Abstract: A valve assembly, for use in connection with the dispensing of hot melt adhesive material, comprises a snuffback valve member and a diversion flow valve member. The snuffback valve and diversion flow valve members are integrally connected together and are movable in opposite modes with respect to their valve seats such that when the snuffback valve member is seated upon its valve seat, the diversion flow valve member is unseated with respect to its valve seat, and vice versa. A recirculation fluid supply loop is fluidically associated with the diversion flow valve member, and when the diversion flow valve member is disposed at its unseated position, the hot melt adhesive material is recirculated so as not to pressurize the supply side of the snuffback valve member. Accordingly, when the snuffback valve member is unseated, the phenomena of bursting is effectively prevented.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: A device for dispensing cold drinks including a storage vessel, a drink conduit connected thereto, and a dispensing mechanism. With a view to obtaining an unbroken cooling chain, all components in the device are enclosed in refrigerated spaces.

Abstract: A dosing spout for mounting on a container has a liquid outlet valve which, at placing of the spout in an electric field, can be actuated by the field for opening of outflow of liquid directly from the container and out through the mouth of the spout, and an air inlet valve which can let air from the surroundings directly into the container as compensation for the quantity of liquid flowing out. The armature of the liquid outlet valve and the armature of the air inlet valve are arranged consecutively in their longitudinal direction of displacement.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A dispensation device having a nozzle defining a chamber and a dispensation orifice which communicates with the chamber. A transfer pin is moveably received within the chamber and moveable between a retracted position and a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, a portion of the contact end extends out of the chamber through the dispensation orifice. A driven element contacts the transfer pin, with the drive element magnetically coupled to a driven element. A drive element is oriented to magnetically move the driven element and thus magnetically position the transfer pin.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprises an upper surface having a sidewall depending generally vertically from a periphery thereof, a neck extending generally perpendicular from said upper surface in a direction opposite that of said sidewall, and a measuring reservoir, having a proximal and dispensing opening, attached to said neck. The upper surface tapers eccentrically from the sidewall and extends to a periphery of the neck to direct product to pour through the neck and into the measuring reservoir. The sidewall has an annular ridge extending inward for allowing the device to securely mount to a container of product. The measuring reservoir may have at least one louver for selectively and substantially covering the dispensing opening, and is user actuatable between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A modular applicator for dispensing liquid including a plurality of manifold segments, a plurality of removable pumps, and a drive motor coupled to each pump. The manifold segments are coupled in side-by-side relation and each includes a liquid supply passage and a liquid discharge passage. Each pump includes an inlet communicating with the liquid supply passage, an outlet communicating with the liquid discharge passage and a pumping mechanism for pumping the liquid from the inlet to the outlet. The drive motor is coupled to each pump to simultaneously operate each pumping mechanism and dispense the liquid from a plurality of dispensing modules coupled with each manifold segment. The dispensing modules are recirculating modules which direct the liquid back into the corresponding manifold segment when they are in closed positions.

Abstract: A device for dispensing particulate material in a controlled manner, said device being portable and including:

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous fluid food product from a pouch. The dispenser includes a housing configured and dimensioned for receiving the pouch. The pouch includes a food in the form of a viscous fluid therein. The pouch has first and second ends, a sidewall that can be arranged to form first and second opposed surfaces and an outlet. The dispenser incorporates an assembly that includes a roller for pressing the pouch so as to urge the viscous fluid food product toward the outlet. To do this, the roller has a pressing surface disposable in a position adjacent the first surface of the pouch and a planar surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pouch. The dispenser also includes a closure assembly arranged for engagement with the outlet for closing same. This assembly is also capable of opening the outlet so as to cause the roller to move along the pouch surface toward the outlet by gravity for expelling the viscous fluid food product through the outlet.

Abstract: A molding nozzle controls the flow of material from a source of plastic melt to an outlet that communicates with a gate to a mold cavity. The nozzle contains a valve pin that includes a guide section and a valve end, and is movable toward and away from the gate to open and close the gate selectively. The valve pin is guided for movement by guide surfaces on inwardly-extending vanes within the nozzle, such that the guide surfaces engage the guide section of the valve pin. The valve end of the valve pin has a smaller diameter than that of the guide section, so that the valve section is free-floating to allow annular flow in the guide surface region to minimize the likelihood of formation of flow lines in the molded part.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spreading device for spreading fluids, especially for devices for applying adhesives, with a distributing block which has a fluid canal and an inlet opening for introducing fluid into the fluid canal and an outlet opening for discharging fluid from the fluid canal. At least two distributing blocks may be positioned and fixed adjacent to each other in such a way that the fluid canals of adjacent distributing blocks are connected to each other, so that fluid can flow from the fluid canal of one distributing block into the fluid canal of the adjacent distributing block.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A quick change micro dispensing tip with disposable liner for dispensing liquid such as viscous and non-viscous adhesives in electronic component assembling. A multi-pin, positioning and locking mechanism attaches the dispensing tip to the dispensing pump. This feature increases the positioning accuracy and repeatability of coupling the tip of the pump. Additionally, the time is decreased in the coupling the tip and pump. Therefore, there exists minimal malfunction due to misalignment of pump with tip. The disposable inner liner of the quick change, micro tip is a simplified, disposable intermediary passage for the adhesive through the coupled dispensing tip with pump. This liner comprised of non-adhesive compatible, disposable material, is captive and supported by the shell of the quick change micro tip. Therefore, the liner does not require the strength necessary in current tips by incorporate the disposability necessary for cost reduction and rapid change overs between operations.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A beer pouring faucet 14 provided in front of the server main body 12 extends from the faucet main body 18 and includes the operating lever 20 which functions to change pouring of beer or the head by tilting the lever back and forth. The drive apparatus 26 which is capable of automatic operation of the operating lever 20 comprises a housing 32 provided movably vertically with respect to the server main body 12, a horizontally movable slider 34 in forward and backward directions housed in the housing 32 and a drive mechanism 36 which moves the slider 34 forward and backward, The drive apparatus 26 is positioned at an operating position where the operating lever 20 is inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 or at a non-operating position where the operating lever 20 is separated from the engagement hole 61 by moving the housing vertically.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for dispensing a controlled and continuous flow of viscous fluid. The pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can ideally dispense from a minimum of 1 mg/sec to 1 g/sec for fluids with a viscosity from 2,000,000 cps (Centipoise) down to 10,000 cps. Such flexibility in the range of viscosity extends the application fields of this pump to microelectronics as well as automotive and consumer products manufacturing. Two cams mounted with an opposing position of 180° on the same shaft generate an alternate motion of two concentric pistons. The alternate movement of the external piston in one phase pumps out the material through a dispensing needle and allows in the returning phase the viscous fluid to be charged in the dispensing chamber from the feeding container. The alternate movement opens and closes the vents during the different working phases.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus, which is capable of delivering precise quantities of a liquid product less than one mm3 in size, includes a drive mechanism, a housing made up of at least two input channels coupled to a chamber made up of a first portion and a second portion. First and second component liquids are delivered via the first and second input channels respectively to the chamber and the first and second input channels are disposed so that interaction is hindered between the first component liquid and the second component liquid in either input channel. At least one feed screw with a helical thread is disposed in the chamber such that when the at least one feed screw is rotated by the drive mechanism the first and second component liquids are mixed to form a liquid product and the feed screw rotation also discharges the liquid product from the chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a quantity of material includes an inlet port to receive the material, an outlet port from which the material is dispensed from the dispensing system, a housing having an inner chamber with an adjustable volume, a first valve operable in one of an open mode of operation and a closed mode of operation. The first valve is disposed between the inlet port and the inner chamber in such a manner that when the first valve is operating in the open mode, material may flow from the inlet port into the inner chamber, and when the first valve is operating in the closed mode, material is prevented from flowing from the inlet port into the inner chamber. The dispensing system also includes a second valve operable in one of an open mode of operation and a closed mode of operation.

Abstract: An automatic mixed drink dispensing apparatus wherein individual ingredients are combined according to pre-programmed recipes to produce a complete mixed drink. A single chip digital computer provides the control means to interact with the user, store recipes and calculate dispensation times. The computer calculates dispensation times based upon the relationship between gravity flow and liquid level in the ingredient containers. The control system is physically isolated from the dispensation means and operates by electromagnetic repulsion.

Abstract: A filling spout having an adjustable flow rate and comprising a valve body receiving a valve member extending facing a valve seat, and a flow-rate adjustment member disposed upstream from the valve member and extending in register with a constriction in the valve body, the valve member and the flow-rate adjustment member being connected to a single actuator device via means allowing limited axial movement by enabling the adjustment member and the valve member to move axially relative to each other to a limited extent.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for flowable, viscous material (52) is provided which includes a housing (12) comprising a main body (18) and door (20), and a reservoir (50) for the material (52) with an elongated, synthetic resin deformable outlet tube (80) presenting an outlet end (82) coupled to the reservoir (50). A flow-controlling assembly (16) including a tube-engaging element (84, 132, 150, 158) and an actuator linkage assembly (86, 130, 144, 154); these components together with a pneumatically operated piston (54) within reservoir (50) allows precise on-off operation of the dispenser (10). In the flow-permitting position, the element (84, 132, 150, 158) is adjacent the tube (80).

Abstract: Fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing small precise metered quantities of fluid, for example in a semiconductor manufacturing process, comprises two metering chambers disposed in series. Each metering chamber has an associated piston rod and fluid is dispensed therefrom alternately. Twice the volume of fluid is displaced from the upstream metering chamber so that when it dispenses fluid at the same time it can refill the second downstream metering chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a condiment dispensing apparatus of economically and effectively dispensing condiment by controlling condiment pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet without requiring electronic circuitry. The apparatus employs pneumatic devices to open and close the dispensing outlet and to drive the condiment pump and a mechanical mechanism to synchronize pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet. In a specific embodiment, a pneumatically driven valve is coupled to the pump for activating the pump after it is moved to at least partly open the dispensing outlet during a valve opening step and for deactivating the pump after it is moved to partly close the dispensing outlet during a valve closure step. The delay in pump activation during the valve opening step and the lead in pump deactivation during the valve closure step avoid excessive pressure buildup to ensure smooth operation of the apparatus in dispensing the condiment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for metering and delivering a desired weight of a cohesive particulate solid material such as pigmentary titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser with a syringe reservoir including: (a.) a frame (1) formed by upper bracket (2) and lower bracket (3); (b.) a body (5) that is removable at the frame's upper bracket (2) and provided at its upper end with a threaded part for installing an actuator (6) and provided at its lower end with an insertion part for insertion into a syringe (14) and an installation part for an attachment (16), (c.) an actuator (6) installed at the threaded part provided at the upper end of the aforesaid body (5), (d.) a valve stem (12) operated by the aforesaid actuator, and (e.) a valve seat member (15) installed at the tip of syringe (14) and formed to be removable at the aforesaid lower bracket (3).

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 (50A) connected to an external activator (40). The can is modified by adding internally, a movable armature (19) that operates a valve assembly (16) connected to a spray head (20). When the armature is not energized by the attached activator (40), the valve assembly (16) remains in a closed position, preventing the flow of paint. Conversely, when the movable armature (19) is energized by the activator (40), the valve assembly (16) opens allowing paint to be sprayed when the spray head (20) is depressed.

Abstract: An anti-graffiti aerosol spray can (10) that features an internal spray head valve control assembly (60). The assembly (60) includes a spray head valve actuator (62) that can consist of a solenoid (63), a valve (65), a bi-metallic detent structure (122) or any other electrically-operated device having an open and shut mechanism. The internal spray head valve control assembly (60) operates by the application of an electrical power source (98) that is applied from two electrically isolated sections of the spray can (12). The assembly (60) can be designed to be operated by an electrical device that is attached directly to the aerosol spray can (12), or the assembly (60) can be operated by an RF receiver (150) that is energized by a remotely-located RF transmitter (152) that is energized by a d-c power supply (154) connected to a 120-vac, 60 Hz utility power source (156).

Abstract: A dispensing device provides for dispensing of flowable material such as adhesives. The dispensing device includes a housing having a chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port for receiving and dispensing the flowable material. A valve assembly is supported within the housing having a moveable valve stem for opening and closing the outlet port. A flexible sleeve circumferentially surrounds a portion of the valve stem for isolating the flowable material from the moveable valve stem.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating a closure for an aperture of a material storage container has a device to regulate the position of the closure relative to the aperture, so that an annular gap through which material is discharged is adjustable to prevent crushing of material which might be “bridged” in the gap.

Abstract: A liquid filling apparatus comprises an apparatus body having a liquid channel connected at one end thereof to a liquid tank and at the other end thereof to a filling nozzle, a metering cylinder provided in the liquid channel between opposite ends thereof in communication with the ends for causing the liquid to be filled to flow into and out of the liquid channel by strokes of a piston housed in the cylinder, a check valve disposed upstream from the metering cylinder of the liquid channel, and valve opening-closing means for mechanically operating the check valve so as to open the valve during the inflow stroke of the piston and to close the valve during the outflow stroke of the piston.

Abstract: A snuffback valve assembly comprising a snuffback valve element having a tapered frusto-conically disposed downstream end portion for moving aerodynamically with respect to highly-viscous materials so as to effectively eliminate the phenomenon of bursting upon movement of the snuffback valve element from the closed to opened positions, and an upstream end portion which comprises an annular portion disposed perpendicular to the axis of the valve element, and a sharp-cornered region, for disrupting the flow parameters of the viscous material and for maintaining vacuum conditions within a valve chamber so as to prevent stringing of the viscous material when the valve element is moved from the opened to closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spreading device for spreading fluids, especially for devices for applying adhesives, with a distributing block which has a fluid canal and an inlet opening for introducing fluid into the fluid canal and an outlet opening for discharging fluid from the fluid canal. At least two distributing blocks may be positioned and fixed adjacent to each other in such a way that the fluid canals of adjacent distributing blocks are connected to each other, so that fluid can flow from the fluid canal of one distributing block into the fluid canal of the adjacent distributing block.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing multi-component foamable fluid plastic materials such as polyurethane foams. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber defined by an axial passage in a support body structure. The mixing chamber receives reactant fluids for mixing then allows the fluids to exit through an opening at one end of the axial passage. Two fluid inlet openings in a wall of the axial passage admit reactant fluid into the mixing chamber. Two mixing chamber fluid inlets formed in the support body structure communicate reactant fluid sources with the mixing chamber through the inlet openings. When retracted, a valve needle in the axial passage exposes the inlet openings to admit reactant fluids into the mixing chamber. When advanced, the needle closes off the inlet openings and pushes the mixed fluids from the mixing chamber. The valve needle includes three parallel helical grooves that help purge the mixing chamber of unreacted and reacted fluids.

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitoring and dispensing unit is provided for automated checking and adjusting of water chemistry in a spa tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The unit includes a compact bouyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water. The controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings at predetermined time intervals in order to determine, for example, the pH or the oxidation reduction potential of the spa water. A dispensing means is operated by the controller to dispense chemicals to the water in an amount responsive to the water chemistry readings. The dispensing means includes metering assemblies mounted within the necks of bottles, wherein each bottle contains a respective chemical for affecting spa water chemistry.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a viscous fluid, includes a valve body defining a fluid chamber and a stepped armature within the fluid chamber. The armature has a large diameter portion maintained spaced apart from an inner surface of the valve body, defining a first air gap therebetween, and a second, smaller diameter portion which engages an inner surface of the valve body, supporting the armature within the valve body and defining a second lower reluctance air gap. A solenoid coil energized by a peak and hold drive current produces an electromagnetic field for moving the armature relative to the magnetic pole piece and the valve body. The second portion of the armature becomes magnetically saturated during the peak portion of the drive current, causing magnetic flux to be diverted through the first portion of the armature.

Abstract: A dispenser for an aerosol container is presented. The dispenser includes a housing sized to permit at least partial insertion thereinto of an aerosol container having an aerosol supply tube; and a dispenser conduit, having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the conduit being in operative connection with the housing such that the aerosol supply tube of an aerosol container inserted into the housing is operatively connected to the conduit such that it supplies the contents of the aerosol container to the conduit for dispensing through the distal end of the conduit.

Abstract: The material handling apparatus is in the form of apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a store thereof and comprises a hollow support member, a through-flow device slidable within the hollow support member, a closure operating member movable upwardly together with the through-flow device for opening a closure device to allow material to flow from the store into the through-flow device and actuator means between the hollow support member and the through-flow device for moving the through-flow device and the closure operating member relative to the hollow support member.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid foodstuffs, particularly for automatic or semiautomatic hot or cold beverage vending machines, comprising a hollow body inside which there is a chamber connected to an intake which is connected to a duct for introducing a fluid to be dispensed and to an outlet which is connected to a fluid dispensing duct. A flow control element connected to actuation means is arranged in the chamber and can move on command, through the action of the actuation means, in order to interrupt the connection between the intake and the outlet. The flow control element is arranged proximate to the intake and can move on command in order to open or close the intake.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A timed spray dispenser for distributing a liquid deodorizer from an aerosol spray can, using a finger actuated spray valve, that incorporates a structural housing (22) with a radial cavity (28) of a size to accommodate the spray can. A lever arm (42) pivots on the housing and encompasses the spray valve on one end. An eccentric cam (56) engages the other end of the lever arm and raises the arm when the cam is rotated with a motor (62). A timer (68) electrically attached to the motor is employed when specific time duration and frequency is required by the dispenser. Height adjustment of the dispenser is achieved to accommodate various sizes of cans by separating the housing from the base (24) using posts (32) that slide into bores (36) in the housing and securing the adjustment using thumb screws (38). A second embodiment provides height adjustment using a fixed height housing and a sliding shelf (74).

Abstract: A liquid dispenser with a syringe reservoir including (a.) a frame (1) formed by upper bracket (2) and lower bracket (3), (b.) a body (5) that is removable at the frame's upper bracket (2) and provided at its upper end with a threaded part for installing an actuator (6) and provided at its lower end with an insertion part for insertion into a syringe (14) and an installation part for an attachment (16), (c.) an actuator (6) installed at the threaded part provided at the upper end of the aforesaid body (5), (d.) a valve stem (12) operated by the aforesaid actuator, and (e.) a valve seat member (15) installed at the tip of syringe (14) and formed to be removable at the aforesaid lower bracket (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a foamable fluid plastic material including reactant fluids that form a foam when heated and mixed. A reactant fluid dispenser supplies the reactant fluids to a heated applicator gun mixing chamber at a constant flow rate despite any differences in viscosity. A valve needle extends into the mixing chamber and exposes fluid inlet openings when retracted, permitting the reactant fluids to flow into the mixing chamber. When advanced, the needle closes off the fluid inlet openings and dispenses the mixed fluids. A heater prevents the gun from drawing heat energy from initial quantities of the pre-heated reactant fluids which would prevent initial quantities of the fluids from reacting properly. The valve needle is disposed in a sleeve that defines the mixing chamber and is disposed in a sleeve receptacle of the gun.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a device in response to the presence of a human body part includes a theremin for detecting the presence of a human body part in an area and producing a first output signal in response to the detection. A second sensor separately detects the presence of a human body part in the area and produces a second output signal in response to the separate detection. A processor determines the presence of both the first and second output signals and in response thereto provides a control signal to the device.

Abstract: An object sensor (18) detects an object such as a hand (20) and operates a valve (52) that permits liquid soap (86) to flow from a disposable soap container (12). The liquid soap is typically quite viscous but tends to be expelled because of pressure applied from a carbon-dioxide cartridge (32). A pressure-regulator assembly (40) permits gas from the carbon dioxide cartridge (32) to enter the soap container (28) only so long as the soap container's internal pressure is less than a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a small amount of a viscous liquid material onto a substrate, the apparatus comprising a housing and piston positioned within the housing and having a lower surface and a flow bore extending therein, the flow bore having an inlet for receiving the viscous liquid material and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a compressible dispensing element positioned within the housing below and in liquid tight sealing engagement with the lower surface of the piston and having a passage extending therethrough, the passage having an inlet in liquid communication with the outlet of the flow bore and an outlet. The lower surface of the piston is capable of applying a force to compress the dispensing element causing the passage to at least partially close expelling a small amount of the viscous liquid material from the outlet of the passage.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a viscous fluid from a source of viscous fluid onto a substrate. The dispensing apparatus includes an electrically operated, normally-opened, dispensing valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the source of fluid and a shut-off valve fluidly connected between the inlet of the dispensing valve and the source of viscous fluid. The shut-off valve has a normally-closed state interrupting fluid communication between the source of fluid and the inlet of the dispenser body, thereby inhibiting the normally-opened dispensing valve from dispensing fluid when power is removed from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing droplets of liquid or viscous material. The apparatus generally comprises a valve operated dispenser and a control for moving the valve member with respect to a valve seat in rapid succession. This rapidly accelerates liquid or viscous material in a stream from the dispenser outlet and immediately breaks the stream into a minute droplet. Various embodiments of the valve seat include both rigid valve seats and resilient valve seats. Resilient valve seats are especially useful for dispensing solder pastes as they can prevent material flaking, compacting and clogging conditions. Low friction polymer or plastic material for dispenser components such as the valve member and outlet structure can also prevent such problems.