Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel ampoule filtration system, and novel methods and devices for using the system to deliver multi-doses of a sterile solution of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The ampoule filtration system includes a sterile filter cartridge attached to the mouth of an ampoule, such that liquid dispensed from the ampoule is drawn through the cartridge, and a means for sealingly engaging the filtration system to a delivery device.

Abstract: A pump controller and pump controlling method for dispensing a precise amount of low viscosity fluid are provided in which the problems of double dispenses and stuttered dispenses are avoided. In particular, the timing of the valves and motors in the pumping apparatus are adjusted to avoid these problems.

Abstract: A substantially clog-resistant self-supporting fluid filter 100 for attachment to an open end of flow tube 118. Filter 100 comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped grid or fluid intake portion 102 having first end 112 and a second end 116. Fluid intake portion 102 comprises a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal ribs 106 affixed to a plurality of substantially parallel circular ribs 108 at an angle to longitudinal ribs 106 thereby allowing a fluid to flow therebetween while preventing passage of debris intermixed with the fluid. Longitudinal ribs 106 and circular ribs 108 are substantially rigid such that they cooperate to be structurally self-supporting. End cover 114 is affixed to first end 112. Filter 100 further comprises tube receiving portion 104, which is affixed to or integral with second end 116 and is configured such that flow tube 118 engages tube receiving portion 104 in a secure, slidable manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.

Abstract: A new and improved high pressure post valve used to control the flow of high pressure gas, e.g., oxygen, from a high pressure gas cylinder.

Abstract: The device to store, sift and measure flour has a container that is generally rectangular in cross section, and that is relatively tall in relation to its horizontal dimensions. A sifting mechanism divides the container roughly in half vertically, and a measuring mechanism is disposed just below the sifting mechanism. Flour is stored in the upper portion of the container, and sifted and measured flour is received into the lower portion of the container, preferably into a removable drawer.

Abstract: An annular pan for mounting over a drum lid containing a liquid, the drum top having a hole for a pump conduit and an air hole. The annular pan has multiple parallel elongated walls increasing in height from the pump conduit to a portion of the pan containing a drain hole axially aligned with the drum lid air hole. The drain hole contains a filter for preventing particles from entering the drum. A raised edge of the pan above a top surface of the pan has an indentation for receipt of the pump conduit.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing or microbially deactivating instruments and devices. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial deactivation fluid through a chamber for containing the instruments and devices. The chamber forms a portion of the circulation system. The system further includes a fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly. The fluid over-flow/make-up air assembly includes a manifold having an inner cavity that is in fluid communication with the circulation system, an overflow port in the manifold, and an overflow valve assembly disposed in the manifold allowing fluid flow from the cavity to the overflow port when a pressure in the cavity exceeds a pressure in the overflow port by a predetermined amount. A filter assembly is attached to the manifold. The filter assembly has a filter valve assembly in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: An automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device having a disposable and replaceable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container such as a water bottle, and is adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutoff device includes a monitoring and disabling with plunger components moveable between dispensing and disabling locations, and a rotating indexing mechanism. At the disabling location, a plunger component is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. The shutoff device can distinguish between water bottles having different volumetric capacities, and terminate dispensing accordingly. Preferable, a replaceable filter cartridge is provided which, when removed, causes the indexing mechanism to be reset.

Abstract: An improved dropper cap, for use in controlled dispensing of liquid from a container, comprises an antechamber, a baffle and an elongated nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a flared spout to ensure clean separation of the liquid from the dropper cap, reducing dripping and smearing of the liquid on the dropper cap, as well as precise dispensing of the liquid. The baffle physically prevents splashing of the liquid from the container, and includes openings to control the flow of liquid into the nozzle. The baffle and antechamber cooperate to draw back undispensed liquid from the nozzle and prevent spurting of the liquid from the container between uses. Further, the dropper cap is threaded to allow easy attachment and removal from the container.

Abstract: As storage and dispensing system for the storage of dispensable products under atmospherically modified conditions and for the dispensing of such products from the system. The system is for use with dispensable products, more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the product. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container, a valve for enabling a fluid communication between the container and an atmosphere modification source (vacuum pump, inert gas insertion device or other oxygen depletion mechanism), and a gateway for opening the container to the atmosphere and dispensing the product therefrom. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing device includes a first component providing a connection to a source of coating material to be dispensed and a filter for filtering coating material to be dispensed. The first component includes a housing for housing the filter and a closure for selectively closing the housing to permit removal and replacement of the filter. The coating material dispensing device further includes a second component providing a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The first and second components include first and second passageways, respectively. The first and second passageways communicate when the first and second components are assembled together to provide a flow of filtered coating material from the filter to the nozzle.

Abstract: A multifunctional pure water maker includes a main body and a reverse osmosis module. The main body includes a base portion and a column extending from the base portion. A water container is removably placed on the base portion. A control cap is pivotally attached to the column and includes a compartment in an underside thereof. An outlet pipe is mounted in the control cap and has an end communicated with the reverse osmosis module. Water purified by the reverse osmosis module flows through the other end of the outlet pipe into the water container when the control cap is in a closed position covering an opening of the water container. A limit switch is mounted in the control cap such that the reverse osmosis module is activated to proceed with production of pure water when the control cap is moved to the closed position and that the reverse osmosis module is deactivated when the control cap is moved to an open position.

Abstract: A gas reclamation system for use in a beverage dispensing system. The system includes a valve for releasable connection to a used beverage container containing a pressurized gas, the valve allowing release of gas from the container. A filter for removal of particulate matter from the gas and a sterilizer for removal of bacteria from the gas are also provided, together with a compressor to re-pressurize the filtered and sterilized gas for supply to the beverage dispensing system. The system may be used for carbon dioxide recovery from beverage containers, reducing the consumption of carbon dioxide from beverage dispensing systems.

Abstract: A beverage powder mixing drink dispenser (10, 10?) having a hopper (12) for containing a supply of powder, a source of water (14) and a controller (16), all contained within a housing (60) has a mixing assembly (52) with an electrical motor (42) with an annular stator (40) mounted to the housing (60) and an annular rotor (44) mounted to rotate around a motor axis (46) within the annular stator (40) when the stator is energized, a mixing chamber (34) with a hollow body (48) and at least one mixing member within the hollow body (48), mounting structure (49,50) for releasably mounting the hollow body (48) of the mixing chamber (34) to the rotor (44) to rotate with the rotor relative to the stator about the motor axis, the controller selectively passing powder and water into the mixing chamber to be mixed together in the mixing chamber (34) during rotation of the mixing chamber and the mixing member when the stator is energized, and means (16, 38) and controlling energizing of the stator (40).

Abstract: A cover for fracturing the neck of a glass ampoule or vial of the type having a glass body, a glass top and a glass neck joining the body to the top and dispensing fluid therefrom. The cover has a first portion with a hollow interior sized to sealingly receive and resiliently capture the body portion of the ampoule. The device has a second portion including a first hollow interior section sized to engage and capture the top of the ampoule. The second portion of the device has a second section in the form of a pouring spout in fluid communication with the ampoule neck and includes an opening for dispensing the liquid contents of the ampoule which opening is covered by a filter. A resiliently expandable portion connects the first and second portions. The expandable portion is in a contracted position before the neck of the glass ampoule is broken and expands upon breaking the neck thereby moving the top of the ampoule away from the ampoule body.

Abstract: A handheld air injector apparatus that is to be used in conjunction with an airtight closeable container where the injector apparatus is to connect with a container and supply air within the container to a preselected level.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an air passage and a liquid passage. A valve seat is connected to the body and a valve stem is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat. A piston is caused to move by pressurized air, and is caused by a spring and optionally, air pressure above the piston, to return to its normal position when the air pressure is relieved. The stem is connected to the piston so that it is caused to move linearly to and from the valve seat. The stem is not rigidly connected to the piston, allowing the piston to find its center in the air cylinder and the stem to find its center in the liquid chamber. The piston is mounted with two bearing points so that it is not affected by uneven spring pressure. The stem is located by two bearing points, the adhesive seal and the seat. The air cylinder body and valve body are separated by a large open area.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a beverage dispenser for filtering and dispensing liquid beverages. The device includes an upper reservoir for receiving a liquid therein and is adapted to releasably secure a filter. The filter is arranged for communication with a lower reservoir for receiving the liquid beverage therein. The lower reservoir includes means for dispensing the filtered liquid and the filtered liquid therein may be heated or cooled by means of heating or cooling devices. The beverage dispenser is compact, portable and housed in an aesthetically appealing canister. Removal of the filter allows other beverages, such as lemonade, or tea, to be stored and dispensed on demand.

Abstract: A safety can for storing flammable liquid is disclosed. The safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism can include a body assembly, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, a trigger assembly, and a handle. The body assembly of the valve mechanism can be mounted to the receptacle. The body assembly can include a fill spout and a separate pour spout. The fill cover assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body assembly about a fill cover axis. The pour valve assembly can be movably mounted to the body assembly and be disposed therein. The safety can includes a trigger assembly for convenient multi-functional operation of the safety can. The trigger can be positioned to allow the can to be filled, to pour from the can, and to place the container in a safety position.

Abstract: A photoresist discharge monitoring apparatus in which the photoresist discharge rate is monitored by a discharge pump, and based on this monitoring, the discharge pump is controlled, so that a constant photoresist discharge rate is ensured to prevent any occurrence of process defects due to the discharge pump. If the photoresist discharge rate is decreased due to the exhaustion of the life expectancy of the chemical filter, a filter replacement necessity is displayed. That is, a PR (photoresist) discharge rate sensor senses the photoresist discharge rate, the discharge rate being decided by the discharge pump. Further, a PR discharge rate controller monitors the output signals of the PR discharge rate sensor to automatically control the photoresist discharge rate of the discharge pump, and judges on a chemical filter replacement necessity upon the arrival of the operating limit in the step motor so as to output filter replacement signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for treating drinking water to enhance it with consumable additives such as vitamins and flavor. The system may be connectable to a source of drinking water such as home faucet, and operable to selectably introduce additives into the drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discharging container whose main part is a squeeze-bottle adapted for use as eyedroppers and transparent to such a degree as required. This container has to perfectly shut off ambient air and bacteria not to flowing into a liquid content of the container so as to keep it sterilized even after unsealed for use. The discharging container has a laminated bottle 2, and a stopper 3 attached to a finish 2a of the laminated bottle, the bottle being composed of an outer layer 21 and an inner layer 22 delaminating from the outer layer 21. A vent hole 4 is formed in the outer layer so as to introduce ambient air in between the outer and inner layers 21, 22. A discharging passage 10 is formed in the stopper 3 so as to exude through it a liquid content inside the inner layer 22, and the stopper further has a check valve 8 and a filter 7 disposed on the downstream side of the valve.

Abstract: A drainage valve tap assembly for connection of a branch line to a main line while simultaneously forming a freeze proof drain comprising a hollow body having a first end and a second end, a cutting tube attached to the first end of the body; a handle having a hollow interior, the handle attached to the second end of the body for rotating the body; and a resilient drain plug extending at least partially in the body for blocking off the flow of water therethrough under a water pressure and for allowing the draining of water therethrough and out of the drainage valve when the water pressure is cut-off.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water chamber, a brewed beverage tank, and an actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator means is connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage.

Abstract: A slurry delivery system for a chemical mechanical polisher, comprising a bag housing fitted with a slurry intake conduit and a slurry outlet conduit. An expandible and collapsible pump bag is provided in fluid communication with the conduits inside the bag housing, and the interior of the pump bag is sealed from the bag housing. As an air/vacuum controller withdraws air from the housing, the pump bag enlarges and slurry is drawn into the pump bag. As the air/vacuum controller subsequently introduces air into the housing, the pump bag collapses and the slurry is expelled from the pump bag through the slurry outlet conduit. A purge valve is provided upstream of the pump bag to remove air bubbles from the slurry and vent the air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A closing member 3 is equipped with a dispensing valve 8 and a filter 7. The valve 8 is deformed resiliently to shift its valve head 82 downstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if pressure less than a first predetermined pressure and more than a second predetermined pressure is acted on the inner surface of the valve head 82. The valve 8 returns to its original shape to shift the valve head 82 upstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if the pressure is removed, thereby sucking fluid remaining within the passage 10 back to the upstream side of the filter 7. The closing member 3 has a supporter 31d that prevents the orifice 82a of the valve head 82 from opening when a negative pressure is generated in the bottle.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for installing bioabsorbable plates for general bone repair, as for example, facial or cranial osteosynthesis. The present invention includes an improved plate and fastener system which reduces if not eliminates stresses within the plate. It also includes an improved fastener container and driver for handling and installing fasteners. The system employs a unique water bath for heating the bioabsorbable plate so they can be deformed to the contours of the bone being repaired. Additionally, there is a hand tool for localized heating and deformation of the plate when positioned against the bone to further ensure conformity with the bone structure. These and other features are contained within a kit which is easily sterilized.

Abstract: Shutting off a liquid supply line (2, 3) intended to convey foam precursors into a polyurethane foam mixing and dispensing gun, gives a better result when a system for shutting off and relieving the pressure is inserted in said supply line. This system enables to annul the pressure at the closed mouth of the gun by relieving the pressure in the supply line (2, 3).

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: In the carbonated water supply system 1, water supplied from the water supply 2 through the water supply conduit 3 is supplied to the carbonator 5 through the water supply valve 4 and high pressure strong carbonated water is produced in the carbonator 5 and supplied to the water purifier 7 through the conduit 8A. Further, high pressure strong carbonated water in the water purifier 7 is purified therein while retaining its high pressure and is supplied to the pressure releasing valve 9 through the conduit 8B, the water supply valve 10. High pressure strong carbonated water is discharged out of the system 1 through the pressure releasing valve 9 as low pressure carbonated water the pressure of which is as same as the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Gas is admitted to an in-container purification unit 202 via an inlet 212 located at or near the gas discharge end 220 of the unit. This feature is advantageous because it allows a liquefied gas container to be filled to a level above the second end of the body of the unit without the problem of dispensing liquefied gas.

Abstract: A system for dispensing, collecting, and processing wash fluid includes a first movable support frame including a first tank that stores clean wash fluid, a first pump that pressurizes the clean wash fluid and delivers the pressurized wash fluid to a dispenser, a second tank that stores used wash fluid, and at least one of a separator unit and a reverse osmosis unit that process used wash fluid delivered from the second tank. A second movable support frame includes a used washed fluid collection area and a second pump at one end that transfers the collected wash fluid back to the second tank of the first movable support frame through a conduit. The second movable support frame also includes an inclination adjustment mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the second movable support frame so that the collected fluid is supplied to the second pump.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water chamber, a brewed beverage tank, and an actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator means is connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage.

Abstract: An automatic filter shutoff device containing a filter, removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, the device monitors water dispensing and disables dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The monitoring and disabling mechanism has a shutoff moveable between dispensing and disabling locations. The disabling location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the device and the water container. The mechanism automatically moves into the disabling location after the predetermined amount of water usage has occurred without interrupting water dispensing from the then connected water container. This requires that the used filter shutoff device be replaced in order to reestablish connection to a successive water container.

Abstract: A strainer for a hot melt adhesive system is fixed to the side wall(s) of a tank without fasteners to strain the adhesive flow and protect a pump of the system. The strainer may also be configured to act as a shield for a level indicator located within the tank.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the time for charging a filter in a liquid dispensing system, such as one utilizing a positive displacement pump, is disclosed. The filter is located at the input side of the pump between the source of the liquid and the pump. In order to prevent air from the filter from entering the pump a reservoir is provided between the filter and the source of the fluid. Air from the filter is vented into the reservoir through a vent tube. A vacuum is used to draw air from the filter and, through the reservoir.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding liquid to the inlet port of a gravity feed sprayer. The assembly includes (1) a mixing cup of a known type commonly used to mix paint with solvent that is of stiff polymeric material and bears indicia on its side wall indicating the levels to which a plurality of different liquids should be sequentially poured into the cup to achieve a predetermined ratio between the liquids; (2) a first adapter comprising a central portion having a through opening and a transverse portion including a peripheral part defining a groove along its inner surface adapted for sealing engagement.with a top end of the mixing cup; and (3) a second adapter having a through opening, a first end portion of which second adapter is adapted to releasably engage the inlet port of a gravity feed paint sprayer.

Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.

Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the time for charging a filter in a liquid dispensing system, such as one utilizing a positive displacement pump, is disclosed. The filter is located at the input side of the pump between the source of the liquid and the pump. In order to prevent air from the filter from entering the pump a reservoir is provided between the filter and the source of the fluid. Air from the filter is vented into the reservoir through a vent tube. A vacuum is used to draw air from the filter and, through the reservoir.

Abstract: To insure in a simple and economical manner a uniform and continuous dispensing of a fluid from a pressure tank, a method is provided according to which a pressurized gas is introduced into the pressure tank via a proportional valve that is disposed in an inlet line of the pressure tank, the pressure of the fluid located in an outlet line is measured with a first pressure sensor, and an outlet valve in the outlet line is opened and closed. The method also includes the determination of a set pressure value as a function of the measurement result of the first pressure sensor, the transfer thereof to the proportional valve, the measurement of the gas pressure in the inlet line with a second pressure sensor disposed between the proportional valve of the pressure tank, and the transfer of the measurement result to the proportional valve. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: A closing member 3 is equipped with a dispensing valve 8 and a filter 7. The valve 8 is deformed resiliently to shift its valve head 82 downstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if pressure less than a first predetermined pressure and more than a second predetermined pressure is acted on the inner surface of the valve head 82. The valve 8 returns to its original shape to shift the valve head 82 upstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if the pressure is removed, thereby sucking fluid remaining within the passage 10 back to the upstream side of the filter 7. The closing member 3 has a supporter 31d that prevents the orifice 82a of the valve head 82 from opening when a negative pressure is generated in the bottle.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved infusion pump (15). In the preferred embodiment, the infusion pump is comprised of an elastomeric hollow balloon (140) and a longitudinal member (110), the balloon having an axial and radial dimension and an open end (22), the longitudinal member (110) having an insertion member (16) extending into the hollow portion (24) of the balloon, the insertion member and the balloon being so configured that the insertion member stretches the elastomeric balloon in the radial direction, but does not stretch the balloon in an axial direction, whereby the infusion pump delivers the quantity of liquid at a substantially constant flow rate. The present invention also discloses an infusion pump comprising a hollow inert membrane (130), an insertion member extending into the hollow portion (23) of the membrane, and the insertion member and the membrane extending into the hollow portion of the balloon, such that the membrane is between the insertion member and the balloon.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that has a longitudinal axis therethrough comprises a valve seat member, a valve closure member, a fluid flow path, and a screening member. The valve seat member comprises a hollow bore and a first frustoconical contact surface. The valve closure member comprises a body and a second frustoconical contact surface that is adapted to seal against the first frustoconical contact surface. The valve closure member is movable along the longitudinal axis of the valve apparatus. The fluid flow path extends through the bore of the valve seat member and between the valve seat member and the valve closure member. This fluid flow path is closed when the second frustoconical contact surface is sealed against the first frustoconical contact surface. The screening member is attached to at least one of the valve closure member or the valve seat member, and screens particles from fluid passing through the fluid flow path when the valve closure member approaches the valve seat member.