Abstract: A device for filling packages (10) with flowable products in low germ level conditions in a clean room (9) is described, with a product line (26), a filler valve (11) and a filler pipe (8) projecting into the clean room (9). In order that filling, with a low level of germs, of flowable contents into packages (10) is made possible without formation of condensation on filler pipes (8) and preferably in addition cleaning of the device directly in place without a great deal of assembly, the filler pipe (8), in its inlet area on the inlet aperture (15) in the top surface (14) of the clean room (9) is surrounded by a sleeve pipe (28) fitted at a distance coaxially, with inflow apertures (29) for air which is dry and has a low level of germs, and means (2-7) for producing and supplying the air which is dry and has a low level of germs are provided in the inflow apertures.

Abstract: An oil drain kit for collecting used motor oil comprising an oil drain collection pan, having a bottom wall raised at the center and sloping to its marginal extremity where it is joined with a side wall having a radial flange at the top of the wall and which extends circumferentially thereabout with a downwardly extending edge portion. The bottom wall is provided at its extremity adjacent its junction with the side wall with at least three discharge openings, each with a funnel spout extending downwardly therefrom. The spouts are adapted to receive the necks of empty oil containers which connect therewith and serve as supporting legs for the drain collection pan. A tray receives the containers when placed therein and facilitates sliding the kit under the oil drain plug of a motor to collect used oil draining therefrom and for removing it when draining is completed.

Abstract: A dispensing container for viscous fluids formed of a tubular body having top and bottom surfaces with the top surface including a threaded outlet neck and the bottom surface including a recessed portion with a female threaded opening. The container is designed to operate in an upside-down manner to take advantage of gravity flow. A hanger ring is provided which pivots out of the recessed portion to suspend the container in an upside-down position. A plurality of bottles can be vertically supported by a dispensing manifold to yield different dispensing relationships.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically and evenly dispensing adequate amount of seeds into bedding compartments of a latticed and bottom-netted seed holder according to a ratio of volume expansion of seeds in the bedding compartment. The apparatus mainly includes a conveyor for forward moving latticed seed holders disposed thereon, a volume-based seed holder straddling the conveyor and having multiple fixed-volume through holes for accommodating seeds to be dispensed into the latticed seed holders, a seed feeding tank mounted on a rail rack over the volume-based seed holder for temporarily storing and dispensing seeds, and sweeping off extra seeds from the volume-based seed holder, and a seed storage for storing seeds to be supplied to the seed feeding tank. With the fixed-volume through holes on the volume-based seed holder, the amount of seeds in each bedding compartment of the latticed seed holder can be well controlled to avoid undesirable compression of seeds after they are soaked and expanded.

Abstract: An automated dispensing device is provided that dispenses a calibrated quantity of a fluid into a receptacle having a plurality of spaced-apart rows of receiving wells. The calibrated quantity of fluid is determined based upon a dispensing time and a dispensing scale factor that accounts for the viscosity of the fluid to be dispensed. The automated dispensing device can be configured with independently controllable nozzles for selective delivery of fluid. The automated dispensing device is particularly suitable for dispensing a calibrated quantity of ammonium hydroxide into the receiving wells of each row of a microtiter plate for oligonucleotide cleavage.

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 viscous liquid dispenser (1) having a dispensing container (6) with a dispenser bottom (2) having a multiplicity of drainage holes (3) a grooved track (5) within the inside wall of the dispensing container parallel to and above the dispenser bottom, and a slidable damming plate (4) having a multiplicity of drainage holes (3) which is mounted in the grooved track and is capable of sliding between a closed position (FIG. 2) wherein the drainage holes of the slidable damming plate and the dispenser bottom are not aligned and an open position (FIG. 3) wherein the drainage holes of the slidable damming plate and the dispenser bottom are aligned is provided.

Abstract: The fill system provides sterile air to the product tank and the cleaning box which creates a more hygienic environment for the forming, filling and sealing of cartons on a packaging machine. The fill system has a pair of offset reducers for facilitated positioning of the fill pipes in relation to each other. The fill system also has a tank atmospheric valve for maintaining the proper pressure in the product tank. The fill system also has a level probe for measuring the level of product in the product tank during a production cycle, and to measure the level of cleaning solution in the product tank during a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method of controlling the weight of granulated products on a multiple metering machine; the method operating on a machine performing a metering cycle in which at least two products are metered into a container; and the method including: a step wherein the dosage of each product is formed in a chamber; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is transferred from the chamber to the container; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is extracted from the chamber; and a step wherein the products inside the container are weighed at the end of the metering cycle.

Abstract: A natural gas distribution system includes a gas cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end. Protective collars are selectively connected to the cylinder ends. A valve is connected to the first axial end and is disposed within the first protective collar. The cylinder may be stored and transported in crates that have a plurality of compartments. Each of the plurality of compartments is configured to receive one gas cylinder in a substantially horizontal position. The crates in turn may be transported in delivery trucks that have bays with inclined floors and roll-down covering doors. An automatic air ventilation system makes sure that there is always air flow through the truck so there is no accumulation of any gas escaping from the cylinders in the truck. The truck may be equipped with refueling piping so that individual cylinders are refilled in the truck.

Abstract: A device comprising a transport table, a multiplicity of longitudinal holders that can move freely in relation to one another in a square or rectangular closed circuit past various work stations by means of transport devices, which have points of contact which fit into recesses in the bottom of the longitudinal holders and drive means. The points of contact in the transport devices, when engaged in the recesses of the longitudinal holders, move the longitudinal holders approximately one width of the longitudinal holders in the direction of movement though at least one feed cycle by means of a controller controlling the drive means. The quantity of longitudinal holders preferably does not exceed 100.

Abstract: The invention provides a container dispensing apparatus and a liquid dispensing apparatus. The container dispenser includes a housing, axial bores for receiving a column of containers and a central, axial bore, a vertical bar attached to and uprising from the housing, upright legs that are attached to the peripheral wall of the housing, a cover being positioned above the housing and having a number of downwardly extending rods and a downwardly extending, central pipe, a guide for the vertical bar attached to the cover, a pair of friction pads separating the guide for the vertical bar from the vertical bar while acting as a reenforceable break to allow lifting and lowering of the cover along the vertical bar, a handle engaged with the vertical bar, a fulcrum that is attached to the cover and that is engaged with and supports the handle. The liquid dispenser has a housing with a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a number of liquid dispensing openings that are selectively positioned.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the uniform dense pack filling of particles of a solid catalyst (6) in a tubular reactor, of the type comprising a plurality of vertical tubes (2) opening at their upper end at the surface of a tube plate, which connects them together and is substantially parallel to them, and having above the tube plate, a system for the uniform distribution in a falling rain of the particles of catalyst, the improvement including:an initial cylindrical wall adapted to rest around and above the tube plate, andcylindrical walls of successively smaller diameters (formed from the initial wall or separately) being also adapted to rest in succession on the tube plate in order to separate the tubes then currently completely filled with catalyst from the tubes not completely filled.

Abstract: A liquid crystal material filling apparatus which includes, in a vacuum chamber, a liquid crystal pot having a liquid crystal reservoir for storing a liquid crystal material. A groove part is coupled with the liquid crystal reservoir at a certain angle and contains a medium for holding the liquid crystal material. A filling jig cassette is provided to accommodate a plurality of liquid crystal panels having injection ports faced downwardly, and an elevation device is provided for moving the liquid crystal pot up and down. Also, a posture control mechanism is provided for switching a posture of the liquid crystal pot in accordance with the up/down movement of the liquid crystal pot thereby to cause the liquid crystal material to flow from the liquid crystal reservoir to the groove part at a raised position and bring the medium in touch with lower faces of the injection ports of the liquid crystal panels.

Abstract: An automated dispensing device is provided that dispenses a calibrated quantity of a fluid into a receptacle having a plurality of spaced-apart rows of receiving wells. The calibrated quantity of fluid is determined based upon a dispensing time and a dispensing scale factor that accounts for the viscosity of the fluid to be dispensed. The automated dispensing device can be configured with independently controllable nozzles for selective delivery of fluid. The automated dispensing device is particularly suitable for dispensing a calibrated quantity of ammonium hydroxide into the receiving wells of each row of a microtiter plate for oligonucleotide cleavage.

Abstract: A liquid crystal material filling apparatus which includes, in a vacuum chamber, a liquid crystal pot having a liquid crystal reservoir for storing a liquid crystal material. A groove part is coupled with the liquid crystal reservoir at a certain angle and contains a medium for holding the liquid crystal material. A filling jig cassette is provided to accommodate a plurality of liquid crystal panels having injection ports faced downwardly, and an elevation device is provided for moving the liquid crystal pot up and down. Also, a posture control mechanism is provided for switching a posture of the liquid crystal pot in accordance with the up/down movement of the liquid crystal pot thereby to cause the liquid crystal material to flow from the liquid crystal reservoir to the groove part at a raised position and bring the medium in touch with lower faces of the injection ports of the liquid crystal panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a filling system is provided. The apparatus includes a product filling machine having a top portion and a base portion. A conveyor is also provided for transporting containers to be filled in a conveying direction. The conveyor is arranged on the base portion of the filling machine. A fill pump system is arranged at the top of the filling machine above the conveyor. An adjustable mounting mechanism for connecting the fill pump system at the top of the filling machine and for adjusting the location of the fill pump system in the conveying direction is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid collecting and separating vessel comprising side walls forming a lateral enclosure, a bottom member attached to the lower perimeter of the side walls and including a pair of spaced apart fluid discharge openings and a pair of attached funnels, each having a hollow substantially cone shaped upper portion surrounding one of the openings and a walled drainage tube depending from the point of the cone, where the base of the cone is a closed plane figure congruent with one half of the lower perimeter of the side walls.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles are provided. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the are provided transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: A method for filling containers utilizing at least two filling members. The containers to be filled are placed in a receptacle and at least two filling members are placed over the containers with the apertures of the filling members corresponding to the openings of the containers to be filled. Particulate matter is then disposed on top of the filling members and passed through the apertures in the filling members filling the containers below. A scraper is used to push and/or pull the particulate matter off of one filling member onto the other filling member. The now clean filling member is removed and the containers which are now filled with particulate matter are removed as well. The particulate matter is then moved from the second filling member onto the first in order to fill the new containers under it. The second filling member now being cleared of particulate matter is removed and the containers under it which are now filled are then removed.

Abstract: A device for consolidating compositions contained in partially filled dual chamber dispensing cartridges includes a body having a pair of passages, and first and second couplers for connecting the body to first and second dual chamber dispensing cartridges. Once the device is connected to two cartridges, an applicator is connected to one of the cartridges and is used to expel any remaining compositions in such cartridge to chambers of the other cartridge. The contents of several partially empty cartridges can be consolidated in this manner so that a subsequent dispensing operation need not be interrupted to replace cartridges.

Abstract: A pouch packaging machine has a rotary filling head wherein pouches receive diverse fluent products from filling tubes. Adjacent filling tubes, and therefore adjacent pouches, are supplied with alternating flavors of products by a distribution deck having a separate channels for each flavor desired. The channels empty into a series of funnels attached beneath the deck. The funnel spouts are aligned with inlets to the filling tubes. The mouths of the funnels span substantially the entire channel to allow sufficient time for the product to pass from a supply device, through the channels, funnels and filling tubes and into a pouch before the pouch leaves the filling head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressurizing liquid contained within a single, food-grade container or a series of such containers from an external source of gas, and for drafting liquid from the container (s). CO.sub.2 may be used to carbonate liquids such as beer or soft drinks, or alternatively air or inert gases may be used in conjunction with non-carbonated liquids such as wine.According to a preferred embodiment the disclosed apparatus, which may be used with a single container or each one of a series of containers, comprises a cap screwed onto the container neck and a nipple assembly attached to the neck via the cap. The nipple assembly includes a body section and a plurality of nipples attached thereto. Each nipple has an outer portion protruding externally of the container, an inner portion disposed within the container and an interior flow passage extending through both portions. An annular seal is disposed so as to prevent fluid leakage between the body section and the container neck.

Abstract: An improved oil drainage and disposal device comprising a generally box-like container having a large opening formed eccentrically in one surface of the container to permit a plurality of oil containers to be inserted into the interior of the container for storage and to allow oil being drained from a vehicle to enter the container through the opening, a plurality of annular openings formed in a second surface of the container perpendicular to the one surface for releasably retaining the necks of oil containers, closures mounted in each of the annular openings and resiliently urged into a position to seal the openings, and funnels formed in the second surface about each of the openings.

Abstract: A dispenser refilling system includes a bulk container for refilling a cartridge of a dispenser, so that the cartridge need not be disposed of after a single use. The system preferably includes one or more fill tubes that are movable by lever operation for extension into the chamber of the cartridge when desired. Each fill tube couples to a piston in the cartridge and directs the component to be replenished in the cartridge chamber through a port in the piston. In certain embodiments, the system includes two bulk containers and a dual chamber dispensing cartridge, and structure is provided to prevent inadvertently reversing the position of the cartridge and for insuring placement of the containers in proper receptacles.

Abstract: For filling containers with a liquid product, the product is fed from a storage container to a manifold to which volume containers of given volumetric capacity are connected, and from which the product is fed to the containers. The outlets of the volume containers are fitted with point valves and the containers and the valves are blown clean by means of a stream of inert gas, so as to eliminate subsequent dripping of product therefrom. Remaining product which is not introduced into the volume containers is displaced by means of a gas stream to a collecting container and from there back to the storage container. The filled containers are advanced in a conveyor in a manner in which the containers are gently accelerated in their movement to a container sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A collection and separation funnel for urine, other body fluids, or environmental samples has dual downspouts so that liquid entering the funnel flows in part down a first downspout and in part down a second downspout. A centrifuge tube is releasably connected to each downspout to receive the liquid. This enables detachment of the centrifuge tubes for delivery to different laboratories. A stand releasably receives the lowermost ends of each centrifuge tube so that the device is free standing and need not be held at the time of liquid collection. A lid is provided for the funnel to facilitate its transportation, and individual lids are provided for each centrifuge tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a distributor system for wine and other alcoholic beverages, comprising in combination: an elevated distributor bowl for receiving a beverage poured therein, and provided with multiple outlet ports for discharge of said beverage; and a plurality of small drinking cups removably positioned beneath said bowl, to respectively receive a beverage flowing out of said respective outlet ports.

Abstract: A system for packaging, storing and dispensing discrete quantities of fluid has front and back sheets of fluid impervious material bonded together along seal lines to define a plurality of tubular containment channels including fill ports and discharge ports, and to define a filling manifold including a common fill port connected by a conduit to the separate fill ports. Each discharge port is provided with a frangibly capped, hollow dispensing tube and the seal lines further define cuffs releasably sealed about the dispensing tubes. After the channels are filled with fluid introduced at the common fill port, the sheets are further bonded to close the fill ports, and the filling manifold portion is removed.

Abstract: A grout distributing device having a body including a bottom wall and inner and outer sidewall assemblies which cooperate to define a common upwardly open grout receiving hopper in the upper portion of the body. The common hopper communicates with a pair of funnel-like grout distribution passageways therebelow which open through the bottom wall. The inner and outer wall assemblies are formed by trapezoidal plates, the inner wall assembly being disposed wholly within the confines of the outer wall assembly.

Abstract: Two or more of a bottle-cleaning operation, a bottle-filling operation, a cap-dispensing operation, and a cap-affixing operation simultaneously process arrays of equally sized containers in an x-y array by engaging the bottles with movable heads of a head-carrying assembly. The containers can be a compressed array of bottles or a case of bottles in a box or the like. The nozzles for the cleaning and filling operations, and cap-handling devices for the dispensing and affixing operations can be repositioned for change to a new container size, for example with motor driven positioners. At least a subset of the heads are displaced along the axes of the container array, into registry with bottle arrays of the different size bottles. Preferably, each operational system in sequence is independently controlled to effect a container size change, such that the production line can be changed to the new size as the leading edge of containers of the new size arrive at the respective operational system.

Abstract: A system for charging compressed air cylinders with air for breathing incorporates a fragmentation containment chamber having walls of 1/4" minimum thickness steel plate and a carousel mounted in the front panel for transferring the cylinders into and out of the chamber. Specially configured locking plates are moved in and out of locking position for the carousel in accordance with the pressurizing operation. A rotary valve serves to insure that compressed air can only be transferred to the cylinders within the cylinder when they are in position for charging and not to the cylinders outside the chamber. A grating at the bottom of the chamber permits high pressure air to exit the chamber safely in case of any malfunction. Safety interlocks and automatic controls operate in accordance with rotation of the cylinders on the carousel results in the easy, rapid and safe charging of the breathing air cylinders.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a dispensing manifold for repetitiously, timely, effeciently and evenly dispensing equivalent amounts of a gelatin-based solution into at least one container. The dispensing manifold includes a horizontal tubular member having a plurality of dispensing nipples mounted laterally thereon. A plurality of discrete dispensing areas are positioned along the tubular member wherein each dispensing area is comprised of one or more dispensing nipples. The design of the dispensing manifold and arrangement of the dispensing nipples allows for equal sized discharges of gelatin-based solution at each dispensing area, wherein the pressure differential remains constant at each discharge area.

Abstract: A liquid disburser device for simultaneously equally filling a plurality of liquid containers from a source of liquid including a top member having an upper funnel chamber section for receiving liquid and a lower liquid discharge column leading downwardly from the upper funnel chamber section; the lower discharge column including an inner diameter of sufficiently reduced size whereby liquid enters the discharge column from the upper funnel chamber in a filling equal amount; the discharge column having a plurality of equally angularly spaced tubular members spaced in equal distance about the bottom portion of the discharge column; the tubular members extending downwardly and having respective end portions adapted to be inserted into the inlet of a liquid container for conducting equal amounts of liquid from the funnel chamber into respective containers to be filled therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring out and filling a particulate or granular material comprises an intermittently drivable container conveyor extending through a filling station for a plurality of containers as arranged in a feed direction to be fed to and stopped at the filling station at a time by the operation of the conveyor, a horizontal feed roller disposed at the filling station and extending across the path of transport by the conveyor thereabove, the feed roller being formed in its outer surface with measuring pockets spaced axially of the roller and equal in number to the number of containers stopped at the filling station, a particulate or granular material hopper disposed above the feed roller, and a filling chute disposed between the conveyor and the feed roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributedly filling a particulate or granular material into containers has an intermittently driven container conveyor, and a continuously driven particulate or granular material conveyor extending across and positioned above the container conveyor. First chutes and second chutes are arranged between the container conveyor and material conveyor. The container conveyor comprises first holders and second holders arranged alternately in the direction of transport thereof and each adapted to hold containers C equal in number to the number of container transport paths, and is so driven as to feed one first holder to a first filling station and one second holder to a second filling station and stop the two fed holders at the respective stations at a time. A first particulate or granular material feeder and a second particulate or granular material feeder are arranged at opposite sides of the intersection of the two conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.

Abstract: A filling machine for containers simultaneously fills an array of containers, for examples immediately following depalletizing, and includes motor driven positioners for the nozzles to accommodate changes in the size of container being run. The containers are laterally abutted to occupy evenly spaced container positions, and the array can be compressed by a contoured push bar to force the entire array into registry. The nozzles are flexibly coupled to a source of material to be discharged into the containers, and are mechanically moved by actuators that displace at least a subset of the nozzles along the axes of the array. In this way the nozzles are moved into registry with the container array. The nozzles are also vertically movable relative to the containers, and each includes a valve opened by contact with a respective container, for discharging only into occupied container positions and not voids in the array.

Abstract: The ice dispenser 10 has disposed therein an ice bin 17 having an ice discharge port 17a at the bottom which can store a great volume of ice pieces. A fixed plate 29 having a plurality of openings 29a defined in one row not in vertical alignment with the ice discharge port 17a of the ice bin 17 is disposed below the ice bin 17. A measuring device 18 with a plurality of measuring sections, having predetermined dimensions and opening upward and downward, corresponding to the number of the openings 29a is disposed slidably between the ice bin 17 and the fixed plate 29. The ice pieces charged to the measuring sections 19 through the ice discharge port 17a are discharged therefrom and supplied to a plurality of glasses 12 positioned below the respective openings 29a by shifting the measuring device 18 so as to bring the measuring sections 19 immediately above the corresponding openings 29a.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically evacuating blood aspiration tubes has an arraying table supporting a number of stoppered blood aspiration tubes which are to be evacuated, an air suction needle for evacuating air from inside the stoppered blood aspiration tubes, and an arm supporting the air suction needle on a needle rest and moving it horizontally and vertically over the arraying table. A drive control moves the air suction needle downward into the stopper of each of the blood aspiration tubes in turn, causes the needle to evacuate air from the tube, then withdraws the needle upward from the stopper. A presser is mounted to a lower part of the needle rest and presses the stopper during the upward movement of the needle in order to maintain the air-tight stoppering of the tube.

Abstract: A process for continuously filling a fluid into a plurality of closed bags joined together in the form of an elongated sheet made of two superposed plastics films, the sheet having a baglike flat fluid inlet tube extending longitudinally thereof and formed by heat-sealing the films, the bags being arranged side by side along at least one side of the inlet tube and joined to one another and to the tube, each of the bags being provided inside thereof with a check valve of plastics film adjacent to the tube, the inlet tube being in communication with the bags individually only through a fluid channel of the check valve in each bag.

Abstract: A plurality of capacitors of the type each including capacitor elements with a very small gap between adjacent electrodes are filled and impregnated with a capacitor oil with the aid of a capacitor oil filling/impregnating apparatus. The apparatus comprises an impregnating chamber including a capacitor oil supplying portion, a charging/discharging platform having a plurality of capacitors placed thereon, and distributing/supplying means arranged above the charging/discharging platform so as to allow the capacitor oil to be supplied to the respective capacitors from above by its free falling-down induced by a dead weight of the capacitor oil itself.

Abstract: An in-line liquid filling machine and method of filling containers. In certain embodiments a a single row of containers is indexed past a plurality of filling nozzles which are in turn interconnected with a manifold which receives a single fill of material from a dosing structure. If all nozzles are dispensing simultanteously a total fill of material is received at one time, the nozzles distributing aliquot parts of the total fill to the row, with each container sequentially passing under each filling nozzle. If only alternate groups of nozzles are to be filling at any one time, the fill delivered by the dosing structure is proportionate to the total fill as the nozzles dispensing the fill are proportionate to the total number of nozzles. The dosing structure typically includes a single pump. Filling-time and indexing-time cycles typically are performed sequentially, but in certain embodiments they may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously filling a plurality of prefabricated cup-like containers having the same height with creamy food compositions, said device consisting of an outer frame which is higher than the upper edge of the containers, and of a cover plate which has a plurality of round openings (wells) conforming to the maximum diameter of the containers, said wells carrying tubular downward extensions which are longer by at least 3 mm, and preferably by 10 mm, than the difference between the height of the containers and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A plurality of pressure vessels are filled with acetylene gas by an apparatus which has a gas delivery conduit with a plurality of delivery connections. A drive mechanism moves pressure vessel supports from a loading station to locations where each pressure vessel is located at and conducted to a respective gas delivery connection. The gas delivery conduit is stationary, but its mountings permit horizontal movement to avoid damage to the apparatus if the supports are accidentally moved when the pressure vessels are attached to the delivery connections. When the gas delivery conduit is displaced more than a certain amount from its normal stationary position, power to the drive mechanism is automatically cut off. The supports for the pressure vessels are oriented to house the pressure vessels at an inclination which maintains them steady. The disclosed drive mechanism has two pneumatic cylinders for driving the supports along a slide of a fixed structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a spout and a method for simultaneously dispensing beverage into a plurality of drinking glasses or a single drinking glass. The spout includes a housing having a first portion defining a beverage receiving chamber with a beverage inlet for receiving beverage. The housing also has a second portion defining at least two beverage dispensing chambers, each of which has a beverage exit for dispensing beverage. The beverage dispensing chamber is in fluid communication with the beverage receiving chambers for receiving fluid from the beverage receiving chamber. The second portion of the housing has at least two spout sections, each of which defines one of the beverage dispensing chambers and one of the fluid exits.

Abstract: A filling machine including a manifold having a supply inlet and supply outlet and one or more nozzles connected to the manifold by individual time controlled valves. A circulation system is provided connecting a supply and the manifold for continuously circulating liquid through the manifold from the supply inlet to overflow the supply outlet such that the supply outlet determines the liquid level in the manifold and the head pressure at one or more nozzles. The manifold is structured to have a manifold section with a supply inlet on the manifold section and a stand pipe connected to the manifold section. The stand pipe includes the supply outlet and is vented to atmosphere. By varying the height of the stand pipe or the location of the outlet, the level within the manifold and the head pressure at the nozzles is adjusted. For sequential filling, bulk fill nozzles are controlled by a single timer and one or more fine fill nozzles are controlled by individual timers.

Abstract: The communion cup filler is a device that fills a full tray of communion cups all simultaneously in a matter of several seconds. It is made in one piece by injection molding. The rectangular central panel contains a number of conduits each leading to a drain hole. The top of the central panel supports retaining walls on all 4 sides. The central panel is angled to cause the base to tilt to the rear in an at rest mode. The inside of the two front legs, each contain a slide rail to allow a communion tray to slide down the rails. A stop barrier is located on the bottom of the central panel which stops the communion tray at a precise location relative to the holes in the central panel. A hollow nipple protrudes from each hole from the bottom of the central panel.The ribs on the top of the central panel run from each hole toward the rear containment wall but stop short of joining it. This leaves a reservoir area where a predetermined amount of liquid is poured.

Abstract: Apparatus for acid-filling and forming of storage batteries has a frame which is arranged to hole several storage batteries (30) simultaneously. In the frame a duct system (18-25) is in direct contact with the cells (35) of each storage battery (30) fixed in the frame. The duct system supplies acid simultaneously into each storage battery (30) and a circuit (13) simultaneously supplies charging current to the terminals of each storage battery with the electrical interconnection between the terminals of each battery (30) and the circuit (13) being made by installing the respective battery (30) within the frame.

Abstract: A modular fill assembly is provided for use on a filling machine. The assembly defines a plurality of individual product discharge flow paths each communicating with a common supply. A plurality of fill nozzles are carried by the assembly for each filling a separate container. Individual valves for each flow path are each operable between an open configuration permitting the flow of the product through the associated flow path and a closed configuration occluding the associated flow path. Each valve has a separate actuator for operating the associated valve independently of the other valves.