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.

Abstract: A liquid valve particularly suited for dispensing of glue at high repetition rate has a solenoid-retracted pin that normally engages a valve seat to close the valve. Glue under pressure enters the chamber in which the pin operates, close to the valve seat. To seal against the flow of pressurized glue up along the pin toward the solenoid, and also to exert a light valve closing force on the pin, a thin metal bellows member is sealed and fixed to the pin near its lower end, at one end of the bellows, and to a connector within which the pin slides, at an opposite, upper end of the bellows. The geometry of the valve seat and the valve closure end of the pin is such that only a very slight retraction of the valve pin opens the valve sufficiently to deliver glue at full velocity through the valve orifice. The valve is capable of accurate glue dispensing through a wide range of operating pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquids, such as viscous liquids used during the manufacture of electronic component assemblies. The apparatus includes a valve body having a liquid passage with a valve seat and an outlet. A needle is mounted for reciprocating movement between open and closed positions in the liquid passage and with respect to the valve seat to dispense liquid from the outlet. An armature is connected for reciprocating movement with the needle and a magnetic element is mounted outside the liquid passage and movable between a first position that attracts the armature and moves the needle into the open position and a second position at which the armature and the needle are forced to the closed position by way of a return spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the magnetic element to move the magnetic element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.

Abstract: To simplify the structure of a hopper side of a weighing apparatus, brackets 24, 34 are fitted to gates 22, 32 of pool hoppers 8 or weighing hoppers 9 and rollers 28, 38 are rotatably provided on extensions 24a, 34a thereof. On a body B side of the weighing apparatus, there are provided operating arms 44, 64 having a forked tip portion, and the rollers 28, 38 fitted to the body B side are engaged so as to be held by the operating arms 44, 64. When the operating arms 44, 64 are rocked about support shafts 43, 63, the gates 22, 32 of the hoppers 8, 9 are rocked about support shafts 25, 35 through the rollers 28, 38 to selectively open and close lower portion discharge openings 21b, 31b.

Abstract: A basket gate (18) mechanism, typically for use in the cargo holds (12), of bulk carriers (10), includes two opposed gate segments (50, 51) which shut along a central line. Each gate segment (50, 51) is supported at its ends by pairs of different length arms (57, 58, 59, 60), so that when the gate (18) is opened, the segments (50, 51) slope downwardly. The pairs of arms (57, 58, 59, 60) are interconnected by a small and compact direction reversing lever mechanism (61, 62, 63, 64) that ensures coordination of the movement of the segments (50, 51). The arms (57, 58, 59, 60) and the supporting framework (52) are protected by a hog back (53). The gate (18) is opened and closed by an actuating means (65), typically a double acting hydraulic cylinder, located between the gate segments (50, 51) at their midpoints, and directly acting on said said gate segments.

Abstract: For use in a liquid filling apparatus having a liquid channel extending from a liquid tank to a filling nozzle via a metering cylinder, an upper check valve disposed upstream from the metering cylinder and a lower check valve disposed downstream from the cylinder, a method of removing air from the interior of the liquid channel comprises the liquid feeding step of closing the lower check valve, opening the upper check valve and feeding the liquid to be filled from the liquid tank to the liquid channel to an upstream side of the lower check valve; the primary air removing step of closing the upper check valve, opening the lower check valve, and causing the liquid to flow from the upstream side of the lower check valve downstream from the lower check valve while allowing air at a downstream side of the lower check valve to flow in between the valves to replace the liquid at the upstream side of the lower check valve with the air at the downstream side of the lower check valve; and the secondary air removing ste

Abstract: A premix dispensing valve assembly for a beverage dispenser includes a housing which includes an inlet to deliver premix fluid, a compensator within the housing for subjecting a controlled pressure drop on the premix fluid which includes an outlet communicating exterior to the housing, and a regulator within the housing for applying a variable dampening effect against high fluid pressures that accompany the premix fluid upon entry into the premix dispensing valve assembly. The regulator is cooperatively linked to the inlet of the housing and communicates with the compensator. As such, integrating the regulator with the compensator optimally allows for premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and, thus, prevent complications arising from loss of carbonation. The premix dispensing valve assembly further includes a premix delivery channel within the housing for communicating premix fluid from the inlet of the housing to the regulator.

Abstract: An automatic soap dispenser (10) includes a disposable soap container including a dispensing mechanism (20) in which walls of an interior chamber (56) cooperate with a diaphragm (62) and a plunger (66) to form a transit chamber (64), which is resiliently expandable against the force of a spring (80). When a solenoid (58) permits the diaphragm (62) to move away from the outlet of a passage (50) in a flow path from the interior of a pressurized reservoir (18) to the expandable transit chamber (64), travel of the plunger (66) permits the transit chamber (64)'s pressure-relieving outlet opening to expand so that the pressure within the transit chamber (64) is determined predominantly by the force of the spring (80) rather than by the pressure within the reservoir (18). The velocity of the liquid dispensed from the transit chamber (64) through the dispensing mechanism's spout (16) is therefore relatively independent of the pressure within the reservoir (18).

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an actuator cavity and a liquid passage. A valve seat element is connected to the body and a valve stem is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat element. Inner and outer magnetic elements are disposed around the periphery of the valve stem to couple the valve stem to the valve actuator. The inner magnetic element is connected to the valve stem for movement with the valve stem within the body. The outer magnetic element is connected with an actuator and is slidable within the body in response to, for example, pressurized air being applied against the actuator. The magnetic elements couple the valve stem to the actuator and eliminate the need for a dynamic seal between the valve stem and body.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering viscous fluid, having a viscosity in excess of about 100,000 SSU, wherein the system includes a reservoir for a viscous fluid under substantially uniform gas pressure, a dual mode dispense valve having a fluid supply port connected to the reservoir, a fluid dispense port, and a valve head opening and closing the dispense port, the valve head including a high flow valve part and a low flow valve part, a high flow valve part seat defining the dispense port and receiving the high flow valve part for seating the valve head to close the dispense port, the high flow valve part having a low flow dispense opening extending therethrough and a low flow valve part seat defining the opening, the high and low flow valve parts being reciprocally movable together and also relative to each other for dispensing from the dispense port fluid supplied from the reservoir to the supply port, alternately at a high flow rate with the high flow valve part removed from its seat for opening the dispen

Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A dispense head for a plural pump dispensing system using sealed bellows with rods extending therethrough associated with an actuator. The sealed bellows attach at one end to the body of the dispense head and at the other to the rods. The rods extend into a chamber and have a sealing end selectively engaging the exits from the chamber.

Abstract: A discharge arrangement for discharging bulk material through a discharge opening of a receptacle, such as a bin, includes a closure member that is movable from an open position into a closed position relative to the discharge opening. To this end, an actuator assembly is connected to the closure member for moving it into one of its positions. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder having a inner surface diameter which defines a cavity in which a piston is movable in an axial direction. The piston has an outer surface diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder so as to leave a gap in-between. A rolling membrane between the opposing surfaces of the piston and the cylinder seals this gap and provides rolling friction when the piston moves within the cylinder. A linear guide unit is provided between the cylinder and piston and guides the movement of the latter.

Abstract: A foam break device and a system for use of the device. The system comprises an outlet tube for a filling machine using an air gap proportioner. The device has a plurality of vanes and beveled edges for positioning in the bottom of the outlet tube of the filling machine. The device reduces the amount of foam discharged from the system.

Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing a pair of flowable materials includes a housing containing a pair of control valves for controlling the flow of the two materials into a mixer tube mounted on an outlet end of the housing. The mixer tube contains a mixing element within the bore of the tube. A control device such as a pneumatic piston, moves a shaft which is connected to the mixing element, to move the mixing element linearly axially within the tube to prevent the leakage of materials from within the tube after the control valves on the housing are moved to a closed position. An air motor may be connected to the shaft for rotating the mixing element within the tube to enhance the mixing of the materials moving therethrough.

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: A trap closure device for opening and closing a discharge opening of a hopper on a trailer or vehicle. The closure device includes a generally rectangular frame assembly which supports a horizontally sliding door assembly on plastic type rollers as the door travels to open and close the discharge opening at one end of the frame assembly. An operating shaft assembly is supported above the sliding door assembly near the other end of the frame assembly to provide increased ground clearance. The door assembly has a slightly inclined top surface that opens away from the discharge opening and thus reduces friction when opening the device. The shaft assembly includes a single shaft attached to front and rear straps that forcibly pull open the door assembly when the shaft is rotated in one direction and forcibly pull close the door assembly when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A high-flow, pneumatically-controlled hot melt adhesive applicator valve assembly comprises a housing which includes a lower module body within which a die orifice is defined. A ball valve member is operatively associated with the die orifice, and a hot melt adhesive charge passageway is provided within the module body so as to fluidically conduct the hot melt adhesive to the die orifice. A middle-air cylinder is disposed atop the module body and defines a first cylinder chamber therein, and an upper-air cylinder is disposed atop the middle-air cylinder and defines a second cylinder chamber therein. The valve member is fixedly mounted upon the lower end of a piston rod, and first and second pistons are fixedly mounted upon axially central and upper end portions of the piston rod so as to define with the piston rod and the first and second cylinder chambers a dual-piston multiplier assembly.

Abstract: An emergency closure for use in grain storage facilities, the emergency closure utilizes a fail-safe closure mechanism such that upon the termination of motive force to the gate the gate is forced into a closed position to terminate the flow of grain or other flowable substance out of it container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an air passage and a liquid passage. A valve seat element is connected to the body and a needle is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat element. First and second connected needle guides receive respective portions of the needle in a manner inhibiting sideward movement thereof. The first needle guide allows flow of liquid through the liquid passage adjacent the first needle guide to the dispensing orifice when the needle is moved away from the valve seat. The first needle guide is connected to the valve seat by way of a press fit and is connected to a second needle guide by way of another press fit. The connected needle guides are likewise press fit into a bore in the body. These connections all aid in maintaining close tolerances and excellent alignment of the needle. A liquid seal is generally disposed between the first and second needle guides and prevents liquid from entering the air passage.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid paint components from their original containers into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The dispensing system comprises a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the liquid paint component from its original container, and an apparatus for controlling the dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a mechanism for releasably receiving the original container of the liquid paint component, and a mechanism for dispensing the liquid paint component from its original container into the paint receptacle. The control apparatus includes a weigh cell and a control module coupled to the weigh cell and the dispensing mechanism. The weigh cell supports the paint receptacle to determine the weight of the liquid paint component dispensed into the paint receptacle. The control module controls the amount of the liquid paint component dispensed from its original container into the receptacle based upon information obtained from the weigh cell.

Abstract: A valve (16) reciprocates with a constant stroke in the former tube (2) of a form-fill apparatus to dispense doses of filling material from the tube by ejecting the material through an outlet nozzle (8). The size of the doses is adjustable, in one form of the invention, by feeding the material is fed through an adjustable dosing opening immediately adjacent the valve. In another form of the invention, the valve (16) is adjustably positionable relative to the former tube (2) to vary the mean position of reciprocation of the valve relative to the tube. In a further form of the invention, an adjustably controllable head of material is maintained in the former tube to determine the rate at which it is fed to the valve (16).

Abstract: Rapid connecting assembly for an aerosol can and a dispensing device. The rapid connecting assembly consists of a first part which is to be connected to the aerosol can and is supplied together with the aerosol can. The second part of the rapid connecting assembly is connected to the dispensing device. A tubular holder is present in this second part, for receiving the tubular part projecting from the aerosol can when the dispensing device and the aerosol can are being connected to each other. For simple connection of the two parts, one of the parts is provided with a lug and the other part is provided with a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge is provided with a flattened part for receiving the lug.

Abstract: In a nozzle system for feeding treatment liquid, a storage tank is equipped with a nozzle comprising an opening and a stopcock which opens and closes said opening. When the stopcock opens the opening, a predetermined amount of liquid developer is dropped from the tank onto a wafer through a narrow gap between the outer surface of the stopcock and the inner edge of the opening. Thereby, the large amount of the liquid developer can be discharged and diffused on the entire wafer surface for a short time. Besides, the liquid amount is controlled with ease, and damage to the wafer is reduced, which enables a high quality of the development.

Abstract: A glue head delivers lines or spots of glue onto a substrate, such as packaging materials, with precision positioning of the glue pattern, with short and balanced on/off compensation times essentially independent of glue pressure, and at high nozzle velocity. Pressurized glue advances into a plenum of the glue head preferably in a horizontal direction, then into a short and low-volume exit tube and through a nozzle, flowing in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction. Flow to the nozzle is closed by a diaphragm valve comprising flexible elastomeric material which seats against the upstream end of the exit tube. An important feature is that glue actuator pressure is balanced, and smooth operation and glue delivery are achieved, by a rocker arm above the glue valve which, when the valve is closed by pushing the elastomeric material against the glue delivery tube, releases pressure on the glue at an upstream point in the glue plenum.

Abstract: A Tip Sealing System for Non-contact Glue Applicators which dispense high viscosity adhesives in a straight line onto card stock or heavy paper, which applicator includes an outer body mounted in an arm which is attached to a machine which applicator is connected to source of glue under pressure, which body has an extruder nozzle with a nozzle tip attached thereto, a pneumatic cylinder in the arm connected to a source of air or vacuum, a rod in the cylinder which engages an actuator plate of a tip sealing assembly, the tip sealing assembly is mounted on a shaft and has a tip seal arm with a pad thereon resilently urged into contact with the nozzle tip.

Abstract: A photoresist dispensing system used in a photoresist coating machine includes a pump, a switch valve, a sucking-back valve, a solenoid valve, a first set of speed controllers a second set of speed controllers and a sucking-back speed controller. The pump is used to transport liquid photoresist to a wafer through the switch valve. The sucking-back valve is controlled by solenoid valve through the sucking-back speed controller to produce or release a sucking force on the liquid photoresist to prevent it from undesired dropping onto the wafer. The solenoid valve also controls the switch valve and the pump to start or stop photoresist dispensing. The first set of speed controllers is coupled between the switch valve and the solenoid valve and the second set of speed controller is coupled between the pump and the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A device for the discharge of bulk material (96) from a pressure vessel (2) is proposed, which comprises at least one sluice bin (24, 26) with a bottom (42, 44) and a top (40) sluice gate. The sluice bin (24, 26) is arranged under a plate (76, 76'), into which it forms an orifice (28, 30) for the bulk material (96). The top sluice gate (40) has a sealing plate (66), which is arranged above this plate (76, 76') in such a way that it can be positioned above the orifice (28, 30) of the sluice bin (24, 26) and, after a sealing connection to the edge of the orifice (28, 30) has been made, can be forced against this edge by overpressure in the pressure vessel (2).

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cold water storage vessel mounted on an interior side of a door of the refrigerator. The vessel has a valve for opening and closing a water outlet thereof. A manually actuable lever mounted on the door is actuable by a user to discharge water. By actuating the lever, a magnetic force causes the valve to open. The magnetic force can be imposed by a first permanent magnet which is caused to approach a second permanent magnet disposed on the valve to repel the second magnet and thereby open the valve. Alternatively, a permanent magnet disposed on the valve can be repelled by a magnetic force of a stationary electromagnet which is energized by actuation of the lever.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing controlled portions of food products having high levels of tack. An apparatus for dispensing portions of food has a portioning chamber including a first end defining a ram mating orifice, a second end defining an expulsion orifice, and a body portion defining an inlet orifice intermediate the two ends for introducing bulk food product into the chamber. Disposed in the chamber is a piston having a face sized to substantially slidingly fit therein. An actuatable ram is located at the first end and coupled to the piston for causing controlled movement of the piston. The actuator is operated by a controller wherein the controller first causes the ram, by way of the actuator, to fully extend, then causes the ram to partially retract so that the face of the piston retracts no further than the inlet orifice, and then causes the ram to again fully extend.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a selectively adjustable material control device and a sealing device within a dispensing device. The sealing device is in communication with a switching device to move the sealing device between a first position and a second position. The first position of the sealing device allows the material control device to draw a volume of material into the dispensing device and the second position of the sealing device allows the material control device to force the volume of material to dispense from the dispensing device.

Abstract: A valve for the metered delivery of fluids to be supplied to containers and the like, comprising a body and a closing cover inside which there is formed a chamber which is supplied with the fluid to be delivered to the container and provided with an obturator which is integral with the rod of a piston of a cylinder inside the body of the valve and can be operated in both directions for opening/closing of an aperture for communication with the outside of said chamber, there also being provided an outlet; for delivery of the fluid, which is mounted on the valve coaxially with the aperture thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser for mixing foam precursor chemicals and dispensing the foamable mixture includes a first module containing shutoff valves and a second module containing a dispensing valve assembly. The dispensing valve assembly includes a valve body of a self-lubricating material and a valving rod which is reciprocatingly retracted in a valve passage of the valve body to uncover orifices which supply the precursor fluids into the valve passage, from which the mixed chemicals are dispensed. The dispensing valve assembly includes a die spring which urges a washer to compress the valve body along its axis to help prevent cold flow of the valve body away from the valving rod. The valving rod is scraped by inner surfaces of the hole in the washer through which the valving rod is retracted and extended. The die spring is preloaded and retained by a load cylinder which is fixed in the bore in the second housing which contains the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A beverage tapper shut-off mechanism includes a double acting solenoid, a locking mechanism, a dispensing tube, and a housing. The locking mechanism has a cam actuator, an upper thrust arm, a lower thrust arm, and a tube crusher. The lower thrust arm is pivotally connected to the tube crusher and the upper thrust arm. The double acting solenoid is fastened to the housing, and the upper thrust arm is pivotally connected to the housing. The cam actuator is fastened to an actuation rod of the double acting solenoid. The cam actuator has an internal cam surface which controls the movement of the tube crusher. A modified dispensing tube has two sides which are molded to be substantially squeezed together. The double acting solenoid is operated by a control circuit. When a particular amount of beverage is needed, a button is pushed on the operational circuit. A pulse of current is sent to the double acting solenoid.

Abstract: A mixing and dispensing head is designed for use in a two component foam system. The head includes a body having a mixing chamber formed therein along a longitudinal axis and having a dispensing channel downstream of the mixing chamber. At least two supply portions are connected to the body, with each of the supply portions for supplying one of the components to the mixing chamber at a component entry location. Each of the component entry locations is longitudinally offset from each other. A rotating mixing member within the mixing chamber for mixing the components together to form the foam product. The mixing member includes a cylindrical core having indentations in the core and having angled vanes extending from the core. A shutoff portion is provided for stopping the flow of product from the dispensing channel.

Abstract: A dispenser to be fitted on the top of an aerosol can so as to atomize a very small quantity of the contents of the aerosol can at regular intervals automatically. An attachment having an electrically operated valve is secured to the aerosol can. Operation of the valve takes place via a controller which is supplied by power by a photovoltaic or solar panel. In this way, it is ensured that dispensing the desired material takes place only when there is sufficient light striking the solar panel.

Abstract: There is provided a hot melt applicator including (a) a nozzle opening, (b) a valve seat disposed upstream of the nozzle opening, (c) an empty chamber formed between the nozzle opening and the valve seat, (d) a valve body movable to the valve seat so that the valve seat is open or closed, and (e) a spring for biasing the valve body; and a pneumatically driven cylinder for driving the spring. The valve body is shaped to be a cone having an apex angle facing the nozzle opening, and the valve seat is formed with a tapered surface which is to make a contact with the cone. The tapered surface has an angle greater than the apex angle of the cone, and has a length of at least 1 mm. The hot melt applicator uses a pneumatically driven cylinder for driving the valve body to thereby compress the spring which in turn compresses the valve body, and thus, avoids the great resistance of hot melt with the spring used as a large capacity.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a body generally having an air passage and a liquid passage. A valve seat element is connected to the body and a needle is mounted for movement within the body with respect to the valve seat element. First and second connected needle guides receive respective portions of the needle in a manner inhibiting sideward movement thereof. The first needle guide allows flow of liquid through the liquid passage adjacent the first needle guide to the dispensing orifice when the needle is moved away from the valve seat. The first needle guide is connected to the valve seat by way of a press fit and is connected to a second needle guide by way of another press fit. The connected needle guides are likewise press fit into a bore in the body. These connections all aid in maintaining close tolerances and excellent alignment of the needle. A liquid seal is generally disposed between the first and second needle guides and prevents liquid from entering the air passage.

Abstract: An inexpensive refueling machine having high safety is disclosed. The refueling machine comprises a nozzle box disposed at a place which is likely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere and having a valve for controlling the start and stop of refueling to a nozzle, and a console box disposed at a place which is unlikely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere and having a control unit for controlling the operation of the valve. Electric equipment is not contained in the nozzle box but in the console box. The nozzle box and the console box are interconnected by pipes which pass a compressed air for controlling the operation of the valve and an optical fiber which transmits an output of flowmeter and signals of fuel sensor probe. The refueling machine may have means for distinguishing a kind of fuel.

Abstract: A fragrance dispensing apparatus and method is disclosed for use in a multi-room building having an existing HVAC system ventilated by a forcing fan. The apparatus includes a plurality of fragrance containers, a plurality of solenoids, a plurality of programmable timers, and a single fan timer. A fragrance container is mounted in communication with the HVAC ductwork leading into a given room. Each fragrance container is controlled by a separate solenoid, which is in turn controlled by a separate programmable timer. All of the programmable timers are connected to a single fan timer, which controls the operation of the forcing fan. The method allows one or more of the programmable timers to activate corresponding containers to dispense fragrances as the forcing fan runs to distribute the fragrances into the rooms supplied by the ductwork.

Abstract: There is provided a hot melt applicator including (a) a nozzle opening, (b) a valve seat disposed upstream of the nozzle opening, (c) an empty chamber formed between the nozzle opening and the valve seat, (d) a valve body movable to the valve seat so that the valve seat is open or closed, and (e) a spring for biasing the valve body; and a pneumatically driven cylinder for driving the spring. The valve body is shaped to be a cone having an apex angle facing the nozzle opening, and the valve seat is formed with a tapered surface which is to make a contact with the cone. The tapered surface has an angle greater than the apex angle of the cone, and has a length of at least 1 mm. The hot melt applicator uses a pneumatically driven cylinder for driving the valve body to thereby compress the spring which in turn compresses the valve body, and thus, avoids the great resistance of hot melt with the spring used as a large capacity.

Abstract: An electric solenoid valve and method therefor including an armature reciprocatably disposed in an axial bore of a housing member having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet coupled to the axial bore at a first end thereof. The armature includes a valve member disposed at a first end portion thereof, and a magnetically attractable second end portion defining a second end thereof disposed toward a fixed core portion of the solenoid. The armature also includes an interior fluid passage with a fluid inlet disposed between the fluid inlet of the housing member and the second end of the armature to couple the interior fluid passage with the fluid inlet of the housing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The apparatus includes a stall detection circuit coupled to the motor and to the controller to detect a stall condition of the motor, the stall detection circuit configured to issue a stall detection signal when the stall condition is detected. The controller deactivates the motor in response to receiving the stall detection signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying an exact quantity of a water to an the ice tray is provided. The apparatus includes a first container having a same volume as the ice tray and being rotatably installed below the water tank, and a valve unit for opening and closing the water tank. A driving member for rotating the first container and at the same time, raising and lowering the valve unit is provided. A water supply member is installed in a partition wall which partitions off the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The water supply member flows water from an outlet pipe of a second container to the ice tray. At first, water is supplied to the first container, and then water supplied to the first container is supplied to the ice tray. Therefore, an exact amount of water is supplied to the ice tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid through a plurality of tubes. A valve is provided to interrupt flow of the liquid to the plurality of tubes which tubes thereafter retain any undispensed liquid contained therein due to capillarity caused by surface tension between any retained liquid and the internal walls of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dispenser for dispensing is provided with a housing for guiding and concentrating the outer axial lines of flux in specific regions and then passing them through the pole and plunger. Concentrating the lines of flux in such regions provide for a more compact dispenser, thereby allowing for smaller centerline-to-centerline spacings.

Abstract: A wireless-operated anti-graffiti spray can system (10) which allows a pressurized spray can (162) to be electronically operated from a remote location. The system (10) is disclosed in two designs: in the first design, a spray can activating device (38) consisting of a solenoid/valve assembly (42), which operates in combination with an electromagnetic coil (40), is used to control the spray can (162). In the second design, the activating device (38) consists of an electro-mechanical solenoid (138), which operates an articulated spray control leaf (142) that is used to the control the spray can (162). In both designs, a transmitting unit (12) is utilized that can only be enabled when connected to a utility a-c power source (160). The transmitting unit (12) produces an RF signal that is received by a receiving unit (28) located remotely and adjacent to the spray can activating device (38).

Abstract: A utility-power operated tamper-proof pressurized spray can (10) which can only be operated when connected to a utility a-c Power source. Thus, its use to spray graffiti is prevented or at least minimized. The spray can (10) is presented in two design configurations. In the first design, a solenoid/valve assembly is mounted on the top cover of a spray can and on the second design the solenoid/valve assembly is located on the can's lower cover. The first design utilizes a housing (12) that encloses the solenoid/valve assembly which consists of an upper fixed armature (20), a moving armature (36) and a lower fixed armature (58). Between the upper fixed armature (20) and the moving armature (36) is inserted a compliant leaf (48) that functions as a valve. Around the housing (12) is removably attached an electric coil (86) that when connected to a utility a-c power source produces a magnetic field that is applied to the solenoid/valve assembly.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a hand held, thumb actuated irritant dispenser shaped like a night stick. The irritant dispenser comprises a cylindrical handle which is threadably affixed to a disposable cartridge containing a canister of pepper spray. The canister includes a nozzle which is oriented so that the pepper spray is dispensed along the longitudinal axis of the canister. An annular thumbar is electrically connected to a battery and a solenoid which selectively actuates the canister to dispense the pepper spray. A lock is included forming a part of the electrical circuit which helps increase the safety of the device around children.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.