Abstract: A method for forming a striped dentifrice wherein a first dentifrice which appears unstriped when stored in a container having sidewalls at least a portion of which is transparent, is transformed into a striped dentifrice upon extrusion from the container, which method comprises storing the first dentifrice in the container provided with discharge means and striping means within the discharge means, sequentially filling the container with a striping dentifrice having a color which distinguishes the striping dentifrice from the first dentifrice, the striping dentifrice being stored in an area of the container separate from the first dentifrice, followed by filling the container with the first dentifrice, applying pressure on the dentifrices to cause the striping dentifrice to be applied to the first dentifrice within the container area in which the second dentifrice is stored and be simultaneously extruded together from the container, so that upon extrusion, the extruded dentifrice appears to have been magical

Abstract: An essentially non-electric automatic fluid dispensing system is provided wherein a first induced pressure induces flow of a first fluid, which in the preferred embodiment is a liquid sanitizer. The system further divides the first fluid into a first divided fluid and second divided fluid, said first divided fluid inducing flow into a second fluid located in an airtight container for the second fluid, a regulator valve for varying the second divided fluid, a dispensing valve for displacing the second fluid from the said container under pressure and for varying the flow rate of the said displaced second fluid, and connector for impressing the displaced fluid into a receiving line which in the preferred embodiment is a water circulation circuit.

Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed optically in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing optical response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes (e.g. with marked plungers) may be used. Other wave energy carriers such as sound waves may also be used.

Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed capacitively in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Capacitor electrodes may be situated within the syringe and/or outside the syringe in various geometries. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing capacitive response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes may be used.

Abstract: A medication dispensing applicator which utilizes indicia inscribed on different parts of the applicator to inform a user which nostril or other body location was last utilized in dispensing of the medication and when the medication was dispensed. This information is to inform the user when and where the medication was last dispensed so the user can readily determine what is the correct time for a further dispensing of medication and as to which location the medication is to be dispensed as locations are to be alternated.

Abstract: A display device is attachable to a fluid filler gun. A carrying body attaches to a gun head of the fluid filler gun. A frame attaches to an upper portion of the carrying body, the frame and an upper surface of the upper portion defining a display portion. A placard is removably mounted to the display portion. The upper surface of the placard presents a three-dimensional image. The image can either be a molded image projecting through an opening defined by the frame, an embossed image, or a hologram having a three-dimensional optical effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a closed lid on a water cooler containing potable water, and for labeling the water cooler, the apparatus comprising a safety seal tape and a safety tag. An outer side of the safety seal tape is imprinted with repeating indicia indicating that the lid is not to be removed from the cooler. An outer side of the safety tag is imprinted with indicia indicating that the cooler contains potable water. Inner sides of the tape and tag have a pressure sensitive adhesive which is capable of removably bonding the tape and tag to the water cooler. The tape is wrapped around the closed lid to secure the lid on the cooler, and the tag is adhered to the cooler, the tape and tag together providing notice that the cooler contains potable water and that the lid is not to be removed. The safety tag can be provided with various features which can be incorporated into a record keeping system for verifying compliance with applicable regulations.

Abstract: A system for controlling an amount of liquid poured from a liquid container includes a spout configured for attachment to an opening of a liquid container and for controlling a desired amount of liquid poured from the liquid container. The spout is further configured to emit signals containing activity information. A receiver is configured to receive the signals, and a computer is coupled to the receiver, for processing the signals into text for viewing. The present invention further provides a method of controlling liquid flow from a liquid container, including the steps of: (a) determining an amount of liquid which is to be poured from a liquid container; (b) transmitting activity information signal corresponding to a predetermined activity; (c) remotely receiving the activity information signal of step (b); and (d) processing the activity information signal of step (c) into readable form.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter. The number of rachet teeth may be varied in accordance with the number of containers with which the filter is to be used.

Abstract: A system to prevent accidental discharge of hot-mix asphalt at asphalt plants with multiple silos includes a closed circuit TV camera and a system of flashing lights. The TV camera has a fixed view of the loading area with a monitor at the control panel. When hot-mix asphalt is to be discharged into a truck, a switch is activated which causes a light beneath the bin to flash. This identifies the bin selected to open. The TV monitor is viewed and the position of the truck can now be visually confirmed along with the flashing light on the bin that has been activated. A second button must be pushed in order to complete the discharge of the hot-mix asphalt from the bin. Ideally, the second button is located either on the monitor or as close to it as possible in order to force the viewing of the screen before activating the second switch.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling delivery of dangerous material, such as LPG, from a tanker 12 to a tank 14, through a pipe 16. A valve 18 is controlled by an arrangement 22. An operator 28 carries a radio transmitter 24 and must periodically transmit an appropriate signal to the control 22, otherwise the control 22 will time out and close the valve, also sounding an alarm. In accordance with the invention, the transmitter 24 is also provided with a timer, having a shorter count down time, and also re-set when the signal is sent to the control 22. The timer in the transmitter 24 alerts the operator 28 that a signal should be sent, giving the operator an opportunity to send a signal before the control 22 closes the valve 18. However, if the operator does not send a signal, or is incapable of doing so, the timer at 22 will assume that an emergency situation exists, and cease further delivery.

Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser antenna configuration having an antenna with a directive radiation pattern for receiving or transmitting electromagnetic energy, and a reflective surface on the fuel dispenser housing for redirecting the directive radiation pattern of the antenna so that the directive radiation pattern reflects off of the reflective surface and extends in a second direction over a fueling position.

Abstract: A multi-head drinks-dispensing apparatus having a group of drinks-dispensing heads each arranged for supply with drink ingredients through fluid control valves. A keypad has a first group of keys for selecting the type of drink and the dispensing head to be used, and a second group of keys for selecting the quantity of drink to be dispensed. Signals from those groups of keys are processed in a micro-processor, which energizes the relevant pair of valves to commence delivery of the selected drink without any delay. Dispensing of the selected drink is initiated at the earliest moment, while other drinks are being selected, so that selected drinks can be dispensed from the dispensing heads in a serial, overlapping manner. This facilitates the dispensing of a customer's multi-drink order in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A dispenser to be fitted on the top of an aerosol can so as to atomize a very small quantity of the contents of the aerosol can at regular intervals automatically. An attachment having an electrically operated valve is secured to the aerosol can. Operation of the valve takes place via a controller which is supplied by power by a photovoltaic or solar panel. In this way, it is ensured that dispensing the desired material takes place only when there is sufficient light striking the solar panel.

Abstract: An inexpensive refueling machine having high safety is disclosed. The refueling machine comprises a nozzle box disposed at a place which is likely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere and having a valve for controlling the start and stop of refueling to a nozzle, and a console box disposed at a place which is unlikely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere and having a control unit for controlling the operation of the valve. Electric equipment is not contained in the nozzle box but in the console box. The nozzle box and the console box are interconnected by pipes which pass a compressed air for controlling the operation of the valve and an optical fiber which transmits an output of flowmeter and signals of fuel sensor probe. The refueling machine may have means for distinguishing a kind of fuel.

Abstract: A controlled self-service drink dispensing machine including a refrigerated piping network for transporting beverages, such as wine and beer, from a central location to a plurality of remote dispensing consoles. A centrally located bartender terminal is electronically coupled to each of the remote dispensing consoles which are activated by magnetic credit/debit cards received in the remote consoles. A beverage transparent plastic delivery tube in each remote console is bracketed by a light emitting diode transmitter and receiver system that is electronically coupled to the bartender terminal to alert the bartender of a low keg by sensing the amount of air and/or bubbles flowing through the delivery tube.

Abstract: A vessel for filtering liquids includes a container and a receptacle for the liquid to be filtered, with a filtering device between the receptacle and the container. A lid is removably fitted to the container for the purpose of easy access to the container. A counting device is associated with the lid and is automatically activated by the removal of the lid for detecting and counting the occasions on which access is gained to the container by removing the lid.

Abstract: The automated filling station system of the present invention allows customers to obtain change in currency at the time of purchase, thereby accommodating cash customers as well as credit customers, and one-time customers as well as returning customers. In one embodiment, the system is implemented as a network (10) of filling stations (16) that report to a remote host computer (12). Each filling station (16) has a number of fuel pump systems (22) and a change dispenser system (24). Upon completion of a fueling transaction, a code is provided to a customer at a fuel pump system (22). The customer can enter the code to receive cash at the change dispenser (24) or can use the code for credit towards a subsequent fuel purchase within the network (10).

Abstract: A display apparatus is attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a first frame member and a second frame member opposite the first frame member, releasably engageable with one another to form a frame on the head portion of the filler gun. The gun head or protective body enclosing the gun head has an upper surface. Each first and second frame member releasably attaches to the gun head or protective body. A frame formed by the first and second frame members holds a replaceable message card between the frame and the upper surface. The first and second frame members can each hold additional replaceable message cards.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The controller may also control an LCD display to display the time remaining until the container is empty and optionally to display the battery life remaining.

Abstract: A method and an extractor for pressing out plasma and buffy coat from a collapsible blood container (1), in which blood has been divided, by centrifugation, into a plasma layer, a buffy coat layer and a layer of red blood cells. The plasma and then the buffy coat are pressed out each through a separate outlet tube (2) or through a common outlet tube (2), which is connected to the top portion of the blood container, a pulsating pressure being applied to a top section of the blood container (1) during the end phase of the pressing-out of buffy coat. The extractor has a stationary support surface (6) and a movable pressing member (7), between which the blood container is suspended and subjected to a compressive force in order to press out the plasma and then the buffy coat through the outlet tube (2).

Abstract: An isolation and positive shut-off system for a fuel dispensing facility having a plurality of dispensers and at least one fuel storage tank in electrical communication with one or more of the dispensers is provided comprising a power source for supplying a power signal to the dispensers and fuel storage tanks, a plurality of relays connected between the dispensers and the storage tanks and power source for selectively interrupting the electrical communications and power signals to each of the dispensers, a control signal for the relays, and a plurality of switches for independently and selectively controlling transmission of the control signal to the relays in order to trigger the relays to separately interrupt transmission of the power signal and electrical communications to each of the dispensers.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser is disclosed. The fuel dispenser has a housing which contains two chambers, one contains a computer and the other the hydraulic parts of the dispenser. Fiber optic cables connect a fiber optic switch which detects the cradling of a nozzle to a computer, and other fiber optic cables connected to a pulser signal the flow of fuel in the meter of the dispenser to the computer. The computer controls a liquid crystal display which prompts the customer to actuate keys on a keyboard adjacent to the display. A pivotal boot supported by a horizontal shaft receives the nozzle. This boot pivots to permit better access to the hydraulic area of the housing. The shaft, itself, is rotatable to actuate a switch to indicate, through fiber optic cable, to the computer that the nozzle is stored and to shut down pumping. A fiber optic pulser feeds light signals to the computer for indicating the flow of fuel through the meter.

Abstract: A display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, where the filler gun includes in series connection, a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end, and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle; and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of the gun head. The display apparatus includes a carrying body adapted to fit onto the filler gun and to extend from approximately a first junction between the rear end of the gun nozzle and the forward end of the gun head to approximately a second junction between the rear end of the gun head and the forward end of the handle. The carrying body has an upper surface defining an elongate display surface for messages, and includes a first member and a second member where there are various techniques for releasably interconnecting the first and second members.

Abstract: A caulking guide for allowing a user to easily apply a smooth, straight bead of caulk having a predetermined width. The device includes a flat, bendable but rigid substantially T-shaped plate. The plate includes an elongated portion and a substantially rectangular leg perpendicular thereto and integral therewith. The elongated portion has one or more retaining bands thereon for receiving and surrounding a caulking tube dispensing nozzle. Along a longitudinal outer edge of the applicator tip are a plurality of measurement indicia to allow a user to select a dispensing opening having a desired width. Opposing side edges of the applicator tip may be folded to a substantially vertical position with the fold lines formed at the measurement indicia corresponding to the dimension desired for the dispensing opening. Accordingly, the substantially rectangluar shaped opening formed by folding the device allows a user to apply a smooth and straight joint having a preselected width.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a fuel pump filler gun having in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, includes a clip. The clip has opposed retaining surfaces biased toward one another. The retaining surfaces are configured to grasp a display between the opposed retaining surfaces and hold the display spaced apart from the filler gun. The display apparatus further includes various techniques for attaching the clip to the filler gun or to a protective boot covering a portion of the filler gun. The display apparatus can provide an expanded display area beyond the limited area of the filler gun itself without interfering with the use of the filler gun during the fueling operation.

Abstract: A display apparatus removably attachable to a fuel pump filler gun. A display carrying body configured, when fitted onto the filler gun, to cover an upper part of a gun head of the filler gun, a pair of side panels extending down from the carrying body on either side thereof to lie along either side of the gun head, respectively, when the carrying body is fitted onto the filler gun, a display card support provided on an upper face of the display carrying body, and the side panels having gripping structure for use when attaching the display apparatus to the filler gun.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 cartridge is permanently attached to a cartridge status indicator so that a user need not perform a detailed inspection to determine if the cartridge has been used or not. If the cartridge has been used, the status indicator will so indicate upon casual visual inspection, and if the cartridge has not been used, the causal inspection will also reveal that fact. The gas is released by two different methods. The first requires only that the user pull a cord. Pulling the cord shifts a support member laterally within the inflator, and previously misaligned legs and bores enter into alignment with one another. When aligned, the legs enter into the bores under the influence of a spring positioned in the inflator and the support member is driven into puncturing relation to a membrane. If moisture is encountered, the cord need not be pulled because the moisture collapses a dissolvable element, and the pierce pin is driven into puncturing relation with the membrane under the force of the spring.

Abstract: A display apparatus is attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a lower member and an upper member, releasably engageable to one another to enclose the head portion of the filler gun. The upper member has an upper surface and a frame attached to the upper member. A replaceable message card is held between the frame and the upper surface. An indentation is included in the upper surface of the upper member. The indentation defines a space below the replaceable message card, allowing for easy removal and installation of the replaceable message card from the display assembly.

Abstract: A postmix juice dispenser for use with a disposable juice concentrate package that includes an integral progressive cavity pump and a mixing nozzle. The dispenser can read a product I.D. label on the package to automatically change ratios as packages are switched and a low liquid level indicator in the package to both warn the operator and to then provide automatic shut-off. A controller adjusts the pump motor speed in response to signals from a water flow meter to provide excellent control of ratio, even as water pressure changes. An easy lift-out refrigeration deck is located over an ice-water bath tank capable of holding 27 pounds of ice.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical powder cartridge for powder inhalers for receiving a medicament depot for a large number of pharmaceutical powder doses, having an integrated metering device which comprises at least one metering cavity for receiving a predetermined quantity of a pharmaceutical powder, the integrated metering device being capable of being moved at least out of a filling position into an emptying position approximately transversely with respect to the flow direction of the pharmaceutical powder, and an inhaler for powdered medicaments, in which inhaler the medicament can be received by a patient by means of an air stream and which has a receptacle for such a pharmaceutical powder cartridge.

Abstract: Display apparatus connected to a filler gun of a fuel dispensing station. A carrying body on a prominent part of the filler gun supports a detachable display surface carrier which in turn supports an inflatable balloon shaped element. The balloon shaped element carries an advertising message which is viewable when the balloon shaped element is inflated. A valve on the filler gun is connected to a source of inflation air and to the balloon shaped element. The valve is actuated by the fuel dispensing trigger on the filler gun. During fueling an inflation gas is supplied to the balloon shaped element which in the inflated state prominently displays the advertising message.

Abstract: A display apparatus is attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a lower member and an upper member, releasably engageable to one another to enclose the head portion of the filler gun. The upper member has an upper surface. A pair of frame members are releasably attached to the upper member. The frames hold a replaceable message card between them.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of said gun head.

Abstract: An ink jet pen supply cartridge having a spring biased ink reservoir with a visual indication of remaining ink quantity. The reservoir tends to collapse laterally as the ink supply decreases due to differential pressure exerted thereto. The spring-reservoir is contained in a rigid cartridge and a pair of flexible tape members are cemented or welded, one to each side of the spring-reservoir, and extend generally parallel toward a narrow end surface of the cartridge at which they overlap and can be viewed through a window. The overlapping relationship of the tape members provide ink quantity indicia which change as the spring-reservoir collapse draws them past each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and recording a dose of an agent delivered with a syringe. The syringe has a barrel for holding the agent and a plunger movably positioned in the barrel for expelling the agent. The plunger includes a magnetically responsive element, such as an iron core. The apparatus has a receptacle for receiving the syringe for dose measurement. An inductive element is positioned coaxially to the receptacle to produce a magnetic field. When the syringe is placed in the receptacle, the intensity of the magnetic field varies in dependence upon the position of the plunger in the barrel. The magnetic field induces a voltage in a conducting loop. A voltage meter is connected to the conducting loop to measure the induced voltage. A microprocessor is connected to the voltage meter to calculate the dose from the measurement of the induced voltage. A recorder, such as a digital memory unit, records the dose.

Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid products includes an inner product tank received within an outer protective tank. The inner tank receives the liquid or semi-liquid product to be transported from one location to another, while the outer tank protects the inner tank from punctures and other damage during transport of the container, and during discharge and refill of product in the inner tank. The outer tank has downwardly extending support legs, which enable separate containers to be stacked atop each other. The support legs of the outer tank transfer the stacking load from the top surface to the bottom surface of the outer tank legs and for reducing load stresses on the inner tank holding the liquid or semi-liquid product. The inner and outer tanks cooperate with each other to facilitate drainage and cleaning of the inner tank, and for protection of a product pump including a discharge hose, while one or more tanks are stacked atop each other during transit.

Abstract: A windshield wiper washer fluid system designed to visually notify the operator of the vehicle that the windshield wiper washer fluid is getting low and should be refilled. The system includes a tank having a passenger side hose and a driver's side hose each connected thereto such that the passenger side hose only sprays washer fluid on the passenger's side of the windshield and the driver's side hose only sprays washer fluid on the driver's side of the windshield. The tank and hoses are designed such that the passenger's side hose will run out of fluid before the driver's side hose and washer fluid will only spray on the driver's side indicating that the system needs to have washer fluid added while allowing the driver to continue to clean the driver's side of the windshield.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator system for use with inflating devices that use a cylinder of compressed gas. The indicator system is comprised of a cylinder adapter which receives and supports a cylinder and, concurrently, is received by an inflating device. The cylinder adapter includes an indication means that signals whether the attached cylinder is full or has been discharged by way of the indication means being responsive to the high pressure release from the cylinder during a discharge. The indication means incorporates the use of the color green to signify that the cylinder is full and the color red to signify that the cylinder has been discharged. The indicator system is designed to have a one-time use after which it is disposed of.

Abstract: A system for dispensing toner particles from a toner hopper to a development system, a sensing system for detecting low toner condition within the toner hopper, the sensing system including a flexible wall assembly mounted within the hopper and in fluid communication with the toner particles within the toner hopper, the flexible wall assembly being adapted to transmit an interior pressure generated by the toner within the toner hopper being indicative of an amount of toner present therein; and a sensor assembly mounted exterior to the toner hopper and in communication with the flexible wall assembly, for sensing the interior pressure. There is provided circuitry responsive to the sensor for generating a feed back signal indicative of a low toner condition within the toner hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a refill container, hopper, dispensing valve, transfer container, load cell and controller. The refill container and the transfer container are each mechanically and/or electronically keyed to a specific product.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically determining and recording the dose of an agent delivered with a syringe of the type having a barrel for holding the agent and a plunger for expelling the agent. The syringe includes a capacitive element having first and second conducting surfaces arranged such that the capacitance of the capacitive element varies in dependence upon the dose of agent contained in the barrel. An input terminal and an output terminal located on the outside of the syringe are electrically connected to the first and second conducting surfaces, respectively. The apparatus produces a voltage difference across the terminals, thereby charging the capacitive element. A capacitance meter measures the capacitance and a microprocessor calculates the dose from the measured capacitance. The calculated dose is recorded by a digital memory unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10, 30, 40). The container (10, 30, 40) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10, 30, 40) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) or thermo-chromatic surface (41) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of manufacturing the dispensing container (10, 30, 40) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for carrying and storage of a toothbrush, toothpaste and associated materials and tools for dental hygiene wherein the quantity of dentifrice included is selected to be exhausted simultaneously with the end of life of the enclosed toothbrush, thus urging the replacement of the toothbrush at the proper time. The enclosed toothpaste reservoir has a small quantity of differentiated paste at the bottom which when ultimately dispensed, indicates imminent exhaustion of supply. Marker flags of color or other sensible characteristics for toothpaste and other materials are proposed.

Abstract: A container for sterile liquids such as eye medicines has a dispensing orifice nozzle with a tip and a cap for covering the tip, a rim of the cap is made visually contrasting with the outside surface of the cap, to present a target for the user to insert the tip into the un-contaminated interior of the cap without touching the tip to the rim or the outside surfaces, thus maintaining sterility of the medicine. The invention may be used when vision is blurred due to eyedrop effects or the removal of eyeglasses for administering eyedrops. Besides the cap rim, the cap interior and/or the dispensing tip may also be made contrasting. The contrast may be provided by different colors or different surface textures.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in supplying thermoplastic material such as hot melt adhesive from containers includes an apparatus for detecting and indicating when thermoplastic material or adhesive has moved out the container such that the container may be removed from the apparatus. Both force responsive and temperature responsive indicators are disclosed, along with various signalling devices, to inform an operator when the container may be removed leaving the material within the apparatus.

Abstract: A container display stand and containers therefore is provided including a horizontally disposed display stand capable of supporting a number of dispensing chambers and associated containers. The top wall of the display stand is angled downward and the bottom wall of the dispensing chamber has a matching downward angle. A front ledge on the display stand prevents the dispensing chamber from sliding forward. A clip attached to the rear of the dispensing chamber clips to the top edge of the display stand which further keeps the dispensing chamber securely in position, until the user acts to remove the dispensing chamber at which time it is easily removed. A spring loaded front door and attached sliding sheet is pulled thereby exposing the vitamins or minerals or other contents located within the dispensing chamber. The funnel nature of the dispensing chamber causes only a view vitamins or minerals to appear at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the melting of solid and quasi-solid materials, such as thermoplastics and hot melt adhesives, is disclosed. The grid type melter includes one or more heating fins and melt spaces. Multiple heating elements lying in separate planes are disposed in the heating fins and the base in a manner which results in a relatively even temperature distribution along heating surfaces. Degradation of melted material is avoided and material flow rate is improved due to even heat transfer to the material.

Abstract: A method for controlling an additive blending process includes determining the volume of main product and blending an amount of additive thereto to obtain a predefined ratio of additive to main product. The method includes the step of creating a non-volatile record of each significant event which occurs during blending operations and includes an extensive error checking and safety regime. A controller for accomplishing this method includes the ability to blend multiple additives simultaneously and with different types of blending systems such as piston injectors and streaming. The controller monitors status signals from the system and removes enabling signals from various components to effect a safe shut down in the event of an error condition being detected.