Abstract: A magnetic snap-action directional control valve mechanism preferably for use with a fluid pressure actuated reciprocating motor or pump (28). A driven member, represented by a tie rod assembly (42) in the described preferred embodiment, is caused to reciprocate at the same frequency as the reciprocating motor (28) due to contact of the driven member by a sealing member within the motor as represented by a piston (36) in the described preferred embodiment. The driven member includes a magnetic area which magnetically interacts with another magnetic area on the valve core of the magnetic directional control valve, thus causing the valve core (19) to also reciprocate at the motor frequency. Due to the nature of the magnetic interaction between the magnetic areas, the valve core (19) reciprocates in a snap-action fashion.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser (20) for efficiently converting one or more solid block detergent compositions into concentrated detergent solutions is disclosed. A housing (12) configured for mounting to a solid surface defines a substantially enclosed inner cavity (30), and access and discharge ports (32) and (34) opening into the inner cavity. Retaining means (40) holds a charge of solid block detergent composition (100-103), which may include a plurality of different and even chemically incompatible detergent composition components, in fixed predetermined position within the inner cavity, exposing at least one broad surface (100a) of the detergent block. Nozzle means (61) projects into the cavity and directs a pressurized liquid spray against substantially the entire exposed detergent surface(s), dissolving a portion thereof, which is collected by the housing (30b) and passes through the discharge port. The nozzle means may be disposed above or below the exposed detergent surface.