Abstract: A fire suppression system has a plurality of tank units (40, 42, 44, 46) each having: a tank body having a first port and an interior for storing at least one of fire suppressant and driver gas; a discharge assembly mounted to the first port and comprising: a discharge valve (50, 52); and a first monitoring switch or sensor (230; 240). A first monitoring unit (100) is coupled to the first monitoring switch or sensor of each said tank unit and configured to communicate with a remote monitoring location. For each of the tank units there is: a second monitoring switch or sensor (260, 280, 290); and a second monitoring unit (340) coupled to said second monitoring switch or sensor and configured to communicate with the remote monitoring location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-pressure gas cylinder automatic replacement device, including: a holder fixedly provided on a main plate to be positioned at one side of a connector holder of a high-pressure gas cylinder connection unit; a movable member rotatably provided at the holder; a two-stage actuator provided at the holder such that rods thereof are respectively connected to the movable member and a bracket fixed to the main plate; a docking actuator enabling the movable member to move from the holder towards the connector holder side or vice versa; a gasket removal cartridge provided at the movable member to automatically remove used gaskets from the connector holder and to accommodate the same in turn; and a gasket insertion cartridge provided at the movable member positioned at the upper portion of the gasket removal cartridge to insert a new gasket accommodated therein into the connector holder.

Abstract: A valve device includes a body having a gas flow path. When the gas is charged, the first flow path is located upstream of the intersecting portion, and the second flow path is located downstream of the intersecting portion. The gas flow path has a check valve mechanism and a drive mechanism. The check valve mechanism opens a valve when the gas is charged and closes the valve when the gas charge is completed, and the drive mechanism opens the valve of the check valve mechanism and holds the open state of the valve of the check valve mechanism when the gas is discharged from the tank. The check valve mechanism includes a valve seat, and the valve seat is disposed in the first flow path.

Abstract: An aerosol container suitable for use as an aerosol dispenser. The aerosol container includes at least a valve and product delivery device joined to an outer container. The valve and product delivery device have respective annular welds or other seals joining the valve and product delivery to the outer container. The welds, or other seals may be concentric, with one circumscribing the other, in the same plane or different planes. Suitable product delivery devices include bags and dip tubes.

Abstract: To disperse inhaling powders, a powder is positioned in a passage of a device for dispersing powders, wherein the passage has one or more exits, one or more inlets and one or more obstructions to block the movement or to contain the powder within the device before use. A breaching pressure differential between the one or more exits and the one or more inlets of the passage is applied to breach the one or more obstructions, which fully or partially aerosolizes the powder, thus releasing a fully or partially aerosolized powder from the device.

Abstract: A disclosure and claims to systems and methods for allowing rapid detection and display of an emergency condition using a plurality of specially-constructed multifunction sensors and display units, which allow building evacuation plans to be evaluated, modified, and transmitted to building occupants.

Abstract: A gas generator assembly for an airbag module of a motor vehicle, including a generator housing with a first housing part and a second housing part, a combustion space formed in the generator housing for accommodating a pyrotechnic charge from which a gas for inflating a gas bag of the airbag module can be generated by combustion. At least one outlet opening is provided in the generator housing through which gas generated in the combustion space can be released for inflating the gas bag. At least one filter unit is arranged in the generator housing for filtering the gas generated from the pyrotechnic charge. The assembly includes a guide element arranged in the generator housing, by means of which the generated gas is guided to the at least one outflow opening. The guide element is of tubular form and has at least one deformation area.

Abstract: An air cannon has a pressure vessel, a discharge valve, and a discharge tube assembly. The discharge tube assembly comprises a fluid passageway and a blast guard valve. The discharge valve is capable of opening and closing and allows pressurized gas to be discharged from the pressure vessel into the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly only when open. The blast guard valve is capable of opening and closing and obstructs the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly when closed. The blast guard valve allows gas to pass through the fluid passageway when open. The discharge valve and the blast guard valve are operatively connected to each other in a manner such that the discharge valve can open only when the blast guard valve is open.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid product as an atomized spray includes a container, a depressible dispensing head for initiating emission of the spray from the device and for terminating emission of the spray from the device, and a sequential delivery valve attached to the dispensing head. The dispensing device is configured to initiate flow of gas only into the dispensing head first when the dispensing head is depressed from a first axial position to a second axial position. When the dispensing head is depressed further toward the container to a third axial position, the dispensing device allows both liquid and gas to travel from the container into the dispensing head. When the dispensing head is released from the third axial position back to the first axial position, the dispensing device first stops flow of liquid into the dispensing head before stopping flow of gas into the dispensing head.

Abstract: A spray can product capable of preventing leakage where used or stored in a tilted or an inverted position, and keeping good safety and liquid retention even where a flammable liquefied gas is used. The spray can product is formed by filling a spray can having an ejection opening with a liquefied gas and an absorbing body for retaining liquid, and the absorbing body is composed of an assembly of cellulose fibers containing at least 45 mass % of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less. The absorbing body compressed into a block-shaped configuration corresponding to that of the spray can is accommodated within the spray can while defining a space on the side of an ejection opening, and a lid-like member is provided between the space and the absorbing body to protect a surface of the absorbing body in a gas permeable manner.

Abstract: A beer frothing device for stably generating froth without degrading beer quality is provided.

Abstract: A dispenser using a stopcock valve has a first and second chamber. The first chamber has a flow material and is pressurized with air. The first chamber is connected to a stopcock valve that holds a second chamber which has a pressure sensor when the stopcock valve is rotated to the proper orientation. The stopcock valve is then rotated to a dispensing position where the flow material is dispensed under pressure to an outlet. By using the air pressure sensor and by taking into consideration the volume of the second chamber, the amount of flow of material can be dosed out consistently.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-defense gas spray device. The self-defense gas spray device sprays gas to a target so as to achieve self-defense goals. The self-defense gas spray device includes a flashlight member that flashes light to the target to which the gas is to be sprayed, while concentrating the light onto the target; and a gas spray member which evaporates a spray gas source contained therein into the gas and sprays the gas to the target while the light is being concentrated onto the target by the flashlight member. The disclosed self-defense gas spray device has advantages of spraying gas accurately onto a specific part of the target, for example, onto the face of the target, while blinding the eyes of the target in dark environment, such as at night.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).

Abstract: A method of treating an agricultural-water canal to decompose organic debris in the agricultural-water canal is disclosed. The method provides a controlled delivery of biocide particles to the surface of water by entraining biocide particles in a gaseous stream and then scattering the biocide particles across the surface of the water by propelling the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of the water, whereat the biocide particles are released from the gaseous stream. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The device includes a gas blower, a feed hopper and a port which is adapted to direct and propel the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of water in the agricultural-water canal.

Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vapor or liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a diptube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.

Abstract: An apparatus for covertly marking a target includes a housing sized and configured to simulate a portable electronic device; a reservoir positioned in the housing for holding a quantity of miniature markers; and a dispersing mechanism positioned in or on the housing for dispersing the markers onto the target.

Abstract: A CO2-based beverage dispensing system includes a CO2 monitoring unit operative to emit a warning upon detecting excessive consumption of CO2 gas. The CO2 monitoring unit includes a gas input port, a gas output port, a CO2 monitor, an alarm, and in one embodiment a shut-off valve. The CO2 monitor may measure CO2 gas flow rate or pressure, and indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured CO2 gas flow rate is above a predetermined flow rate or the measured CO2 gas pressure is below a predetermined pressure level. The CO2 monitor may include chronological functionality, and only indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured quantity trips a threshold for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating and dispensing a mixture containing a pressurized gas and a fluid material. The apparatus includes a mixing device having a mixing chamber and a mixer inside the mixing chamber. A gas injection device, which is coupled with the mixing device, injects the pressurized gas into the fluid material in the mixing chamber. The mixer operates to combine the pressurized gas with the fluid material to form a mixture, which is subsequently dispensed from a dispenser coupled with the mixing device.

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a casing; a rotary compressor housed in the casing; a canister assembly containing sealing liquid for injection into an inflatable article; and fluidic connecting means for connecting the compressor to an inlet of the canister assembly.

Abstract: A mixed-gas beverage dispensing system for driving beverages from a container to a tap with a predetermined ratio of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas includes one or more monitors to detect excessive consumption of N2. The system may include a N2 generator, with a monitor monitoring the N2 generator to detect excessive operation thereof. The system may include a N2 reservoir, with a monitor monitoring the pressure in the N2 reservoir. The system may include a volumetric gas flow meter interposed in one or more mixed-gas distribution lines to monitor the flow of mixed gas. Upon detecting consumption of N2 gas in excess of a predetermined threshold, a monitor may trigger an audible, visual, or electronic alarm; may shut down operation of the system; and/or may switch to one or more backup gas tanks containing CO2, N2 or a predetermined blend thereof, for continued beverage dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method for expelling gas and distributing liquid from a container is disclosed. A piston on which an outlet is formed is positioned in a container holding gas and liquid. The piston and cylinder are so formed that movements of the piston can increase the pressure of the gas and the liquid. This pressure increase can be used to expel gas from the container via the piston outlet and to distribute liquid from the container via the piston outlet and/or another outlet. Expelling the gas minimizes degradation of liquid remaining in the container due to an interaction with the gas.

Abstract: A device is described for facilitating the preparation of therapeutic foam e.g. for the treatment of varicose veins. A pressurised vial contains a sclerosant liquid, e.g., polidocanol solution, and a sterile gas which is readily absorbed by the body, e.g., carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture of these gases. The vial is provided either with a specialised stopper/seal into which a syringe nozzle may be inserted or alternatively a septum seal which may be penetrated by a hypodermic needle. The quantities of gas and liquid and the pressure in the vial are pre-set so that, on connection of a syringe to the vial, a predetermined volume of both gas and liquid is transferred to the syringe, with the intention that the syringe is then used to make a foam by known means. The use of the vial ensures that the ratio of gas to liquid in the foam is standardized, and also provides a convenient way of packaging the gas and liquid and of filling the syringe in a sterile manner.

Abstract: An oxygen vending machine receives payment from a user. The payment is validated for appropriateness and sufficiency. If a valid payment is made, then concentrated oxygen is provided to a nipple or coupling located in an accessible place. In addition, a packaged breathing device, such as a nasal cannula, is dispensed. The user retrieves the packaged nasal device and uses it to direct the concentrated oxygen from the nipple into the user's nose or mouth. The user may select the particular breathing device which is to be dispensed. The flow of concentrated oxygen to the nipple is ceased after a predetermined period of time has passed.

Abstract: A dispensing device (2) for reducing loss of dissolved gas in a pressurized liquid (4) flowing via the dispensing device (2) and a method for use of the dispensing device. The method is used for maintaining an overpressure in a propellant gas (80) for the liquid (4), a receptacle being provided with a cap (42) onto which the dispensing device (2) is provided. The dispensing device (2) includes at least one liquid-flow duct (6) comprising at least one constricted longitudinal portion (8). The characteristics of the dispensing device (2) is that it also comprises at least one liquid-flow discharge surface (12) provided downstream of the flow duct (6), and within a gas-filled atmosphere (10) enclosing at least portions of the liquid-flow discharge surface (12), at least during an initial discharge phase of the liquid (4) discharge. The discharge surface (12) is also turbulence-inhibitingly arranged for the discharging liquid (4).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating and dispensing a mixture containing a pressurized gas and a fluid material. The apparatus includes a mixing device having a mixing chamber and a mixer inside the mixing chamber. A gas injection device, which is coupled with the mixing device, injects the pressurized gas into the fluid material in the mixing chamber. The mixer operates to combine the pressurized gas with the fluid material to form a mixture, which is subsequently dispensed from a dispenser coupled with the mixing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to vapor phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a bubbler tube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with the hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.

Abstract: A device is described for facilitating the preparation of therapeutic foam e.g. for the treatment of varicose veins. A pressurised vial contains a sclerosant liquid, e.g., polidocanol solution, and a sterile gas which is readily absorbed by the body, e.g., carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture of these gases. The vial is provided either with a specialised stopper/seal into which a syringe nozzle may be inserted or alternatively a septum seal which may be penetrated by a hypodermic needle. The quantities of gas and liquid and the pressure in the vial are pre-set so that, on connection of a syringe to the vial, a predetermined volume of both gas and liquid is transferred to the syringe, with the intention that the syringe is then used to make a foam by known means. The use of the vial ensures that the ratio of gas to liquid in the foam is standardized, and also provides a convenient way of packaging the gas and liquid and of filling the syringe in a sterile manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for fuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle directly with a solid-state particulate carrier material those functions as a reversible hydrogen carrier. The material is delivered to the vehicle from a filling station via pneumatic transfer in a carrier fluid. Such as a hydrogen gas or an inert gas. Following removal of hydrogen from the carrier material to form an at least partially dehydrogenated carrier, a second re-fuelling mode of operation removed the hydrogen-depleted carrier from the vehicle's fuel storage vessel and pneumatically transfers it back to the filling station, where it can be subsequently rehydrogenated.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized gas inline valve assembly incorporating a check valve to maintain pressure above a selectable psi and a ball valve for selectively shutting off gas flow. The apparatus is preferably positioned approximate the gas source in a beverage dispensing system that uses carbon dioxide for carbonation, preservative and propellant. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to maintain the system pressure above the threshold pressure that when below said threshold pressure the carbon dioxide would revert to its inoperative dry ice solid state as opposed to its operative liquid state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing plastic articles by forming them in an inert atmosphere, the device comprising a hopper, a feed screw and means for forming the polymer melt. The device for injecting inert gas comprises a gas feed pipe, a gas injection surface near the wall of the hopper and a homogenization chamber fitted between the wall of the hopper and the gas feed pipe. That end of the gas feed pipe which is directed towards the injection surface is closed and has at least one radial opening O allowing the gas to be ejected at right angles to its direction of flow in the pipe.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a fuel activation device including a fuel storage chamber configured to store a plurality of fuel pellets arranged as a stack. A fuel dispensing device is configured to transport a fuel pellet to a fuel activation chamber. A spring is configured to advance the fuel pellets toward the fuel dispensing device as one or more fuel pellets are removed from the stack. A fuel initiator is configured to activate a release of hydrogen gas from the transported fuel pellet. The fuel activation device is configured to provide the hydrogen gas to a fuel cell through a gas vent. A method is provided including providing a plurality of fuel pellets arranged as a spring-loaded stack, transporting a fuel pellet from the stack, activating a release of hydrogen gas from the transported fuel pellet, and providing the hydrogen gas to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A whipped cream dispenser arrangement comprising a portable, hand-held whipped cream dispenser-canister for holding a quantity of cream to be dispensed as whipped cream. The dispenser has a male fitting on the canister with a central bore there-through. The bore encloses a cartridge piercing pin therein, as part of its prior art use. A replacement adapter cap is arranged in fluid communication with a spaced-apart tank of pressurized gas, and the dispenser has a nozzle having a valve therewith for dispensing whipped cream when pressurized gas is introduced through the adapter cap from a large, spaced-apart pressurized gas tank, and into the canister.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated unit liquified gas fill station attached to a cryogenic storage tank and pump which provides for a controlled delivery of a programed weighted amount of a cryogenic liquified gas, primarily carbon dioxide, to empty transfer tanks at the time of initial filling or subsequent refilling, to prevent dangerous overfilling of the tanks resulting in over-pressure explosions of the transfer tanks, the liquified gas fill station providing a programmable tare scale upon which the transfer tank is positioned, a cryogenic liquified gas bypass circulating system and a cryogenic liquified gas delivery system wherein the station operator selects a weighed amount of liquified gas appropriate for the capacity of the transfer tank to be programmed into the station, delivering the measured amount of cryogenic liquified gas to the attached transfer tank resting on the tare scale, and filling the transfer tank with the precise measured and weighed amount of cryogenic liquified gas after whic

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.

Abstract: A quick acting blast aerator comprising a spring-less actuator triggered by an exhaust valve. The actuator valve comprises a tubular body, an exhaust vent defined in the body, a dampening passageway, and a piston slidably disposed therewithin for movement between a tank filling position and a displaced, air discharge position. Preferably the piston has a projecting dampener which engages the dampening passageway. The trigger valve comprises a rigid, cylindrical housing with a hollow interior having a plurality of vent orifices radially disposed about its periphery. A pair of resilient bands surrounding the housing cover the vent orifices to form a one-way check valve. A resilient, hollow piston coaxially, slidably disposed within the trigger housing has a hollow internal chamber containing a ball valve. Mutual cooperation of the trigger piston and its internal valve govern pneumatically control the actuator.

Abstract: An externally-mounted, quick-acting trigger assembly for firing blast aerators, air cannons, or the like. The trigger assembly is ideal for high temperature applications involving environmental factors such as excessive heat, humidity, and mechanical shock. The trigger comprises a symmetrical, ventilated housing that internally mounts a hollow piston. A plurality of vent orifices are radially disposed about the housing periphery, and normally covered by a resilient band forming a check valve. The trigger piston comprises a generally cylindrical base and an integral, generally conical bottom that is displaced into and out of contact with a mechanical valve seat. An air passageway through the piston is controlled by a deflectable spherical valve element that is captivated within the piston, for selectively blocking air passage through the piston by contacting an internal valve seat. This construction with internal air passageways facilitates trigger function.

Abstract: To provide thermal evaporation preparations and a method of thermal evaporating chemicals whereby the chemicals can be efficiently evaporated. Thermal evaporation preparations, wherein the preparation is in the form of a solid at ordinary temperature but molten by heating into a liquid as a whole, and a chemical employed as the active ingredient is evaporated from the ingredients of the preparation thus liquefied by heating, and a method of thermal evaporating chemicals.

Abstract: A tire sealer and inflating composition and products made therefrom are described. The tire sealer and inflating composition includes a sealant, a non-flammable propellant with an ozone depletion potential of zero or substantially close to zero, and one or more aromatic hydrocarbons capable of lowering the vapor pressure of the non-flammable propellant. Moreover, the tire sealer and inflating composition has a vapor pressure less than about 180 psig at 130° F. A preferred propellant is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, although other fluorocarbons can also be used. A preferred aromatic hydrocarbon is AROMATIC 150, which is a mixture of aromatic compounds. The tire sealer and inflating composition can either be aqueous or non-aqueous. The disclosed tire sealer and inflating composition is capable of inflating a flat tire or other inflatable objects and seal a puncture wound.

Abstract: A fluid containment system including a vessel for containing a fluid that is discharged from the vessel in use or operation of the system. A pressure monitoring assembly including a strain-responsive sensor is disposed on an exterior wall surface of the vessel, to sense dynamic strain on the wall surface of such vessel that is incident to discharge of fluid from the vessel, and to responsively output a pressure-indicative response. Such arrangement is particularly useful in application to fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing interiorly disposed pressure regulator assemblies and holding liquefied gases or compressed gases, e.g., for use in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for dispensing a liquid whitener and a liquid additive in a cup or the like. The apparatus comprises a source of liquid whitener and a whitener tube having a whitener outlet and a source of liquid additive and an additive line having an additive outlet. The apparatus also comprises a whitener control connected to the whitener tube, an additive control connected to the additive line and a control board having at least one switch actuatable by a user for allowing the user to select a liquid whitener and a liquid additive. In operation, the whitener control allows dispersion of a predetermined amount of the selected liquid whitener through the whitener outlet, the additive control allows dispersion of a predetermined amount of the selected liquid additive through the additive outlet.

Abstract: Quick acting blast aerators having rigid accumulation tanks with internal valve assemblies comprising a tubular body, an end cap teat receives air through an inlet controlled by solenoids, and an internal piston that contacts a valve seat during filling, and retracts to expose exhaust vents upon firing. The valve calp comprises a ring groove and an O-ring check valve. An internal dampening passageway vertically extends through the cap. Internal air passageways extend form the passageway to the air-control groove, admitting air into the tank by dislodging the O-ring. The high temperature piston slides between a tank-fill position bearing against the valve seat and a retracted position exposing the exhaust vents. An internal return spring extends between a deep, annular recess in the piston, and a groove formed in the bottom of the end cap. A dampener projecting from the piston is received within the passageway traversing the end cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing in liquid form a blend of fluids which normally fractionate upon boiling. The apparatus includes a container having an internal bladder dividing the container into two chambers. The first chamber contains the liquid blend, and the second chamber contains a pressurizing fluid in sufficient quantity to maintain the pressure on the other side of the bladder in the first chamber above the bubble point pressure of the liquid blend. In this manner, the vapor space above the fluid blend is eliminated, and thus the effect of fractionation caused by vaporization is essentially eliminated during dispensing or leakage of the blend from the package.

Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (1) for dispensing a predetermined weight of fluid under substantially constant pressure including: (a) containing means (2) adapted to contain at least the predetermined amount of fluid; (b) an inlet to the containing means for passing fluid into the containing means and an outlet from the containing means for passing fluid from the containing means; (c) weighing means (16) to monitor the weight of the containing means; and (d) dispensing means to cause the predetermined fluid to flow from the containing means through the outlet at a substantially constant pressure, wherein the weight of the containing means is monitored as fluid is dispensed through the outlet until the predetermined weight of fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.