Abstract: A system for manually dispensing liquid from bulk container assembly into a smaller container using a manually operated pump assembly comprising a bulk container for maintaining liquid being pumped from a sealed bulk container, a metering pump assembly having a fluid interconnection with the bulk container, a rack and pinion gear drive assembly for moving an interconnected handle between operating positions for filling and emptying a metering chamber with the accurate amount of the predetermined desired volume of fluid to be pumped. A nozzle is provided for emptying the metering chamber to a second container having a size comparable to the amount of desired liquid being pumped. A method for dispensing liquid from a bulk container to a smaller container is also provided.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw that are supported for movable travel toward and away from each other. The instrument may further include a firing member that is operably supported for selective operable travel within the surgical end effector. The instrument may also include a first jaw closure system that operably interfaces with the lower jaw and is configured to selectively move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second jaw closure system operably interfaces with the upper jaw and is configured to selectively move the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member and is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member to move the firing member within the end effector.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft assembly that defines a longitudinal tool axis. An elongated channel of an end effector is movably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is transverse to the longitudinal tool axis upon application of articulation motions thereto. The elongated channel may be configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. An anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between open and closed positions about the pivot axis upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. In some implementations, the anvil assembly comprises a two part assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing gel for use with a medical device comprising a storage container for storing a quantity of gel of at least one gallon, a pump for delivering gel to a user, a first delivery conduit connected to the outlet of the storage container and the inlet of the pump, and a second delivery conduit connected to the outlet of the pump on one end and having a second end terminating at a location near the patient. The apparatus includes a heat source positioned proximal to the storage container for warming the gel so that is at a comfortable temperature when it is applied to a patient.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a flowable substance, e.g., a fluid, has a housing with an indicating chamber, an outlet and two fluid paths from a container, one of the fluid paths to the indicating chamber and the other fluid path to the outlet. The indicating chamber may have indicia identifying, in real time, an amount of fluid that has flowed through the outlet. A shroud-cap may close the outlet and obscure the indicating chamber. Each fluid path includes a respective metered inlet. All the metered inlets are substantially identical in size and shape. Some disclosed shapes reduce surface tension for more accurate readings. A snorkel tube may extend into a container to supply makeup air into the container as fluid is dispensed. An indicating spout for flexible containers is vented to only the exterior of the flexible container.

Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.

Abstract: A method and device which provides visual means to confirm the level of liquid in an opaque container, by operating an adjacent transparent gauge tube which is in correspondence with the liquid on the inside of container, notwithstanding the pressurized condition of the liquid, while maintaining the pressure above the liquid in the gauge tube at the same level as the pressure above the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A method and device which provides visual means to confirm the level of liquid in an opaque container, by operating an adjacent transparent gauge tube which is in correspondence with the liquid on the inside of container, notwithstanding the pressurized condition of the liquid, while maintaining the pressure above the liquid in the gauge tube at the same level as the pressure above the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A disposable tube set apparatus is provided apparatus for delivering a precise volume of a fluid to containers which comprise a reservoir for a fluid, an inlet conduit to said reservoir, at least one first outlet conduits from said reservoir, a sight tube connected to each of said at least one outlet conduit, each of said sight outlet tubes having an interior wall tapered away from a central vertical axis of each of said sight outlet tubes, a return conduit connecting each of said sight outlet tubes to said reservoir, and a second outlet conduit connected to each of said sight tubes.

Abstract: A spigot device for a liquid container includes a single-piece molded conduit confining a primary passage and a channel which are surrounded by an outer surrounding wall and which are not communicated with each other within the conduit. An intake end of each of the primary passage and the channel is in fluid communication with a bottom outlet of the container. An exit end of the primary passage is in fluid communication with a fluid passage in which a valve body is disposed to control flow of liquid from the container into a spout. An upright branch tube is in fluid communication with the channel to permit the liquid in the container to flow into the branch tube so that the level of the liquid in the container can be monitored by observing the level of the liquid in the branch tube.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A dosing container (1) made of transparent material which is useful for the multiple removal of a free-flowing application product for a subject animal or human health, having a filling section (6) which is of a constant cross section over its filling height (3), and having adjustably secured to the container a dosing slide (10, 23) having a scale (11, 22), which slide can be adjusted over the filling height (3) of the container (5), and which can be set at the beginning of a treatment to a filling height (15) indicated by a scale value (14) corresponding to the body weight of the subject to be treated and which setting reaches filling height 16 corresponding to the scale value zero (12) at the end of a treatment.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises a tube and a holding means. When used with a container, the holding means is connected to a neck of the container and the tube is plunged into an interior of the container. An area on the tube, by which the tube is held by the holding means, defines a distance between a lower end of the tube and the bottom of the container. Consequently, a maximal amount of the fluid for the selected area that can be dispensed from the container upon its tilting is determined. A metering container is formed by combining the dispensing device and a container.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises first and second side pieces configured to be hingedly connected and to form a first and second cavity, a lid, and a front piece configured to form a third cavity with the first and second side pieces. Also included are a handle, a biasing device configured to be positioned outside the first cavity, and a rotating blocking device configured to rotate based on movement of the handle and the biasing device, such that handle and rotating block device are returned to a stationary position based on the biasing device. Finally, the apparatus includes a resilient sealing device that is configured to interact with the rotating blocking device to close a first opening between the first and second cavities and a swinging blocking device configured to close a second opening between the first and third cavities. Also according to the present invention, in another embodiment the closing device includes a holding device that has first through forth side walls and a base.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises first and second side pieces configured to be hingedly connected and to form a first and second cavity, a lid, and a front piece configured to form a third cavity with the first and second side pieces. Also included are a handle, a biasing device configured to be positioned outside the first cavity, and a rotating blocking device configured to rotate based on movement of the handle and the biasing device, such that handle and rotating block device are returned to a stationary position based on the biasing device. Finally, the apparatus includes a resilient sealing device that is configured to interact with the rotating blocking device to close a first opening between the first and second cavities and a swinging blocking device configured to close a second opening between the first and third cavities.

Abstract: A faucet apparatus is provided for dispensing heated liquid from an urn interior. The faucet includes an insulated foamed plastic body made from foamed polypropylene or the like and has a liquid flow bore defined therein. The foamed plastic body has a plurality of gas-filled insulative bubbles dispersed through the walls thereof and is adapted for connection to an urn with the liquid flow bore in fluid communication with an interior portion of said urn. The faucet includes means connected to the body for controlling the flow of liquid through the bore to a liquid outlet of the faucet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage cooler and dispenser which is compact enough to fit on a counter top yet large enough to hold a substantial volume of liquid. The beverage cooler includes a refrigeration unit having a compressor with a condenser located inside of the reservoir tank and an evaporator external to the unit, a pump for circulating the liquid, a dispenser, and a liquid level gauge. The device has an electrical cord for connection to a direct current outlet.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for measuring precise volumes of a fluid for later mixing with other materials which has a pressure vessel for receiving a fluid supplied from a supply tank, a bubbler sensor communicating with the pressure vessel for correlating pressure within a bubbler tube with volume in the pressure vessel so that a controller in communication with the bubbler sensor can control the inflow and outflow of precise volumes of the fluid through the pressure vessel. The bubbler robe is received within the pressure vessel and is monitored by a pressure transducer which communicates with the controller so that a plurality of solenoid valves can control the inflow and outflow of the measured fluid.

Abstract: Each dispenser, which may be used for candy, is identical except for a identically sized top rectangular panel. The back, bottom, front, and a baffle are formed of one piece of thermoplastic material. A right angle bent is adhered to the top of the baffle. The top panels for a top row of dispensers are adhered to the dispensers and each has a hole communicating with a cylindrical reservoir. Those for a bottom row are hinged to the back. All sides are identical. Depending chutes are rectangular and have a sliding door. The sliding doors and the bent each have identical cylinders adhered to them. The walls of each chute have holes aligned with its cylinder. The hinged tops have a hole through which a cylinder protrudes. A locking cable has a large finial at one end and a small finial at the other. Two washers are provided that fit over the large finial, but not the smaller. A washer is threaded against the large finial and the cable passed through aligned cylinders.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system, two pouches containing a liquid to be dispensed are connected by tubing to a reservoir and positioned at different levels above the reservoir. As the liquid is dispensed from the reservoir, the higher of the two positions is emptied and replaced with a filled pouch. The pouches are then reversed, with the new pouch in a lower position. When the other pouch is empty, it is replaced and the positions of the two pouches are again reversed. As a result, a continuous supply of liquid is dispensed from the reservoir. Any bubbles which are introduced into the system when the pouches are changed are automatically allowed to escape the system via a liquid level indicator line. A second level indicator provides an alarm or other signal should the liquid fall to the level of the reservoir.

Abstract: An injection mixing apparatus is provided for use with a spraying system carried on a mobile vehicle of the type including a spray bar, a carrier reservoir for holding a supply of a liquid carrier medium, a main pump interposed between the carrier reservoir and the spray bar, a flow control valve interposed between the main pump and the spray bar, a ground speed sensor for developing a ground speed signal corresponding to the speed of the vehicle, a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure across the spray bar and developing a corresponding pressure signal and a supply of chemical agent to be mixed with the carrier at a desired concentration for delivery at the spray bar. The injection mixing apparatus comprises at least one injection control loop with an injection pump coupled intermediate the supply and the main pump for injecting the chemical agent into the carrier ahead of the main pump, and an injection controller for controlling the injection pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for heating, brewing, storing and dispensing a hot liquid. Known brewing apparatus typically dispenses hot water and a single beverage. Where a selection of beverages are desired a plurality of such apparatus is required. This brewing apparatus in accordance with the invention has within a single housing a hot water unit and a plurality of beverage brewing units to dispense different hot beverages. Further, each of the brewing units consists of a heating and brewing portion and a liquid storing and dispensing portion, the liquid storing and dispensing portion being detachable from the apparatus to dispense beverage at a location distant from the apparatus. The detachable liquid storing and dispensing unit comprises an insulated container with a liquid dispensing tap having a valve positioned well within the insulated wall of the container and a steam trap at the inlet to the container to prevent heat losses from the container.

Abstract: An improved device for aspetic dispensing of enteral feeding solutions from shape retentive, pre-filled containers. The device including a distensible hanger member formed around only the end panels of the container to suspend the container in an orientation to define only a single uppermost corner and a single lowermost corner. The device further including corner attachment members for firmly securing a therapeutic fluid dispensing column only to the uppermost and lowermost corners of the container. The fluid dispensing column having venting and dispensing spikes. The spikes having an outer configuration which forms leak-proof seals with an aperture formed in the container. The spikes further including an arrangement of laterally opposed inlet ports joined to a large diameter axial bore.

Abstract: A device for dispensing enteral feeding solutions and other therapeutic fluids from penetrable, shape retentive containers comprising a unitary dispensing spike for penetrating a topside panel of such containers which are suspended in an orientation to define an uppermost end and a lowermost end. The dispensing spike of the present invention includes an ambient air vent integrally formed therein. The present invention further includes a fluid visualization chamber which permits a user to determine the volume of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system and method are disclosed for automatically preparing a batch mixture containing predetermined quantities of liquids such as spray dampening solutions or silicone emulsions used in the printing industry. The system comprises a holding tank having one or more liquid columns in liquid communication with the tank so that the level of liquid in the column, or columns, will be the same as the level of the liquid in the tank. Liquid level detection devices preferably in the form of static capacity-type proximity switches sense the level of the liquid in the column, or columns, and liquid charging devices responsive to the liquid level detection devices charges the liquids into the tank in seriatum each time raising the level of the liquid in the tank and in the columns to the next detected level.

Abstract: A measuring, metering, and mixing can, particularly for gasoline and oil, including a gasoline container with filler cap and spout; and oil container with filler cap; visual type gauges for each container; and a plunger-cylinder metering unit for withdrawing a selected amount of oil from the oil container and injecting the same into the gasoline can for producing an oil-gasoline mixture. The visual gauge on the gasoline container and the visual gauge on the oil container permit the metering of an exact amount of oil, dependent upon the amount of gasoline within the gasoline container for a precise ratio of oil-gasoline in the mixture. A hinged cover on the can protects the metering equipment during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A dispensing device formed of a cradle for receiving a brick pack. The cradle includes a pair of apertures located near the bottom and top of the cradle. The dispensing member has a pair of spikes at each end thereof which pass through the pair of apertures in the cradle and pierce the brick pack contained by the cradle. The spikes each have openings therein which communicate with the hollow interior of the dispenser to permit the flow of fluid therein. At the top end of the dispenser is a vent opening having a filter therein for permitting the ingress of air. At the bottom of the dispenser is an opening for permitting the egress of fluid from the brick pack and the dispenser. Preferably the dispenser has a graduated scale to indicate the level of fluid in the brick pack.

Abstract: A container for brewed beverage incorporating a vessel having continuous sidewalls, an integral bottom wall, that is concaved or recessed upwardly within the formed container, to form an air pocket intermediate it and the heating element upon which it rest; the lid of the container is likewise formed of a particular shape, generally being concaved downwardly, so as to collect any generated moisture as a condensate for dripping and deposit back into the brewed beverage to maintain its flavor. A sight gauge is provided along the side of a selectively designed container, to provide a ready observation of the beverage level within the container, and a dispenser connects upon a connector tube extension for affording easy dispensing of beverage from the container even as it rests upon its heating element, or plate.

Abstract: A stationary beer container having upper and lower end connections coupled with a flow line coupling and valve assembly adapted to cooperate with a standard beer tap head used with barrels or kegs. The flow line coupling and housing assembly of the invention is connected with a line to the lower end of the beer container and a vertical line to the upper end of the container including a transparent section for determining the beer level in the container. The same type of tap head is used for tapping beer from the container, filing the container, and cleaning the container.

Abstract: Liquid level in tanks is gauged an can be controlled as follows. Liquid communication is provided from near the bottom of the tank to a liquid reservoir containing a liquid which is of different density and immiscible with the tank liquid. The reservoir is in liquid communication with a vertically elongated vessel having a relatively small horizontal area compared to the tank, communication being near the top of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is less dense than the tank liquid and being near the bottom of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is more dense than the tank liquid. The elongated vessel, which can be transparent or translucent so that the liquid level therein corresponding to the liquid level in the tank can be readily determined, can contain a float containing a proximity sensor triggering element.

Abstract: A flow indicator for a positive displacement pump is connected to a liquid supply reservoir below the liquid level in the reservoir. The indicator has a first passage through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. The first passage has an inlet below the liquid level in the reservoir and an outlet coupled to a supply conduit in turn coupled to the pump inlet. A restrictor is positioned in the first passage adjacent the inlet to partially restrict fluid flow through the passage. A secondary passage is coupled in fluid communication with the first passage downstream from the restrictor. A transparent tube is coupled to the secondary passage and extends upwardly alongside the reservoir to a location above the liquid level in the reservoir. A float is slidably positioned in the transparent tube.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for a container such as a beer keg or the like in which a supply of liquid is maintained under pressure from an associated source of pressurized gas and having an outlet arranged to be connected to a dispensing conduit for conducting the liquid from the container to the point of use at a remote location, which includes a gauge tube of transparent material having a check valve therein, the upper end of the gauge tube and the container communicating with the associated source of pressurized gas for normally maintaining the check valve in the closed condition and for pressurizing the liquid in the container, the lower end of the gauge tube communicating with the dispensing conduit to thereby establish liquid communication between the container and the gauge tube so that the level of liquid in the gauge tube continously corresponds to the level of liquid in the container while the check valve in the gauge tube maintains liquid in the gauge tube during the dispensing of the liquid from the