Abstract: The atmospheric pressure-operated take-up piston of the dispenser is provided with releasable locking structure which retains the piston prior to first intentional actuation of the dispenser against jarring movements tending to pressurize the contents and promote leakage during shipment and storage. Once the piston has been intentionally unlocked from its starting position at one end of the dispenser, it is free to travel under the influence of atmospheric pressure to take up space left vacant by discharged product. Several different forms of structure means for the take-up piston are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for manufacturing electrical cords comprising modular multi-contact connectors attached to opposite ends of a segment of a multi-conductor sheathed cable. Each connector comprises a plastic housing having a cavity for receiving an end of the cable segment, displaceable anchors for mechanically engaging the cable sheath and the insulation on the conductors, and flat contacts displaceable for piercing the insulation on the conductors and making electrical contact with the wires therewithin. The apparatus includes: machinery for cutting segments from a strand of cable and for conveying them along a path; strippers along the path for removing small portions of the sheath from the ends of the segments to expose the ends of the insulated conductors therewithin; trimmers along the path for trimming the exposed ends of the insulated conductors; and connector attachment machines along the path.