Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing material, such as a beverage, in at least a partially frozen state. The apparatus includes a tank in which the material is stored under pressure and a manually operable valve for controlling the dispensing of material from the tank. The valve includes a generally cylindrical stem and seat. A distal end portion of the stem is tapered at an angle of about 15 degrees. When the valve is first opened, the tapered end portion gradually relieves the pressure buildup in the valve bore so that a sudden surge of material under pressure does not occur in the dispensing passageway to which the valve is connected. An upper edge of the seat acts as a scraper to remove particulate matter from the stem as the stem is moved into engagement with the seat when the valve is closed, thereby enhancing the fluid-tight seal between the stem and seat.

Abstract: Improved frozen drink dispensing apparatus includes a container for storing a beverage under pressure in at least a partially frozen state, a normally closed dispensing valve mounted with the container and a manually operable lever for operating the dispensing valve. The dispensing valve has a longitudinal bore communicating with the interior of the container. A conduit depends from the dispensing valve for dispensing the beverage when the valve is in an open position by operation of the lever. A diffusion member is located in the conduit for diffusing the beverage material generally outwardly from a central longitudinal axis of the conduit and upwardly within the conduit, thereby substantially reducing the pressure under which the beverage is dispensed. The diffusion member has an internal chamber communicating with the valve bore and an interior bottom surface, which is sloped upwardly toward an inner wall of the diffusion member.

Abstract: Improved frozen beverage dispensing apparatus includes a latch member for inhibiting operation of the dispensing apparatus when the apparatus is in a defrost cycle. The apparatus includes a container for storing a beverage under pressure in at least a partially frozen state, a normally closed dispensing valve mounted with the container and a manually operable lever for operating the dispensing valve. The dispensing valve has a longitudinal bore communicating with the interior of the container. A defrost relay operates a solenoid at the onset of the defrost cycle to move the latch member into engagement with the lever. When the defrost cycle has been completed, the solenoid disengages the latching member from the lever so that the lever can be operated to open the dispensing valve. A faucet member extends downwardly from the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A document pressing envelope is constructed by providing first and second substantially rectangular sheets of transparent material and a strip of opaque material, each of the sheets having corresponding first, second, third and fourth edges. A strip of first adhesive material is disposed on a first major surface of the first sheet, adjacent to the first edge thereof. The strip of opaque material is placed on the first major surface of the first sheet, to substantially cover the strip of first adhesive material. Strips of second adhesive material are disposed on a first major surface of the second sheet, adjacent to the first, second and third edges thereof. The respective first major surfaces of the first and second sheets are placed in facing contact, so that the respective second and third edges of the sheets are substantially in alignment to define respective closed ends of the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope for carrying returned or damaged checks and other documents through automated processing equipment is comprised of first and second rectangular, transparent sheets joined together along respective aligned edges at opposite ends of the envelope and a strip of opaque material, a first portion of which is sandwiched between the first and second sheets and a second portion of which is exposed for being encoded with information pertaining to the document being carried. The strip is thus securely attached to the envelope to resist tearing and other damage to the envelope during processing and sorting. A portion of the first sheet extends beyond the top edge of the second sheet to define a flap member, which is foldable over the top edge of the second sheet to seal the envelope. A release glue is disposed on the flap member for sealing the envelope when the glue is sandwiched between the flap member and the second sheet.