Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles. The discharge nozzle has a flow control device. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from at least one perforated plate. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum pressure on a decaying portion of a stream of liquid right in the center of the outlet of the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes a fill turret configured to carry a plurality of containers along a first portion of a path as the containers are filled with liquid. A container guide is mounted in fixed relation to the fill turret, the container guide defining an upper guide surface and a lower guide surface spaced apart from the upper guide surface. The upper and lower guide surfaces cooperate to define an edge of a second portion of the path, where the upper guide surface is located to contact a container at a first location and the lower guide surface is located to contact the container at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location. The upper and lower guide surfaces maintain the container in an upright position as the container moves along the edge of the path.

Abstract: A system, method, and process of using a button diaphragm for a piston pump are provided. The button diaphragm is a thin sheet of material with a raised bead located on its periphery. The button diaphragm also has a button with a button face and a relief. The button is centered and inserted into a mating receptacle on a piston pump thereby aligning the diaphragm on the piston. When suction is applied to the internal surface of the piston the button diaphragm, is aligned with the piston by the button, and the diaphragm is drawn toward the face of the piston, thereby ensuring the diaphragm is properly seated on the piston during operation of the piston pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles. The discharge nozzle has a flow control device. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from at least one perforated plate. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum pressure on a decaying portion of a stream of liquid right in the center of the outlet of the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes a fill turret configured to carry a plurality of containers along a first portion of a path as the containers are filled with liquid. A container guide is mounted in fixed relation to the fill turret, the container guide defining an upper guide surface and a lower guide surface spaced apart from the upper guide surface. The upper and lower guide surfaces cooperate to define an edge of a second portion of the path, where the upper guide surface is located to contact a container at a first location and the lower guide surface is located to contact the container at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location. The upper and lower guide surfaces maintain the container in an upright position as the container moves along the edge of the path.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing includes an outer bearing member having a bore configured to receive an inner bearing member and an inner bearing member disposed within the bore with the inner bearing member capable of rotating relative to the outer bearing member. At least one of the outer and inner bearing members includes a lubricating material that defines a discrete lubricating region of an associated bearing surface. The lubricating material fills a preform cavity extending inwardly from the surface of the respective bearing member.