Abstract: A fluid pump assembly is provided. The pump has a pair of units magnetically coupled to each other. The first unit contains a drive motor and a magnetic assembly. The second unit contains a magnetic assembly and a blade of a propeller/impeller for imparting movement to a fluid. As the first unit is activated by the drive motor, a magnetic flux is created which in turn rotates the magnetic assembly in the second unit, driving the blade.

Abstract: A dosing device is provided and comprises: a dosing chamber having an inlet through which product can enter from a container; an outlet into which product flows from the chamber and through which product flows out of the device; a siphon member located around the outlet; a vent opening in the chamber; a container-side vent which opens into the container, in which: the siphon member terminates at a level L1 with respect to the outlet; the outlet opens into the chamber at a level L2; such that in use product flows into the chamber through the inlet/s and fills the chamber until L2 is reached and then product is siphoned from the chamber into the outlet by the siphon member, the siphoning continuing until product in the chamber reaches L1, whereupon: air entering the vent opening interrupts the siphoning; and air vents into the container through the container-side vent such that thereafter recharging of the chamber repeats, in which a chicane is provided for preventing leakage of product through the vent opening

Abstract: A method for dispensing a product from an interior volume of a container to which a power assembly is secured, which includes rotating an actuator sleeve of the power assembly in one direction relative to the container to draw an amount of the product from the interior volume into a pump chamber and to pressurize the pump chamber, and temporarily depressing an actuator of the power assembly to dispense a portion of the product from the pump chamber through a nozzle for a duration of time during which the actuator is temporarily depressed. During the duration when the product is dispensed from the container, the power assembly does not rotate relative to the container, and the power assembly is never rotated in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for introducing a dose of a mixing substance into a container, said assembly comprising a dosing part (3) and a supply part (2), which dosing part is arranged for receiving the dose and which supply part comprises an outlet (14) for introducing the dose into the container. The dosing part and the supply part are configured to cooperate with one another, such that a pressure chamber having a changeable volume is formed adjacent to the outlet when the supply part and the dosing part are joined together, which pressure chamber functions to enable a pumping action for pumping the dose into and out of the container. The invention further provides a method for inserting such a dose into a container.

Abstract: A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a buffer chamber, a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, and a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve assembly comprises a housing, a lever, a resilient member, and a seal. The housing defines a fluid dispensing port and a vent opening. The fluid dispensing valve can be operated with a single hand to dispense liquid from a container. Further, upon release of the lever, the fluid dispensing valve automatically returns to a sealed configuration, thereby preventing fluid from leaking out of the container.

Abstract: A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, at least one wall surrounding a buffer chamber configured to separate the interior volume of the container from the exterior environment, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container, and at least one check valve coupled to either conduit.

Abstract: A dosing head for dispensing a fluid from a container is presented. The dosing head has an inlet opening connected to the container, an outlet opening connected to the inlet opening via a conduit, a pump provided in the conduit, and a aerating opening. The dosing head can be used in an upside down position. A liquid seal is arranged between the aerating opening and the container. The seal can include an aerating channel that is rotated twice through about 180° and which can be assembled from two mutually connected parts. The liquid seal can have a restriction which prevents liquid form reaching the aerating opening when upside down.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dispenser for attachment to a liquid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a tubular valve body of a generally hollow form having a liquid outlet port on one end of the valve body capable of coupling to the liquid container, the valve body further including an air vent opening and a liquid vent opening located on an opposite side of the valve body, (b) an integral lid with the valve body slidingly disposed on the opposite side of the valve body and coupled to be moved between a liquid blocking and a liquid dispensing position, and (c) a liquid seal coupled to the integral lid capable of positioning within a liquid vent opening and an air seal coupled to the integral lid capable of positioning within an air vent opening.

Abstract: Liquid dispenser for dispensing a carbonated liquid from a container, the liquid dispenser including a compartment, a container sealing region, a compartment sealing region, and a valve, the compartment extending upwardly from a neck portion of the container, the neck portion and the compartment defining an opening to the atmosphere between the compartment and the neck portion, the container sealing region being located between the neck portion and the opening, the compartment sealing region being located between the compartment and the opening, the valve being movable within the compartment, from a closed position pressed toward the neck portion, to an open position away from the neck portion, the valve including a first surface facing the compartment, a second surface facing the opening, a first valve sealing region, a second valve sealing region, and a channel extending from the neck portion to the compartment, the first valve sealing region matching the container sealing region, for preventing passage of

Abstract: A vent system for a bottle dispenser. The vent system including a nipple, a ring and a capillary tube. The ring is disposed adjacent to the nipple and secured to the dispenser by a collar. The capillary tube disposed in an aperture that allows atmospheric air to pass into the dispenser, and prevents moisture from escaping out of the dispenser. The aperture may be disposed within a thickness in a wall of the nipple or the ring.

Abstract: These disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a vacuum released valve which closes an opening into a reservoir to passage therethrough until a sufficient vacuum is created with the reservoir as on initial dispensing of fluid from the reservoir. Furthermore a cap is preferably adapted to assume an inherent shape. The inherent shape is a shape such that when in the closed position; the cap will have an inherent bias to urge the female annular seat downwardly onto the male seat to form a seal and when deflected under vacuum conditions, to assume the open position; the inherent bias of the cap, on release of the vacuum, will cause the cap to reassume the position.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle unit for use in a bonding device in which bonding between a first member and a second member is effected by providing a bonding member that has been melted by heating at a bonding position where the first member and the second member are to be bonded to each other. The nozzle unit includes: a cylindrical nozzle assembly having an accommodating space accommodating the bonding member, and an opening which allows ejection of the bonding member accommodated in the accommodating space onto the bonding position, which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the bonding member, and which communicates with the accommodating space; and a holding/releasing member for releasably holding the bonding member within the accommodating space.

Abstract: Liquid dispensers are provided including a vacuum relief mechanism with a vacuum relief device and a one-way valve in series with the vacuum relief device to prevent flow into and out of the reservoir when a vacuum exists in the reservoir. The vacuum relief device comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The one-way valve is capable of failure, in which case the vacuum relief device alone provides for pressure relief. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for feeding chips into a chip bin or corresponding, the chips in said method being forced to move substantially horizontally as a plug filling the cross-section of the transfer space. The chip plug is formed and maintained at a part of the length of the transfer space with chips forced batchwise to the transfer motion.

Abstract: A delay flow water reservoir for a clothes dryer cabinet and method of use is provided. The delay flow reservoir has a container having an opening and a cap engaging the opening. The cap has a delay chamber with a drain opening, a seal covering the opening with first and second seal holes, and the delayed flow reservoir. The delay chamber fills with water from the container before draining into the clothes drying cabinets. The method of using the delay flow water reservoir permits the user to fill a container while in an upright position and then moving the delay flow water reservoir to an overturned dispense position. The method permits water to drain into the delay reservoir rather than out the drain opening while the user moves the reservoir into operational communication in the clothes drying cabinet.

Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves. A chamber about an opening of an inverted container with an impeller within the chamber which, on rotation, dispenses fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief value permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or values.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container for holding a burnable coil bearing an active ingredient, such as an insecticide, insect repellant, deodorizer, or fragrance. The container includes a base having a raised coil support for mounting the coil and a spiral recess or spirally arrayed support peaks which permit air circulation beneath the coil and inhibit premature snuffing. The coil is enclosed by a cover having a downwardly depending hold-down aligned with the coil support to prevent the coil from moving in the container. The cover also has openings allowing air to pass into the container and vapors to be released. The cover is rotatably mounted to the base so that the cover openings can be selectively opened and closed to allow controlled venting and snuffing of the coil.

Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting a specimen under thermally stable conditions includes an outer insulating container body having a top and sidewall to form a receptacle shape and an inner insulating container body having a bottom and sidewall to form a receptacle shape to fit in interlocking nested engagement with the outer insulating container body to form a double walled hermetic chamber. A specimen receiving structure is supported within the hermetic chamber for receiving a biological specimen such as a corneal tissue. Another comprises an outer insulating container body and an inner insulating container body shaped to fit in interlocking nested engagement with the outer insulating container body to form a hermetic chamber. At least one of the insulating bodies comprises a hard shell filled with an insulating material.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a soluble or dispersible material which comprises a tube formed of a liquid impermeable material and of unitary construction, the tube being closed at both ends and having perforations along a portion of its length or close to one end, and containing a soluble granular material. The device is coated with a material such as sugar or "NUTRA SWEET", the material being rigid in the dry state and soluble when immersed in a liquid. The device is immersed in a liquid which results in a dissolving of material coating permitting the material within device to also disperse into the liquid.

Abstract: A portioning device for a liquid substance. An airtight container for receiving, holding and discharging a liquid substance is provided with a pair of apertures. An air duct for introducing air into the container is connected to one of the apertures. An air valve is provided in the air duct. A tube for discharging the liquid substance from the container is connected to the other aperture. The tube is formed into at least two loops to form an air/hydraulic lock for preventing air from flowing through the tube into the container. When air is introduced into the container through the air duct by means of the air valve, a corresponding amount of liquid is accurately portioned from the container through the tube.

Abstract: A vented cartridge comprises a container having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces connected together to define a predetermined volume. A dip tube extends from the top surface substantially to the bottom surface. A vent tube extends from the top surface and is positioned coaxially with the dip tube. The vent tube has an upper opening positioned in the upper third of the predetermined volume and a lower opening positioned in the lower third of the predetermined volume. A space between an outer surface of the dip tube and an inner surface of the vent tube forms a central fluid communication path between the upper and lower openings and the top surface. An upper valve is positioned at the upper opening for closing the upper opening if the cartridge is oriented with the top surface facing down; a lower valve is positioned at the lower opening for closing the lower opening if the cartridge is oriented with the top surface facing up.

Abstract: A container includes a fill cap, with a delivery conduit directed exteriorly of the fill cap, with a lower distal end within the container adjacent a floor of the container. The delivery conduit is arranged to include a delivery tube end member that includes a forward portion with a collar thereabout, including an outer conduit adjacent an inner central conduit, and the outer conduit is vented rearwardly of the collar for venting of fumes within a delivery fuel tank. A pressurizing squeeze bulb is in pneumatic communication interiorly of the container to effect pressurizing of fuel and fluid contained therewithin for direction through the delivery conduit, wherein the delivery conduit may further include a shut-off valve to cease fuel flow therethrough.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a top assembly for an imperforate walled, open mouth coffee pot. The top assembly includes a liquid trap through which coffee is introduced from the exterior of the pot to the interior thereof and through which coffee is subsequently decanted from the pot.

Abstract: Apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

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: Chip gates are provided adjacent the lower end of an inlet chute to a presteaming vessel for a digester in a pulp production system. The chip gates are operated to maintain a level of chips within the inlet chute sufficient such that the chips preclude egress of noxious odorous gas from the presteaming vessel, while simulataneously the chips are discharged into the vessel.

Abstract: A top assembly for substantially sealing the open mouth of a coffee pot to thereby prevent oxidation and evaporation of the coffee. The top assembly includes a single passageway for both introducing coffee into the pot and for pouring coffee from the pot. The passageway includes a plurality of substantially parallel sub passages. The sub passages form a liquid trap which prevents air from entering the passageway as well as preventing evaporation from the pot. The sub passages are interconnected to form a channel which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. The inlet to the liquid trap from inside the coffee pot is at the base of the U-shaped channel so that when the coffee pot is tilted to pour coffee from the pot, there is a gravity flow through the liquid trap and the liquid head pressure insures that all coffee in the pot may be poured out.

Abstract: An eccentrically positioned liquid trap improves coffee pour rate through a coffee pot top assembly that is retained in substantial sealing engagement with the open mount of a coffee pot by a retainer ring whose retention of the same is insensitive to variations in production tolerances.

Abstract: A spray gun vent for a pressurized paint-spray gun apparatus includes a base insertable into a paint container and having an elongated stem thereon. The base and the stem have a longitudinal passage therethrough. A cover is attached to the base and has a longitudinal passage therethrough and approximately aligned with the passage through the base and the stem. A splash shield is mounted in the cover between the passage and the cover and the passage and the stem for blocking paint flow between the passages while allowing air communication between the atmosphere and the paint container.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for a flowable product, comprising a container having a neck portion at its top, and a cap body having a discharge opening and a base portion cooperable with the neck portion of the container to mount the cap body thereon. The said base and neck portions have cooperable automatic pressure-relief valving means which are responsive to increased gas pressure in the container, for venting a limited quantity of gas when the container is in its upright position, thereby to prevent possible explosion of the container and spillage or splattering of its contents. In one embodiment, there is a first annular sealing surface on one portion and a cooperable annular sealing surface on a companion portion which is engageable with the said first surface when the cap body is fully seated on the neck portion, A projection on one of the portions is disposed adjacent the sealing surface thereof, and is engageable with the cooperable sealing surface on the other of the portions.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying air comprises a storing member for storing water, an atomizing device for atomizing the water supplied from the water storing member, a blower for blowing air into the atomizing device, a blowoff member for dispersing atomized water particles into air, a connecting member for connecting the blowoff member with the atomizing device, and an inhibiting member for inhibiting capillary action of the water in the connection member.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying air comprises a storing member for storing water, an atomizing device for atomizing the water supplied from the water storing member, a blower for blowing air into the atomizing device, a blowoff member for dispersing atomized water particles into air, a connecting member for connecting the blowoff member with the atomizing device, and an inhibiting member for inhibiting a capillary action of the water in the connection member.

Abstract: A trigger-actuated sliding dental amalgam dispenser is provided with a material distribution shell within which a transport carriage is longitudinally reciprocated under the control of a trigger actuator. Liquid conduit channels in the shell carry mercury from a reservoir above the shell to a measuring chamber in the carriage. Upon actuation of the trigger, the measuring chamber, otherwise held in communication with the mercury reservoir by a spring bias on the trigger, is reciprocated relative to the shell to that the mercury in the measuring chamber is discharged into a dispensing well. Concurrently, a slide with a silver receptacle tray is repositioned to receive another tablet of silver from a tablet dispensing cartridge positioned above the material distribution shell. When the trigger is released, the tray carries the silver tablet into vertical registration with the dispensing well to drop the tablet into the well.

Abstract: A spring actuated pump device is mounted on a container for fluids, the device including a pump chamber into which fluid from the container can flow, the spring expanding and forcing a cylinder structure against the fluid in the chamber to pressurize it, in order that opening of a discharge valve will effect spraying of a desired quantity of fluid from the device, a suitable nut being threadedly connected to the cylinder structure to enable such structure to be shifted axially, in response to rotation of the nut relative to the container and cylinder structure, to compress the spring and store additional fluid pressure energy therein. A check valve permits ambient air to enter the container to prevent a vacuum condition from developing therein as fluid is withdrawn therefrom. Moreover, fluid is prevented from dribbling from the discharge valve of the device as the spring nears the end of its expansion range.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of high-purity water includes a distillation flask, a carboy and a condenser unit, all of borosilicate glass. A respective filter, preferably in the form of a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet, is provided between the ambient atmosphere and the interiors of the flask, the carboy and the condenser unit to remove airborne bacteria and dust particles. An inlet valve is provided for feeding water to be purified into the flask, all water-contacting parts of this valve being of polytetrafluoroethylene. The open parts are interconnected with flexible, polytetrafluoroethylene tubing. A two-way, stopcock allows high-purity water to be removed from the carboy. The flask is provided with a glass overflow trap. In one variant, the water is fed into the flask via members between the trap and the flask.

Abstract: A dental amalgam dispenser is provided with a housing having an integrally formed funnel to prevent mercury leakage and with a rectangular plastic carriage framework reciprocal within the housing to carry the silver and mercury from separate inlet ports to the funnel for mixing. The carriage includes a pair of rails lying on either side of the inlet and outlet ports to prevent twisting of the carriage within the housing. A mercury reservoir is located atop the housing and is equipped with a micropore filter which prevents the formation of a vacuum in the reservoir chamber. The fineness of the openings in the filter at the same time prevents the passage of mercury therethrough.

Abstract: A mixing container comprising first and second cylindrical containers telescopically arranged. One form of the invention includes an upwardly extending channel in the side walls of the upper container together with an upper opening therein for permitting mixing of ingredients. Another form of the invention conceives of a rupturable membrane closing an opening in the bottom wall of the upper container. The upper container is provided with a ventable top closure.

Abstract: An improved dosing valve for use in beverage dispensers, toilet tank additive dispensers, and the like which dispensers comprise substantially rigid reservoirs. The improved valve comprises an air-lock seal and another seal which may also be an air-lock seal. Dosing valves comprising such air-lock seals are particularly effective for obviating leakage of low viscosity, low surface tension, wetting type products such as toilet tank disinfectants comprising surfactant material. The seals are so disposed that the valve will dispense a metered dose of a liquid product from its associated reservoir each time a moveable component moves from an UP position to a DOWN position, and a dose-volume of air will be vented into the dispenser reservoir each time the moveable component is moved from its DOWN position to its UP position. The moveable member can be moved upwardly either mechanically, or by virtue of being buoyant, and it can be moved downwardly by gravity alone or by gravity supplemented by biasing means.

Abstract: Storage bin having a material discharge opening and a gate which is selectively openable to discharge material from the bin. A region surrounding the gated opening is selectively filled with a liquid to provide an airtight seal surrounding the closed discharge opening. The liquid is withdrawn from the region surrounding the discharge opening, before the gate is opened for discharge of material from the storage bin.