is disposed in the interspace between the inner and outer container and a set of valves are mounted on the inner and outer container lids. One valve allows an inert gas to be bubbled through the ultra high purity chemical while another valve dispenses the "bubbled" chemical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preserving and dispensing opened containers of beverages and particularly wines wherein an opened bottled or similar container is placed within a separate enclosure and thereafter an inert gas such as nitrogen is introduced therein until pressures exceeding those desired for dispensing are achieved so as to purge any air from the enclosure and container with the gas pressure being applied equally inside and outside of the bottle or container to thereby preserve the contents of the bottle or container at a peak and consumer acceptable quality. The apparatus includes an enclosure having gas inlet and outlet valves and fluid dispensing conduits which communicate the beverage with dispensing valves.

Abstract: A beverage container pressurizer and more particularly to a screw threaded cap that replaces the screw threaded cap normally provided on large beverage containers and a manually operated reciprocating piston-type pump sealingly and releaseably connected with the screw threaded cap for pressurizing the beverage container to keep the carbonation suspended in a liquid state for sustaining the quality of a carbonated beverage for an extended life before "going flat". The replacement cap includes a valve assembly which permits entry of pressurized air from the pump but prevents egress of pressurized air from the container when the pump is removed. This arrangement enables a single pump to pressurize a number of beverage containers since the pump is separable from the replacement screw threaded cap which remains with the beverage container until all of the beverage has been consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for making flavored carbonated beverages includes a carbonator (2) and concentrate supply (4). The latter includes a metering chamber (24) so that metered quantities of concentrate are supplied for making each drink. Concentrate is drawn from a supply bottle (6) into the metering chamber (24) by creating a reduced pressure therein with the aid of a venturi (20) through which carbon dioxide gas under pressure is supplied. The gas from the venturi (20) is directed downwardly into the upper part of the concentrate bottle which includes a baffle structure (48) which prevents this gas impinging directly on the surface of the concentrate and which is so arranged that the gas entering the bottle (6) passes to a gas outlet (72) route only via the space above the concentrate, so that unwanted discharge of concentrate through the outlet route is prevented.

Abstract: A wine dispensing mechanism for dispensing individual portions of wine from a bottle while protecting the remaining wine in the bottle against the deleterious effects of air. The dispenser uses a source of low pressure inert gas for a number of bottles of wine through the use of a plug which is inserted in the neck of the wine bottle in place of the cork. The plug has a gas inlet and a wine outlet with self-closing valves in each. A coupler which is easily connected to and disconnected from the plug is connected to a source of inert gas and a wine dispensing tap. The coupler has separate wine and gas passages with a self-closing valve in the gas passage. The plug and coupler can only be connected with the gas and wine passages properly aligned and the self-closing valves in each are automatically opened when they are connected, and closed when disconnected.

Abstract: A compact and portable wine dispensing device is provided, having a support structure coupled to a closure member which fits into the neck of the wine bottle, which structure supports a removable inert gas cartridge, a gas purge valve, a wine dispensing valve, an extended gas feeder tube, an extended wine feeder tube, a gas pressure restriction regulator, a bottle switching valve and a one way valve. The portable dispensing device is fitted within the neck of the bottle, the gas cartridge is then inserted into the device and activated, and the gas purge valve is actuated to cause the inert gas within the cartridge to purge oxygen within the space above the wine, which air passes through the purge valve and out into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and system are provided for preserving and dispensing wine from a bottle or other container. The process involves directing a chemically inert gas under pressure from a reservoir to a bottle containing a wine. The pressure of the gas is reduced prior to its introduction into the bottle. The bottle is positioned generally vertically within a hermetically and thermally sealed enclosure. A gas flow line enters the bottle and has a first end connected to a gas source and a second end which terminates within the bottle between a bottle plug and the contained liquid. By passing the gas into the bottle, liquid within the bottle is forced through an end of a second line which is positioned in the wine to a second end of the line positioned on the exterior of the bottle. The flow of wine is caused by the introduction of gas under pressure into the interior of the bottle between the bottle plug and the wine.

Abstract: An apparatus for apportioning powdered material into each of a series of containers is disclosed which includes a powdered material hopper having a dispensing opening and a rotatable filling head contiguous to the dispensing opening. The rotatable filling head includes a plurality of radially situated chambers each having an open outer end for displacement between the material hopper and the series of containers. A conventional pneumatic source is provided for assisting the filling and emptying of the chambers during the apportioning process. Within each chamber, the volume of powdered material received is defined by a piston having a porous surface. The piston engages a threaded stem longitudinally fixed in position yet rotatable about its longitudinal axis to effect displacement of the piston head and support longitudinally within the chamber. A seal is provided at the radially inner end of the threaded stem to ensure positive pneumatic action through the porous piston surface.

Abstract: Valves connected to dip tubes in conventional pressurized "aerosol"-type containers for dispensing materials which react or cure upon dispensing (e.g. moisture-curable polyurethanes), are protected against premature failure by introducing a small amount of dry, inert gas into the dip-tube shortly after charging the container. The gas (e.g. nitrogen) acts as a barrier to prevent contact between the product in the container and the valve mechanism prior to use of the product. Preventing such contact avoids premature hardening of product in the valve mechanism caused by reaction of product with moisture.

Abstract: Dough is moved by a screw conveyor (28) in the bottom of a hopper (12) through a hopper discharge opening (25) and through a discharge conduit (14). A wedge-shaped shield (58) is mounted in the lower portion of the hopper over the screw conveyor (28) and divides the dough moving down the hopper and guides the dough to opposite side of the screw conveyor and maintains an air passage (92) in the dough over the screw conveyor and in communication with the discharge conduit (14). A partial vacuum is drawn in the air passage (92) to evacuate gas from the dough.