Abstract: A nozzle tip adapter has a suction duct, a supply duct, and a base body with a device end and a substrate end. The base body has a nozzle tip recess at its substrate end for receiving a nozzle tip and a projecting portion extending into the nozzle tip recess, wherein the suction duct extends through the projecting portion and the supply duct opens into the nozzle tip recess, wherein the suction duct is being at least partially surrounded by the supply duct. Further, a nozzle assembly and a nozzle are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a material handling, processing and milling facility which utilizes ball milling as a means for material grinding, mixing or mechanical alloying of materials. The system includes an automatic ball charging, agitating and indexing assembly, constructed and arranged to deagglomerate and directly distribute a plurality of grinding balls to the facility. Additional components of the system include an open raceway, in mechanical engagement with the automatic ball charging, agitating and indexing assembly, a bucket elevator for receiving the grinding balls from the open raceway and elevating them to a gravity fed transport system, at least one transporting device for receiving the grinding balls from the bucket elevator; and a ball mill for receiving the grinding balls from the at least one transporting device.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle assembly adapted for use in processing pressurized liquids, slurries, etc., which may carry with it particulate matter. A spacing between two nozzle members forms an orifice, and the size of the orifice is adjustable. The nozzle members are spring biased together to reduce the size of the nozzle orifice, but pressurized liquids processed by the nozzle counteract the spring bias force to increase the size of the nozzle orifice. When the force of the spring bias and the force of the pressurized liquid are at equilibrium, the size of the nozzle orifice is maintained. When adjusting the compression force of the spring on the nozzle members, the upstream pressure of the liquid can be adjusted accordingly. In flash evaporation systems, the nozzle can be employed to control the flash point of the liquid by controlling the pressure thereof.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: An expansion nozzle adapted for use in processing high pressure, high temperature liquids. A spring biases a nozzle head into contact with a nozzle seat, but the high pressure liquids processed by the nozzle move the nozzle head away from the nozzle seat to form an orifice therebetween. A motor rotates the nozzle head with respect to the nozzle seat during dynamic operation to grind particles lodged in the orifice. A threaded nut and a catch mechanism are effective to adjust the spring tension and thus the force of the upstream pressurized liquid needed to operate the nozzle. The nozzle can process liquids having gasses, slurries and high concentrations of particulate matter.

Abstract: A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

Abstract: A system for dispensing with a valve-less block including internal air passages coupled with an air source and internal dispensing passages coupled with a flow channel. The flow channel is disposed external to the block and couples with a fluid source. The dispensing passages are further configured in fluid communication with the air passages and place the flow channels in fluid communication with the air passages. A port is defined in the block to dispense fluid from the block. At least one sensor is coupled with each flow channel and indicates the presence of at least one of air and fluid in the flow channel. The detection of air or fluid ensures a location of a flow front of a fluid residing in the flow channel, and ensures the presence of an air gap that serves as a check valve to prevent mixing of fluids and to prevent backflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling containers, comprising an arrangement (7) for feeding filling material to at least one dosing system (5) forming a flow path (27) containing a dosing valve (29) that can be opened at least for the duration of the dosing processes, in order to distribute the dosing amounts of the filling material via at least one filling line (9), into relevant containers. Said device is characterised in that the dosing system (5) comprises an element (31, 33, 43) that is disposed in the flow path (27) downstream of the dosing valve (29), for selectively producing a suction effect in the flow path (27), and a control mechanism (39) that activates the element (31, 33, 43) producing the suction effect, according to dosing processes respectively completed by closing the dosing valve (29).

Abstract: An expansion nozzle adapted for use in high pressure, high temperature conditions. The expansion nozzle uses spring compression to operate under constant pressure conditions to efficiently flash hot water into steam. A motor can be employed to automatically adjust the extent of compression of the spring during the flashing operation, to thereby adjust the pressure of the liquid applied to the nozzle. In addition, the expansion nozzle can be equipped with a mechanism to allow cleaning or lapping of the orifice surfaces without disassembly of the expansion nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A dripless means for a fuel dispensing nozzle begins with a nozzle for dispensing fuel into automobile tanks. Regulations limit drainage of the spout to within ten seconds, met by the present invention that prevents fuel drops from exiting the spout. First, the spout retains fuel drops behind a dam made of a series of fins upon the interior of the spout. Second, the present invention has a bushing with a weir that works in combination with the damming. Third, the nozzle has a vent tube within the spout where a plug constricts its diameter to limit the fuel drawn into the vent tube. With proper use, the present invention retains fuel drops in the spout to meet the regulations.

Abstract: A high-speed bulk filling tank truck is provided, which permits reduction of the filling time. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck delivers a liquefied gas in a truck tank to a bulk storage tank, and recovers a gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank into the truck tank, thereby filling the bulk storage tank with the liquefied gas. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck includes a liquid feed pump, provided on a liquid line through which the liquefied gas flows, for feeding the liquefied gas in the truck tank to the bulk storage tank, and a gas compressor, provided on the gas line through which a gas-phase gas flows, for compressing the gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank and delivering the same into the truck tank.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A fluid discharge pumping apparatus includes: a drive mechanism; a cylinder; an outflow valve mechanism and an inflow valve mechanism coupled to the cylinder; a piston member inside the cylinder; and a piston-supporting member attached to the piston member driven by the drive mechanism to move the piston member. The inflow valve mechanism opens when the interior of the cylinder is depressurized, whereas the outflow valve mechanism opens when the interior of the cylinder is pressurized.

Abstract: A thin, flat device (10) for inserting scrapbook page device (22) for quick application of article protectors (20). The device is made of a flexible material, with a spine (12) so it can be repeatedly folded, without fracturing, tearing or cracking. In addition it provides a fast, easy and hassles free approach to applying article protectors (20). Not only does it provide a quick method of inserting it also protects a scrapbook page (22) from being torn, folded, bent or torn during the application of article protectors (20).

Abstract: An ink refilling apparatus for a cartridge of an ink jet printer comprises an injector and a refill holder. The injector includes a cylinder containing ink and a piston inserted into the cylinder. An ejecting protrusion having an ejection hole is formed at the cylinder. An enclosing protrusion surrounding the ejecting protrusion is formed at the cylinder, and is formed with a female screw around the inner periphery. The refill holder includes a base onto which a cartridge is seated. First and second supporting walls are bent vertically from both ends of the base to support the cartridge. An inserting protrusion having a male screw around the outer periphery to be teeth-engaged with the female screw of the injector is bonded to the first wall of the refill holder. An ink injection passage is formed through the inserting protrusion to communicate with an injection hole of the cartridge.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a chamber cavity having an inlet with an inlet check valve and an outlet with an outlet check valve. The outlet check valve is openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction from the chamber cavity out through the outlet check valve. The inlet check valve is openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction through the inlet check valve into the chamber cavity. A plunger is movable in the chamber. When the plunger is moved from a dispense position to a fill position away from the outlet and inlet check valves, it opens the inlet check valve and closes the outlet check valve and draw fluid through the inlet check valve into the chamber cavity. When the plunger is moved from the fill position to the dispense position toward the outlet and inlet check valves, it closes the inlet check valve and opens the outlet check valve and dispense fluid from the chamber cavity out through the outlet check valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for forward and reverse transfer of fluids through capillaries, consisting of at least one capillary, a pressure generating or housing means, which preferably includes a box, having first and second means for aligning the capillaries from one set of wells to a second set of wells, and applied pressure differential transfers small amounts of liquid uniformly and in parallel. A method of accurately controlling a desired volume of fluid flow is particularly useful for transferring liquids to and from a microtiter dish to a Capillary Array Electrophoresis Microplate having liquid wells spaced in a radially symmetric configuration, or for maximizing desired transfer of the like or improved novel enhanced patterned arrays.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.

Abstract: A valve for filling liquids into packages has a housing (1) with a supply connection piece (24), a forward mouth piece and an outlet device (16) in which a large number of outlet holes (4) is arranged. A closing member (3) is movably arranged in the housing (1), and can be engaged with a valve seat (23). Rear sealing devices (5, 7, 22) are also provided. In order to make possible a high volume flow of the liquid contents at low outlet speed without relative movement occurring between the package and outlet device (16) it is provided that the outlet holes (4) distributed over the whole cross-section of the mouth piece (2) are arranged in an outlet plate (16) which is configured integrally with the mouthpiece, and penetrate it in the direction (26) of the longitudinal axis (28) of the mouth piece, that the diameter and the width of the outlet holes (4) is larger than 1 mm and smaller than 5 mm, and that the length of the outlet holes (4) is greater than double their diameter and their width.

Abstract: Device for the refilling of a print head of an ink jet printer outside of the ink jet printer, with a holder, into which the print head can be inserted, wherein the print head includes an ink supply chamber, which is in fluid communication with the emission opening of a nozzle plate and which is vented through a ventilation opening, withan ink tank, which by means of a conduit and a coupling piece is capable of forming a fluid connection with a fluid tight sealing engagement with the ventilation opening,a receptacle container, which via a conduit and a coupling piece is sealingly engageable with the nozzle plate for establishing a fluid communication with a fluid tight seal,a pump with a reversible conveyancing direction, which is provided between the ink tank and the ventilation opening,control electronics, which works upon the pump in such a manner, that the ink is conveyed from the ink tank to the ink supply chamber so long, until the desired fill condition is achieved and subsequently the supply direction

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring liquid from a first tank to a second tank having supply line coupled to the first tank, a fill line connected to the second tank, a return line leading to the first tank or a sump, a pump for causing liquid to flow from the supply line to the fill line when the apparatus is in a fill mode, from the fill line to the return line when the apparatus is in a purge mode, and a programmable control for placing the apparatus in a purge mode in response to any one of the following signals, a signal indicating that the fill line is not properly attached to the second tank, a signal indicating that the liquid in the second tank has reached a given level, and a signal that the volume of liquid delivered by the pump is that which will fill the second tank to the given level. The programmable control detects leaks and checks whether the rate at which the pump delivers liquid is within a given range.

Abstract: A method of adding flavor essences, aromas, and concentrates to beverages. These essences aromas, and concentrates, or any other flavors or flavor mixtures are added to the beverage after it has been filled to volume in a container and just prior to the final sealing of the container with a closure or lid. A rotary liquid dispensing machine deposits small quantities of flavor materials and a vacuum scavenging system reclaims residual flavors from dispensing nozzles prior to a next filling cycle.

Abstract: A can filling machine having an improved mechanism to prevent overfill of the can. The machine includes a group of filling heads mounted on a rotatable turntable, and each head includes an outer tubular housing having an open upper end that communicates with a reservoir of the liquid, such as a beverage, which is intended to introduced into the can. A can is moved upwardly and is sealed against a cylindrical tulip that is mounted outwardly of the housing. A fill tube is mounted concentrically within the housing and the space between the fill tube and the housing defines an annular flow chamber for the liquid. Located concentrically within the fill tube is an air vent tube and the lower end of the air vent tube communicates with the can. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve which is adapted to engage a valve seat on the lower end of the housing. Located in the lower end of the annular flow chamber is a stack of horizontal discs which are spaced vertically apart.

Abstract: A filling nozzle comprising a vertical tubular nozzle body, and at least one perforated plate disposed at a lower-end opening of the nozzle body for preventing a liquid from flowing down under gravity by the surface tension of the liquid. The perforated plate has an opening degree varying from small to great from its center or the vicinity thereof toward its periphery or the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A bench top volumetric container filler is provided and consists of a mechanism to pump a predetermined amount of fluid from a reservoir into a container by using a volumetric piston pump operated by a vertical pump driving cylinder.

Abstract: A valveless, positive displacement metering pump is provided by the invention. Such a pump includes a housing, a working chamber within the housing, a piston within the working chamber, the piston including a duct defined by a portion of its outer surface, one or more inflow ports communicating with the working chamber, one or more outflow ports communicating with the working chamber, and a drive cylinder for simultaneously rotating the piston and causing it to move in back and forth strokes within the working chamber. The housing is rotatable with respect to the piston to adjust the timing of the fluid communication between the duct and the inflow and outflow ports, respectively. Such adjustments in timing allow the flow rate of the pump to be fine tuned, and allow each port to experience a partial suction as well as a partial discharge.

Abstract: An automatic conveyorized volumetric container filler is provided and consists of a mechanism to pump a predetermined amount of fluid from a reservoir into containers by using volumetric piston pumps operated by a pump drive cylinder. The containers are automatically conveyed to a plurality of filling nozzles for receiving the fluid therefrom so that after the containers are filled, they can be conveyed away to be capped.

Abstract: A device for vacuum-assisted transfer of fluid from one container to another via a conduit and having an occluder positioned between the containers includes apparatus and method for clearing fluid from the conduit downstream of the occluder by forcing the fluid upstream of the occluder.

Abstract: In a liquid filling machine wherein a liquid is fed in a specified quantity at a time from a metering cylinder to a filling nozzle by the operation of a piston housed in the cylinder, a device for preventing the liquid from dripping from the filling nozzle comprises a check valve disposed in the nozzle and movable upward or downward by a change in the internal pressure of the metering cylinder produced by the operation of the piston. The upward movement of the valve produces a negative pressure within the nozzle to prevent the liquid from dripping from the nozzle. The negative pressure is variable in accordance with the properties of the liquid by adjusting the stroke length of upward or downward movement of the check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a specified amount of liquid comprises a vertical tubular filling nozzle, a damper attached to the lower end of the filling nozzle and pivotally movable upward and downward, a vertical rod supported upwardly and downwardly movably inside the filling nozzle, a connecting member connecting the free end of the damper to the lower end of the vertical rod, a spring biasing the vertical rod upward to hold the damper closed against the gravity on the liquid within the nozzle, and a metering cylinder for feeding the liquid to the nozzle in the specified amount at a time to open the damper against the spring. An annular seat facing downward is formed on the inner surface of the nozzle approximately at the midportion of its height. A liquid channel blocking annular member is mounted on the vertical rod so as to come into contact with the seat simultaneously when or immediately before the damper is closed.

Abstract: A device for filling a specified amount of liquid comprising a vertical tubular filling cylinder, and at least one perforated plate attached to the lower end of the nozzle for preventing the liquid from flowing out of the nozzle by the surface tension of the liquid against gravity.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for packaging containers comprises a dosing device including a housing, a wall within the housing and reciprocable to draw in and expel a substance through an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of the housing, a rotary stepping motor which drives the wall, and a screw device which converts rotary motion of the motor to linear motion of the wall; and a control programmable to control the speed and stroke angle of the motor. The filled containers may be weighed in turn and the weight data used automatically to make any necessary corrections to the wall stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing arrangement for filling of liquid nutrient materials, in particular salad-like products having solid, respectively chunky constituents, whereby a cylinder-piston-unit is mounted for a return sucking operation substantially in the immediate vicinity of the outlet end of a mouthpiece, respectively a mouthpiece chamber. Thereby an undesirable postdripping is prevented also during the filling of liquid containing products having solid constituents. In particular this effect is achieved by providing the mouthpiece with a return sucking cylinder connected thereto at its lower end by way of a conical communication channel and a transfer piece for receiving at least a slitted sealing membrane or the like sealing element.

Abstract: A liquid flow system comprising a bidirectional liquid pump, a bidirectional electric motor coupled to drive the pump, and a liquid flow line having the pump connected therein. The system further comprises a motor control circuit connected to power the motor in either the forward or the reverse direction. The control circuit includes a switch for connecting the motor windings to the power lines, the switch being operable to instantly reverse the power connections when the motor is operating in the forward direction and thereby powering the motor-pump to an instant stop and then immediately powering the motor in the reverse direction. The pump thereby instantly reverses the liquid flow in the flow line and abruptly terminates the flow. To quickly start the flow again in the forward direction later on, a priming loop is connected to the pressure side of the pump, so that the pump is able quickly to develop pump pressure.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus includes a pressurized fluid source for pressurizing and supplying a fluid necessary for performing dental treatment operation and fluid conduits for conveying the pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid source and a handpiece communicate with each other by the fluid conduits and a valving member is interposed in the liquid conduit for sucking the liquid during in a direction opposite to the liquid supply direction when the dental treatment operation is terminated. A check valve is interposed in the liquid conduit between the valving member and the dental treatment tool provided at the extreme end of the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A valve device for use in filling cartons includes a tubular housing containing a valve member comprising a closure part co-operating with a valve seat at the lower extremity of the housing, and a driving part movably received with clearance in the housing. During the latter part of the opening movement of the valve member against a spring, the clearance increases smoothly and considerably, and the driving part reaches a force equilibrium position at which the clearance is considerable. Two grooves formed in the housing and the valve member immediately below the annulus of sealing bound an annular enclosed space for receiving liquid squeezed out downwardly at the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in plant equipment for directly supplying to a building element a binder comprising, for example, mortar of pumpable consistency and containing water. The plant equipment includes a vessel for ready-mixed binder, a motor-driven pump and a pump conduit (3) for supplying binder under pressure to a nozzle (4). In order to prevent liquid from being expelled from the binder when the pump is stopped, so as to leave a dry plug in the nozzle, means (18) are provided for maintaining the pressure in and adjacent the nozzle (4) at a level which coincides at least substantially to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling ink cartridges which are used in printer units of cigarette making machines has a frame which can removably support an empty cartridge in register with a stationary housing having a reciprocable plunger with axial and radial bores for evacuation of ink from a chamber in the interior of the housing. The chamber receives ink from a tank by way of a feed screw which is driven by a motor. The plunger reduces the volume of the chamber when it is lifted by the nipple of an empty cartridge, and the plunger then permits ink to flow from the chamber into the cartridge. When the cartridge is filled, a piston in its interior indirectly opens a switch in the circuit of the motor so that the feed screw is arrested.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously filling a set of microcups includes a corresponding number of storage vessels having capillary outlets projecting into the microcups. The distance between the outlets and the bottom of the microcups is adjustable so that the filling quantity of the microcups can be modified depending on the requirements. For discharging fluid out of the storage vessels into the aligned microcups, diaphragms are used which are connected directly to the storage vessels or to auxiliary vessels cooperating with the storage vessels and are acted upon by a pressure plate located above the diaphragms. By pushing the pressure plate against the diaphragms, an overpressure is caused above the liquid within the storage vessel so that at first an excessive amount of liquid is discharged into the microcups. Upon release of the pressure, the diaphragms return to their initial position thus drawing in the excessive amount of liquid.

Abstract: In a thermo-cementing and folding machine which has a suck-back facility, by which at the end of an adhesive-applying operation adhesive supplied through the nozzle (22) is sucked back into the nozzle so as to prevent `drooling`, auxiliary suck-back steps are introduced at timed intervals following the primary suck-back operation, through controlled amounts, in order to counter further risk of `drooling` caused by thermal expansion of the adhesive in the nozzle (22). The number of auxiliary suck-back steps is variable according to the adhesive supply rate at the time of termination of the adhesive-applying operation.

Abstract: A valve for applying a flowable material in which it is desired to provide a sharp cutoff in application of the material includes a valve body with a chamber therein in communication with a source of the material to be applied. A movable piston is positioned within the valve body and there is a passage in the piston opening to the chamber with the passage terminating in an application opening. A movable valve stem is positioned to open and close upon the passage chamber opening to control the flow of material to the passage and application opening. A negative pressure is created at the application opening at or immediately after closure of the valve stem upon the passage chamber opening to thereby provide a sharp cutoff in the application of the material from the opening.

Abstract: A metering apparatus including a metering pump having a vertical, elongate pump cylinder tapered at one end to a point, and a piston arranged for axial movement in said cylinder, facilitates transfer of an accurately determined volume of liquid from a first vessel to a second vessel. A method of transfer involves lowering the pump into the first vessel; with the point extending into the liquid contained therein; withdrawing the piston through a first distance such that a volume of liquid substantially exceeding the volume to be transferred is drawn into the pump cylinder; raising the pump slowly, until the pointed part of the pump cylinder occupies a position above the surface of the liquid; advancing the piston through a distance which corresponds exactly to the first and second distances so that the desired amount of liquid is dispensed to the second vessel.

Abstract: A dosing pump for metering a predetermined quantity of a displaceable material, usually a solvent-containing fluid substance, per stroke of the pump, comprises a chamber connected by an intake valve with a source of the material and with a discharge valve with a location into which the material is to be dispensed. The chamber is provided with a drive member, e.g. a membrane or piston, preferably actuatable by fluid pressure and, according to the invention, at least one displaceable member whose stroke is such that it corresponds to a displacement of material less than the displacement by the drive member and is effective upon retraction of the drive member to allow the material to recede slightly from the outlet of the pump without re-entering the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling caulking tubes in a clean manner with a liquid viscous composition wherein in the passage tube from which the viscous composition passes into the caulking tube there is attached a suck-back means comprising an air activated piston in a cylinder piston in a cylinder which retracts away from the passage tube when material is not being forced into the caulking tube so as to create a suction effect on the material in the passage tube and prevent it from leaking from the passage tube.

Abstract: A suck-back arrangement for a sanitary filling unit in which a threaded adjusting member adapted to be selectively moved into and out of the path of the valve member of the outlet valve assembly is in threaded engagement only with a support member disposed externally of the outlet valve assembly while an unthreaded portion of the adjusting member extends into an unthreaded bore of the outlet valve housing so that no threaded parts are exposed to or come in contact with the product dispensed by the filling unit.

Abstract: A continuously refrigerated, automatically ejected block ice machine having means to measure and supply a specified amount of water to a water distributor which appropriately directs each measured amount of water to each of a plurality of product cells in which the ice is formed, the product cells, being an integral part of the evaporator of a refrigeration system. The water which is permitted to enter the bottom of the product cell forcing up the frozen block of ice where it is harvested. Upon the completion of the water entering the product cell, means are provided to remove water proximate the cell to prevent freezing. The operation is automated through each of the product cells, each cell filled with new water and ejecting the frozen ice block, the new water permitted to be frozen and the operation repeated.