Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluent material such as a beverage. The fluent material is dispensed directly from a flexible bag to a container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine. A flow control is adapted to receive at least a portion of one flexible bag and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material out of the bag without contact of the fluent material by the flow control.

Abstract: A pump has a flexible liner which is expanded and contracted by application of positive and negative fluid pressure for receiving and discharging fluent material. The liner is received in a rigid shell which defines the maximum volume received. In discharging fluent material, a vacuum is applied to one side of the liner, while applying pressure to the other side so the liner is collapsed against the rigid shell. The liner is arranged so as to be the only part of the pump which contacts the fluent material, and is replaceable to effect rapid and easy cleaning of the pump. The liner has multiple pump cells which can expand and contract for moving fluent material through the pump cell. The pump cells can be sized and arranged so that by selection of particular pump cells which receive the fluent material, precise volumes can be metered by the pump. A merchandiser has a pump and a flexible bag which is deformed to selectively dispense fluent material.

Abstract: An alignment device is provided for an artificial limb and comprises first and second end plates fastenable to respective upper and lower parts of the limb in a predetermined angular and axial position. A flexible sleeve fastened between the end plates forms therewith an internal cavity for containing a body of settable fluid. When the fluid body is in a flowable state relative movement between upper and lower parts of the limb during alignment thereof are accommodated by flexion of the sleeve. When the fluid body is in a solidified state it establishes a rigid mechanical linkage between the end plates, thereby preventing relative movement of the upper and lower parts. Angular alignment between an end plate and an adjoining part of the limb is provided by pegs on one of said parts engaging sockets on the other of said parts.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a hollow elastomeric cosmesis having a relatively large internal space, a keel of relatively stiff or rigid material, and a stiffener of glass reinforced plastics fitted between keel and instep region of the cosmesis. Front and rear snubbers extend from keel and front and rear stiffeners being portions of stiffener extend from under the keel with radiused ends resting on the sole of the cosmesis. During ambulation the stiffeners provide a primary path by which ground reaction is transmitted to the keel, but ground reaction bringing the stiffeners into contact with the snubbing means is transmitted to the keel via an overload path through the snubbing means.