Abstract: A device for dispensing fluids from a sealed off-storage container includes a housing placed on the container that receives a pressure cylinder for insertion in the container. The cylinder has a pressure chamber defined at the upper end by a piston guided in the cylinder and at the lower end by a valve. The valve acts upon the container and is closed when there is an excess pressure and opens when there is a negative pressure in the chamber. The piston has a pump channel linked with the chamber, and the cylinder has openings upstream of the chamber for drawing off residual air present in the container. A passage between an outer wall of the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder upstream of the openings is closed by a sealing washer. Residual air is drawn off via the openings and the passage, whereby the sealing washer loses its sealing effect on the piston.

Abstract: In an idle speed control valve, an adjusting screw is inserted into a hole of a valve body and passes through a center of a coil provided in the valve body. The adjusting screw has a ring-shaped flexible projection on its outer periphery between a head portion and a threaded portion thereof to prevent a sealing material from entering. An outer diameter of the projection is equal to or slightly larger than an inner diameter of the hole. Therefore, when the adjusting screw is inserted into the hole, a peak of the projection contacts an inner wall of the hole. The projection may be integrally molded with the adjusting screw. A ring-shaped projection may be provided on a thin wall portion of the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A tube organizer and dispensing aid (toda) is disclosed. The device is comprised of a base 3, which has means of anchoring to a supporting surface and has a receptacle 11 for receiving and holding a nozzle 2 with a tube of flowable substance attached; a self-closing, universal and removable nozzle 2 for regulating the flow of the flowable substance and for securing the tube in the base 3 and closing the dispensing aperture 10 to the environment; and a consolidator 6 which slips over the tail of the tube and is used to maintain the flowable substance toward the dispensing end of the tube. This device is intended to alleviate all the known difficulties associated with the use of tubed substances.

Abstract: A system for delivering a preset volume of fluid, such as oil, includes a master control station (1) and one or more metering device (8) communicatively linked through a wireless communications network. The master control station (1) provides command signals to enable dispensing of a fluid from the metering device (8) and provides a preset amount of fluid to be dispensed. The metering device (8) is manually activated by a manually-operated lever (14), and is thereafter latched in an open position to dispense lubricant. The amount of lubricant dispensed is metered until the predetermined amount of lubricant is dispensed. After the preset amount is dispensed, the metering device (8) is latched in a closed position, preventing further dispensing until the metering device (8) is again enabled by the central control station (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectuating sponsor and player driven winning of multiple types of sweepstakes type promotions, contests and games through the unique use of automated game entry, enhanced sharing and trading of game pieces and of an Odds Accelerator that creates variable odds. The present invention provides the unique ability to add real-time variable odds changes to any given sweepstakes or promotion type game involving elements of chance or skill based on pre-determined sponsor rules. The system creates the ability for the players of a given promotion to join together via the system and increase all players' odds of winning a given prize or prizes. The system receives and stores data on its members including the number of elements played, the number of winning elements distributed, the number of losing elements distributed, and any other information required pursuant to set sponsor rules so as to determine the variable nature of a particular game's odds.

Abstract: A fluid product dispenser having a distribution orifice and a variable volume reservoir that varies by displacement of a mobile wall in order to reduce the volume of the reservoir. The dispenser is provided with an actuation device to move the mobile wall of the reservoir. Advantageously, the actuation device is rotary and has a thread that is engaged with the reservoir.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system including at least one beverage container assembly. Each beverage container assembly includes a beverage container, a gas container, and a regulator cap assembly. The regulator cap assembly has a beverage coupler for receiving the beverage container and a gas coupler for receiving the gas container. The gas coupler includes a first channel which is connected to a regulator valve for regulating the gas through a second channel such that it fills the beverage container enabling the contents of the beverage container to flow out through an outlet valve.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: The film packing for a pasty substance comprises a film tube bag (12) having a peripheral wall (14) and two ends (16), and a cover portion (22) fastened to one of the two ends (16) of the film tube bag (12). The cover portion (22) comprises an end face (24) having a passage opening (32) for the passage of pasty substance from the opened film tube bag (12), a peripheral face (26) joining the end face (24), and a sealing element (52) abutting to a receiving headpiece (36) attachable to the end (16) of the film tube bag (12) carrying the cover portion (22), which receiving headpiece surrounds at least the end and peripheral faces (24,26) of the cover portion (22) and comprises an outlet piece (44) which is in fluid connection with the passage opening (32) of the cover portion (22) when the receiving headpiece is attached (36). The sealing element (52) is arranged on the peripheral face of the cover portion.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a cover cap mounted detachably and sealingly on a container. The cover cap has a pump-mounting wall portion defining a pump-receiving chamber, an inlet formed in the pump-mounting wall portion and in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and a storing space of the container, and a valve-mounting wall portion defining an opening which is in fluid communication with the storing space and the atmosphere. A pump member is disposed movably and sealingly in the pump-receiving chamber, and has an outlet in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and the atmosphere. An urging member urges the pump member away from the inlet. First and second check valves are respectively mounted on the cover cap and the pump member for closing the inlet and the outlet of the pump-receiving chamber, respectively. An air-inlet valve is mounted on the pump member for closing the opening in the cover cap, and is operable to uncover the opening in the cover cap.

Abstract: A bag-in-box container includes a faucet for dispensing liquid from the container upon tipping or other movement of the container. The faucet includes a body defining a bore. A valve seat and valve member are located in the bore. The valve member includes a resilient seal portion normally resiliently biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to inhibit air flow into the bag of the container. The resilient seal portion is selectively deflectable away from the valve seat under fluid pressure to allow flow of liquid from the inlet of the bore to the outlet of the bore when said box is moved to a position where liquid in the bag exerts pressure on the seal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may comprise an actuator which is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that each actuator, on each dispensing assembly, is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously actuated by movement of said operating button. The dosing pump of the present invention may have a flap valve assembly situated within plates between the liquid, gel slurry and/or paste assembly, and the container, which carries the liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a supply to a process from a first vessel to a second vessel. Liquid is flowed from the first vessel through a first outlet conduit through a vessel selection valve, including first and second switch valves, to the process. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity level of the liquid in the first outlet conduit at a point upstream of the selection valve and a computer compares the conductivity level to a predetermined range. The computer signals an isolation valve, in a second outlet conduit from the second vessel, to open and allow liquid to displace air in the second outlet conduit from the second vessel to the selection valve. The computer determines a delay to allow liquid below the first conductivity sensor to reach the first switch valve, then closes the first switch valve and opens the second switch valve.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing urn (10) with a body (12) having a double-walled vacuum insulation construction with a movable insulation assembly (28) having a hollow movable insulating member (30, 30′) made of an annular or cylindrical envelope of stainless steel that floats upon the surface (36) of the beverage (18) within the interior of the body (12) to insulate it from the portions of the body above the surface (36) and the air contained within the body and is slideably guided by the interior surface (34) of the body (12) and, in the case of the annular envelope, by a hollow guide member (42) that conveys beverage (18) from the inlet (16) to a portion (48) of the body (12) beneath the movable insulation member through an opening (44) in the movable insulating member.

Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an improved needle design and needle assembly which is particularly adapted for live vaccines and the like. More specifically, the needle assembly includes a gap filler with an inner funnel which is specifically shaped and adapted to fill a turbulence gap naturally formed between a conventional needle retainer and syringe. By maintaining a laminar flow of the fluid, the turbulence and the destruction of live cells are reduced. Additionally, some of the needle designs include a funnel-shaped mouth which is utilized during the filling of the syringe to minimize physical damage to the cell wall or membrane of the live cells otherwise caused by the sharp edges at the tip of a standard injection needle. A breakaway needle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a player who bets the proper wager amount and initiates game play on one or more new or existing electronic or computer-controlled gaming devices, to become eligible to win one or more randomly selected monetary percentages as a function of a random number from 0 to 100% of an entire fixed or progressed prize pool with or without regard to game outcome. If the gaming device is networked to a progressive gaming system, a percentage of each gaming wager from at least one gaming device and/or a percentage of non-gaming revenues e.g., rooms, food, beverage, etc., may be contributed to the total progressive pool amount.

Abstract: An orthogonal arterial catheter preferably includes a hub and a cannula. The hub preferably protects the cannula from potential kinking and shearing forces because the cannula upon exiting a patient's body enters the hub. The hub preferably provides a passageway through which the hose travels to a connector piece. The connector piece preferably attaches the device to a fluid line such as an arterial line transducer. In addition, the hub preferably includes a port that provides a channel through which a guide wire or a needle may gain access to the cannula. The hub also may include appendages extending from it to suture to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing substances in the form of a liquid, a gel, or a paste form, the device comprising a receptacle having a plurality of compartments for separately storing at least two substances, each compartment having an outlet for the substance, the device further comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary dispensing head on the receptacle to enable the substance contained in a selected compartment corresponding to a predetermined angular position of the head to be dispensed. Said dispensing head has a single dispensing channel provided at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for opening under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, and it is shaped to establish selective communication between the outlet of said selected compartment and said dispensing channel and/or to exert selective action on means for extracting substance and associated with said selected compartment.