Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for sanitizing beverage dispensing systems of the type using a pump that draws the beverage from a single port collapsible container which is otherwise air tight. The system consists of a manifold having a main manifold chamber with one input and at least one output, and a secondary manifold chamber having an input and an output. The drink dispensing hoses are attached to the outputs of the main manifold chamber, and either a sanitizing fluid or water is attached to the input of the main manifold chamber. The water may be provided through the secondary manifold chamber. Before connecting to the sanitizing fluid, the main manifold chamber is opened to the atmosphere, and remaining beverage in the dispensing hoses is drawn out by the pumps to the dispensing heads. Afterward, sanitizing fluid and water are drawn through the manifold and the dispensing hoses and heads, sanitizing the system.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid chemicals, such as photoresist, from containers which includes a valve to govern the flow from the containers, a reservoir to intermediately hold the chemicals prior to pumping, and a level detector to monitor the liquid in the reservoir and to control the valve, and an aspirator to remove air from the reservoir. The aspirator is activated in response to signals from the level detector indicating that the reservoir level is low. The increased suction causes liquid to be drawn from the container into the reservoir. If after a period of time the level detector indicates the reservoir level is still low, the valve will cause liquid to be drawn from a different container. The aspirator is deactivated a period of time after the level detector indicates that the reservoir level is normal.

Abstract: Identical products are stored in a plurality of columns. Dispensing product numbers of the respective columns are calculated in accordance with the numbers of products stored in the respective columns. The calculated dispensing product numbers are set in corresponding counters. The counters are decremented every time a product or products is/are dispensed from each column. When all the counts of the counters are set to "0", the calculated dispensing product numbers are set again in the corresponding counters, and the above operation is repeated, thereby dispensing the products on the FIFO basis.

Abstract: A reversible filler spout assembly is sealably engaged with the filler neck when in the pouring position by camming surfaces on the spout inner end and on the distal end of the filler neck. When reversed and inserted into the neck for storage, the closure cap engages the filler neck and clamps a horizontal flange on the spout between the interior of the cap and the upper end of the neck with resilient seals between the cap and spout and between the spout and filler neck so that no leakage can occur.

Abstract: A dual chamber continuous discharge dispenser includes relatively movable pump piston and pump cylinder during compression and the compression strokes and together defining a variable volume pump chamber which comprises part of an encircling accumulator element which is displaced during the compression stroke for opening the discharge. A wall on the accumulator having a valve-controlled opening prevents return flow of product from an accumulation chamber back into the pump chamber during the discharge of product from the accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A hopper type coin dispensing apparatus has a hopper for holding a supply of coins and a rotary disc for delivering the coins from the hopper one at a time and in desired quantities. The apparatus is particularly suitable for large coins, has a high dispensing efficiency, and is simple in construction. The apparatus according to the present invention prevents the rotary disc from joggling and thus eliminates any interference between a delivery knife and the engaging portions on the rotary disc and/or the coins delivered into an upper delivery zone. The apparatus prevents the inlet of the delivery chute from being blocked by the coins pushed upwardly by the powerful agitating action of an agitator.

Abstract: The valve has a variable volume chamber (11) of annular section between an outer tubular body (1) and a coaxial member (4). An annular piston (5) is free to move axially to vary the volume of the chamber under the combined forces of a return spring (6) and the pressure in the container. A controllable plunger (7) is subject to the force of a return spring (8) and to control force from a user. In the rest position the plunger leaves the variable volume chamber in communication with the interior of the container, and thus with the substance to be dispensed. When pressed against its return spring (8), the plunger isolates the variable volume chamber from the interior of the container and puts the variable volume chamber in communication with the outside. A pressure difference thus appears across the piston (5) and the piston moves along the variable chamber against the force of its return spring (6) to dispense a measured volume of substance.