Abstract: A hand held spreading device is disclosed for broadcast spreading material via a rotating impeller. The device has an actuating assemly including an actuating member and a dual spring arrangement interconnected with the actuating member. One of the springs causes material to be discharged onto the impeller in response to movement of the actuating member and prevents damage of the device resulting from excessive movement of the actuating member. The second spring biases the actuating member to move to an idle position in which no material is discharged onto the impeller and causes the actuating member to return to this idle position after movement thereof.

Abstract: A container system for holding and dispensing an oil-gasoline mixture uses a transparent container bearing indicia showing the quantity of liquid in the container, and an oil-measuring cup mounted to the fill cap so as to extend into the container when the cap is on. The cup is also transparent and marked with indicia showing the quantity of oil, or the desired oil-gasoline ratio. With the cap removed, the cup is filled to the desired level and its contents dumped into the container. A dispensing hose extends from a dispensing opening on the container, through which the mixture is dispensed. A special venting system is provided which prevents pressurized product from being vented toward the face of the user, and employs a vent nozzle the atmospheric vent opening of which is blocked by placing the dispensing end of the hose thereon when the system is arranged for storage, and is opened by the user to direct the venting downwardly when the hose is removed to provide dispensing.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve according to the invention includes a base, a valve member, a trigger member and attachment means for attaching the trigger member to the valve member. The base includes a generally horizontal throat and a flange having an upwardly facing surface. The valve member has a stem, a flow level establishing member associated with the stem and biasing means for biasing the stem in a direction opposite to that in which the throat extends. The trigger member includes a pin configured to rotate against an inner end portion of the throat, a flange having a downwardly facing surface and an actuating portion. The biasing means acts in a direction through the attachment means to pull the actuating portion downwardly such that the flanges engage in order to retain the pin in the throat. In this manner, the valve may be assembled without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein an elongate support rod includes an extension leg to underlie and secure a pressurized spray can thereon. A mounting tube receives the spray can nozzle therewithin, wherein a spaced second support rod arranged parallel to and overlying the first support rod mounts an actuator plate therewithin, whereupon pivotment of the actuator plate effects a spray from the spray can nozzle to an underlying log member, wherein a measuring tube is orthogonally arranged relative to and adjacent a lower terminal end of the mounting tube and telescopingly mounts measuring tube extension thereon, wherein the measuring tube extension includes a plate member orthogonally directed relative to and extending below the measuring tube extension to provide an abutment for a forward terminal end of the log member.

Abstract: A liquefied gas operated caulk dispensing gun with a housing sub-assembly having an elongate tubular housing defining a chamber for accommodating a tube of caulk, an open dispensing end and an opposite valved closed end portion. A material dispensing sub-assembly is also provided removably connected to the dispensing end of the housing sub-assembly to form a dispensing assembly. The dispensing sub-assembly includes a nozzle, a caulk flow passage communicating with the chamber housing, wherein the flow passage is sized to accommodate a caulking tube outlet. The material sub-assembly also includes a valve controlled passage for selective communication between an inlet portion of the flow passage and the nozzle, and a flow control valve movable between open and closed positions to control such selective communication. A seal mechanism is positioned in the dispensing assembly to effect a seal between the flow passage and a charge receiving portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A server top which is attachable to a container, includes a lid portion which fits over the container and has an outlet through which a substance within the container may be poured, two substantially parallel side faces which each extend outwardly from the lid portion and which each have a pivot hollow, a closure which is movable over the lid portion to open and close the outlet, and a push lever. The push lever is connected to the closure to open and close the outlet by sliding the closure back and forth. The push lever includes a push arm, two sides of which a portion of each side is inwardly adjacent to one side face near its pivot hollow, two pivot protrusions which each extend outwardly from one push lever side into the adjacent pivot hollow so that the push lever is pivotally mounted between the two side faces. The entire push lever is injection molded as a unitary form finished push lever, with the push arm, two sides, and two protrusions formed in the same molding operation.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve according to the invention includes a base, a valve member, a trigger member and attachment means for attaching the trigger member to the valve member. The base includes a generally horizontal throat and a flange having an upwardly facing surface. The valve member has a stem, a flow level establishing member associated with the stem and biasing means for biasing the stem in a direction opposite to that in which the throat extends. The trigger member includes a pin configured to rotate against an inner end portion of the throat, a flange having a downwardly facing surface and an actuating portion. The biasing means acts in a direction through the attachment means to pull the actuating portion downwardly such that the flanges engage in order to retain the pin in the throat. In this manner, the valve may be assembled without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A self-draining pot apparatus is set forth wherein a cooking vessel is formed with a pivotally and normally biased closure overlying, in a sealing arrangement, a plurality of openings enabling draining of fluid contained in said vessel during a cooking procedure. A removable screen oriented at an elevated position within said vessel enables steaming of various foods, such as vegetables, positionable on said screen. A finger lever positioned within a handle integrally secured to said vessel has secured thereto a flexible tether engaging said closure to enable opening of said closure and draining of the fluid within said vessel.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser for dispensing one of two liquids from a single vessel has a base with first and second separate horizontally disposed compartments separated by a liquid-impermeable barrier, a neck secured to the base and mounting handle, a valve assembly including first and second valve elements rotatably mounted in the neck for swinging between open and blocking relationship with the compartments and a valve seat in snap-fit relationship with the valve assembly. The valve elements swing downwardly for alternate abutment with the impermeable barrier and into sealing engagement with the valve seat. An actuator is coupled to the valve elements through a shaft and is positioned for actuation by the thumb of a user which grips the handle. The base can be formed in separate injection-molded sections which are secured together and which have a stainless steel bottom integrally molded into the bottom of the section.

Abstract: Device for tapping containers filled with liquid, in particular, tin cans filled with beer, with a mounting for fixing the device relative to the container, with a tubular piercing member sharpened at the front which penetrates the wall of the container, with a tap arranged on the tubular piercing member, and with a sealing collar enclosing the tubular piercing member and abutting against the container wall. The tubular piercing member is immovably connected to the mounting, and, when the latter is positioned on the container, penetrates the container wall. The sealing collar protrudes beyond the cutting rim of the tubular piercing member so that when the device is fixed on the container, the sealing collar abuts against it sealingly before the tubular piercing member penetrates the container wall.

Abstract: A holding and control arrangement for spraying devices used with high-pressure washing equipment includes water feed and discharge ducts communicating through a valve controlled by a hand lever. Inlet and discharge ends of the respective ducts terminate in upper and lower casing portions interconnected by a protective bar. Each casing portion respectively includes feeder and discharge connection fittings formed with the casings to prevent the fittings from turning. The fittings have similar shapes to enable manipulation by a standard tool, such as a monkey wrench. An outer housing handle including guide flanges capable of interfitting with guide channels formed in the casings substantially covers the water duct and valve to prevent undesired operator contact with these hot portions. An additional covering extends around a portion of the water duct to further prevent operator contact with the hot duct.

Abstract: Chip dispensing apparatus for dispensing bingo chips with a chip transfer slide which is reciprocally moveable between a chip receiving position to receive the lowermost chip from a stack of chips received in an elongate upstanding tube and a laterally removed chip dispensing position in which a chip is dispensed to a bingo card. The apparatus includes a pistol grip-type handle having a linkage which is coupled to the chip transfer slide and actuated by a trigger to reciprocally move the chip transfer slide between the chip receiving and chip dispensing positions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for joining two abutting pieces of carpet. The process comprises applying to the carpet backing along both sides of the juncture a strip of hot molten glue at about 210.degree.-425.degree. F. and applying a joining tape to the strip of molten glue, pressing together the tape, glue and carpet backing to cause the glue to soften and penetrate both the tape and the backing, and allow the glue to cool and solidify into a fused and unitary bond. The apparatus comprises a hot glue dispensing gun with a nozzle and a glue applicator attached to the nozzle for uniformly dispensing a strip of glue, a roll of joining tape fed from above and adjacent to the applicator, and a spring loaded roller to press the tape onto the top of the glue strip.

Abstract: A manually operated actuator for a pump employs a vertical hollow chamber. A piston is vertically slidable in the chamber between a bottom position at which no pumping action can take place and a top position at which pumping action can occur. The piston and the chamber are contained in a housing. A trigger is pivotally secured in the housing and is connected to the piston. The trigger has a first position at which the piston is held in the bottom position and has a second position at which the piston is held in the top position. The trigger is normally in the first position and is manually movable into the second position. A spring device is disposed in the housing, being secured to the trigger and spaced from the chamber and piston. The device biases the trigger into the first position whenever there is no manual pressure on the trigger.

Abstract: An operating handle for an aerosol container features a hand grip portion, a shell portion and a trigger assembly interconnecting the hand grip portion and the shell portion. The trigger assembly includes an actuator arm for engaging the plunger head of an aerosol container and a trigger arm projecting along the hand grip portion whereby the trigger arm can be squeezed toward the hand grip portion to drive the actuator arm against the plunger head. The shell portion serves as a receptacle in which the aerosol can is secured and as a shield for isolating the hand and fingers from exposure to the aerosol spray. A quick release fastener assembly is carried by the shell portion for securing the aerosol container in a stable, upright operating position within the shell.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser, preferably a pistol grip type hose nozzle, affords no flow, solid misty cone spray and solid jet spray capabilities and contains a fluid flow rate control feature for instantaneous adjustment of the rate of fluid flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: An aerosol fire extinguishant container has an insert positioned and secured within a recess in the closure cap of the container. An opening in the insert permits the stem of a depressable ejector nozzle to engage a valve structure in the cap. A trigger is pivotably mounted within a handle mounted on the cap and has a cam for acting on the ejector nozzle to release extinguishant through the nozzle when the trigger is depressed. The insert has strengthening bars which aid in securing the handle to the cap. The insert prevents the stem of the nozzle from being separated from the valve structure when the container is dropped and the handle and trigger are broken.

Abstract: A hand tool for opening and holding a check valve in an open position to release hydraulic fluid in a hose. One lever has a yoke with a pair of ears accommodating a portion of the hose to locate the coupling in a pocket formed by a U-shaped collar mounted on the other lever. A finger located in the pocket of the U-shaped collar engages the check valve and holds the check valve in an open position to release the pressure of the fluid in the check valve assembly and hose. The operator is shielded from the fluid flowing from the check valve by the generally U-shaped collar.

Abstract: A portable hand-held material broadcasting device having a housing with a manually engageable handle and providing a storage chamber for flowable granular material superimposed over a normally horizontally rotating impeller for gravitational flow of material from the chamber to the impeller, a valve member movable to regulate the material flow and having closed, intermediate and full open positions, a manually displaceable actuating member positioned adjacent the handle and having a connection to the valve member for displacement thereof, and a manually adjustable cam member for limiting the opening movement of the valve member and corresponding position of the actuating member for setting the rate of flow of the material, the improvement of the invention including a stop mounted on the handle and positioned to engage and support the actuating member when moved to its full open position, and a special connection being made between the actuator member and the valve member to permit forced displacement of the a

Abstract: On a safety can for the storage and dispensing of liquid fuel and other volatile liquids from which the contents usually are dispensed at more or less frequent intervals, the pouring spout of the can has a cover which is at a free end of a lever which is spring biased to normally keep the cover tightly closed. The can has a fixed lifting handle in the form of a flat arch in a central area of the top of the can with the top of the arch providing a hand grip removed from the spout and its cover, a secondary handle extending above the lever on which the cover is secured and pivotally secured through an upwardly offset connection to the lever toward the free end of the biased lever terminates in a hand grip parallel with but spaced radially from the hand grip formed by the flat arch.

Abstract: A trigger attachment, for a finger operated pump having an axially outwardly projecting actuating and dispensing stem having therein an axial bore through which material is dispensed upon axial inward movement of the stem, has a body attached to the pump body and a generally vertically extending portion which can be griped by the hand, a trigger mechanism hinged to the body and adapted to be coupled to said actuating stem, the trigger mechanism converting a radial motion of the trigger with respect to the body into axial inward motion at the actuating stem, and a nozzle coupled to the outlet bore in said actuating stem.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a pressurized dispensing container consists of a handle 12 and a collar 11. The collar is fitted with legs 28, provided with bulbous portions 29 which clip resiliently into a groove 20 in the valve cup. The handle is provided with lugs 41 which engage with the collar. The handle is inserted into the collar and twisted to engage the lugs 41 with the collar to retain the handle. The lugs also press against legs 28 to prevent the collar becoming detached from the cam 13. A rachet surface 30 is provided around the top of the collar which is engaged by a tab on the handle as the handle is twisted to lock it into the collar. The rachet surface thus prevents the handle from being disengaged by being twisted in a direction opposite to that required for engaging the lugs.

Abstract: A combined handle and actuating device for pressurized dispensers such as paint spray cans has a body including a handle to be gripped by the user and a means for readily attaching the device to the dispenser. The coupling means may comprise resiliently deformable nose and tail portions which co-operate with a channel in the top of the dispenser. The device includes an actuating means which is operable to depress or release the actuating member or button of the dispenser, and which includes a trigger for operation by the hand of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material in measured amounts, primarily for use in the treatment of livestock is disclosed. The apparatus provides a material containment cylinder having a nozzle at one end and a diaphragm attached to a rod at the other end and a mechanism for precisely controlling the movement of the diaphragm so that precise dosages are dispensed through the nozzle end. A bayonet locking attachment for affixing the material containment cylinder to the diaphragm movement mechanism is also disclosed. A number of embodiments are provided for precisely controlling the diaphragm movement mechanism including a slideable rod friction attachment and ratchet and stop mechanisms.

Abstract: A hand held adhesive dispensing gun of the type intended to be rotatably mounted at the end of a heated flexible hose through which adhesive is supplied to the gun. The gun body includes a pivot post extending outwardly from the gun barrel. This post is pivotally mounted within a heated pivot sleeve which extends for approximately the full length of the post. Heat imparted to the sleeve by an electrical resistance heater mounted therein maintains the adhesive in the post and the gun barrel in the molten state. The design is such that there is no need for an electrical resistance heater in the rotatable gun and thus no need for an electrical cord to extend between the rotatable gun and the non-rotatable flexible hose.

Abstract: A drop type spreader for handling fertilizer, grass seed or the like for lawns and residential use has a flow control hand grip lever positioned at the spreader handles. The lever is gripped together with one of the handles for initiating flow, and the flow control gate and the lever automatically return to cut off the flow when the lever is released. A tension spring is connected between the hopper and the flow control gate for returning the gate to the flow blocking position when the lever is released. The rate of flow is also controlled from the lever by an adjusting screw, and an indicator is provided at the lever for indicating the selected rate of flow.

Abstract: The spout cover assembly for a container, for example a tea kettle, is formed by a spout cover flap and an operating lever formed integrally from plastics material hinged together by an area of reduced thickness. The operating lever is mounted in the handle of the kettle and the cover flap is hingedly connected with the kettle thereby forming a fulcrum for the operation of the cover flap by the lever.

Abstract: A handle attachment snap engages over the top of an aerosol can and includes a trigger adapted to depress the spray button. The device fits most sizes of cans and adaptor rings may be provided to ensure a firmer support for smaller cans. The handle attachment and associated aerosol can may be secured to and elevated on a pole or other elongated support and operated remotely for spraying of trees, buildings, and the like. A partially rotatable shroud is provided which, when in one position, enables the trigger to be operated in order to dispense the contents of the can through the spray nozzle and when in the other position, prevents the trigger from being depressed and also shrouds the nozzle if the can is improperly placed within the assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable aerosol can holder which securely engages a can by its upper rim and bottom and has a trigger-operated actuator for depressing the firing head of the can to fire same.

Abstract: A measuring and dispensing device for granular material has a container for the material with an outlet at the bottom and a plurality of dispensing compartments open at top and bottom fixed at the outlet. A barrier member and a closure member are reciprocable in unison across the tops and bottoms respectively of the compartments so that on movement of the members in one direction the barrier member closes the top of each successive compartment before the closure member closes its bottom, and on movement thereof in the opposite direction the closure member opens the bottom of each successive compartment before the barrier member opens its top. Control means are provided accessible from the exterior for selectively stopping the movement of the members at each position of respective registry with the successive compartments. The device can be adjusted to selectively fill and then dispense the compartments maintained normally empty, or to selectively dispense the compartments maintained normally full.

Abstract: The present hand gun receives pressurized hot melt adhesive and the like via a heated flexible hose. The operator's handle and the supply conduit for adhesive project in a common plane from opposite end portions of the gun barrel. Although generally parallel, the handle and conduit typically are inclined toward each other and are joined at their ends remote from the barrel, forming a rigid generally polygonal frame with ample opening between the handle and conduit to receive the fingers of a hand gripping the handle. The gun thus completely isolates the operator's hand from the path of supply of the molten material, while still permitting the hose to extend generally downward from the gun in most positions of use. The disclosed configuration further provides a well protected location for the control trigger. An improved safety latch for the trigger is disclosed. The swivel connection between gun and hose provides fully enclosed access for electrical wires.