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: A new and improved foam dispenser gun comprises in combination a gun body, a mountable dispenser moldule and an air cylinder actuator assembly. The dispenser module includes a dispenser housing and a valving insert received therein having a stepped outer configuration. The insert includes a forward minor diameter portion having a diametrical dimension slightly less than that of the housing passageway. The rearward major diameter portion of the insert is designed for press-fit engagement in the housing passageway. The clearance provided between the forward end of the housing passageway and the forward minor diameter portion of the insert, in accordance with the present invention, permits relaxation of the insert member in a controlled manner in use which reduces or eliminates the buildup of residual stresses on the insert member which are believed to be responsible for cold flow deformations of the insert.

Abstract: In the doser-dispenser, the doser-piston 28 is carried by a first control tube 2 and the valve 32a forming with the central passage 32b of said piston 28 an intake valve 32 is situated on the side of the supply chamber 25 and is carried by a second control tube 35 guided in the first tube 2 and extending beyond the lower end of the latter. Each tube 2, 35 is surrounded by and integral with a bellows 6, 38 of which the inside is connected permanently to the outside atmosphere, the top end of the bellows being fixed either to housing 3 or to the lower end of the first tube 2. The second tube 35 with its intake flap 32a is controlled outside of the housing 3 by means of the piston 36 of a jack.

Abstract: A modular adhesive applicator assembly in which electrical, thermal and fluid communication between a main block and individual modules occur at one face of the main block and in which a separate flow loop within each module is provided to prevent adhesive degradation within the module. Each module has an inlet port in fluid communication with an opening in the main block. The inlet port is located at an intermediate region of a solenoid armature used to control flow from the inlet port to an outlet port. A high-volume adhesive flow path extends forwardly along the solenoid armature directly to the outlet port. A low-volume adhesive loop extends rearwardly along grooves within the exterior of the solenoid armature and then forwardly within a central bore of the solenoid armature. A radial bore to the central bore provides fluid communication to the high-volume adhesive flow path.

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: The invention relates to a feed device for bulk material, comprising a more particularly funnel-shaped storage tank 4, which is borne freely movable by measuring members 3 as a weighing tank of a mass throughput weighing system and is disposed with its outlet 11 over a conveyor system 6 for the removal of the bulk material. Disposed below the outlet 11 is a conical or pyramidal damming and supporting member 14 for the bulk material which is borne by the storage tank 4 and whose conical or pyramidal apex faces the outlet 11. The conical or pyramidal surfaces 29 cooperate with the edge 28 of the outlet 11 to form a gap on all sides.

Abstract: Automatic dispensing apparatus for accurately dispensing preselected amounts of material. The apparatus includes a paddle wheel assembly having multiple compartments for holding selected amounts of material to be dispensed. The apparatus further includes an agitator assembly to break down the material, and a flexible skimmer element for removing excess material from the compartments before dispensing to ensure precise measurements. The paddle wheel assembly and the agitator assembly are driven by a linear actuator. A shutter shields the dispensing mechanism and the material from external elements. The shutter is automatically activated to open and tightly close in sequence with the dispensing cycle. The apparatus further includes a programmable microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the sequential coating of motor-vehicle bodies using a preprogrammed painter-robot is provided. As a result of wear, the signal/response delay times of valves and other control elements deviate from the information stored in the program. According to the subject invention, the actual signal/response delay time is measured and compared with the stored information stored in the program. In the event of unacceptable deviations in the actual verses stored signal/response delay times, the actuating times controlled by the program are changed in response thereto, and signals warning of excessive actual delay time are given.

Abstract: A method for delivering a predetermined amount of a fluid comprises the steps of pressurizing the fluid, passing it through a pressure feed passageway, opening and closing the pressure feed passageway, and thereby delivering a predetermined amount of the fluid out of the pressure feed passageway. A rotatable shaft is located in the pressure feed passageway. The rotatable shaft is provided with a passageway part, which constitutes part of the pressure feed passageway. The fluid is delivered by rotating the rotatable shaft to a predetermined orientation, in which the passageway part communicates with the pressure feed passageway outside of the passageway part. After a predetermined amount of the fluid has been delivered, the rotatable shaft rotates by a predetermined angle to an orientation, in which the passageway part does not communicate with the pressure feed passageway outside of the passageway part, and the delivery of the fluid is thereby stopped.

Abstract: Anti-spray fluid dispensing nozzle for filling an open top container. The nozzle comprises an elongated fluid supply conduit establishing a fluid path between a source of pressurized fluid and the container to be filled. First and second valves are mounted in the supply conduit disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the first valve positioned upstream the second valve. Each valve includes a movable closure member cooperating with a valve seat to control the flow of fluid through the supply conduit. The closure members of both valves are coupled to a common actuating rod mounted for linear movement within the supply conduit to selectively displace each closure member between a valve closed position and a valve opened position.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly is provided for use in dispensing liquids, particularly such as flavored syrup and the like in a soft drink dispenser station. The valve assembly comprises a compact unit adapted to mount directly into the neck of a bottle containing a flavor syrup, wherein the bottle is designed for inverted installation into the dispenser station with the neck seated within a mating support socket. The valve assembly includes parallel dispense and vent ports, together with a dispense valve for regulating syrup outflow and a check valve for permitting air inflow. The dispense valve comprises the armature of a solenoid actuator, the coil of which is integrated with the support socket and adapted for connection to an electrical current for displacing the dispense valve to an open position and thereby permit gravity syrup flow from the bottle.

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 beverage dispensing valve primarily for post-mix has a valve body that will accept all known types of beverage flow controls, water and syrup valves that are interchangeable in either of two fluid ports, a reversible block between the valves and a nozzle that enables syrup to be used in either port and water to be used in either port, a positively sealing and easily removable nozzle for improved sanitation and mixing, and multiple fulcrums in the valve body that will respectively accept a manual actuator or a switch actuator and a solenoid driven actuator.

Abstract: A variable throttling feed apparatus, commonly known as a slice for breaking down clumps of fiber in various fiber processes, comprises a rotatable half round feed aperture bar which cooperates with the side of a cross flow feed chamber to form both a portion of the wall of that chamber when rotated in one direction to facilitate cleaning and a variable slice when rotated to partially open positions which permit the fiber to flow from the cross flow channel along its length.

Abstract: A metering dispenser for spirits or other potable liquids has an upper portion for reception of an inverted bottle, with an inlet passage leading to a valved metering chamber. A spool valve is positioned in the metering chamber and has a rod extending therefrom having a core of magnetized stainless steel to serve as the valve actuator controlled by a surrounding solenoid coil which is electrically energized to operate the dispenser. At least one channel is provided on or in the rod to allow the dispensed liquid to flow along the rod.

Abstract: A fill tube has a hollow interior with a product inlet orifice, a product discharge orifice and a fill rod orifice connected to the interior. A plunger rod having ends is mounted through the fill rod orifice such that its first end is located within the hollow interior of the tube adjacent the product discharge orifice. The plunger rod has a valve member on this end that is tear drop in shape and is sized to fit into and seal against the inside of the discharge orifice. A plurality of fill tubes and plungers can be mounted on a packaging machine in conjunction with a prime mover and a moving member that is operated by the prime mover. Each of the plungers are connected to the moving member so as to be moved within their fill tubes in conjunction with movement of the moving member imparted thereto by the prime mover.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing charges of flowable material has an open-top vessel movable up and down by fluid-operated motors along vertical guides, either with or relative to a cover which can seal the open top and is provided with an inlet for admission of fresh charges. The extent to which the cover is movable along the guides is limited by followers which are provided on the cover and extend into channels of the guides. The cover carries one or more rotary agitating devices with orbiting blades which mix the contents of the vessel while the open top is sealed by the cover. The central portion of the concavo-convex bottom wall of the vessel has an outlet normally sealed by a closure which is pivotable by a fluid-operated motor. The vessel is lowered away from the cover for the purposes of cleaning.

Abstract: An improved plural component dispensing apparatus having a chemical flow stream separator to ensure separation of the isocyanate and polyol plural components is disclosed to permit solventless operation and the cleaning by an aqueous cleaning medium followed by a gaseous drying purge stream to prevent the reaction of water and the isocyanate component.

Abstract: The dispenser device for liquid substances has a chamber for accommodating a liquid substance, at least one first passage arranged in an upper portion of the chamber and adapted to allow the inflow of the liquid substance into the chamber, and a dispenser suitable for feeding the liquid substance into the chamber through the first passage. A second passage is provided for the outflow of the liquid substance from a lower portion of the chamber, a valve adjusts the flow of the liquid substance through the second passage, and a flow deflector element is arranged within the chamber and is interposed in a fixed position between the first passage and the second passage. The deflector element has a substantially torroidal shape, and an intermediate portion thereof flanks, at a substantially constant distance, the inner surface of the chamber.

Abstract: An adaptor for liquid dispensing of precisely controlled amounts through an outlet of a liquid filled syringe includes a valve shaft extended through an inlet of the syringe, along the syringe and seated against a valve seat assembly at the outlet of the syringe. The valve seat assembly and a cylindrical casing cooperatively mount the syringe to a housing assembly. A spring within the housing assembly biases the valve shaft to a normally closed position against the valve seat assembly. By pressurizing the liquid in the syringe, timer actuation of a solenoid within the housing assembly retracts the valve shaft away from the valve seat assembly to an open position to force the pressurized liquid through the outlet and out of the syringe.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials has a dispensing head with a chamber having inlet and discharge openings of a predetermined volume, a closure to open and close the inlet, a body which can be positioned in the chamber, for occupying a portion of its volume, a supply of flowable material to the inlet, and, the body being moveable so that at least a portion of the body is withdrawn from the chamber to increase the effective volume of the chamber and cause material in the discharge opening to be sucked back into the chamber.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser for clothes washing machines includes a detergent container for containing a predetermined amount of powdered detergent, the detergent container having a lower discharge outlet from which the detergent contained therein is discharged and a detergent fall preventing member displaced between a first position where the detergent is prevented from falling out from the discharge outlet of the container and a second position where the detergent discharged from the discharge outlet of the detergent container is allowed to fall out therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for a tap on a beverage decanting installation. The tap 1 bears a plug-in receptacle 5 with a non-return valve 8-10 of a connection 6, 7 for a pressurized gas pipe. Fitted on to the plug-in receptacle 5 is a casing 13 formed with connecting channels and connecting chambers 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 28, 29 for the supply of a pressurized gas to an actuating piston 32 disposed in a chamber 30 for an actuating member 3 of the tap 1. When the casing 13 is fitted on, the non-return valve 8-10 accommodated in the plug-in receptacle 5 is retained in the open position by a tappet 16 of a connecting channel 18, so that the actuating piston 32 can experience pressure via another valve 25, 26, 27 actuable by a rocking lever 40. The other valve 25, 26, 27, constructed as a non-return valve, is actuated via a tappet 34 which takes the form of a valve and via which the chamber 30 of the actuating piston 32 can be relieved of pressure.

Abstract: A hopper which contains loose material, and a door and frame assembly for attachment to the bottom of the hopper, for controlling the flow of the loose material therefrom. The assembly includes a door frame formed of spaced side and end walls, and a cross-piece which, with the side walls and one of the end walls, defines a hopper outlet opening. A door is slidably mounted to the frame so as to be across the outlet opening when in a closed position and to be clear of the opening when in an open position. A door moving device is provided for sliding the door, with respect to the opening, between the closed position and the open position. The frame particularly includes structure for attaching a plurality of different types of door moving devices, including air or hydraulic cylinder arrangements, or rack-and-pinion arrangements operated by an electric motor, or by hand or by means of a chain or cable.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein several gas resupply valves for replenishment of lost gas in gas lasers in general and argon ion lasers in particular. The first embodiment uses a valve which controls flow of gas into a metering volume. The metering volume has an aperture therein which is microscopically small and which has a diffusion constant for gas moving through the aperture which is less than the time the valve is held open. The second embodiment uses the same general structure, but separates the soft sealing member of the valve from the solenoid core which moves to open and close the valve. The soft sealing member is attached to the valve body and supported above a valve seat surrounding the opening of the metering volume. The third embodiment uses a thin diaphragm which overlies a flat surface of the valve body in which are formed an input port and an output port. A solenoid applies pressure against the diaphragm to cause it to flatten against the flat surface thereby sealing the valve.

Abstract: The grain spreading device of this invention comprises an inverted conically-shaped hopper having an open upper end and a smaller open lower end. A variable speed motor is mounted within the hopper, and has an output power shaft which extends downwardly through the open lower end thereof. An elongated sleeve embraces the lower end of the power shaft, and the sleeve is operatively connected to the power shaft by a series of vertically disposed cam members which embrace the shaft within the sleeve. A resilient spring is mounted within the lower end of the sleeve around the lower end of the shaft and supports the lower cam member to which the sleeve is attached. The upper cam member is rigidly secured to the shaft and rotational power is imparted to the sleeve from the shaft through the cam members. The vertical position of the sleeve with respect to the shaft is dictated by the spring.

Abstract: A draught beer dispensing system according to the present invention comprises a draught beer receiving receptacle, a beer dispensing valve from which draught beer is dispensed into the receptacle under the pressure of carbon dioxide gases, and a source of supplying the carbon dioxide gases. The beer dispensing valve includes an automatically controlled ball valve. The ball of the ball valve has a through hole. When the ball valve is controlled in a fully open position, draught beer can be dispensed without any foam; while the ball valve is controlled in a partly open position, draught beer can be dispensed with foams whereby to give the almost filled out receptacle some finishing foams.

Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a plurality of color paste containers (1); a pump (2) for each paste container (1) for pumping color paste (3) for the dispensing and circulation thereof; and a dispensing valve (11) for each pump (2) for dispensing a desired amount of color paste. For the elimination of the problems caused by leaks occurring in the dispensing valve and the pipe connections thereof, the dispensing valve (11) according to the invention is arranged in the paste container (1) in the vicinity of a bottom (4) thereof essentially below the surface of the color paste (3) contained in the container.

Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a plurality of color paste containers (1), and a pump (2) for each color paste container (1) for pumping color paste from the container for the dispensing or circulation thereof. For the elimination of the problems caused by leaks occurring in the color paste dispensing pump and the connections of the color paste suction and feeding conduits thereof, the pump (2) according to the invention is arranged in the paste container (1) in the vicinity of a bottom (4) thereof essentially below the surface of the color paste (3) contained in the container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser valve system in which the mixture ratio is controlled by continuous modulation of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valves have a movable stop (or push rod) that controls the travel of the armature, which in turn controls the position of a needle valve with respect to the valve seat to gradually change the flow opening and thus the syrup and water flow rates. A microprocessor uses the movable stop to adjust the syrup and/or water flow rate to deliver the proper ratio of syrup to water based on the flow of water and syrup as measured by flow meters. In addition, the total flow rate from the nozzle can be controlled and varied in relation to the distance the cup lever arm is depressed, thus, the flow rate can be made slow at the beginning and end, and fast in-between.

Abstract: The invention provides a shipping container apparatus for bulk granulated material, the apparatus having a lower wall with discharge openings therein. Doors are provided for opening and closing the discharge openings, the doors being actuated by an actuating structure which is mounted for vertical movement relative to the container apparatus. The actuating structure has upper portions which serve as conventional lifting connectors or receptacles at corners of the container, which cooperate with conventional hooks or dogs of a conventional container lifting apparatus, so that raising the actuating structure opens the doors, and lowering the actuating structure closes the doors. This permits granulated material within the container to be dumped into a lower container or conveyance without requiring any specialized lifting or opening equipment.

Abstract: Fluid to be dispensed is delivered under pressure to a dispensing nozzle by way of an infinitely variable valve which is disposed in sufficiently close proximity to the nozzle that very little fluid pressure drop takes place in the region between the valve and the nozzle. A parameter correlated to the rate of flow of fluid discharged from the nozzle is sensed between the valve and the nozzle to generate a flow rate signal from which a control signal is derived by comparing the flow rate signal with a signal representing a desired rate of flow. Where the nozzle is to be moved relative a workpiece for dispensing fluid material thereon, the latter signal may be derived from a signal correlated to the speed of relative movement between the nozzle and the workpiece such as a tool speed signal from the robot.

Abstract: A gasoline dispenser system includes a housing with a first enclosure providing a safe area for mounting electrical apparatus, a second enclosure providing a hazaradous area for mounting fuel carrying apparatus, an air gap vapor barrier separating the first and second enclosures, at least one bifurcated electromechanical valve for controlling gasoline flow, having a solenoid winding mounted within the first enclosure, and a valve body mounted within the second enclosure, with a control rod connected from the solenoid winding, through the air gap, to a plunger or control device within the valve body, and with an elastomeric seal about the control rod for secondary sealing where it enters the second enclosure, for substantially preventing gasoline fumes from escaping from the second enclosure into the air gap.

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. An arcuate door is utilized to selectively open and close the delivery chute. A drip pan is provided on the outside of the chute to collected the melt water from the ice which is in the delivery chute.

Abstract: A multiflavor beverage dispenser comprises a microprocessor system for controlling the ratio of diluent to concentrate of a post-mix beverage. The system includes a compact flow rate control module for selectively controlling the flow rates of liquids in a plurality of flow passages leading to nozzle assemblies of the dispenser. Each flow rate control module includes a single stepper motor connected to a rotary spool valve for selectively controlling the flow rate of the liquids. The microprocessor system utilizes variable reference signals which are ramped to approximately correspond to the actual flow rate of the liquid towards a target in order to reduce overshoot values of the flow rates. A scaling function is provided by the microprocessor system to adjust target flow rates between pours in order to achieve consistent controlled ratios of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: The valve unit of a solenoid controlled valve is disposed at the tip end of a tubular member which at a location remote from the tip end is connected to the plunger of the electromagnetic drive unit of the solenoid. A linear member inserted in and passing through the tubular member connects the plunger to the valve body of the valve unit. A liquid is conducted into the tubular member from a source. The solenoid controlled valve controls the flow of the liquid through the tubular member.

Abstract: A metering apparatus has a metering chamber which has at least one boundary surface in the form of a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is operatively connected to an actuating device so that the volume of the chamber for metering and deliveirng the substance can be varied. An inlet opening and an outlet opening in the metering chamber can preferably be closed off directly by the diaphragm, more specifically by means of closure devices arranged in the region of those openings. The metering apparatus is particularly suitable for die bonders for the delivery of a bonding agent onto a substrate which is then equipped with electronic components.

Abstract: An integrated single dispenser assembly is disclosed for dispensing detergent and additive into the washing chamber of an appliance. A two-piece cover assembly is provided for covering at least one cavity of the detergent dispenser. The cover assembly is movable to effect dispensing of both detergent and additive by an actuator member isolated from the dispenser assembly but operably interconnected therewith. A labyrinth liquid seal arrangement is provided between the cover assembly and the detergent dispenser cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered dispensing of beverage concentrate includes a storage container with a discharge opening and a dosing chamber assembly attached to the discharge opening. The dosing chamber assembly includes a chamber housing with an input opening communicating with the discharge opening of the container, an output opening and a sliding control valve displaceable in the chamber to alternately open and close the input and output openings of the chamber housing. The container includes an outer rigid shell and a flexible foil bag therein which varies in volume with pressure changes therein.

Abstract: An airless, solenoid-operated applicator having a high speed non-contact extrusion valve, wherein the time required for opening and closing the plunger assembly of the valve, as well as for the applicator to recycle, is minimized by concentrating an electromagnetic field on pole pieces made of magnetically soft material. The electromagnetic field is generated by a coil having windings with a length substantially equal to the distance between their inner and outer diameter. Further, the dynamic pole has a length relative to the length of the windings since the plunger assembly is spring-loaded within the static pole instead of the dynamic pole. An annealing process may also be performed on the pole pieces, as well as various magnetically conductive and corrosion resistant coatings or platings applied thereto, in order to further enhance the susceptibility of the pole pieces to magnetism.

Abstract: The casting apparatus and method include a magnetically responsive valve disposed in the molten metal inlet passage of the mold for movement between an open position during mold filling and a closed position after mold filling and during removal of the mold from the underlying molten metal pool to prevent run-out of molten metal from the metal-filled mold cavity. The valve is moved to the closed position by a magnetic force exerted thereon by permanent magnets or an electromagnet disposed around the inlet passage below the valve.

Abstract: The filling apparatus for filling a measured amount of liquid, pasty or lumpy product into a container has at least one mouthpiece, which can be opened or closed by a closure member for its filling duct formed as a cutoff band so that an exactly defined amount of product is delivered and simultaneously a satisfactory shut off of the product flow is obtained, whereby filament or drop formation is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for dispensing fuel such as gasoline, for example, includes a nozzle to which is mounted an actuator controlled transducer. The extent of movement of the actuator from a rest position causes the transducer to produce a flow rate signal having a magnitude proportional to the degree of movement of the actuator. The flow rate signals are electrically connected to a remotely located controller which responds to the signals by providing driving signals for operating a proportional flow control valve opening for attaining the called for flow rate of fluid to be dispensed from the remotely located valve, through a hose, to the nozzle for dispensement therefrom.

Abstract: Chip gates are provided adjacent the lower end of an inlet chute to a presteaming vessel for a digester in a pulp production system. The chip gates are operated to maintain a level of chips within the inlet chute sufficient such that the chips preclude egress of noxious odorous gas from the presteaming vessel, while simulataneously the chips are discharged into the vessel.

Abstract: An ice portion control for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an upper end for receiving ice and a lower end. With the chute filled with ice, to vend a desired quantity of ice a dispensing gate at the lower end of the chute is opened for a selected one of a plurality of timed periods of durations selected to dispense from the chute associated predetermined quantities of ice. Adjusting the lengths of the timed periods varies the quantities of ice vended.

Abstract: A sanitary liquid dispenser having an essentially spherical housing with a downwardly extending portion surrounding a recessed discharge port, the dispenser further including a proximity detector for activating a discharge mechanism when detecting the proximity of an object therebeneath, the dispenser further including therewithin a fluid reservoir having a disposable deformable bag with an essentially vertically disposed and integrally formed extension projecting downwardly therefrom and wherein there is included a valve disposed within such downwardly projecting extension or within a contiguous supporting member.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined quantity of product liquid into a series of cartons in sequence is described. The apparatus includes a discharge valve arrangement that directs the liquid obliquely against the wall of the carton to reduce the tendency to produce foam. Also, the apparatus includes a bellows and valve system for controlling the flow of liquid to the discharge valve. A method of operating the system that is described minimizes the liquid pressure differential at the discharge valve when the valve opens.

Abstract: A removable package for dispensing syrup in a post-mix soft drink dispensing system and having an actuated closure mechanism. The package includes an upper body portion from which a lower discharge portion extends outwardly therefrom and which further includes an outwardly facing discharge port. The closure assembly includes a movable outer cap member pivotally attached to a facing member. The facing member fits over the discharge port and includes a syrup outlet opening and an air inlet opening therein. The cap member includes means for closing off both openings when in contact with the facing member. An actuator including a spring biased roller contacts the cap member such that when a dispensing operation is required, the cap member is swung outward by means of the roller away from the facing member, exposing the syrup outlet and air inlet openings. When the dispensing operation is completed, the roller forces the cap member back into contact with the facing member to reseal the openings.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hydraulic unit mounted directly on the wall of the bottom of a rotary hopper and supplying hydraulic fluid to each of the jacks mounted on the hopper wall. This hydraulic unit is connected to an energy source on a fixed bracket located in the region of the bottom of the hopper, but which is independent therefrom. As the rotary hopper rotates, the hydraulic unit retains its connection with the energy source. The energy source activates the hydraulic unit, which subsequently opens the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing reflectors to a road bed. The apparatus deposits a small amount of hot liquid bitumen to the surface of the road and before it cools a reflector is set therein. The apparatus includes a vat for heating the bitumen to about 425.degree. F. An articular heated, insulated dispensing conduit connects the output of the vat to a vertical dispensing valve which when actuated deposits a selected amount of liquid bitumen on the pavement. A pump assembly is connected to the output of the vat and is directed into the dispensing conduit and a dispensing valve is provided at the end of the conduit. The whole system is supported on a trailer which is pulled by a truck. The operator sits in a suspended chair and guides the dispensing valve as necessary to obtain the correct location for the reflectors. A foot switch is provided to actuate the pump assembly and valve in a coordinated fashion.