Abstract: An all plastic spray nozzle attachment is provided to avoid corrosion problems, with a self-adjusting fastener system which minimizes or avoids bending stresses on the securement screw that joins the free ends of the two hinged clamp arms that embrace the support pipe. Both the head and nut ends of the screw and the respective abutting surfaces of the clamp arms are provided with arcuate abutment surfaces which permit rocking movement of the head and nut portions about axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support to readily maintain the head and nut in coaxial alignment with one another, thereby relieving bending stresses on the screw shank as the fastener is tightened to draw the arms toward one another into clamped position.

Abstract: A gun is provided for repeatedly dispensing precisely metered quantities of liquid from a pressurized source. The gun includes a valve spool axially slidable within a valve chamber and having at least first and second blocking members for blocking the inlet and outlet ports of the valve chamber. An actuating member associated with the gun is responsive to a unidirectional force to impart relative axial sliding movement of the blocking members in the valve chamber.

Abstract: An improved disconnect arrangement for a beverage dispenser valve assembly prevents disconnection of the valve assembly until the carbonated water and beverage syrup disconnect valves in the mounting block are closed thereby preventing accidental removal of the dispensing valve from the mounting block while the syrup and carbonated water are being supplied to the dispensing valve under pressure. Stops on the retainer assembly prevent the inlet valves from being opened beyond the optimum intake position to assure uniform metering of the syrup and carbonated water by the dispenser valve.

Abstract: An improved diluent valve actuator for a soft drink beverage dispenser serves dual functions. The first function, accomplished when the actuator is in a first operative position, is to actuate the solenoid controlled valve for the beverage diluent (such as carbonated water) when the actuator is pressed by an operator. The second function, accomplished when the actuator is in a second non-operative position is to act as a cover over the opening in the dispenser where the actuator would have extended if the actuator were in the first position. In the second position, the remainder of the actuator is concealed within the beverage dispenser out of view.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher includes a water inlet line, a flow control valve assembly, a wash water introducing means for introducing wash water into a container which is adapted to receive dishes, and control means for selectively controlling the flow control valve assembly. The flow control valve assembly includes a first flow control valve which is selectively actuated by a first solenoid coil and a second flow control valve which is selectively actuated by a second solenoid coil. A first ferromagnetic member is disposed between a first end of the solenoid coils and a second ferromagnetic member is disposed between the other end of the solenoid coils. The solenoid coils are so interconnected that when an actuating potential is applied across them, they are electrically in series. The series connection of the coils allows the coils to be configured such that a significant saving in the cost of coil wire is achieved over parallel connected coils.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher includes a water inlet line, a flow control valve assembly, a wash water introducing means for introducing wash water into a container which is adapted to receive dishes, and a control for selectively controlling the flow control valve assembly. The flow control valve assembly includes a first flow control valve which is selectively actuated by a first solenoid coil and a second flow control valve which is selectively actuated by a second solenoid coil. A first ferromagnetic member is disposed between a first end of the solenoid coils and a second ferromagnetic member is disposed between the other end of the solenoid coils. The solenoid coils are so interconnected that when an actuating potential is applied across them, (a) they generate magnetic fields of the opposite polarity, and (b) they are electrically in series.

Abstract: A lid latch assembly (10) for a household washing machine is disclosed which incorporates safety features which prevent damage to the latch assembly regardless of when the drum access lid of the machine is closed. The assembly includes a solenoid (22) operated locking lever (60) pivotally mounted to a bracket (12). An elongated slot (68) in the bracket defines a first fulcrum (66) about which the locking lever pivots during latching movement. A switch arm (30) must be depressed downwardly by a latching hook (84) connected to the machine lid (80) before the locking lever is movable to the latched position. A blocking tab (58) on the switch arm prevents movement of the lever to the latched position prior to downward movement of the switch arm. The elongated slot allows the locking lever to pivot about a second fulcrum defined by the blocking tab.

Abstract: A flow control device (10) is disclosed for achieving precision flow control over a wide range of inlet pressures. The device is particularly suited to household appliance applications where energy savings through hot water conservation are imperative. The device comprises a pressure responsive valve member (60) having a flanged portion (66) sealingly connected by a diaphragm (72) to the walls of a fluid chamber (52) defined by housing portions (28), (37). Flow passageways (84) are formed through diaphragm (72) and flange (66). A flow restricting opening is defined by the space between a control orifice (58) and a conical surface (70) on the valve member. An axial passageway (86) in the valve member communicates inlet fluid pressure to a compensating chamber (98) sealed from fluid pressure in the control chamber by a diaphragm (88) mounted thereacross and to one end of the valve member (60).

Abstract: In a beverage dispenser of the type having a diluent mixed with a syrup to produce the beverage to be dispensed, provision is made for utilizing a relatively high flow rate. To achieve the relatively high flow rate, a depressurizing system utilizing a vortex chamber is located at the output end of the valve arrangement. The flow path of the diluent through the valve arrangement before the depressurizing system is designed to minimize pressure drops. Diluent leaving the depressurizing system has its velocity decreased by a diffusing structure before being passed for mixing with the syrup. The diffusing system also decreases the swirl imparted to the diluent in the depressurizing system.