Abstract: A retainer for holding a pump body onto a container is formed with an annular trough having a passage offset from the axis of the retainer and permitting escape of build-up pressure in the container to the outside. The trough has a radial surface in which the passage terminates. An annular laminate layer of gas-permeable/liquid impermeable material is secured to the radial surface covering the passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun assembly for dispensing a fluid with a quick charge adapter. The gun assembly includes a plurality of expandable bladders located in housings which are connected to a supply manifold. The supply manifold is connected to a remotely located gun which is adapted to dispense fluid stored in the bladders upon activation of a trigger. The fluid may be dispensed through a selected one of multiple ejection nozzles located on the gun that can be selected by the user. A recharge nozzle located on the gun is adapted to be inserted into the quick charge adapter to quickly expand and fill the bladders from a pressurized supply.

Abstract: A dispensing closure for controlling the flow of a fluid from a container has a conduit having an interior conduit surface partially blocked by a top retainer and a bottom retainer. The dispensing closure further includes a fluid dispensing valve that includes a resilient dome area and a seal area. The seal area extends outwardly, and preferably downwardly, from the dome perimeter to define a seal perimeter shaped to conform to the interior conduit surface to form a seal when the fluid dispensing valve is operably positioned within the conduit between the top and bottom retainers. At least one rib fixedly connects the seal area to the dome area such that deformation of the dome area is transmitted through the at least one rib to the seal area to disrupt the seal and form at least one dispensing flow path. Air pressure on an exterior seal surface of the seal area causes the seal area to deform between the at least one rib to form at least one venting flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing flowable materials out of a tube includes a base member provided with a substantially flat surface and a rising flange at a first end. A compressing member is pivotally mounted to the base member in proximity to the first end and is provided with a compressing flat and curved surface. The compressing member is pivotally mounted to the base member such that a constant spacing is maintained between the curved surface and the base member for a portion of the rotation of the compressing member. This constant spacing is substantially equal to the thickness of the compressed layers of the tube. A hole may be formed in the flat surface of the base member near a second end of the base member to receive the outlet of the tube being compressed so that substantially all of the flowable material contained within the tube may be forced through the outlet of the tube. Friction enhancing structure may be provided on the curved surface of the compressing member.

Abstract: A customer interface unit for a beverage dispensing machine facilitates configuration and assembly of the machine and reduces the amount of time required to fill orders for new equipment. The customer interface unit for soft drink machines of the disclosed embodiment facilitates reconfiguration of the machine and permits nozzles and associated plumbing to be added, removed, repositioned, repaired, or exchanged while in the field. These goals are accomplished by way of a modular construction which facilitates assembly and reconfiguration. The disclosed customer interface unit also includes a nozzle arrangement which facilitates visualization of the dispensing position by the customer, thereby minimizing the possibility of spillage.

Abstract: An eye dropper bottle for application of opthalmic solutions to the eye includes a bottom wall which is a convex lens which collects light and is configured to focus the ambient light at about the tip of the eye dropper. Thus when an individual utilizes this device, the bottom wall of the eye dropper is focused at a light source such as an incandescent light and as the individual applies the solution to his eyes. The light from the light source will pass through the lens, collect at the tip illuminating the tip relative to the surrounding dropper bottle.