Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic pallet centering device so that the pallet can retract into the floor. A pair of centering switches are utilized which engage a bottom portion of the pallet support so as to center the device.

Abstract: A simplified fluid dispenser for dispensing precise quantities of fluid without requiring special seals, particularly sliding seals, or springs. It comprises a housing defining a fluid reservoir, having an inlet for delivery of pressurized fluid to the reservoir, and including a valve seat defining an outlet for dispensing fluid from the reservoir. A deformable closure member overlies an open end of the housing opposite the outlet and normally biases a valve engageable with the valve seat to the closed position. When the closure member is selectively deformed, the valve is able to move to the open position to dispense a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir. When released, the closure member returns to its normal condition, returning the valve to the closed position instantaneously shutting off the dispensing of fluid. This operation causes the fluid being dispensed to rapidly reverse direction resulting in an immediate termination of flow and elimination of drippage.

Abstract: A self-filling bottled-water cooler dispenses pure water from a transparent water bottle mounted on the top of a free-standing cabinet body. The cooler attaches to a tap-water or other continuous water source and provides a continuous supply of pure water without need to change the water bottle The free-standing cabinet body includes a water tank located within the upper portion of the cabinet body and at least one tap for dispensing water from the water tank. The water bottle is securely attached on the top of the cabinet body to the water tank such that water freely flows between the bottle and the tank. Water from the tap water or other source is purified in a reverse osmosis, carbon block or other water purifier and is routed to the water tank. An inlet valve connected to a float mechanism within the water bottle regulates the flow of purified water into the water tank. The fload mechanism closes the inlet valve only when the purified water in the water bottle is at or above a desired full level.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, manually actuated pressure build-up pump sprayer to be interfaced with a liquid container for atomizing and spraying any one of a variety of different liquids which may be stored within the container. The pump sprayer is characterized by a fewer number of components and a higher speed of assembly than that by which most conventional sprayers are characterized. The pump sprayer is also characterized by a single, axially and continuously extending pressure chamber and a continuously extending pair of bores having different diameters relative to one another. Moreover, the sprayer includes a number of seals which may be selectively opened and closed at particular times during the stroke cycle so as to provide the reliable venting and efficient priming in response to a lower actuating force.

Abstract: A portion control apparatus is provided for receiving a food product and discharging the product in portions of predetermined size. This apparatus has a housing with an inlet, an outlet, a first and second chamber and a passageway connecting the inlet, outlet and chambers. The apparatus also includes a valve disposed in the passageway and movable between a first and second position. In the first position, the valve allows communication between the inlet and the first chamber and between the outlet and the second chamber. In the second position, the valve allows communication between the inlet and the second chamber and between the outlet and the first chamber. Two positions mounted in the housing for reciprocating movement and connected by a rod limit the amount of food product which each chamber receives and move the product out of each chamber and out of the apparatus through the outlet in an orderly sequence.