Abstract: A fully-draining check valve with a mushroom assembly having a tapered back edge and a drain line disposed with the lower rim of the drain line below the tapered back edge to ensure no fluid becomes trapped in the check valve when not in use. Additionally, a fully-draining diaphragm pump is disclosed having a drain line configured to drain the lowest point of a product chamber to ensure no fluid becomes trapped in the diaphragm pump when not in use. A method of cleaning a fully-draining diaphragm pump and fully-draining check valve assembly is further disclosed comprising inducing turbulent flow of water, wash solution, and/or sanitizer through the assembly and opening ball valves the drain lines of the fully-draining check valves to vent the assembly.

Abstract: A sanitary check valve having an open hook hinge coupling the valve disc to the valve body. The open hook hinge comprises a pair of open hook receivers coupled to the valve body, each open hook receiver adapted to receive a respective free end of a pin which is coupled to the valve disc. The open hook hinge prevents separation of valve disc from valve body during operations while permitting thorough cleaning and sanitation of sanitary check valve.

Abstract: A fully-draining check valve with a mushroom assembly having a tapered back edge and a drain line disposed with the lower rim of the drain line below the tapered back edge to ensure no fluid becomes trapped in the check valve when not in use. Additionally, a fully-draining diaphragm pump is disclosed having a drain line configured to drain the lowest point of a product chamber to ensure no fluid becomes trapped in the diaphragm pump when not in use. A method of cleaning a fully-draining diaphragm pump and fully-draining check valve assembly is further disclosed comprising inducing turbulent flow of water, wash solution, and/or sanitizer through the assembly and opening ball valves the drain lines of the fully-draining check valves to vent the assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for unloading a viscous product from a bag constrained by a bin where movable scrapers are utilized to increase the amount of product evacuated from the bag, to prevent damage to the bag containing the product, and to ease removal of the pump after pumping is complete by breaking the vacuum created during pumping.

Abstract: A system and method for unloading a viscous product from a bag constrained by a bin where movable scrapers are utilized to increase the amount of product evacuated from the bag, to prevent damage to the bag containing the product, and to ease removal of the pump after pumping is complete by breaking the vacuum created during pumping.

Abstract: Storing and transporting meat products after marinating and before packaging causes a loss of marinade from the meat product. This loss of marinade is reduced by surrounding the marinated meat product in excess marinade during storage and by containing the marinated meat product in an enclosed conduit, surrounded by excess marinade, and pressurizing the marinade during transportation of the marinated meat product.

Abstract: A wand for withdrawing fluid from a bag-in-a-box container and for rinsing the bag. A method of withdrawing fluid from a bag-in-a-box container and thereafter rinsing the bag is also disclosed, as is several practical examples of use of the method.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating three-way valve having particular application to a double diaphragm pump. The valve is operative without a lubricating oil mist or the inefficiency resulting from air leakage between the valve piston and cylinder. Sticking and stalling of the valve piston are prevented by deformation of the cylinder under pressure to provide leakage of selected cavities within the valve. The pump also avoids the use of a deicer mist by an adjustable bleed of high pressure air to provide a two-step exhaust.

Abstract: A novel vertical ball-check valve for a sanitary diaphragm pump with a unitary housing and valve seat, an elastomeric ball, preferably hollow to respond to low pump pressure, and a removable ball stop to permit removal of the ball for inspection and cleaning of the valve housing. The ball, passageway, and ball stop are sized relative to each other to provide space for solids which have passed through the valve seat to be discharged from the outlet end without stalling the valve. A method for total visual inspection of the ball-check valve without removing the check from the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating three-way valve having particular application to a double diaphragm pump. The valve is operative without a lubricating oil mist or the inefficiency resulting from air leakage between the valve piston and cylinder. Sticking and stalling of the valve piston are prevented by deformation of the cylinder under pressure to provide leakage of selected cavities within the valve. The pump also avoids the use of a deicer mist by an adjustable bleed of high pressure air to provide a two-step exhaust.