Abstract: A fingernail enhancement craft set having a base with accessories and tools for decorating fingernails. The base has five regions of progressively higher surfaces where each of the surfaces include openings, recesses or bins for storing items to decorate the nails. Such items include nail polish, glitter and stickers, as well as items useful when working on the nails such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, emery boards and tools. In particular, the tools are a magnifying lense and a fan. The first region at the lowest vertical level includes indentations for the placement of the fingers of the nails to be decorated. The remaining regions store or locate and support the accessories and tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nail management device and circuit therefor which can utilize an ultrasonic wave to thereby remove artificial nails from user's nails, separate the foreign materials under the nails, and massage the nails and hands of the user. The device includes: a case; a vessel body installed within the case, to receive a predetermined kind of solution therein; an ultrasonic wave generator installed on the one side of the vessel body, to generate an ultrasonic wave for producing oscillation such as a minute wave motion in the solution received in the vessel body; and a keypad for determining oscillation strength of the solution and as to whether the oscillation is generated in accordance with manipulation of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held nail polish removal tool for use in removing nail polish, The tool comprises a hollow base portion for receiving and containing nail polish remover. A cap portion is secured to the hollow base portion with the nail polish remover receivable into the cap portion from the hollow base portion. At least one rest member is secured to either or both the hollow base portion and/or the cap portion. A porous applicator material is removably secured to the cap portion with the nail polish remover receivable into the porous material from the cap portion and substantially retainable within the porous material such that contacting pressure of the porous material with a fingernail or the like releases at least a partial amount of the nail polish remover from the porous material onto the fingernail or the like.

Abstract: A system for applying artwork to fingernails has a computer controller, a hand mold to securely hold the user's fingernails, a device for determining the size and location of the fingernails, and an applicator for applying the artwork. A method for applying artwork to fingernails provides color and/or design choices selected from a computer media catalogue of colors and designs. A user views these choices on a video monitor, which also displays messages to guide the user through the application process. Prior to application of the artwork, the fingernails are coated with a light reactive base coat. The user's hands are inserted into a hand mold in which a height sensor and height gauge aid in positioning the fingernails at a preferred height position. The hand mold is retracted into a main system module in which an optical sensor detects the light reactive base coating for determining the size, peripheral shape, and location of the fingernails.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for adding height to the hair at the crown of a wearer's head, which system is easy to use. The system may comprise two hair inserts which can be identical to each other. Each insert is formed by attaching a natural-looking hair piece to the main bar of a comb. The system is inserted by the wearer gathering the natural hair at the crown of her head, inserting one insert from each side of the gathered hair, such that the teeth of the combs intermesh, frictionally engaging the system in the wearer's hair. Finally, the wearer's natural hair can be arranged over the inserted hair pieces so that the system is completely hidden from view. The system is typically hidden from view beneath the wearer's natural hair. However, as the system incorporates natural or synthetic hair covering the main bars of the combs, if the system should become visible, it will not be greatly noticeable or cause embarrassment to the wearer.

Abstract: A container for the treatment of a lock of hair has a base element with a central opening and adapted to be held against the scalp of a user with the lock of hair drawn through that opening. The lock of hair is received in a sheet of flexible material which receives a disk fitted into the base element and having an incision through which the lock passes. An upper portion of the sheet forms a funnel extending through an opening in a lid aligned with incision and the opening in the base element, the funnel receiving the substance.

Abstract: A hair clip device has an elastic retainer, and two clamp devices. The elastic retainer engages with the clamp devices. Each clamp device has a blocking plate, two oblong holes, and two protruded bars. The elastic retainer has a slot, two through holes, and two distal click plates. Each distal click plate has a recess. Each through hole receives an upper portion of the respective clamp device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ornamenting ornament stringing material such as hair is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tool having first and second legs. The legs are connected at a proximal end of the tool. A stop is associated with each leg at a distal end of the tool. In accordance with a method, an ornament is passed over the proximal end of the tool and along the legs towards the stops. Ornament stringing material is extended between the first and second legs between their connection at the proximal end of the tool and the ornament. The ornament is then moved upwardly along the legs of the tool and onto the ornament stringing material. The ornament stringing material is then removed from between the legs of the tool, leaving the ornament positioned on the ornament stringing material.

Abstract: A cosmetic holder assembly for detachably supporting a plurality of separate cosmetic containers. Each one of the separate cosmetic containers is provided with an internal cavity for housing a desired cosmetic container or a cosmetic and an application for facilitate dispensing of the cosmetic. Each one of the plurality of containers are releasable supported by the support member preferably by a frictional-fit engagement.

Abstract: A pomade stick applicator having a swiveling pomade advancing and retracting mechanism has a two-part base-cap container and virtually air-tight sealing features. These include an interfering snap fit between the container base and the longitudinally slotted inner body, and a resiliently deformable annular seal between the lower end of the helical internal cam and the inner body. This annular seal is urged into telescoping deformed sealed engagement by the container cap applied by the user. The interior of the cap seals the upper end of the shell fixed to the cam, and also provides an inner skirt interferingly telescoped with the upper end of the inner body, prevening swiveling. These seals enclose the pomade stick, blocking the escape of volatiles.

Abstract: Transparent plastic strips are dispensed one at a time for use in sampling cosmetics. Each strip has a facial feature outline, preferably lips, embossed, etched or printed on the strip for receiving colored cosmetic, preferably lip color, within the outline. The strips have extensions extending outward from the outline for grasping and holding the strips in front of the facial feature of the user, usually lips, to determine which cosmetic color or lip color, shade and gloss best suits the user's face and satisfies the user. The transparent plastic strips are disposable and are used to promote sales of cosmetics by encouraging sampling of multiple colors and shades. The transparent strips are disposable after use by a customer to provide sanitary conditions for the users and for the cosmetics available for sampling at a cosmetic counter. The transparent plastic strips may be blank. The plastic strip is then placed on a template that has a lip depiction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling deposit build-up on an interior surface of a dielectric member of a plasma processing chamber. The deposit build-up is controlled by selective ion bombardment of the inner surface by shifting location of a peak voltage amplitude of a voltage standing wave on an antenna such as a flat spiral coil of the plasma processing chamber. A region of high ion bombardment on the interior surface of the dielectric member is displaced by controlling the value of a termination capacitance over a range of values causing regions of low and high ion bombardment to move over the dielectric member in order to effect cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Dishes are cleaned by washing them with a cleaning implement which has been charged with the detergent in a solid block made from a formulation having a water-soluble alkali metal salt content of 15-60% by weight and a surfactant content of 10-70% by weight, said surfactant comprising 15-100% by weight of at least one amine oxide corresponding to the formula RR'R"NO .multidot.nH.sub.2 O in which R and R' are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, and 2-hydroxyethyl, R" is a primary alkyl group containing 12-16 carbons, and n represents 0, 1, or 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rinsing device for trocar sleeves. A rinsing and accommodating tube for a trocar sleeve integrated into a basket system may be pivoted from a horizontal rinsing position into a vertical equipping and removal position by way of a pivoting part which is pivotably mounted on a base. All disassemblable individual parts of the trocar sleeve are mounted in a basket system with point contact free of areas shaded to rinsing and may after assembly of the individual parts remain in the basket for sterilization.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing semiconductor and other devices, which can improve the quality of deposited films and increase the yield of produced devices in comparison with the conventional apparatus. The apparatus of the invention comprises a plurality of dry treatment chambers (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e), a transfer room (6) interconnecting the dry treatment chambers (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e), loading/unloading chambers (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), and a cleaning apparatus (13). The transfer room (6) and the cleaning apparatus (13) are directly or indirectly connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating apparatus (1) for the handling of objects, in particular containers (20), for example for the filling of the containers. The rotating apparatus comprises a stationary assembly (10) and a rotating assembly (14) which is rotatable with respect to the stationary assembly (10) and is driven by a rotary drive. According to the invention there is provided on the rotating assembly (14) at least one discharge opening (46) for the discharge of a cleaning fluid for cleaning a shielding wall (22) being stationary during the rotational operation of the rotating assembly and optionally for cleaning other stationary components (30). The at least one discharge opening (46) is connected to a stationary cleaning fluid supply via a revolving joint (42).

Abstract: A multiple-fold umbrella includes: a central shaft consisting of a plurality of tubes telescopically engageable with one another having a top or innermost tube having a smallest diameter or width and having a cross section formed with a plurality of quadrants each concave radially inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the central shaft with at least two neighboring concave quadrants converging to form a ridge portion and a socket defined between the two neighboring concave quadrants for storing a spring catch in the socket, with the tubes gradationally curving their quadrants radially outwardly from their concave quadrants to form a lowest or outermost tube having a cross section of circular shape for a smooth holding by the umbrella user; and a rib assembly consisting of at least a top rib, a stretcher rib, an intermediate rib, an outer connecting rib and an inner connecting rib pivotally connected with one another and connected to an upper notch and a runner on the central shaft, with the inner connecting

Abstract: A multipurpose recreational shade is designed for use in conjunction with a motor vehicle and is composed of two clamping frames each having an upright post to which a suspension arm is fastened, and of a canvas which is folded and unfolded by the two suspension arms of the two clamping frames. The two clamping frames are detachably secured to the fin plates located over the front wheel and the rear wheel of the same side of the body of the motor vehicle. The multipurpose recreational shade can be used for picnic or other outdoor activities, and the protection of the motor vehicle against the solar radiation.

Abstract: A roof tent for automobiles comprises a rectangular frame including first and second half sub-frames being hinged together, a canopy enclosing tent, a collapsible pole assembly for supporting tent including inverse U-shaped poles each having two equal parts consisting of a vertical and a horizontal poles hinged together, vertical poles further hinged together with first and second sub-frames, a rope assembly having two first ropes connecting second sub-frame and horizontal poles, and two second ropes connecting the vertical poles, an attachment mechanism being slidable on grooved rail of the vehicle, two cushion members for enhancing stability, and four stops releasably secured on grooved rails. This provides a roomy space for allowing at least four persons to sleep therein.

Abstract: A free-standing ceiling structure including an elongate column member having a bottom end and a top end. A plurality of primary arms are attached to the column member and extend radially therefrom. Each primary arm includes first and second sub-arms extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of peripheral panel members are respectively attached to and supported by a primary arm and by the sub-arms attached to the primary arm. A plurality of central canopy members are attached to and supported by the primary arms. A plurality of secondary arms extend radially from the column member and are located below the primary arms. The outer end of each secondary arm includes a light fixture. The column member includes one or more utility devices for providing environmental control and communication services.

Abstract: A shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members and to one another. The linking device is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method for an intelligent pressure regulator which maintains a fluid in a process at a predetermined pressure. The regulator includes an electronic controller which enhances regulator performance and provides self-diagnostics and communications capabilities. The electronic controller includes a pressure sensor which provides a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled, an adjusting pressure for adjusting the position of a throttling element; and a PID controller which receives the signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled and applies the adjusting pressure to the actuator in response to the signal.

Abstract: An improved automatic fill valve assembly that is readily securable in a level position for installation and that has inlets adapted to accept either a toilet tank fill valve or a float type valve inside of the housing of the fill valve assembly. One improvement comprises a flange that defines at least one anchor point so that the entire assembly can be secured in place to an adjacent structure during installation. This arrangement advantageously holds the automatic fill valve assembly in a level position while workers pour cement around it. Another improvement comprises the provision of inlets that can be connected to a water source and are adapted to mount either a float valve assembly or a toilet tank fill valve inside of the fill valve assembly.

Abstract: A pressure activated valve and associated methods of using same provide increased functionality and convenience in actuating a tool operatively positioned within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a switch valve is utilized to control actuation of a downhole power unit. The switch valve is configured to cause actuation of a switch within the downhole power unit in response to a differential fluid pressure. The differential fluid pressure is created by applying pressure to the interior of a tubing string to which the valve is attached.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.

Abstract: An improved weldable vapor vent valve assembly comprising a non-weldable (heat-resistant) valve body and a weldable connector portion attached to an upper end of the valve body for welding onto the outer surface of a polymeric fuel tank. The weldable connector portion secures the valve body in place using vertical anti-leak ribs extending downwardly from the weldable connector and upwardly from the valve body which mate axially in an interlocking, sealing fit. The anti-leak ribs form a labyrinth-type seal that prevents liquid fuel and fuel vapor from leaking between the assembled portions of the vent valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a valve container with a vapor inlet adapted for communicating with an interior region of the fuel tank and a vapor outlet, a baffle including an upper end coupled to the vapor inlet, an open lower end spaced-apart from the upper end, and a skirt extending between the upper and lower ends, and a float valve disposed in the valve container and movable between an opened position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the vapor outlet and a closed position preventing flow of fuel vapor through the vapor outlet. The skirt of the baffle includes at least one slot therethrough and the float valve is positioned to lie between the vapor inlet and the slot of the baffle when in both the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A sealing valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the interior surface of a tubular casing comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore therethrough. The valve body is formed for releasable connection to the tubular casing when the valve body is inserted longitudinally into the passage of the tubular casing. A valve seat is disposed on the valve body. A sealing assembly comprises a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing device is movable with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the bore in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the bore.

Abstract: A foam housing surrounds first and second water conduits and a drain conduit with the ends of the conduits projecting outwardly from opposite end walls of the housing. A tee-fitting is interposed in each of the conduits and is connected to a connector pipe projecting exteriorly of a front wall of a housing for connection to a sink hot and cold water lines and a sink drain line. Upper ends of the first and second conduits are closed to form air cushions. The upper end of the drain pipe is removably closed by a cap. The lower ends of the conduits project exteriorly of the lower end wall of the housing and are insertable through holes drilled in the base stud of a frame wall for connection to a building water supply pipes and drain pipe and in supporting the housing in a frame stud wall.

Abstract: A valve housing assembly for use with permanent watering systems for yards, gardens, etc. The watering system includes underground substantially rigid conduits for supplying water to the system and delivering water to the delivery units. The valve assembly interconnects the supply and delivery conduits. The valve assembly includes a housing supporting a control valve and having outlet and inlet pipes which interconnect with the valve and the inlet and outlet conduits. The inlet and outlet pipes are flexible which allows connection with conduits which are slightly misaligned. The pipes also have quick release connectors which provides quick connect and disconnect with the valve and inlet and outlet conduits. The valve mount is interchangeable between other valve mounts to accommodate a plurality of value case structures.

Abstract: A fill valve for controlling the filling of a fluid reservoir such as a cistern. The valve minimizes the time needed to fill the reservoir by maintaining maximum fluid flow through the valve until instantaneous shut off of the fill valve once the reservoir is filled. The fill valve includes a reciprocating valve head carried on a valve stem connected to a float arm for determining the fluid level within the reservoir. The valve head is disposed within an enclosure having grooves for conducting fluid flow past the valve head to create a back pressure behind the valve head. The valve stem seals a passageway through the valve head which operates as a pilot valve during opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A low cost diaphragm actuated absolute pressure regulator. The regulator comprises a housing having first and second sections that are secured together. The first section has a cavity and a diaphragm that seals the cavity and first section of the housing. An O-ring seal is disposed in a groove of the first section that seals against the diaphragm. The second section of the housing houses a movable and sealable vent plug that moves in response to movement of the diaphragm, and one or more vent openings for venting the interior of the second section to external pressure in response to motion of the diaphragm. The pressure regulator may be preferentially used in an upper atmospheric system that needs to maintain a specified pressure, but requires venting capabilities. Such systems include missiles that fly into the upper atmosphere.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body defining a flow path, a seat upon which a closure member may rest for blocking an outlet port of the valve body, and a spacer removably mounted in the valve body to provide at least one arresting surface against which the closure member may abut when displaced in an open position by fluid pressure. The spacer prevent the closure member from frictionally contacting the inner surfaces of the valve body.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved system and apparatus for providing emergency breathing air upon the failure or disconnect of a primary air source in a hostile environment. The invention comprises a compressed air source interconnected with a primary pressurized system which automatically engages when the primary air system falls below a predefined pressure range and isolates the secondary system from the primary system.

Abstract: A telescoping seal uses a split resilient gasket surrounding the slide pipe at the bottom of the tank. The gasket has a slanting outer side, mating with a slanting seat in a lower flange which is attached to the bottom of the tank. An upper flange compresses the gasket downward into the seat, causing the gasket to be compressed inward around the slide pipe, thereby providing a watertight seal which still permits the vertical sliding motion of the slide pipe.

Abstract: A valve main body is internally formed with a main channel extending from a rear end face thereof nearly to a first valve actuator, and two subchannels communicating with the main channel via second and third valve actuators, respectively. The valve main body has a slanting face extending forwardly downward and having the first valve actuator mounted thereon.

Abstract: A rapid connection coupling for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids includes a tubular housing, an outer sliding sleeve and a plurality of locking elements. The outer sliding sleeve is slidably mounted relative to the housing and the locking elements are attached to the housing and movable radially. The locking elements have an engagement profile for connection to a correspondingly formed connection nipple. A sealing piston is centrally slidable in the housing for engagement on the connection nipple, and a spring-biased ring piston is axially displaceable in the housing. The spring piston holds the sealing piston in a retracted position and is displaceably seated relative to the sealing piston.

Abstract: A latching, dynamically balanced, fluid control valve. The valve includes a housing which has a supply port, a cylinder port and a return port. Fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port is controlled by a first valve that opens and closes a against first valve seat of the housing. Fluid communication between the supply port and the return port is controlled by a second valve that opens and closes against a second valve seat. The valves are connected to a transfer tube that is coupled to a pair of solenoids. The solenoids can be actuated to move the tube and valves between a first position, which allows fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port, and a second position that allows fluid communication between the supply port and the return port. The solenoids are actuated by short digital pulses that latch the transfer tube and valves into either the first or second position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve comprising a circular frame (1) whose inner edge narrows to form flexible areas (3) connecting the frame to triangular vanes (2). The areas (3) form articulations about which the vanes pivot when the valve opens or closes. In the closed position, the vanes bear against one another and the assembly adopts a pyramidal position. The valve can be produced by the injection of plastics. The entire valve may be produced in a single part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes using in large scales liquid medium volumes is disclosed which passes a hydrodynamic liquid flow at a velocity through a flow through channel internally containing at least one element to produce a local constriction of the hydrodynamic liquid flow. The velocity of the liquid flow in the local constriction is at least 16 m/sec. A hydrodynamic cavitation cavern is created down stream of the local constriction, thereby generating cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles are shifted with the liquid flow to an outlet from the flow through channel and the static pressure of the liquid flow is increased to at least 0.85 kg/cm.sup.2. The cavitation bubbles are then collapsed in the elevated static pressure zone, thereby initiating the sonochemical reactions and processes.

Abstract: A temporary pipeline plug includes a cylindrical outer shaft defining an interior passage which receives and supports an interior shaft. A pair of pressure plates are adjustably supported at one end of the inner and outer shafts and captivate an expandable resilient member therebetween. The expandable member is expanded by compressive force between the pressure plates created by relative rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft. A multiply spoked anchor is secured to the opposite end of the outer shaft and an intermediate support member is rotatably supported upon the outer shaft to provide a safety support for the pipeline plug when installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber-reinforced rubber hose having an inner tubular portion made of a first rubber; an outer tubular portion which is made of a second rubber and surrounds the inner tubular portion; and a reinforcing layer interposed between the inner and outer tubular portions. At least one of the first and second rubbers is a carboxyl-containing acrylic elastomer prepared by vulcanizing a carboxyl-containing acrylic copolymer. The reinforcing layer is prepared from polyester fibers containing terminal carboxyl groups which are in an amount of up to 20 equivalents per metric ton of the polyester fibers. The rubber hose can be produced with a relatively low cost due to the use of polyester fibers. Furthermore, the rubber hose is superior in metal contact resistance and calcium chloride resistance, in addition to satisfactory heat resistance, oil resistance, pressure resistance and sealing capability.

Abstract: An improved vacuum hose includes an axial vacuum conduit having outer linear buttresses integral with the conduit and arranged radially around the conduit; the buttresses are strengthened by substantially orthogonal ribs. Buttresses and ribs are imbedded in a matrix of flexible plastic which provides support and increases the collapse resistance of the conduit; the whole assembly is covered by a tough casing which may be a separate component or a treated surface of the matrix material.

Abstract: A membrane for a seating structure including a plurality of groups of at least two adjacent and parallel strands of multifilament yarn and a plurality of monofilaments arranged in generally perpendicular interlocking relationship with the strands. The monofilaments weave alternatively above and below the adjacent strands in each group. A plurality of pairs of the monofilaments hold the groups of strands in place by having the monofilaments in each pair cross over between each group of strands. In one aspect, the membrane is attached to a frame member such that the plurality of groups of strands are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the frame member and the monofilaments are oriented in the lateral warp direction of the frame member. In another aspect, the seating structure includes the frame member and attached membrane.

Abstract: A fail-safe service machine for the power steering system of automotive vehicles includes a pair of pumps each driven by electrical power from a vehicle under service, and a suction/delivery probe extending into the power steering system reservoir of the vehicle, both to remove old power steering fluid, and to simultaneously deliver new power steering fluid.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid changer for connection with a cooling circuit of an automatic transmission, including a used fluid receptacle for collecting fluid pumped from the transmission and a new fluid receptacle for containing new fluid supplied to the transmission. The device monitors the quantity change in the new and used receptacles and regulates the flow of new fluid into the transmission in order to replace the used fluid expelled from the transmission with an equal amount of new fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an automatic machine for metering and filling, for example volumes of animal semen, in any packaging member, regardless of its diameter and the material from which it is made (straws, glass or plastics material catheters, all types of flask, etc). Essentially intended for artificial insemination of poultry, for example turkeys, this device nevertheless has an extremely wide range of application. For example, using a peristaltic cassette (12) (described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,679 filed by MALBEC), under the control of a digital controller, the machine enables small volumes of liquid to be dispensed with the greatest possible accuracy and very high rates of artificial insemination to be maintained. The objectives of the invention include a device for precise and fast metering of any fluid, primarily for use in animal husbandry and research laboratories.

Abstract: A multi-compartment container is charged with a plurality of doses of powdered medicament so that the volume of each dose is than that of the respective compartments in which it is contained. A respective protuberance is inserted into each respective compartment, which is then filled with medicament and the protuberance is then removed. The container may take the form of an apertured plate, in which case the filling step can be achieved by placing the container on a porous bed and in communication with a reservoir of particulate material, and then passing gas through the reservoir, the apertures in the container and the bed. There is also shown apparatus for performing the method, the apparatus comprising a reservoir for the particulate material and a conduit for relaying particulate material from the reservoir to the compartments, the conduit including protuberances which are insertable into the compartments to reduce the available volume of the latter.

Abstract: A self-closing cap for the fuel filler neck of a vehicle is provided which is particularly adapted for use with an automatic gas filling machine. The cap comprises a closure ring having an annular body and screw threads or bayonet lugs for detachably mounting the periphery of the annular body around the open end of the filler neck, and a closure flap assembly formed from a circular member with a nozzle receiving opening, a closure flap spring biased over the opening, and a pivotal mounting connecting the flap over the opening. The closure flap assembly includes a locking ratchet mechanism for securing the circular member over the closure ring in a selected angular position such that the pivotal mounting is substantially 180.degree. opposite from the pivotal connection of the restrictive flap within a filler neck of a vehicle to allow a fuel nozzle from an automatic gas filling machine to be smoothly inserted into and withdrawn from the self-closing cap.