Abstract: A device for filling an exact quantity of a fluid into packages includes a tubular housing with inlet and outlet fittings on its ends formed with inlet and outlet valve seats. A flexible tubular sheath extends within the housing clamped in sealed relation at its opposite ends to the housing by the fittings. Inlet and outlet valves cooperate with the valve seats to admit fluid into the sheath, to discharge fluid from the sheath, and to prevent flow of fluid medium in reverse direction. A supporting body is located within the sheath and defines with the sheath at least one chamber of precise volume. The interior of the housing exposed to the sheath and the exterior of the body are substantially equal in surface area, and the exterior surface of the body has a plurality of lengthwise extending channels which cooperate with the interior of the sheath to define the chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of pressurized liquid to a head, for example the print-head of an ink jet printing system, through an elastic conduit and including an outer conduit to form a pressurizable jacket surrounding the inner conduit extending between the head and a remotely located liquid flow control valve, the jacket being depressurized by operation of a valve utilizing a controller simultaneously with closure or shut-off of the liquid flow control valve to prevent dribbling or drooling of liquid at the head immediately following shut-off.

Abstract: A manually-actuated spray head for a liquid container includes a housing within which an insert is provided to establish a liquid flow path through the housing. One end of the insert is compressed by the housing to form a nozzle through which liquid is dispensed from the spray head. The other end of the insert is provided with a flange for sealing engagement with the container. A rotor rotatably driven by a user-actuated trigger compresses the center portion of the insert to force liquids through the nozzle under pressure. Since the entire liquid flow path of the spray head is defined by a replaceable insert construction of the housing is simplified and contamination of subsequently sprayed liquids can be avoided by changing the insert.

Abstract: A dispensing pump is disclosed for dispensing a fluent material through a compressible conduit having a portion disposed within a pump housing in which is rotatably mounted a rotor operative to effect a peristaltic pumping action on the conduit. An actuating handle is interconnected to the rotor through a unidirectional drive to effect a predetermined quantity discharge upon each movement of the actuating handle in a dispensing direction, and several alternative mechanical arrangements are provided to effect drawback through the conduit to prevent dripping after each discharge while also preventing undesirable back siphoning of the fluent material. In one embodiment, the actuating handle is connected to the rotor through a constant force extension spring operative to effect rotational multiplication of the rotor upon movement of the actuating handle.

Abstract: A manually operated fluid dispensing device includes a first body component formed with a pump chamber and an upwardly opening cavity providing a valve housing that is closed by a second mating body component or cover having a projection that extends into the valve housing. A flat pliable valve element is clamped between said body components, said element being imperforate except for an opening through which said projection extends. A compressible bellows is associated with the pump chamber to form a variable volume pump chamber. The parts are all fabricated of thermoplastic materials and molding resins, the mating body components each being molded as a simple member of rigid plastic and including all passageways, grooves and ring seals required in the device.

Abstract: A hand operated pump dispenser adapted to be fitted to a fluid container to dispense the fluid as a spray has a discharge reservoir in the form of a bellows having an inlet closed by a one way valve allowing fluid into the bellows and a finger operated discharge valve, the bellows being charged and discharged by movement of the inlet relative to the housing, the charging movement of the bellows inlet also energizing an energy storage spring and being effected either by rotation or downward pressure on a first actuating member.

Abstract: A manually actuatable fluid dispenser comprises a plastic bottle container which includes an upstanding bottle neck portion having a flexible bellows formed integrally on one side thereof operable by a reciprocal trigger member which engages the bellows through a trigger spring for exerting a sustained but limited force on the bellows, and reaction force on the trigger member, over extensive trigger actuation travel and speed. The upper end of the cylindrical neck of the container is closed by a dispenser body which includes a fluid passage having a check valve disposed therein for controlling the flow of fluid in the fluid passage. A fluid tube disposed in the bottle neck includes a seal for fluid isolation of the bottle neck from the bottle, and a check valve for allowing flow of fluid from the bottle into the bottle neck.

Abstract: A dispensing device which is adapted for applying predetermined amounts of a coating material, e.g., paint, to a wall or ceiling surface, which is stored or supplied from a container which is remotely disposed from the point of application. The dispensing device includes a dispensing head connected to a supply of coating material by a hose or conduit. The dispensing head is hand-held and includes a rotor which operates to periodically squeeze the coating material from the hose so as to dispense the material as needed. To assist in dispensing the coating material through an extensive length of hose, the paint supply is pressurized.

Abstract: A manually operable dispenser pump construction wherein liquid product is received from a supply container into an axially compressible bellows. The bellows in turn includes product discharge valve means associated therewith and adapted to move between open discharge and closed storage valve positions by movement of the bellows. In one form of the invention the product discharge valve valve includes a gooseneck portion integral with the bellows and which is moved out of closed position by said axial bellows compression. In another form the product discharge valve includes a generally circular gasket axially disposed between the bellows and its actuation means wherein said gasket is adapted to move into and out of sealing contact with a valve seat dependent on the compression of said bellows.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispenser which is particularly adapted for receiving large size beverage containers for the purpose of dispensing partial quantities thereof. The dispenser includes a spigot which is of a simulated construction and generally corresponds to soda fountain dispenser spigots of the past. Dispensing is by way of dispensing and vent lines which include collapsible tube portions which are selectively clamped closed or are permitted to open by means of a handle member of the spigot. The dispenser may have incorporated therein a scale which is operable by the weight of the container and beverage contained therein to indicate the amount of beverage remaining in the container when the beverage cannot be visually inspected.

Abstract: A manually operative pump connected to a container having liquid therein to enable the liquid to be discharged as a spray employs a hollow pistol-shaped housing. Liquid is pulled up through an opening in the bottom of the handle and is discharged as a spray via an opening in the free end of the barrel. A hollow flexible member open at both ends extends in the housing from the handle into the barrel and is held in position by curved internal guides. The member has a flexible wall defining a variable volume pump chamber adapted to assume a fully distended position of maximum volume and a collapsed position of lesser volume. A manually operable trigger pivotally secured to the barrel can be pressed into an opening in the barrel and an aligned opening in the guides to engage the wall and change the volume of the chamber. A horizontally elongated poppet is disposed in the end of the member adjacent the free end of the barrel and has an off-center opening connected by a channel to the barrel opening.

Abstract: An electric motor drives a cam through one revolution during a corn popping cycle. One end of a pivoted lever bears against the periphery of the cam at its bottom to thereby hold the bottom cover of the popping vessel, secured to the other end of the lever, in place on the bottom of the popping vessel while the corn is being popped and to permit the cover to move away from the bottom of the vessel after it is popped thereby discharging the popped corn. A push rod riding on the top of the cam operates a measuring pocket at the start of the popping cycle to introduce a measured quantity of unpopped corn into the popping vessel at the start of the cycle. An arm extending from a side of the cam moves along a resilient tube filled with popping oil as the cam rotates to pump a measured quantity of oil into the popping vessel. The bottom cover of the popping vessel has a continuously energized heater which maintains the temperature of the cover above ambient but below the normal popping temperature.

Abstract: In a squeeze bottle including a container having an upstanding neck portion and a spray unit in the neck portion through which product is dispensed from the container, the improvement comprising bellowed portions in the walls of the container and a compressible shroud surrounding the container walls. The shroud is formed of two sections, which are joined by a mating groove and bead arrangement on their edges and which substantially overlap each other when a squeezing pressure is applied to the shroud and a predetermined resistance of the groove and bead arrangement is overcome, so that the shroud sections compress the bellowed container walls and product is dispensed.

Abstract: A plant growing device includes a two sectional base having an upper and a lower portion, wherein a mechanism is provided for the controlled rotation of the upper portion relative to the stationary lower portion, and a flower pot containing a plant is positioned on top of the upper portion. A mechanism for delivering a controlled supply of water is coupled to the mechanism for rotation.

Abstract: A metering device for delivering a fluid at a predetermined rate and a mixing device for delivering first and second fluids at a predetermined rate mixed in a predetermined ratio. The devices include a flexible fluid bladder having flexible inlet and outlet conduits, a flexible inlet conduit clamp tube overlying the inlet conduit, and a flexible outlet conduit clamp tube overlying the outlet conduit, all of which are positioned between a pair of abutting rigid plates having matching voids. As each of the clamp tubes are pressurized, the inlet or outlet conduits over which they lie are collapsed to prevent fluid flow therethrough. A valve system is provided for alternating between a fill cycle wherein the outlet conduit clamp tube is pressurized and the inlet conduit clamp tube is depressurized to allow fluid to flow into the fluid bladder, and a discharge cycle wherein the inlet conduit clamp tube is pressurized and the outlet conduit clamp tube is depressurized to allow fluid to flow from the fluid bladder.

Abstract: In one trigger operated dispenser pump a variable volume pump chamber is formed by a flexible bulb having a flange on its upper end which serves as a gasket and carries depending flaps which form inlet and outlet check valves for the chamber. In two other arrangements, the pump chamber is formed by a piston and cylinder and the valve element is a separate member surrounding a cavity open to the pump chamber. A novel vent valve permits replacement air into the container on which the pump is used.

Abstract: A dispensing pump of the type having opposing pump housing members and a trigger for actuating a variable volume pump chamber, the trigger being mounted on one of the members for pivotal movement as a trigger trunnion bears against bracket seats on the one housing member. The pair of leg members on the other housing member bear against the trunnion for maintaining it seated against the brackets so as to facilitate pivotal movement of the trigger.

Abstract: A dispensing unit mountable on a can and like container for dispensing a liquid contents therefrom. The dispensing unit includes a resilient tube which is passed into the can and has a portion seated on the end wall of the can and terminates in a nozzle. A pumping unit is mounted in overlying relation to the tube portion lying on the end wall and is operable progressively and intermittently to apply pressure against the tube portion to collapse the same in a pumping action. The dispensing unit is battery powered electric motor driven and may include a detachable supporting base carrying a battery charger.

Abstract: A device for emptying a container of the type comprising two domed parts of different stiffnesses sealed along a joint and having an outwardly directed flange adjacent the joint. A holder for the container has an opening and a member defining a gap to position and receive most of the container flange. The opening and the gap defining member are so arranged that when the flange is inserted in the gap, the outlet of the container is located substantially in line with the holder opening. An emptying member is provided opposite the holder opening and is manually displaceable in the direction thereof for emptying the container. In one embodiment, the holder is the cylinder of a piston and cylinder arrangement, the piston of which forms the emptying member while in another embodiment, the holder is in the form of an annular structure, one part of the wall of which has enhanced flexibility so as to form the emptying member.

Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser is characterized by a yieldable lever arm pivotally connected within a casing. The lever arm carries a rigid dispensing block thereon. In response to the imposition of an actuating force to the lever arm, the arm pivots to bring the tip of the dispensing block into contact with a resilient flexible tube extending from a viscous liquid reservoir. The resilient tube is constricted between the tip of the dispensing block and a predetermined impact point located on a movable back-up block provided adjacent to the resilient tube and opposite from the dispensing block. The lever arm yieldably responds to the continued application of an actuating force to compress a portion of the resilient tube immediately below the constriction between the dispensing block and a predetermined dispensing surface disposed on the back-up block.

Abstract: A flowable material dispenser having a bore therethrough. A resilient pinch-off tube is removably fitted within the bore. A flowable material reservoir is connected to one end of the tube. At least one dispensing nozzle or needle is coupled to the other end of the tube. Within the dispenser is a mechanism for selectively squeezing the tube to force selected amounts of the flowable material out the needle, and then to draw any residual amount of the material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle thereby to eliminate dripping. Connected to the squeezing mechanism is a control system for sequencing the squeezing operation to perform the method of the invention which includes the steps of filling the tube with material, isolating a portion of the material in the tube from the reservoir, dispensing a portion of the isolated material, drawing the remaining portion of the isolated material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle, and refilling the tube with material.

Abstract: A sensing and dispensing system for dispensing a first liquid to a reservoir, the dispenser comprising a pumping device having an inlet adapted to receive said liquid and an outlet adapted to be placed in communication with the reservoir and a control mechanism controlling operation of the pumping device whereby, in use of the dispenser to effect operation of the pumping device to pump a metered amount of the first liquid into the reservoir. The control circuit may include a sensor for detecting the commencement of delivery of another liquid to the reservoir or a detector for monitoring the conductivity of the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A container for dispensing fluid and semifluid liquids and pastes, such as for medicinal use, is provided with a top flexible dome and a bottom dome which may or may not be flexible. The contents which are stored in the space between the two domes is squeezed outwardly through a spout on the bottom dome by pressing and forcing the top dome into the bottom dome. The container may be combined with other containers which are connected along flanges of each container, which flanges are used to grip the container by fingers so that when the top dome is pressed downwardly by a thumb the fingers may aid in the process. The plurality of containers connected along the flanges form a block which may be combined with other blocks for easy transport.

Abstract: A dispenser for lubricating oil or other liquids consisting of a flexible container having a sealing cap, the cap forming an elongated dispensing spout, a flexible tube connected to the spout passage of the cap and depending freely into the container, a weight affixed to the free end of the tube, a stiffening band partially encircling the container, being formed integrally therewith and integral handles projecting radially from the container at the spaced ends of the band.

Abstract: A device for automatically caring for potted plants includes a rotary support carrying a potted plant and supported by a suitable base on which there is a container for liquid to be fed to the potted plant. The rotary support is driven so as to be rotated at a speed according to which the time required for one revolution of the rotary support does not form a multiple or fraction of 24. The container for the liquid is flexible while the rotary support carries at least one cam to compress the container in order to discharge liquid out of the latter, and a feed tube extends from the container to the potted plant to deliver liquid thereto each time the cam compresses the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing small quantities of viscous materials in a reliable and accurately repeatable manner are described. A deformable tube which couples material in a reservoir to a discharge port is pinched by a valve at the same time the reservoir is pressurized. The material is dispensed in correspondence with the amount of reduction of the tube volume by the pinch valve. A simultaneous depressurizing of the material in the reservoir and the opening of the pinch valve enables a suck-back for a crisp cut-off of the material.

Abstract: A manually supported housing has a handle extending therefrom in the area of the top thereof. A storage area in the housing stores material and has an opening at the bottom of the housing. A manually controlled dispenser control device in the housing, and extending therefrom, manually selectively controls the dispensing of material from the storage area.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing pump of the deformable diaphragm type, the diaphragm includes an encircling marginal flange which is clamped between the pump housing members to function as a sealing gasket, with integral portions of the flange extending across the inlet and discharge passages leading to and from the pump chamber to function as flap type intake and outlet valves having their free edges defined by apertures in the flange through which the liquid may pass when the valves are unseated.

Abstract: The dispenser may be in the form of a dispensing gun and is preferably used to dispense a low viscosity material such as a cynoacrylate glue. The dispenser includes a handle and a holder supported from the handle. The holder comprises a body defining a chamber in which the glue bottle is disposed and an end cap having a nozzle and into which the bottle is threadedly engaged. The handle has a venturi tube therein which receives a pressurized air flow and couples the air flow to the holder, and a valve means coupled to the venturi tube. When the valve means is open the pressurized air is vented to the atmosphere causing a partial vacuum (negative pressure) in the holder on the bottle thereby sucking any excess material into the bottle. When the valve means is operated to its closed position the pressurized air is directed to the holder causing the bottle to contract and thereby force metered amounts out of the nozzle of the dispenser.

Abstract: An electrostatic image recording device in which an image is projected by an optical projecting system upon a charged, supported electrophotographic member to form a latent image on the photoconductive surface thereof. A container of toner in liquid suspension is provided with a spongelike member interior thereof and which has a relatively rigid foraminous wall, the remaining walls being flexible. The container and the supporting structure are moved one relative the other with the foraminous wall proximate the surface carrying the latent image and the toner suspension is pumped onto the said surface flooding same. The pumping is performed by temporarily collapsing the flexible said walls of the container with excess toner sucked up by return of the container to its normal condition.

Abstract: Toner within a cartridge is alternately aerated, and expelled from the cartridge. The toner cartridge is connected to a dispensing manifold located within and extending across a developer of an electrostatic reproduction machine. To dispense toner from the cartridge, the cartridge is pressurized so as to expel toner through a plurality of orifices in the manifold without aerating the toner as it is being expelled. After a quantity of toner has been dispensed, the toner within the cartridge is aerated, after which toner is once again expelled through the orifices. In the embodiment illustrated herein, a resilient toner cartridge is used, the cartridge being mounted at a remote location and connected to the manifold by a tube. A mechanism periodically deforms the cartridge to expel toner through orifices in the manifold. When the cartridge is allowed to return to its undeformed shape, air enters the cartridge to aerate the toner therein to prevent the bridging and caking of the toner.

Abstract: A rollonet designed to provide positive displacement of liquid rocket prolants for missle tankage comprising an inner and outer diaphragm each in the form of a continuous cylinder with a piston head therebetween. Gas pressure acting on the piston head imparts an axial thrust on the prerolled portions of the inner and outer cylinders, causing them to roll through 180.degree. away from the tank wall in a progressive manner.