Abstract: A gear pump comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A first and second gear each have gear teeth which are in engagement with each other. The first gear is a rotor gear which is journaled within the housing and is drivable. It includes means for driving the first gear in order to move relative to the second gear, such as to pump a fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the housing.The housing includes inner housing parts encasing the gears and a single piece mold around the inner housing parts enclosing the gear pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids includes a turntable that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The apparatus is connected to a plurality of containers that contain fluid to be dispensed. The containers are mounted to the turntable in a spaced relationship about the circumference of the turntable. The turntable is also connected to a plurality of pumps, one pump associated with each container. The pumps include connectors that are releasably connected to the containers and that facilitate the removal of an empty container for replacement with a full container. The apparatus also includes an actuator that facilitates the removal of an empty container. The pumps are preferably disposed on an opposing side of the turntable from the containers. The apparatus also includes a plurality of rollers disposed at the outer circumference of the turntable for supporting the turntable in the radial and axial directions.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing viscous fluids from flexible packages is provided. The flexible package is connected to a pump by way of a conduit. A buffer system may be provided which results in an emptying of the flexible package of fluid first prior to the emptying of the buffer system. A valve may be provided to isolate the flexible package thereby enabling the flexible package to be removed and replaced with a full package while the pump continues to draw fluid out of the buffer system. Accordingly, the flexible package of fluid may be replaced without interruption of the dispenser. A self-cleaning closure for the outlet to the dispenser may be provided to keep the outlet clean.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for mixing apparatuses and other apparatuses that utilize clamping mechanisms. The clamping mechanism incorporates a clutch mechanism which prevents overtightening of the clamp mechanism in the closed or clamping direction. Also, the clamping mechanism incorporates a plurality of pins that serve as a stop to prevent the traveling arm of the clamp mechanism from being tightened against the stationary arm and further serve as a bias for the clutch mechanism to bias the male and female clutch components into a mating engagement thereby enabling the clamping mechanism to be easily rotated out of the fully open position and prevent a jamming of the clamping mechanism in the fully open position.