Abstract: Apparatus for conveying and forming a single row of articles into a plurality of rows of articles includes a starwheel receiving articles from an infeed conveyor and which is rotated by the articles. A diverter is rotated through a connection with the starwheel and receives articles from the starwheel. The diverter moves two out of three of the received articles to intermediate conveyors disposed on opposed sides of the diverter. These diverted rolls form two rows on an outfeed conveyor along with a third row of articles which were not diverted.

Abstract: A elevating conveyor for capsules includes two pairs of alternately reciprocating plates driven by respective pitman arms from a centerless pulley. The plates are inclined from the vertical, so that small articles roll onto the top surface of each plate as it becomes even with that of the preceding plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a container that is used for shipping and displaying a product. The container is convertible from a shipping configuration, where the product is encased, to a dispensing configuration, where the product may be displayed and dispensed at a retail outlet. The container includes a weakened seam that permits easy removal of a portion of the container body to define an aperture for displaying and dispensing the product. Openings are provided in the bottom surface of the container to permit attachment of a dispensing tray for receiving product dispensed through the aperture. One embodiment of the container includes a floor that slopes towards the aperture to assist the dispensing of product. In another embodiment of the container, the floor is pivoted with the assistance of tabs located on the dispensing tray. The dispensing tray includes a groove defined in its base that is adapted to cooperate with a lip protruding from a product shelf to secure the container tray to the shelf.

Abstract: The container for packing hollow endoprostheses (8) comprises two germ-proof wrappings (1, 2). In accordance with the invention the inner wrapping (1) consists of a water-tight wall (10, 11) and various connection points (40, 50, 60). At least two of the connection points (40) are provided as access into the cavity of the prosthesis (8) and one is provided as an outlet (50) for liquids for treating the prosthesis. The outer wrapping (2) comprises through-pieces (42, 52, 62), which are associated with the connection points of the inner wrapping. The two wrappings are permeable to gas at least some regions. In accordance with the invention the container has a second application apart from its protective function: for example, in the case of a hybrid prosthesis for vascular replacement, to perform the charging of the prosthesis with the patient's own endothelial cells in the container.

Abstract: An adjustable tray assembly adaptable for use in desk drawers having side walls spaced at various distances. The tray assembly includes a first portion having a plurality of open top receptacles and a support lip projecting away from one side, and a second portion also with a projecting support lip and mounted on the first portion to affording relative movement between the portions to change the spacing between the first and second support lips so that they can be supported on the upper edge surfaces of the side walls of the drawers of different widths with the first and second portions bridging therebetween. The tray assembly can also include dispensers for office supplies including note paper, tape flags and tape; the tape dispenser being of a novel low profile design.

Abstract: A jewel case for compact disks has a hinged lid and base held in the closed position by both a breakable tab extending from the base though a mortise in the lid and by a dimple and protrusion forming a detent. Initial opening of the jewel box requires a sufficient force to break the tab. Later openings require less force sufficient only to release the detent. The hinge is formed of pins received in sockets, the pins and sockets being disengageable only when the lid and base are in the open position. The tabs have camming surfaces to permit them to engage the mortise in the lid by deflecting sidewalls of the lid apart.

Abstract: A unitary packaging structure for a shock sensitive article, including a platform portion adapted to support the article and having a peripheral portion, a sidewall structure forming an enclosure around the platform portion, the sidewall structure including an inner wall being joined to the peripheral portion, and an outer wall peripherally spaced from the inner wall, the inner wall being relatively shorter than the outer wall so that the platform portion is held a specified cushion distance above a lower edge of the outer wall, and at least one collapsibility control device for selectively releasing air compressed beneath the package when the package is subjected to shock loading while disposed in a shipping container, the control device controlling the collapsibility of the package.

Abstract: A portable container 10 for containing liquids has a circular top wall portion 12, a circular exterior bottom wall portion 14, and a cylindrical side wall portion 16 extending vertically between the top wall portion 12 and exterior bottom wall portion 14. The container 10 includes a plurality of forklift tubes 18 attached to the exterior bottom wall portion 14 for receiving the forks 20 of a forklift vehicle 22. The side wall portion 16 has a drain opening 24 and a valve 26 disposed therein for draining the liquids from the container. The container 10 is characterized by an interior false bottom portion 30 abutting the side wall portion 16 and sloping downwardly toward the drain opening 24 for causing complete drainage of the liquids contained within the container 10.

Abstract: The top wall of an article carrier is provided with a pair of hand gripping apertures and score lines extend from the apertures to the corners of the top wall. A supplementary score line extends from a point of intersection with a score line and is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the carrier top wall and to a point of intersection with the top portion of the adjacent side wall at each corner of the carrier. The load of the carrier is well distributed so as to avoid any tendency for the side walls to bow outwardly and thus to interfere with a product removal and reinsertion feature formed in each of the carrier side walls. Efficient distribution of the weight also makes possible the usage of lower caliper board than is usually required for heavy duty carriers while still maintaining package integrity and viability with a product remover and reinsertion structure formed in each carton side wall.

Abstract: A casing for housing a cartridge includes an upper half and a lower half which are formed in two parts and are assembled so as to be adapted to house a cartridge in the casing; an opening for allowing the cartridge to be inserted into the casing and to be withdrawn from it, which is arranged in one of the sides of the casing; and a holding portion which is elastically engageable with a recessed portion in the cartridge wherein the holding portion is connected to at least of one of the first half and second half.

Abstract: Applicants' articulated edge guard protector utilizes a combination of relatively soft members which come in contact with the tie-down strap, chain, rope and the like, yet is maintained in place because such softer compressible members are combined with hard members which maintain the desired shape of the articulated edge guard protector and also additionally provide protection to the item being shipped.

Abstract: An apparatus as disclosed for holding and organizing colored threads used in needlework. The organizer includes a card, on each face of which are provided a plurality of rings for attaching needlework threads of individual colors and a needle for use with each different color of thread. A plastic sleeve for the card has holes for insertion of the sleeve and card in a three-ring binder.

Abstract: A cushion for placement into a shipping container comprises a bottom panel, a side panel foldably joined to the side edge of the bottom panel, a top panel foldably joined to the upper end of the side panel and disposed in a spaced parallel relation to the bottom panel, a support panel foldably joined to the top panel, the support panel being disposed in a spaced parallel relation to the side panel, an anchor flap foldably joined to the lower end of the support panel and secured to the bottom panel in a flat face contacting relation, the anchor flap extending from the lower end of the support panel in a direction away from the side panel, and a retaining flap for holding the cushion in a set-up condition. The cushion may be collapsed such that the top panel, the support panel and the anchor flap are disposed in the same plane.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: Apparatus for screening a papermaking pulp or stock suspension through a stationary cylindrical screen includes a rotating hydrofoil member which has a curved outer or camber surface portion mounted for rotation with the camber surface in a close but spaced proximity to the inside surface of the screen, in which a discrete part or segment of the body of the member is movable with respect to the body and defines a portion of the curved camber surface, so that the effective spacing between the curved surface and the adjacent inside surface of the screen may be adjusted. The hydrofoil is fabricated from sheet metal and forms an outwardly opening spanwise slot, and a sheet metal fabricated segment is received within the slot and forms a substantial continuation of the outer surface, and is adjustable by a threaded fastener which is accessible through a slot formed in the face surface of the hydrofoil.

Abstract: This invention concerns a tension screen with a screen area including screen linings stretched over machine-mounted crossbars with a camber, where the screen linings have a plastic wear layer with screen passages and wire tension cables that run across the crossbars and are braced on the machine by connecting elements at the ends.

Abstract: The invention provides for a support member for a screen support frame for supporting thereon removable screening panels, the support member including securing formations which are removably inter-engageable with complementary securing formations on a screening panel. It further includes lugs extending transversely from the support member and including securing formations which are removably inter-engageable with complementary securing formations on a screening panel. The support member supports a screening panel along one peripheral side of the screening panel, and the lugs support the screening panel along a part of a transversely extending peripheral side of the screening panel.

Abstract: A letter sorting apparatus comprising a letter sorting machine, and an automatic storage and retrieval system including a staging rack defining a plurality of staging locations, and a storage and retrieval machine which is positioned to receive letters from the sorting machine and to present letters for input to the sorting machine and which is operable to stage letters in and retrieve letters from the staging locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating a mixture of materials of different flowability for preparing foodstuffs. The apparatus includes a hollow drum having a perforated circumferential surface around a portion of which is wrapped an endless presser belt forming a compression zone for the material to be processed. The belt is pressed against the drum by a presser roller having a hub body around which a tubular cylindrical body forms the roller surface. The cylindrical body is supported in its middle portion by spherical supporting element mounted on the hub body. Thus when the belt is subjected to non-uniform stresses due to the uneven consistency of fed material which in turn causes the deformation and unparallel rotation of the drum and the presser roller, the cylindrical body automatically adjusts its position on said spherical supporting element to restore parallel motion.

Abstract: A rack for storing and displaying apparel belts provides an elongated slot bounded by parallel edges for receiving a coiled belt, which is retained between the edges by friction from the compression of the expansive coil. The rack is provided with mounting mechanisms that permit combination of multiple racks, mounting of the rack to a vertical or horizontal surface, or suspension from a closet rod.

Abstract: A collapsible bicycle stand comprises a base operable to rest on a generally horizontal surface, a support member removably securable to the base such that the support member extends upward relative to the horizontal surface, and first and second bicycle holding facilities secured to the support member. The support member has an outwardly facing portion lying in a first generally vertical plane when the support member is secured to the base and the first and second bicycle holding facilities have first and second bicycle contacting surfaces respectively, which are disposed in a second plane extending perpendicular to the first plane and which are disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal surface when the support member is secured to the base.

Abstract: An easily assemblable, disassemblable firewood rack incorporating a bottom base structure, a top cover structure, left and right-side cross supports and a plurality of tubings snugly fit into the side cross supports to allow for a standing of the rack off the ground, and in a manner to restrict outward bowing under the weight of stored firewood. The front of the top cover structure is constructed higher than its back to provide a pitch for rearward run-off of rain and snow striking the cover, selected of any desired compositional material.

Abstract: Items of decorative hardware, e.g., handles, pulls, towel bars, tissue bars, etc., and a method of making the same. Each hardware item comprising an assembly of a pair of posts, a cross member, and an externally threaded rod. The cross member may comprise one integral elongate rod-like member or a plurality of separate sections disposed in a side-by-side array to form an elongated rod-like member. In any case the cross member has a decorative exterior surface, a pair of ends, and an internally threaded passageway extending longitudinally through it. Each of the posts has an under surface for securing the hardware item to a panel, e.g., a wall or a cabinet, and a decorative exterior surface including a side portion. Each of the side portions of the posts include an internally threaded bore. The posts are arranged to be oriented with respect to each other so that their side portions face each other with their internally threaded bores axially aligned.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a material handling machine such as a lattice-type portal crane having an elongate lattice girder suspended from a girder beam by a first and second support links. In turn, the girder beam is supported at an elevation by a pair of legs. The improvement comprises a force transfer link coupling the support links so that forces transferred between the girder beam and either leg are isolated from the girder. The girder, which is triangular-shaped, has a top apex-like chord member and a pair of lower chord members. The support links and the force transfer link support the girder at the lower chord members and the top chord member is spaced (and therefore, isolated) from the girder beam.

Abstract: The bottle, particularly suitable for carbonated beverages, is of the type with a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided circumferentially with at least one deep annular groove with a quadrangular cross section.

Abstract: Generally, an infant nursing system will include a holder having an open end, for holding and engaging a collapsible liquid containing bag. The collapsible bag defines a chamber and has an open end permitting fluid communication with the chamber. The open end is also used for engaging the open end of the holder. The novel bag may include flexible material, having a permeability sufficient to hold a fluid, wherein the flexible material is arranged in a generally tubular shape, defining a first end and a second end. The second end is sealed in a fluid tight fashion, thereby forming a chamber for holding fluid. The first end engages the open end of the holder. A pair of flaps is formed at the first end for assisting in opening the bag to provide access to the chamber. A gripping member is formed on the pair of flaps, for enhancing the gripping of the flaps. It is preferred for the gripping member to include holes formed in the flaps or textured surfaces.

Abstract: An injection molded threaded cap for use with containers of varying dimensions. The cap of the present invention includes a cover from which depends an integral plug. An auxiliary sealing ring is disposed at the outside base of the plug to compensate for differences between the diameter of the plug and the diameter of the opening to be sealed by the cap. To prevent doming of the cover of the cap, the underside of the cover has shrinkage resistance formations which provide the cap with structural resistance to the effects of shrinkage. The cap of the present invention further includes a ratchet ring having ratchet teeth designed to enhance the tamper-evidency of the frangible ratchet ring.

Abstract: A closure for a tubular administration port is formed by inner and outer members having upper ends joined together in sealing relationship. The inner member has a sealed bottom end and is configured to fit within the administration port. The outer member is configured to engage about an exterior of the tubular port. The inner member includes radially outwardly extending ribs that engage against the interior of the administration port in an interference fit relationship.

Abstract: The top of a metal beverage container, opened with a non-removable fulcrum-type lift tab, is modified, by the inclusion of a shallow channel, in order to facilitate initial lifting of the tab. The channel is positioned directly adjacent the pushing end of the tab and configured such that operative lifting of the tab causes the pushing end of the tab to fit within the channel and into pushing engagement with the container top at the base of the channel. The channel is configured into mirrored conformity with the pushing end of the tab, with the depth of the channel conforming to the shape of the pushing end of the tab to maintain full pushing engagement. The initial engagement of the lift tab with the channel results in a delay in container top opening and substantially less lifting pressure being needed to elevate the tab end for a finger to be more easily inserted for completion of the opening of the container.

Abstract: A disposable biodegradable snap-on lid for a recappable annular walled paper container having an annular rim around its upper open end. The lid has a top wall and a depending annular skirt formed by the downward extension of the top wall. The lower portion of the skirt is turned inwardly and upwardly and defines an annular locking ring within the skirt spaced upwardly from the lower end of the downwardly open skirt. The locking ring is sized for snap-over engagement with the rim on the container to releasably secure the lid in capping relation to the container. The annular opening at the lower end of the skirt is sized to receive therein and complement the upper end portion of another lid of like kind to facilitate stacking for dispensing and packaging concepts.

Abstract: A push-on filler neck cap for a fill passageway of a tank. The cap is provided with a push top and a dependent housing sized to fit within the fill passageway and with a fill passageway seal that is located at the lower inserted end of the housing and wherein the can is also provided with a restraining mechanism located between the push top and the fill passageway seat for securing the cap to the passageway in a sealed manner. The restraining mechanism is defined by a plurality of lugs which: 1) engage into a recess in the fill passageway; 2) pivot outward from the housing to engage the recess in response to movement of a spring biased lever pivotedly mounted to the push top with the recess; and (3) are biased to pivot outwardly for engagement with the recess by a spring located within the housing, which spring also urges the seal into its sealing relationship within the fill passageway.

Abstract: A pot with improved configuration comprises a lid, a pot body, a positioning plate and clipping plate which are all made from plastic material. The lid has a positioning block at one end and a retaining block at the other end. A receiving support is disposed at the top portion of the pot body. The retaining block of the lid is pivoted to the receiving support by a pin member. This pot body further comprises a pivoting block and stopping plate at the circumference. Those positioning plate and clipping plate are pivoted to the pot body by a pair of pins. A retaining block is provided at the top of the positioning plate with respect to the shape of the positioning block. A cutout is provided at the underside of the retaining block. This cutout further includes a pair of pivoting holes thereof. A tab member is provided at the front portion of the clipping plate with respect to the cutout of the retaining block.

Abstract: An improved animal tamper-resistant trash container and method of constructing same utilizing a conventional trash container having a bottom, side wall and an open upper end and removable lid therefor. The improvement includes a first and second annular band or ring each clampably connectable around the lid and container adjacent its opening, respectively. A hinge is formed between the first and second bands whereby the lid is permanently pivotally attached to the open upper end of the container. A unique latch, which automatically engages when the lid falls to a closed position, is virtually unopenable by large wild animals such as a raccoon, fox, opossum, dogs and the like.

Abstract: The diaper pail assembly includes a pail, a ring rotatably mounted on the mouth of the pail and a cover connected to the ring. A disposable trash bag lines the pail and the mouth of the trash bag overlaps the ring and is grasped between the cover and ring. By turning the cover and ring, the trash bag is twisted closed. A chute in the cover through which soiled diapers are placed in the pail has inner and outer lids to close the chute.

Abstract: A disposable paper cup for serving cold food products and beverages is converted into a hot cup by the addition of an insulating sleeve assembled on the cold cup by the user. One part of a cohesive compound carried by the cold cup cooperates in registry with another part of the cohesive compound carried by the insulating sleeve to instantaneously and aggressively adhere the sleeve in assembly with the cold cup when the sleeve is mounted on the cold cup by the user.

Abstract: This invention is directed to dish drainers, which have integrally formed connecting elements in the basket and pan thereof.The connector elements are used to maintain the basket and pan coupled together during shipment, when displayed for sale or when in use. The connector may be disconnected to separate the pan from the basket in order to clean the dish drainer components.

Abstract: Vessel for storing a fluid under pressure, such as a gas storage vessel, of the type comprising an internal casing surrounded by an external hooping. The internal casing has symmetry about a longitudinal axis, a central pipe section and two extremity portions, and at least one of the extremity portions protruding outwardly. The hooping is of reinforcing fibers coated with a thermoplastic of thermosetting binder, and opposite the pipe section the hooping has at least one layer of fibers, known as longitudinal fibers, having a flat winding pattern and a winding angle as small as possible, so as to allow a boss, centered on the longitudinal axis of the protruded extremity, to be uncovered with fibers. Further, the hooping has at least one layer of fibers, known as circumferential fibers, having an almost 90.degree. winding angle. Moreover, the pipe section further comprises at least one layer of fibers having a winding pattern that is either flat or helical with a winding angle (.alpha..sub.

Abstract: Lightweight compressed gas cylinders are incorporated into a module which contains manifolding and which is designed for easy loading, unloading and transport on a flat-bed truck or other vehicle, particularly a roll-on roll-off transport truck, which is a specialized truck for mechanized handling of large containers. The module eliminates the need to retain the vehicle itself at the site of use. While a variety of cylinders of composite construction to achieve light weight can be used, certain novel composite cylinders whcih are particularly useful are also disclosed. These cylinders have a lightweight metallic liner or core cylinder wrapped with three layers of wound fiber. The inner and outer layers are axially-wound glass fiber and the intermediate layer is hoop-wound carbon fiber.

Abstract: A unitary beverage container includes a main body defining a container volume. A flexible straw is fluidly connected at a proximal end with the volume adjacent the bottom of the main body. The flexible straw includes a series of segments which provide bending diaphragms. The straw also includes a distal end which is preferably in the form of a planar hollow mouthpiece having vertical wings and a central aperture therein with the mouthpiece is located adjacent the top of the main body. The segments of the straw near the bottom are strengthened and a curved portion of the straw has wedge shaped segments. An attaching mechanism removably attaches the distal end of the flexible straw to the top of main body and closes the aperture of the distal end. The attaching mechanism includes a short hollow bridge extending from the aperture at the distal end of the flexible straw which is broken during removal of the flexible straw to uncover the aperture prior to use.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vending device with a number of compartments (11,23A,32) that serve as receptacles for goods, whereby a computing unit (50) with a memory, at least one display unit (7,12) and at least one input device (8,9) is provided, whereby at least one compartment (11,23,23A,32) is assigned to a merchant by the computing unit (50) to load at least one compartment (11,23,23A,32) after the merchant has entered his identifying merchant code into the input device (8,9), and whereby the computing unit (50) makes the withdrawal of goods from the compartment (11,23,23A,32) loaded with goods possible by releasing a compartment (11,23,23A,32) after the customer has entered an identification code into the input device (8,9).

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine is described holding individual newspapers in a carrousel which rotates within a closed tube. The carrousel is separated into a plurality of discrete chambers by platforms. The carrousel rotates relative to the tube. The tube defines an opening through which a single platform may be accessed as the carrousel rotates within the tube. A mechanism operates in conjunction with the door to the vending machine to rotate the carrousel as the door is opened.

Abstract: A portable dispenser for spherical confectioneries such as gumballs has a clear tubular reservoir that is movable with respect to a base. Within a substantially hollow interior of the base, a pivoting ramp is mounted to receive a single gumball and convey it to an opening in the base while blocking other gumballs from dropping out of the tubular reservoir. Mounted for pivotal movement adjacent a free end of the ramp is a door for closing the opening in the base as the ramp itself pivots to convey the gumball toward the opening. Adjacent the bottom of the tubular reservoir are a pair of actuators that lock the tubular reservoir to the base for limited movement relative to the base. The actuators engage the ramp upon the tubular reservoir being moved toward the base. An integrally formed spring on the bottom of the ramp biases the ramp and biases the tubular reservoir away from the base. Adjacent the top of the tubular reservoir is a pivotally mounted head for capping the tubular reservoir.

Abstract: A sealing spout and tools for inserting a spout of a flexible bag liner into fluid-tight sealing and anchoring engagement with a discharge outlet of a container and for removing the spout from the outlet. The spout has at least two seal rings, each having a pair of axially spaced and radially outwardly extending lobes for firmly frictionally engaging the container discharge outlet to provide a fluid-tight seal between the spout and outlet and to anchor the liner within the container. The tool has a shaft with a handle at one end for manual engagement to manipulate the tool within the container. A hydraulic or pneumatic drive is attached to the other end of the shaft for supplying force to insert or remove the spout. Carried by the drive is a collet for releasably engaging the spout to apply force to the spout during operation.

Abstract: A syrup container system for post-mix beverage dispensing systems comprising filling a blow molded, multi-layer PET container with syrup and connecting the container to a post-mix beverage dispenser through a syrup pump. The PET container includes an inner delaminatable PET layer and an outer PET layer and an air vent partway through the container wall terminating at the inner PET layer, so that the inner PET layer can separate from the outer layer and collapse around the remaining syrup as it is withdrawn, without the need for venting the syrup chamber to atmosphere. The PET container also includes a polyethylene closure sealing the container opening and a coupling for connecting to a quick-disconnect coupling on the distal end of a syrup line. The PET container is disposable and recyclable.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing two flowable substances in a user selectable ratio having a container and a selector member. The container includes a dispensing end, a flexible continuous outer wall, and a flexible inner diaphragm separating the container into two generally equal chambers for each receiving a different flowable substance. Each of the chambers includes an end generally open proximate the dispensing end of the container. The selector member is disposed between the open ends of the chambers and the dispensing end of the container and includes a single opening extending therethrough.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can (12) that can only be operated when connected to an a-c utility power source provided by a power cord (22) that includes a power-line activator (30). Thus, the use of an aerosol spray can (12) to spray graffiti is prevented or at least minimized. The can (12) is modified by attaching to its upper section (14) a valve attachment port (16) to which is attached a lower fluid port (86) located on a slide and twist valve (80). The valve (80) also includes an upper fluid port (84) having a check valve (88) that opens when a standard spray head (26) is depressed and a permanent magnet piston (90) having a fluid passage bore (96). When no power is applied, a compression spring (94) positions the piston (90) with the bore (96) misaligned in both a radial and longitudinal position that prevents the passage of the fluid.

Abstract: A hand held, free standing, bottom dispensing dispenser, generally made of plastic, for the dispensing of thick liquids such as lotions, shampoos, and processed foodstuff, having a resiliently walled reservoir that sits atop a stand that offers fulcrum for a mechanical linkage. The linkage has a top portion engaged to the reservoir side wall allowing the user's hand to grasp and manipulate the linkage while grasping and manipulating the reservoir, and a bottom portion coupled to dispensing valve disposed and adapted to open and close a discharge element affixed to an outlet in the bottom end of the reservoir. Thus, when hand pressure is applied to the linkage top portion at the same time the reservoir is squeezed and the motion transmitted by the linkage to the dispensing valve opens the latter to dispense a portion of the content.

Abstract: A housing for mounting on a water dispenser which includes a compartment to extend over water dispensing spigots on the dispenser. The compartment has an aperture in its top in which presser bars are positioned. The presser bars are pivotally supported by the housing and overlie the spigots to actuate them in a manner to reduce wear on and corresponding leakage of their valves. The presser bars have large areas of contact to enable them to be depressed by persons of reduced finger strength by forming a leverage system which reduces the actuating force necessary to operate the spigots.

Abstract: A mortar extrusion gun includes a refillable and cleanable mortar supply tube possessing a first end terminating in a forwardly and radially inwardly extending flange surrounding a mortar ejection aperture and a second opposite open end. A conical spout includes a tip provided with a mortar outlet aperture and a base possessing a mortar inlet aperture surrounded by a radially outwardly extending flange. Preferably, a set of spouts possessing various different dimensions are provided for selective use under different working conditions. In an assembled condition, the spout is inserted through the supply tube and ejection aperture such that the inwardly and outwardly extending flanges abut in sealing relation, supporting the spout at the first end of the supply tube. After the supply tube is filled with mortar, a packing disk is inserted into the open end of the supply tube, and the supply tube and spout assembly is inserted into a slightly modified conventional caulking gun.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser for use by a vendor. The dispenser comprises a tank worn on the back of the vendor and having an insulated internal chamber for receiving a carbonated beverage to be dispensed by a pressurized gas in the chamber, a filling conduit for filling the chamber with the carbonated beverage, a pressurized gas supply for pressurizing the chamber, and an outlet nozzle. The chamber has a concave bottom wall with a small concave recess at its nadir. The conduit extends into the chamber at an acute angle to the chamber's longitudinal axis and has a port centered on that axis immediately adjacent the concave recess. The conduit carries carbonated beverage into the chamber so that the beverage enters the recess and quickly fills it with minimal foaming and so that the level of the beverage in the chamber is above the port to ensure that further filling of the chamber is also accomplished with minimal foaming.