Abstract: A solenoid controlled valve is mounted in a threaded opening of a pressure vessel which contains compressed natural gas. The valve includes a valve body having a head, which is exposed outside of the pressure vessel, and a neck, which is located within the pressure vessel. A solenoid poppet valve is mounted to the inner end of the neck. A valve seat is mounted in a bore within the valve body. All orifice at an inner end of the valve seat exposes a flow passage between the bore of the valve body and an outlet port, which is located in the head of the valve body. The solenoid poppet valve includes a seal for closing the orifice, a bias spring which biases the seal toward the seat to close the orifice, a plunger which is connected to the seal, and a solenoid coil which, when energized, moves the plunger so that the seal moves out of engagement with the seat and permits flow of compressed gas from the interior of the pressure vessel to the outlet port.

Abstract: A chamber having a slurry-admitting inlet at one end has a metering opening lengthwise thereof for feeding slurry to an associated slurry processing machine. A rotatable bar, having a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed therein, is disposed in immediate proximity to the metering opening to control slurry-flow through the opening. The grooves insure that access to the opening, by the slurry, will be greater than the largest floc diameter of the pulp at all operating conditions.

Abstract: A utility-power operated, tamper-proof pressurized spray can (12) that can only be operated when connected to a-c utility power. Thus, its use to spray graffiti is prevented or at the very least minimized. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a spray can (12) having a housing opening (12B) to which is hermetically attached a solenoid housing (14). The housing (14), encloses a standard spray control valve (18) having in series, a linear-motion solenoid assembly (22) consisting of a stationary armature (24), a movable armature (28) and an external, separable movable-armature activator (40). The stationary armature (24) is rigidly attached to the housing (12), has a lower guide tube bore (24H) therethrough and an upward facing spring cavity (24G) which retains a spring (26).

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper door. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade can be selectively raised and lowered via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper doors and blades on a car. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. In a modified arrangement, each ballast distributing blade has a pair of extendable wings on either side to allow the wider distribution of ballast where needed.

Abstract: The present invention is a graphite lubrication apparatus for lubricating the support rollers of a drying kiln, dryer or the like by dispensing graphite powder across the surface of the rollers. It has a graphite storage means for storing the graphite powder to be used for lubrication; a dispensing pipe adjacent the graphite storage means and having a top and bottom and a plurality of receiving holes in the top thereof the receiving holes permitting communication of the graphite from the storage means into the dispensing pipe. The dispensing pipe also having a plurality of discharge holes positioned adjacent the roller. The discharge holes permit the discharge of graphite onto the roller. A discharge means discharges graphite from the dispensing pipe onto the roller.

Abstract: A rechargeable device for spraying a fluid in a mist-like manner. The device includes an actuator head and a removable tank containing the fluid. The actuator head includes an actuator member that is movable between a predetermined high position and a predetermined low position. The removable tank includes a neck in which a pump is engaged. The pump has a hollow pump body which defines a cylindrical pump chamber filled with the fluid and in which a piston slides. Extending from the piston is a hollow actuator rod through which the fluid leaves the pump. The pump chamber is in communication with the fluid contained in the tank. A pushbutton fitted with a lateral outlet nozzle is fixed to the actuator rod of the pump, such that the actuator member presses against the pushbutton to actuate the pump. The neck of the tank includes a removable plug on which the pump is fixed.

Abstract: An emptying balance contains a product flow setting device, which contains a rotary slide valve. The angle between a rotary slide valve wall and the facing fixed wall is consequently dependent on the opening position of the rotary slide valve. A fine blocking flap is also provided which is opened by means of two pressure cylinders arranged in series, and which are individually controllable. For subsequent metering of small product quantities only one of the two pressure cylinders is operated and this only leads to a limited opening of the fine blocking flap.

Abstract: A dump gate assembly as for a feed mixer housing including first and second hinged gates swingable between upper closed condition and lower open condition, each gate having a cam track preferably in the form of a configurated gate stiffener cooperable with a cam follower on an actuator. The cam tracks have a portion causing greater force to be applied to the gates during the final movement of the gates to the closed condition. The actuators for the two respective gates are at opposite ends of the gates and are interconnected to cause timed gate closing. A special seal element causes a second seal between the closed gates.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for dispensing hot melt adhesives includes an air gap (100) in the adhesive manifold (16) of the dispenser (10). The apparatus (10) includes a heater (80), a temperature sensing device (RTD) (82) and adhesive passageway (84) located within the adhesive manifold (16) of the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) delivers heated adhesive to a gun body (12) where it is applied to a substrate. The air gap (100) is interposed between the heater (80) and the adhesive passageway (84) and directs a majority of the heat generated by the heater (80) toward the gun body (12) and toward regions of the apparatus (10) needing additional heating. The air gap (100) enables a desired temperature gradient within the dispenser (100) to be maintained and prevents localized heating or cooling, thus decreasing the possibility that the adhesive will coagulate and plug the dispenser (10).

Abstract: The dispense valve is designed for application of high viscosity fluids and is designed so that it is equally effective and usable in manual or automatic versions. The valve is air operated and the air section and fluid sections may be swiveled relative to one another to allow the inlet lines to be aligned in the desired manner relative to one another. The seat against which the needle seals is designed to be reversible to effectively double the life of the single part. Also, the trigger valve attaches directly to the valve itself so as to allow ease of attachment and detachment. The complete assembly provides a compact, easily maneuverable and effective device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids, such as adhesives, sealants, caulks is actuated by an electromagnetic coil assembly (42,136) in conjunction with a magnet (38,126) mounted to a plunger (26,118). Energizing the coil assembly produces an electromagnetic field which cooperates with the magnetic field to cause the plunger to open. Closing results from reversing the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An actuator for a railway car gate assembly unit of the type having doors slidably carried by door guides provided in the gate assembly unit. Pressure fluid actuated motors are coupled between the doors and fixed points on the railway car for effecting sliding movement of the doors.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for spraying a liquid or flowable disinfectant to dermatologically treat hands or the like. The dispenser automatically senses the presence of a user's hands using an infrared sensing mechanism, and in response sprays a predetermined volume of volatile disinfectant onto the user's hands for a predetermined length of time via a control circuit. The control circuit supplies an electromagnet with power for the predetermined length of time to move a magnetic frame downward against an inverted bottle of disinfectant in the dispenser housing. The bottle contains a known quantity of disinfectant fluid and the dispensing operation dispenses a measured dose upon each actuation. A counter circuit then counts the doses dispensed and provides a warning signal when the bottle is empty or nearly empty of the flowable disinfectant.

Abstract: A storing and dispensing device for dogfood and the like comprises a bin having a funnel-shaped bottom portion which terminates in a vertical channel with an open bottom end. A feeding mechanism is vertically movable in the channel, either manually of automatically, allowing a given amount of food to be emitted at each operation. The mechanism includes an upper valve which normally closes the bin, and a lower valve which normally keeps the channel bottom open, the two valves being connected by a shaft which permits their relative distance to be changed for different food portions. Lifting the upper valve opens the bin and lets food flow into the channel which is now closed by the lower valve, the food portion being defined by the space enclosed between the valves. After the space has been filled, the mechanism is lowered whereby the upper valve closes the bin and the lower valve lets the food run into a feeding bowl.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can (12) that can only be operated when connected to an a-c utility power source provided by a power cord (22) that includes a power-line activator (30). Thus, the use of an aerosol spray can (12) to spray graffiti is prevented or at least minimized. The can (12) is modified by attaching to its upper section (14) a valve attachment port (16) to which is attached a lower fluid port (86) located on a slide and twist valve (80). The valve (80) also includes an upper fluid port (84) having a check valve (88) that opens when a standard spray head (26) is depressed and a permanent magnet piston (90) having a fluid passage bore (96). When no power is applied, a compression spring (94) positions the piston (90) with the bore (96) misaligned in both a radial and longitudinal position that prevents the passage of the fluid.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can and selectively-operable valve mechanism for dispensing the contents of the can to an environment are assembled to one another in operable relation using an adaptor structure which comprises an element snap-fit mounted to the aerosol can and a further element snap-fit mounted or otherwise affixed to the valve mechanism. The elements are provided with mating screw threads, which permit the assembly to be readily and securely effected. The adaptor elements are moulded parts constructed to be resiliently flexible to a degree to assist in mounting and demounting from the element to which it is to be attached and yet to resist such flexure when assembled together.

Abstract: A hopper for receiving and discharging product in a weighing machine has a construction comprised by a removable body shell and a supporting chassis. The shell has an opening at the top for receiving product to be weighed and an opening at the bottom for discharging the product after weighing. A discharge door cooperates with the opening at the bottom of the shell body to support the weight of product within the shell during weighing and to discharge the product after weighing. A quick-release coupling permits the hopper to be firmly installed on the weighing machine and to be quickly removed from the machine without tools. A toggle linkage is employed to operate the discharge door and locks the door in the closed position without further locking mechanisms. A bi-directional actuator moves the toggle linkage and door into and out of the closed position.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a command signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dispenser (10) for dispensing viscous heated fluids, such as hot melt adhesives. A fixed pole (50) extends from a fluid chamber (20). The coil (46) is located about a portion of the fixed pole (50) and spaced from the fluid chamber to isolate the coil from the fluid flow path of the adhesive. The coil is insulated from the heat which is conducted from the adhesive as well as provided with a heat sink (88) for dissipating heat. A plunger (32) is mounted within the fluid chamber for reciprocal movement therein to open and close dispensing orifice in response to the field generated by the coil.

Abstract: The polyurethane foam metering apparatus comprises a mixing chamber bored out in a core (3) of self-lubricating synthetic material, which core is gripped tightly in a hollow metallic cylinder detachably mounted on a support, in such a manner as to form a demountable cartridge, and compressed at right angles to feed orifices, so as to improve the seal of the valve rod (8) and to prevent infiltration of reactants into the mixing chamber when the latter is closed off by the valve rod (8).

Abstract: A controller for a beverage tap has a base with a fastener for attaching the base to the beverage tap. A pneumatically-operated cylinder is mounted on the base and has a piston which when the cylinder is pressurized forces a lever of the tap into an open position. A cover releasably extends around five sides of the base and encloses the cylinder. A torsion spring is attached inside the cover to bias the lever into a closed position when the cylinder is not pressurized. A plurality of push button switches are mounted on the cover for operating the controller. A first electrical connector is attached to the base and has two guides that have conical apertures. A second electrical connector is movably attached to the cover, and includes two pins located within apertures of the two guides. The first and second electrical connectors have contacts formed by a pair of tines. Each pair of tines of one electrical connector slide in between and mesh perpendicularly with a pair of tines of the other electrical connector.

Abstract: A positioning system for remote operation of hopper doors of a railway car is provided including a radio frequency controller and a hydraulic drive system. The positioning system for each hopper car is supplied with pneumatic power from the locomotive. Pneumatic power is converted to electric power for the controller and hydraulic power for the door drives. The electrical power is a 12 volt DC system provide by a standard battery, which is charged by an alternator driven by an air motor. An air operated hydraulic pump is also connected to the pneumatic power source to supply hydraulic pressure to a valve manifold connected to a series of solenoid operated hydraulic valves. The solenoid operated hydraulic valves are, in turn, connected to hydraulic cylinders which operate doors on railway hopper/ballast or other type cars. The controller includes a receiver for receiving signals from a remote transmitter and operator station.

Abstract: Apparatus for proportioned feeding of an analysis fluid (7) onto a target (5), ejects fluid onto the target in small quantities pulse-wise out of a nozzle (2) through a nozzle outlet opening (3). The apparatus allows the precise proportioning of analysis fluid quanta which are substantially larger than in the case of the "drop on demand" methods commonly used to date for analysis fluids, but are smaller than the minimum doses achievable to date with diluters and dispensers. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber (1) in which the analysis fluid is held under pressure, and a valve unit (11) with a valve opening. A closing element is moved by a positioning element. The valve unit (11) is constructed so that the ejection of the fluid is supported by the movement of the closing element (13) during the closure of the valve opening (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus comprising a container, such as a silo or hopper for storing and distributing flowable material, to receptacle such as an I.B.C. via an outlet, there being a device adapted for removing and replacing a closure of the receptacle, particularly on passage of material into the receptacle.In a preferred arrangement, outlet of the silo is normally obturated by a conical (or frusto-conical) closure device which is raised and lowered by pneumatic devices in the form of an air bellows mounted in the silo on a frame. The bellows is within a cone, and there is also a device for oscillating the cone, such as a vibrator, in order to obviate bridging or rat-holing of material during discharge. The bellows is housed within a hygienic cover for cleanliness. The cone is connected with the bellows via a connector which may be in the form of a telescopic tube. The tube passes through the apex of the cone and is secured thereat as by a nut and bolt arrangement.

Abstract: An inhalation device for use with a pressurized aerosol canister. The device involves an electromechanical mechanism for applying a priming force to the aerosol canister prior to or at the start of inhalation. The device also involves a blocking mechanism. The electromechanical mechanism electromechanically applies to the aerosol canister a priming force sufficient to actuate the aerosol canister, and the blocking mechanism prevents the priming force from actuating the aerosol canister until inhalation is detected.

Abstract: A solenoid controlled valve is mounted in a threaded opening of a pressure vessel which contains compressed natural gas. The valve includes a valve body having a head, which is exposed outside of the pressure vessel, and a neck, which is located within the pressure vessel. A solenoid poppet valve is mounted to the inner end of the neck. A valve seat is mounted in a bore within the valve body. An orifice at an inner end of the valve seat exposes a flow passage between the bore of the valve body and an outlet port, which is located in the head of the valve body. The solenoid poppet valve includes a seal for closing the orifice, a bias spring which biases the seal toward the seat to close the orifice, a plunger which is connected to the seal, and a solenoid coil which, when energized, moves the plunger so that the seal moves out of engagement with the seat and permits flow of compressed gas from the interior of the pressure vessel to the outlet port.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling tubular dispensing cartridges with paste or viscous fluid comprises a mandrel adapted for a sliding fit within the cartridges, the mandrel having an axial fluid passage and a parallel air passage which extends from the mandrel top to an radial opening near the mandrel bottom surface. A pneumatic control system controls the amount of paste or fluid by sensing the flow of air through the air passage. If air passes through the passage, the fluid valve is closed; if air is blocked by a cartridge on the mandrel, the fluid valve is enabled and a manual control valve may be used.

Abstract: An improved valve actuator is provided to operate a liquid dispenser valve of the type used in a soft drink dispenser station or the like. The dispenser station includes a pressurized supply of carbonated water for regulated delivery through a water dispense conduit to a drinking cup or the like for mixture with a selected flavor syrup delivered to the cup from a syrup-containing bottle having the dispenser valve at the bottle neck for controlling syrup outflow. The valve actuator is mechanically connected to the dispenser valve and responds to pressure along the water dispense conduit at a position upstream of a flow restrictor to open the dispenser valve each time carbonated water is delivered through the conduit to the drinking cup. At the conclusion of water delivery, the valve actuator responds to decreased pressure along the water dispense conduit to return the dispenser valve to a closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging particulate solids from a flexible bag wherein a lower end of the bag and its spout are located within a hopper with the spout accessible through an opening in the hopper wall and wherein a constricting device is included for choking the bag spout to restrict flow therethrough so that the spout can be tied off and closed by access through the hopper wall opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

Abstract: A combination aerosol spray can and operator system in which the operator is a handgrip releasably attached to a modified spray can. The handgrip is electrically operated from an electrical outlet and, and includes a manually activated trigger to control the application of alternating current to a solenoid operator secured to the handgrip and extending into an annular opening formed in the spray can. Upon partial actuation of the trigger, with the handgrip plugged in, the solenoid operator is actuated to open a first valve connected to the interior of the spray can, and upon further actuation of the trigger, a lever is operated to open a second valve to allow the contents of the spray can to be sprayed.

Abstract: A ballast hopper car door control apparatus and method for controlling a pivoting hopper discharge control member on a railroad ballast car or the like, includes a drive shaft extending through the discharge control member at the pivot point. A transmission is connected to the drive shaft and is driven by a reversible electric motor. The motor is controlled via a radio receiver which receives motor control signals from a remote radio transmitter. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. Multiple hoppers on a single car are controllable by a single receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher access-door mounted dishwasher detergent dispenser having an improved assembly. The dispenser includes an outer bow-tie shaped door which has a central shaft extending therefrom. The shaft extends through the access door, and through a stationary actuating member and a rotary cam and latch member. A terminal end of the shaft provides a transverse bore through which is loosely slip-fit a retaining pin. The cam and latch member includes a cylindrical hub and a projecting member. The cylindrical hub includes an upstanding cylindrical wall and a camming surface. The cylindrical wall, which extends above and generally surrounds the camming surface, defines a notched opening through which the terminal end of the shaft is accessible for insertion and removal of the slip fit pin mounted therein. The cylindrical wall surrounds or encloses opposite ends of the mounting pin and prevents the unintentional or accidental removal of the mounting pin from the shaft.

Abstract: A postmix beverage dispenser having the appearance of a stainless steel brewed tea urn. A postmix dispensing valve is mounted inside the tea urn and is operated by a handle located on the front of the tea urn. A nozzle extender is inside the handle body and connects to the nozzle of the dispensing valve. The handle body and nozzle extender are easily manually removed without tools from outside the tea urn.

Abstract: A lever arm assembly for a beverage dispensing valve including a valve including a housing including a cover and a bottom plate, a switch means inside said cover for turning on said valve to dispense a drink, a lever arm chamber for receiving a lever arm and said lever arm connected to said valve and being movable between a rest position in which the switch means is actuated and an actuating position in which said switch means is actuated, and means for holding said lever arm in a rest position. The lever arm including a cup contacting portion extending down below said valve, a pivot pin and a switch actuating portion extending above said pivot pin and into the valve housing. The housing including a lever arm opening to allow said valve actuating portion and said pivot pin to be inserted into said lever arm chamber, such that the lever arm can move freely between its rest and actuating positions, and a pivot pin recess for receiving and holding said pivot pin.

Abstract: A metering device for controlling the flow of granular material through a conduit. The metering device includes a electrical coil operably associated with the conduit, a ferromagnetic latching strip disposed in the magnetic field produced by the coil, and a pivoting gate including a magnet that is attracted toward and repelled from the latching strip as the direction of electrical current flowing through the coil is changed. A closed container includes the metering device secured to its bottom so that the granular material can be dispensed only through the meter. The closed container is electrically connected by wires to a dispensing controller located in the tractor cab. The granular material, such as insecticide, is simultaneously and equally dispensed at the desired rate to the seed furrows from all the individual planting units of the planter.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprises an open-topped flexible container (13) which tapers downwardly to a discharge opening (14). The container (13) is mounted on a load platform (11) of a load cell (10). The portion of the container (13) that forms the discharge opening (14) is between one permanent magnet (16) on the load platform (11) and another permanent magnet (17) which is fixed to the material of the container (13). The magnets (16 and 17) attract one another to close the discharge opening (14). An electro-magnetic actuator (18), spaced from the magnet (17), is operable on command from a computer (12) to attract the magnet (17) and open the discharge opening (14). The computer (12) controls a shut-off valve (18) to control filling of the container (13) in accordance with the weight read out from the load cell (10).

Abstract: An ice dispensing apparatus having a storage bin with a paddle wheel which moves the ice from a storage bin to a delivery chute. A straight door is utilized to selectively open and close the delivery chute. A drip pan is provided on the outside of the chute to collect the melt water from the ice, which is in the delivery chute.

Abstract: A flow control device for a fluid dispenser provides independent adjustment and control of both stroke length and spring load of a needle valve which ultimately controls outward flow from a nozzle. Independent adjustment and control of stroke length and spring load enable an operator to independently set the dispensing gap which is directly proportional to dispensing rate, and the closing force of the needle valve so that a single dispenser may be used for dispensing materials of different viscosity. An axially movable stop member is aligned with a piston carried by the needle valve. A compression spring circumscribes the stop member, and a cylindrical retainer surrounds the compression spring. An axially adjustable screw holds the retainer in place, thereby holding the spring in compression between the retainer and the piston. The axial positions of the stop member and the retainer may be adjusted independently to independently set stroke length and closing force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of adhesive onto a moving substrate is provided using a thermal flowmeter. It is particularly designed for the tobacco industry wherein the flow of adhesive onto a continuous ribbon of paper in forming the side seam on tobacco rods requires consistent, controlled flow independent of external factors.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser of the type having a diluent mixed with a syrup to produce the beverage to be dispensed is provided with a solenoid actuated valve arrangement between the diluent and/or syrup supply line and the dispensing nozzle and which solenoid valve has a sealing arrangement which, upon actuation of the solenoid, provides sequential first and second stages of pressure drop across the valve seat, thus to reduce the power required to operate the solenoid and open the valve or enable the valve to operate under higher fluid pressures without increasing the power of the solenoid.

Abstract: The dosage dispensing device associable with filling machines is provided with at least one lower nozzle which includes a main body, which has a vertical axis, which is hollow and which has an internal diameter which reduces gradually at least proximate to its lower end down to a discharge outlet, and by a stem, which is arranged so as to be coaxially movable inside the main body. The stem defines, at its lower end, a shutter for the discharge outlet, and is provided with longitudinal fins for guiding the stem inside the main body; the shutter is constituted by a solid of revolution which is coaxial to the stem and which has a cross-section which decreases from a median region thereof down to a lower pointed end thereof, and the inner surface of the main body which is proximate to the discharge outlet has a shape which can be sealingly coupled to a lower portion of the shutter.

Abstract: A remote controlled faucet has a valve assembly attachable to a nozzle of the faucet. The valve assembly includes a battery-powered motor-driven valve member and a radio receiving unit for actuating the motor in response to signals received from a remote sending unit. The sending unit is operated by the action of the user's foot for providing "hands-free" control of the faucet. In an alternate embodiment, the valve assembly is used to remotely control an independent hot and cold water faucet supply line to regulate water temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method of dispensing, issuing, or diffusing a liquid (volatile or otherwise) without using a propellant gas, the liquid being a perfume, a cosmetic, an insecticide, or a medicine, for example. The method consists in using a pump type spray head where a liquid is sprayed by being expelled under pressure through a nozzle, and being characterized by the use of a mechanical device during the expulsion stage for obtaining an instantaneous pressure which causes a dose or a spray to be delivered comparable to an aerosol of the type obtained when using a compressed or liquefied propellant gas i.e. an aerosol in which the particles of divided liquid are not greater than 45 microns in size in the liquid phase, and are less than 1 micron in the gas phase, after spraying has occurred, and without spoiling the sprayed substances.

Abstract: An improved syrup dispenser and valve assembly are provided for dispensing a liquid, such as a flavor syrup in a soft drink dispenser station or the like. The valve assembly comprises a compact base member adapted to mount directly into the neck of a flavor syrup bottle, in combination with a movable valve member mounted thereon and cooperating therewith to define a syrup dispense port and an air vent port. The bottle is designed for inverted installation into the dispenser station with the bottle neck seated within a station support socket, and with the valve member operatively engaged by a station actuator. The station actuator displaces the valve member between a first position closing the syrup dispense and air vent ports, and a second position opening both of said ports to permit gravity syrup outflow with the dispensed syrup volume being replaced by air inflow into the bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a solution of highly viscous polymeric material and gas includes a dispenser connected to a pressure regulator which is adapted to connect to a source of a pressurized polymer/gas solution. Minimal pressure drop due to line losses occurs in the course of transmitting the solution from the pressure regulator into the dispenser because of their close proximity, and the solution is maintained under controlled pressure throughout passage to the discharge outlet of a nozzle carried by the dispenser so that the gas is maintained in solution in the polymeric material until it is discharged from the nozzle to atmosphere. The flow rate of solution through the dispenser is variable by operation of adjustable valve structure associated with the dispenser and/or by operation of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A dumping system for a kiln floor having a pnematic cylinder to cause a plurality of rows of tray assemblies to move between a closed postion and an open position. A harmonizing bar assembly is connected to the rows of tray assemblies and acts to synchronize movement of the tray assemblies and locks the tray assemblies in a fully clsoed or open position. The linkage between the pneumatic cylinder and the rows of tray assemblies includes a device to adjust the connection with the shaft supporting the tray assemblies.

Abstract: The dispenser is used for supplying small amounts of a pasty substance, e.g. solder paste, onto printed circuit boards for the surface mounting of electronic components. It has a generally tube-like housing (20) forming at its lower end a nozzle (54) and a valve face (32). A nozzle element (28) is slidably arranged in the housing (20), has a valve needle (30) cooperating with the valve face (32), and furtheron is biased in closed position of the valve needle (30) at the valve face (32) by a spring (44) and connected with a plunger (40) arranged in a cylindrical part of the housing (20). The housing (20) is surrounded by a tube-like shell (56) in such a distance, that a toroidal chamber (58) between housing (20) and shell (56) is formed. During use cooling or heating gas flows through this toroidal chamber (58), the toroidal chamber (58) furtheron having an upper connector (62) for a duct (64) supplying the gas and a lower outlet (70) for free outflow of the gas.

Abstract: A traveling bucket assembly is operable to dispense particulate product contained in a pair of food hoppers simultaneously onto target areas on an underlying conveyor. An outside gate is movable to open and close a dispensing outlet formed in the bottom of each of the food hoppers. An inside gate in the hoppers is movable independently of the outside gate to block further discharge of product from the hoppers even though the outside gate is retained in its opened position so that discharge of product can be regulated with greater precision.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas solenoid controlled valve is mounted in the threaded opening of a pressure vessel which contains the gas. The valve includes a valve body having a head which is exposed outside of the pressure vessel and a neck which is located within the pressure vessel. A solenoid poppet valve is mounted to the inner end of the neck. A valve seat is mounted in a bore within the valve body, and provides a flow passage which extends between an orifice at the inner end of the valve seat and an outlet port which is located in the head of the valve body. The solenoid poppet valve includes a seal for closing the orifice, a bias spring which biases the seal toward the seat to close the orifice, a plunger which is connected to the seal, and a solenoid coil which, when energized, moves the plunger so that the seal moves out of engagement with the seat and permits flow of compressed gas from the interior of the pressure vessel to the outlet port.