Abstract: A stored coin and bill number counter unit counts up the numbers of deposited coins and bills for respective denominations and counts down the numbers of paid out coins and bills for the respective denominations and thereby obtains the numbers of coins and bills for the respective denominations stored for paying out of change. A comparison and operation unit primarily judges whether vending is possible or not by comparing the amount of the deposited coins and bills with the set vend price and obtains the amount to be paid out as change by calculating difference between the deposited amount and the set vend price.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving a compressed gas-containing capsule for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the second end portion of the housing to confront the seal of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the first end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the second end portion thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical post mix beverage dispensing system is presented in which one soda and/or water valve is common to a plurality of syrup valves. The common soda and/or water valve is automatically actuated upon actuation of any of the syrup valves to provide a desired syrup-soda or water mixture. The soda and/or water valve may also be actuated independently of the syrup valves to dispense only soda or water.

Abstract: Automatic household beverage dispenser including an equipment cabinet having a front and defining a mixing space with a dispensing station and an equipment space formed therein, detachable and replaceable functional parts including supply tanks for beverage concentrate and a device for dispensing carbon dioxide, electrical and flow devices for proportionate dispensing of concentrate, forming a mixture of concentrate and water and conducting the mixture to the dispensing station, the equipment space having a coverable opening formed at the front of the equipment cabinet for removal and replacement of all of the functional parts.

Abstract: A leak detector is connected in the main supply pipe from a gasoline storage tank to a plurality of retail gasoline pumps. A submersible motor-pump unit supplies gasoline through the pipe upon actuation of a nozzle switch at each pump. The detector, at turn-on, monitors the line pressure, and reduces flow if low line pressure indicates a system leak. Premature nozzle opening may simulate a leak and actuate the leak detector. A timed interlock switch in connected in series with the nozzle switch from the main power to related dispenser flow valves. The interlock switch includes a Triac in series with the power supply and main solenoids and a timing device including an integrated circuit having a pulsing network and a D.C. input connected in series with a rectifier to the power supply by the nozzle switch. The interlock switch has a fixed time period during which the respective flow valves are held closed such that an open nozzle does not simulate a leak.

Abstract: A pouring fitment defines an inwardly facing recess that receives an outwardly extending annular holding portion of a mating container and an annular sealing bead on the fitment engages the holding portion. A lip of the fitment that defines a pouring surface is received and deformed by a cradle defined by a closure. Extending downwardly from the closure is a support member that presses the fitment against the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an accurate volume of fluid from supply vessel to a mixing vessel in which a piston pump or gear pump is driven by a motor controlled by a motor controller amplifier coupled to a computer which allows the pump to be driven an exact number of strokes or revolutions to move the desired amount of liquid from the supply vessel to a mixing vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful in mixing paints wherein accurate amounts of mill bases are required to be added to achieve a desired paint color.

Abstract: A double actuation coin slide system is provided which is associated with a coin slide housing. A sequential controller is associated with the coin slide housing and is energizable for controlling a timed sequence of operations. A power source provides electrical power between a pair of conductors for energizing the sequential controller. A switch is associated with one of the electrical conductors and is actuatable for selectively connecting or disconnecting electrical power from the power source to the sequential controller. A coin slide is mounted on the coin slide housing and is movable from a coin receiving position to a position for rotationally advancing a shaft portion of the sequential controller. The coin slide is operable through a first coin slide insertion cycle for effecting actuation of the switch to disconnect the power source while conditioning the sequential controller for energization by advancing the shaft portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coin examination which transmits on one side of a coin a low frequency electromagnetic field from a transmitter inductor which is part of a transmitter circuit, monitors the frequency of the low frequency electromagnetic field, receives a portion of the field on the other side of the coin with a receiving inductor which is part of a receiving circuit, measures the phase shift between the transmitted signal and the received signal, and determines if the measured phase shift corresponds to the phase shift for an acceptable coin at the monitored frequency.

Abstract: A valved dispenser for use with a pump and tap assembly, for dispensing kegged beer and other beverages alternatively in the manner of a fountain dispenser or in the manner of a hand held dispenser, includes a first handle and portion of a cam actuating arrangement suited to hand held operation, and a second handle used in conjunction with the first handle and another portion of the cam actuating arrangement as well as retaining coupler elements on the pump and tap assembly and valve for effectively converting the dispenser to the fountain type. To reduce foam generation while dispensing, a stem guide is formed to permit fluid passing through the valve to flow around the guide for reduced flow velocity. A threaded valve seat element and push-back stem with ready access to a key pivot pin are included for simplified valve disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A jet of water is emitted in known toy water pistols through the muzzle of the barrel, and accordingly people thus know as to who is a potential target by simply observing the direction the gun is pointed. A toy water pistol in accordance with the invention comprises a hollow body in the shape of a gun having a simulated muzzle through which it can be assumed that a jet of water will issue. Mounted above the gun barrel is the actual water outlet which is formed in the cylindrical wall of a round knob like member mounted so as to be capable of rotation through 360.degree. whereby the user can turn the knob to place the outlet in any desired or arbitrary orientation relative the barrel and simulated muzzle, so that in use a jet of water is emitted in a direction which is not obvious to people who are potential targets.

Abstract: A coin-counting and wrapping device has a base with a sloped, coin-receiving trough. A coin-counting arm is removably attached to the base and projects along the edge of the coin-counting trough, slightly above the base, to facilitate passage of a sheet of coin-wrapping material between the base and the arm. The arm bears a coin-counting scale. A coin stop is removably attached to the base and projects into the lower end of the sloped trough, slightly above the trough, to facilitate passage of the coin-wrapping material under the coin stop within the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are discharged from the open end of a storage chamber. In the operative mode, a brush mounted movably adjacent the open end of the chamber, is actuated. The brush has at least one row of bristles for dispensing particles from the open end of the storage chamber. In the inoperative mode, the brush is positioned such that the row of bristles seals the open end of the chamber preventing the discharge of particles therefrom.

Abstract: A container is disclosed which is suitable for liquids having a flexible neck integral with the container which can be flexed to a flexed position and retained in that position. This allows the container to be used for filling inaccessible filler holes on motor vehicles and the like. The flexible neck portion has a smaller cross sectional area than the container. The neck comprises a plurality of specially shaped accordion ribs extending for at least a part of the length of the neck portion such that an integral pouring spout at the end of the neck portion can be flexed to a flexed position from an upright position to accommodate pouring, and generally retain the flexed position. The spout has a cap supporting portion thereon.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus including a plurality of vessels which are disposed vertically under a hopper with the axes thereof being aligned with one another and a weighing device provided under the lowest vessel. At least one of the vessels is provided at the top and bottom portions thereof with rotary discs having an opening.

Abstract: A vending machine which comprises a replaceable, transparent loading magazine forming an array of honeycomb slots holding the goods to be dispensed. The magazine is positioned over the slanted top of the vending machine. Each honeycomb slot has a small hinged trap door upon which the goods held therein rest. The trap door is held closed by a flexible member associated with a system of crossbars. A solenoid is used at the end of each crossbar to shift it laterally. Only the flexible member positioned at the cross point of two activated crossbars is allowed to move and release the corresponding trap door. A chute under the trap doors directs the goods falling therethrough toward a dispensing station. The goods selection is made by dialing on a keyboard the identifying symbol of the slot holding the desired item. The keyboard is activated by signals issued from a coin box after detection of the correct change.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled coin handling apparatus, for example for a vending machine, has a plurality of change tubes each of which is provided with a single level sensor for determining whether or not the number of coins in the respective tube is greater than a predetermined number. The microprocessor keeps a count of the coins in the tube. When the power is turned on, the count is set to zero if the sensor indicates that the number of coins is less than the predetermined number, and is set to a predetermined "full" number otherwise. The microprocessor increments and decrements the counts as coins are delivered to and dispensed from the change tubes. Whenever the level of coins rises or falls such that the sensor output changes, the coin count is automatically corrected. Also disclosed is a non-volatile memory for storing parameters determining how the coins are handled. Keys are provided for accessing and altering the contents of the memory.

Abstract: A portable coolable beverage or liquid dispenser made of insulating material forming a base unit, shell and cap, all joined to form a chamber in which a pliant or ductile beverage-containing vessel is mounted on and partially supported by a container having a reservoir which captures the vessel's beverage after the latter's release therefrom. Such release occurs in the assembly for use of the dispenser, as a portion of the vessel's skin within a threaded collar connected to such skin is punctured by a tip on a sleeve extending through a threaded opening in the container's lid. The lid's opening and the vessel's collar are secured together prior to closure of the container by its lid. The container's reservoir is sealed by such lid closure to avoid contamination of the beverage. Spacial dimensions about the vessel and container provide for introduction of ice into the chamber, and a passageway from the reservoir to an external spigot provides the manner of dispensing the liquid.

Abstract: A nozzle for applying an air-curable adhesive to sheets of paper normally is located in a storage position with the end of the nozzle inserted into a liquid in a sump. This prevents adhesive material in the end of the nozzle from drying out or caking and thereby clogging the end of the nozzle. When the nozzle is to be used for applying adhesive, the nozzle is lifted out of the sump, the sump is moved, and the nozzle is then moved into an operating position for applying the adhesive. Also disclosed is apparatus for automatically returning the nozzle to its storage position with the end of the nozzle in the sump at the end of a cycle of operation, or when normal operation stops because of a power failure, for example.

Abstract: A pill dispensing device comprising a case supportable on a wrist, in which a cartridge for dispensing pills is positioned, the pills are arranged to be delivered one at a time from the cartridge through openings in a pill container, a housing and a protective cover when in alignment and by pressure of a spring member which is tensioned by longitudinal movement of the pill container.