Abstract: A controllable damper for resisting movement between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable medium only in the working space. A cage preferably supports the matrix. A field generating coil is mounted to one of the first and second members to generate a field acting on the first and second members and the controllable medium in the working space. The rheology change in the medium produced by the field results in resistance to relative movement of the first and second members. A device according to the invention may be used in apparatus, such as washing machines, exercise equipment, air supported tables, and a range of other apparatuses that would benefit from controlled damping or braking. Devices including a two-piece outer housing are described.

Abstract: A fixture includes a hollow body adapted to be secured in an opening of a tub by a ring nut which is screwed to the body in such a manner that the wall of the tub is clamped between the hollow body and the ring nut. A ring is mounted on the body so as to cover an outer edge of the body defining the periphery of the end surface. The ring has a front wall that covers the end surface of the body and is to be situated between the end surface and the wall of the tub. The hollow body is also provided with a vent through-hole and a second through-hole extending from a recess in the end surface of the body. Sealant can be injected through the second through-hole into the spaces delimited by the boy, the ring and the wall of the tub.

Abstract: A manually operated dispensing apparatus for dispensing pasty substances, in particular silicone, includes a hollow vessel, an air chamber formed by an elastically deformable wall, a double check valve placing the air chamber in communication with the interior of the vessel, a sealing element through which the paste to be dispensed is introduced, a front paste dispensing spout, a manually operated dispensing actuation lever, and a plunger located inside the hollow vessel. The dispensing actuation lever has two segments disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The elastically deformable wall is pressed by actuating the lever so as to cause air in the air chamber to be injected under pressure into a cavity in the vessel delimited by the plunger.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine, particularly a domestic dishwashing machine, having a washing tank and a door for opening and closing the washing tank, is provided with a housing shell on the inner wall of the door and a reservoir-dispenser assembly detachable from the shell. The reservoir-dispenser assembly contains detergent in powder form and includes a detergent reservoir and a dispenser. The reservoir of the reservoir-dispenser assembly contains a plurality of doses of detergent which are individually and automatically released during each washing cycle. In this way, the dishwashing machine can operate several times in succession without the need for replenishing the detergent. The dispenser can draw any amount of detergent from the reservoir sufficient for various preselected washing programs. The dispenser includes a seat delimiting a metering chamber, and a lid moveable off of and onto the seat to open and close the metering chamber.