Abstract: A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding the first fluid capable of foaming through a porous member to produce a first foamed extrudate while simultaneously dispensing a second flowable material preferably containing particulate matter adjacent the first extrudate.

Abstract: A pump assembly provides for direct replacement of volumes of liquid from a reservoir with equal volumes of air preferably at substantially atmospheric pressure, the same pressure or with pressure equalization to be at least equal to atmospheric pressure. A slide arrangement preferably positively displaces liquid from the reservoir and air into the reservoir. The pump draws air from the atmosphere into a chamber from which the air either is available for passage to replace liquid from the reservoir or is pressurized to assist dispensing liquid, preferably, admixing with the liquid to provide foaming. Gravity separation of air and liquid to be dispensed is used to replace liquid with air in the reservoir and to selectively place air and liquid into communication with passageways for ejection.

Abstract: A pump assembly provides for direct replacement of volumes of liquid from a reservoir with equal volumes of air preferably at substantially atmospheric pressure, the same pressure or with pressure equalization to be at least equal to atmospheric pressure. A slide arrangement preferably positively displaces liquid from the reservoir and air into the reservoir. The pump draws air from the atmosphere into a chamber from which the air either is available for passage to replace liquid from the reservoir or is pressurized to assist dispensing liquid, preferably, admixing with the liquid to provide foaming. Gravity separation of air and liquid to be dispensed is used to replace liquid with air in the reservoir and to selectively place air and liquid into communication with passageways for ejection.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing foam has a housing forming a generally closed foaming chamber, a liquid pump for drawing liquid from a supply and spraying the liquid into the foaming chamber, and an air pump for forcing air into the foaming chamber. A conduit forms a continuously open passage having an inner end opening into the foaming chamber and an outer end open to outside. A foam generator in the foaming chamber mixes the spray and air therein to generate foam and expand the foam to flow through the conduit out the outer end thereof. The liquid pump includes a small-diameter liquid chamber and a small-diameter liquid piston displaceable therein and the air pump includes a large-diameter air chamber and a large-diameter air piston displaceable therein and coupled directly to the liquid piston.

Abstract: A pump assembly provides for direct replacement of volumes of liquid from a reservoir with equal volumes of air preferably at substantially atmospheric pressure, the same pressure or with pressure equalization to be at least equal to atmospheric pressure. A slide arrangement preferably positively displaces liquid from the reservoir and air into the reservoir. The pump draws air from the atmosphere into a chamber from which the air either is available for passage to replace liquid from the reservoir or is pressurized to assist dispensing liquid, preferably, admixing with the liquid to provide foaming. Gravity separation of air and liquid to be dispensed is used to replace liquid with air in the reservoir and to selectively place air and liquid into communication with passageways for ejection.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid dispensing unit, particularly for a soap dispenser, comprising a resilient valve member secured within a chamber. Valve member comprises a sealing member, a support member and a securement member. The support member carries sealing member at one end and securement member at the other end. The valve member when secured within the chamber is under compression with the sealing member biased by the support member engaging and sealing the inlet port of the chamber to fluid flow therethrough other than fluid flow under a pressure differential across sealing member sufficient to resiliently deflect the sealing engagement. The valve member is formed entirely from recyclable plastic as an integral unit by injection molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing foam has a housing forming a generally closed foaming chamber, a liquid pump for drawing liquid from a supply and spraying the liquid into the foaming chamber, and an air pump for forcing air into the foaming chamber. A conduit forms a continuously open passage having an inner end opening into the foaming chamber and an outer end open to outside. A foam generator in the foaming chamber mixes the spray and air therein to generate foam and expand the foam to flow through the conduit out the outer end thereof. The liquid pump includes a small-diameter liquid chamber and a small-diameter liquid piston displaceable therein and the air pump includes a large-diameter air chamber and a large-diameter air piston displaceable therein and coupled directly to the liquid piston.