Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nozzle assembly for the high-frequency dispensing of (small) volumes of a dosing fluid in a container, as well as a dosing system according to the nozzle assembly of the invention. The invention also relates to an improved volumetric device for a dosing system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an automated paper cone closing machine are disclosed. A paper cone closing machine may comprise a plurality of tamping rods, a pair of plates, and a plurality of ejection rods arranged above a tray shuttle. The plurality of tamping rods for compacting a material contained in a plurality of paper rolls removeably received in the tray shuttle in a row. The pair of plates for pressing on the top of each paper roll to flatten the top of each paper roll into a flap. The plurality of ejection rods configured to press on the flap of each paper roll to press the flap into a top of each paper roll into a dimple thereby closing each paper roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dose of aerosolisable material to a container of a consumable unit for use with an inhalation device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hopper for receiving aerosolisable material, the hopper comprising an opening in a lower end of the hopper; and a doser disposed below the hopper, the doser comprising a dosing cavity. The doser is movable between a first position in which the dosing cavity is aligned with the opening such that aerosolisable material is movable from the hopper into the dosing cavity, and a second position in which the dosing cavity is aligned with a container such that the aerosolisable material is movable from the dosing cavity into the container. A method of providing a dose of aerosolisable material to a container of a consumable unit for use with an inhalation device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An open fluid droplet ejection cartridge containing one or more fluids to be dispensed by digital fluid dispense system and a method for digitally dispensing fluids. The open fluid droplet ejection cartridge includes a cover having one or more openings therein, fluid funnels pending from each of the one or more openings in the cover, a chamber separator attached to the fluid funnels for directing fluid to one or more fluid chambers, a fluid overflow chamber for fluid overflow from the one or more fluid chambers, fluid vias associated with each of the one or more fluid chambers, and a plurality of fluid ejection devices adjacent to the fluid vias on a single semiconductor substrate in fluid flow communication with the fluid vias.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an automated paper cone closing machine are disclosed. A paper cone closing machine may comprise a plurality of tamping rods, a pair of plates, and a plurality of ejection rods arranged above a tray shuttle. The plurality of tamping rods for compacting a material contained in a plurality of paper rolls removeably received in the tray shuttle in a row. The pair of plates for pressing on the top of each paper roll to flatten the top of each paper roll into a flap. The plurality of ejection rods configured to press on the flap of each paper roll to press the flap into a top of each paper roll into a dimple thereby closing each paper roll.

Abstract: A method and device to deliver medication in a liquid, gel or suspension formulation to a plurality of adjacent tissue sites of a mammal, the device comprising a plurality of tissue-engaging members for receiving the medication and operably engageable with the plurality of tissue sites; means for supplying the tissue-engaging members with the formulation, and to temporarily sustain and control the rate of therapeutic agent/unit of time and preferably to sustain these controlled delivery rates over extended periods of time to enhance the local therapeutic effect of these therapeutic agents and to reduce the systemic toxicity and reduce unwanted side effects.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a deforming element-included dispensing tip, a deforming element-included dispensing device, and a deforming element-included dispensing processing method not requiring any cylinder and capable of achieving highly precise position control and enhancing integration of higher density and reducing the burden in the quality control in reaction processing of a biological material for extraction of DNA and the like. A tip-shaped container formed with a non-deforming wall having an opening portion at an upper side and an inlet unit at a lower side for allowing fluid to flow in and flow out and a sealing plug attached to the opening portion so as to seal the opening portion are provided, and the sealing plug is configured to be provided with a deforming element.

Abstract: Cradles for draining liquid from containers are described herein. An example apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open top. The housing is to receive a container having liquid. The example apparatus includes a probe extending upward from the bottom wall toward the open top and is to drain the liquid from the container when the probe is inserted into the container. The example apparatus also includes a sliding lock slidably disposed within the housing that receives a cap or top of the container when the container is inserted into the housing. The sliding lock includes a key slot. The sliding lock is movable when a cap or top of the container has a matching key that engages the key slot, which enables the sliding lock to move downward to expose the probe and drain the liquid from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the removal of fluids and vapors in containment, from adjacent surfaces including supporting flat surfaces and substrates, such as protein spots printed in arrays and micro-array formats. This method and device removes fluids and vapors under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling uniform phases for degree of drying incurred by objects, specimen and structures, including tissues, adsorbed particles and biological substrates, while reducing and preventing impact of meniscus phase surface tension forces.

Abstract: A dosing method and apparatus for filling containers in an automatic in-line or linear liquid filling machine where a single positive displacement dosing apparatus produces a repeatable volumetric or net weight master dose which is precisely subdivided hydraulically into a plurality of equal and repeatable subdoses. Each equal subdose synchronously fills a container such that with each dosing apparatus cycle all containers are simultaneously and equally filled. A precision dose control is located in each subdose flow branch.

Abstract: An intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products is provided. The machine consists of a conveying wheel having a group of pockets distributed according to at least two mutually parallel rows and a feeding device for feeding a capsule into each pocket. The feeding device has a hopper for containing the capsules, at least two rows of extraction channels of the capsules from the hopper, and a plurality of orienting channels adapted to transfer each capsule from the respective extraction channel to the relative pocket. Each oriental channel is provided with at least two respective inlet portions, which are aligned to two extraction channels of two different rows, and are limited by respective bottom walls that are mutually parallel and distinct.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for parallel dispensing of powder samples is described. Powder samples are dispensed into at least two powder sample holders, each said sample holder having a through passage which preferably generally tapers from a first aperture through which powder is introduced into said passage and a second aperture through which powder, when permitted to do so, flows from said passage. The lower apertures of the sample holders are preferably sealed using a resilient film. The powder samples are dispensed by substantially simultaneously perforating the film covering each aperture and agitating the powder samples to cause them to flow from their respective sample holders. Also disclosed are a method of generating a library of powder samples and a library of powder samples.

Abstract: A container to contain fluid products, installed in a dispensing machine for fluid products, which is provided with a pair of delivery stations which have respective axes of delivery (X1) arranged at a determinate distance (D1) from each other. The container comprises an outer wall shaped so as to define an inner compartment consisting of two cylindrical zones connected by an intermediate zone. The distance (D2) between the longitudinal axes (X2) of the two cylindrical zones is substantially equal to the determinate distance (D1) between the axes of delivery (X1).

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.

Abstract: An automated apparatus that sterilizes and refills beverage containers with filtered water and any number of additives or ingredients such as nutrients, health supplements, caffeine, flavorings, vitamins, sweeteners, coloring agents, medicines, etc. The apparatus allows consumers, including home consumers, to produce, customize and “bottle” their own flavored and fortified filtered water.

Abstract: A bottle refilling device that allows an individual to fill a number of bottles at the same time, with the number of bottles preferably being between 12 to 24 bottles. The device has the shape of a flat panel and has an inlet on the top surface of the flat panel to which a funnel can be attached. A series of disbursement nipples are attached to the bottom surface of the flat panel, to which a number of containers can be attached. Each of the containers can be attached to a particular nipple through engagement with a two-part clamp associated with each nipple. A locking slide system is attached to each of the clamps, allowing the clamps to remain in either a closed position or an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dispensing fluid into plant protection devices. A plant protection device has a plurality of flexible longitudinal tubes configurable to surround and protect a plant. A rigid, substantially cylindrical structure with a bottom end and a top end is provided to support the tubes during filling. A manifold is connected to the top end of the cylindrical structure and includes at least an inlet port that is configured to receive fluid into the manifold. A plurality of outlet ports are connected to the manifold and are configured to dispense fluid simultaneously out of the plurality of the outlet ports into the plurality of longitudinal tubes of the plant protection device.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. 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 transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.

Abstract: In a continuous machine for filling containers with at least one powdered product, each container is fed along a path phased with a corresponding metering device, which transfers the product from a tank to the container, and has a cylinder and a piston axially movable under the bias of corresponding tappets engaged in corresponding cams; the cam of the piston having a horizontal segment, which keeps the piston on the upper surface of the product during the insertion of the cylinder into the product itself, and whose vertical position is selectively controlled according to a height of the product in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.

Abstract: An installation for packaging tablets in a blister strip moving beneath a bulk feed device for tablets, the installation includes a distribution system comprising a mounting stand (1) for motorized control elements which has an attachment surface (100) provided with at least two sets of fixing members (41, 42) for detachably mounting thereon at least two interchangeable distribution units, each in working relationship with at least some of said motorized control elements in order to drive corresponding parts to execute the distribution of the tablets between the bulk feed device and the blister strip. Such interchangeable units may preferably include at least one dispersion-based distribution unit with rotating brushes in succession above the travel path of the blister strip, and at least one channel-based distribution unit with descending guide ramps for the tablets.

Abstract: A device for accurately metering food. The device includes an outer part and an inner metering part having a dosing chamber and a piston block slideably mounted therein. The housing outer part has three passageways, and the dosing chamber is configured, dimensioned, and positioned to alternately connect two of the three passageways of the outer part. The inner metering part is configured, dimensioned and positioned for rotation within the outer part. The outer housing part and the inner metering part are mounted concentrically with the inner metering part and the inner metering part has only one degree of liberty in rotation around a central axis of rotation.

Abstract: A refill apparatus for multiple containers is provided, which comprises a single piece, integrally molded primary container for holding matter. The basin of the container is comprised of a bottom with a plurality of apertures that are arranged in rows and columns for allowing drainage of matter from the containment portion through the apertures. The plurality of apertures are integrally molded and coupled with an upper portion of a corresponding number of conduits that are commensurately arranged in rows and columns along an exterior of the bottom for allowing matter from the containment portion to flow and drain into a lower portion of the conduits, which are comprised of discharge tubes for facilitating simultaneous flow and depletion of matter out of the containment portion and into a secondary set of containers.

Abstract: A capillary filling system automatically plucks capillaries from a capillary roll, and transports them to a filling station where the capillaries are filled with compounds. The filled capillaries are then fixed on a template where they are then ready to be used for experimentation. A method of filling the capillaries is also disclosed.

Abstract: The pneumatic greasing system is a grease delivery system specially designed to accommodate the standard commercial grease cartridges already on the market. In order to accomplish this the present invention comprises a cylindrical barrel comprising a cylindrical chute shaped to receive common cartridges. Either end of said barrel is attached to funnel shaped members that in turn have outlets. Inserted within said barrel is a circular disc comprising a rubber O-ring attached to its circumference. In one embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by pressurized air impacting said disc. In a second embodiment the grease is driven from the barrel by suction applied by a pump against the surface of said disc.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for the simultaneous filling of precise quantities of viscous liquid material to a plurality of containers in a sanitary environment, including a sanitary pump for delivering under pressure the viscous liquid material to a viscous liquid material manifold, a pump pulsation dampening assembly for dampening any pulsating output produced by the sanitary pump, and a plurality of fill valves for simultaneously dispensing a precise amount of viscous liquid material to the containers during a filling operation.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for loading solid particles into a multi-tube reactor having an upper tube-sheet holding together the upper ends of the multitude of reactor tubes, the method comprising positioning a loading device having a plurality of holes on top of the upper tube-sheet such that the loading device rests on and substantially covers the upper tube-sheet and the holes correspond to the reactor tubes, the loading device comprising a plurality of adjacent polygonal plates, each polygonal plate having from 1 to 30 holes, each hole corresponding to one reactor tube; pouring the particles over the combined polygonal plates covering the tube-sheet; sweeping the particles through the holes in the plates into the respective reactor tubes; removing residual particles and any dust remaining on and between the plates; and removing the loading device.

Abstract: Fluids disposal symbiotic apparatus represents system and method helping technician, lube professional, hobbyist, as well as automotive, aircraft or marine vehicle subject matter specialist quickly yet conveniently change and dispose oil, transmission and/or other fluids, including fresh and wasted, avoiding oil exchange mess by utilizing a symbiotic multifunctional fluid disposal apparatus for collecting, storing and dispensing diversity of waste fluids. Said apparatus equipped with plurality of intake funnel, control valves, and output hoses or nozzles, to symbiotically input and accommodate coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid or other drainage liquid configurations, and adapt to original set of emptied bottles or plastic containers as an output configuration hosted in an original box, thus ensuring an operator may safely, cleanly and conveniently drain, collect and accurately dispose waste fluids.

Abstract: Device for supplying additives (A, B, C) and machine for filling containers (4) with a fluid product (6) supplied to delivery heads (5) by means of a header (7; 7; 107) and distribution ducts (7a; 7b) comprising means (10a, 10b, 10c, 11; 110A, 110B, 110C, 11) for supplying said additives (A, B, C) to the said header (7; 7; 107) receiving the base product (6).

Abstract: A continuous machine for filling the bottom shells of capsules with at least one product has a conveyor for feeding the bottom shells along a given path; and at least one metering wheel having a number of metering devices, each for supplying a relative bottom shell with a given quantity of product withdrawn from a container, which is mounted eccentrically with respect to the metering wheel and is supplied by means of at least one conduit extending downwards inside a space enclosing the container and the metering wheel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. 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 transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: A proportioning head comprising a head plate, a multiplicity of pipette tips in plastic in a matrix array the tip apertures of which are disposed below the head plate and which are mounted at top of the head plate wherein the upper apertures of the pipette tips are accessible from the upper surface of the head plate, and a centering plate which has a multiplicity of centering holes in the same matrix array as have the pipette tips the inner diameter of which is tailored to the outer diameters of centering portions of the pipette tips disposed below the head plate in such a way that the centering plate is adapted to the pushed onto the centering portions while aligning the centering portions of the pipette tips onto the matrix array of the centering holes.

Abstract: The processing system for preparing and filling beverage containers with ice and liquid. The beverage processing system simplifies the task of filling multiple glasses, cups or like containers with ice and a beverage, in a short time period, which is required with large crowds at restaurants and banquets. The system features three components including an ice tray, a glass inverter, and a glass filler, which in the best mode combine to the task of filling such beverage containers. Each component might also be used individually to significantly enhance the current art of beverage container filling with ice and liquids.

Abstract: An automated pharmaceutical package machine fills a product package filling guide positioned above a solid pharmaceutical product package having a plurality of cavities corresponding to positions of the filling guide. The automatic filling machine includes a mechanism for vertically displacing the product package to be filled toward the filling guide. Various guide members or plates are utilized in order to pre-fill filling templates so that each of the cavities of a product package may be simultaneously filled.

Abstract: A proportioning head comprising a head plate, a multiplicity of pipette tips in plastic in a matrix array the tip apertures of which are disposed below the head plate and which are mounted at top of the head plate wherein the upper apertures of the pipette tips are accessible from the upper surface of the head plate, and a centering plate which has a multiplicity of centering holes in the same matrix array as have the pipette tips the inner diameter of which is tailored to the outer diameters of centering portions of the pipette tips disposed below the head plate in such a way that the centering plate is adapted to the pushed onto the centering portions while aligning the centering portions of the pipette tips onto the matrix array of the centering holes.

Abstract: A powder material supply device is able to supply powder material to a mold system equally and accurately to produce a fuel cell separator of high surface accuracy, thereby producing a high performance fuel cell. The powder material supply device includes a material supplier which is provided with a plurality of supply openings in a downward direction, a slide plate provided at the lower part of the material supplier and is slidable between a location where all of the supply openings are closed and another location where all the supply openings are opened, and a base to support the material supplier and the slide plate. The base has a single opening with a size substantially corresponding to a size of all of the supply openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The apparatus has a metering disk that rotates in advancing steps, with bores disposed in its base. The bores which cooperate with tamping plungers that move up and down. The tamping plungers are disposed on a common tamping plunger support and when inserted into the bores, compress the powder into compressed pellets. In order to detect breakage of the springs and in order to be able to make a statement as to the mass of the compressed pellets, means are provided which detect the spring path of the tamping plungers immediately preceding the ejection plungers.

Abstract: A method and an installation for controlling the filling of containers (5) with a flowable product in a filling installation has a product reservoir (1) and a filling unit (3) for simultaneously filling several containers (5). The method consists in: measuring the total real flow rate of product delivered by the filing unit (3) to the whole set of containers (5); detecting the number n of containers (5) being filled in the filling unit (3); displaying a theoretical flow rate q of the individual filling of the containers (5); comparing the total real flow rate measured and the theoretical flow rate n.q; and, correcting, if necessary, the total real flow rate to make it coincide with the theoretical flow rate. The operation of the installation is thereby adapted to the exact number of containers being actually filled simultaneously, with no significant variations of real individual filling flow rates.

Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single stream of long, cooked noodles into a plurality of product streams. The system includes an inlet conduit for receiving the stream of cooked noodles, a rough portioner for dividing the stream of noodles into discrete portions, and a diverter mechanism which selectively directs the discrete portions into one of two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the noodles into any number of final outlet streams. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the noodles and place them into containers. A computerized logic controller can accommodate the failure of any one or more container filling machines by stopping flow to any combination of final outlet conduits while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the remainder of the system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. A powder slug is formed, preferably under vacuum, in a dosing hole formed in a dosing plate. The powder slug represents a precisely metered amount of material to be deposited into the container. The dosing plate is translated to a position such that the powder slug is above, and may be expelled into, a container located in a dosing wheel that has been moved into proper position for container filling to occur. In another embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling.

Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single stream of long, cooked noodles into a plurality of product streams. The system includes an inlet conduit for receiving the stream of cooked noodles, a rough portioner for dividing the stream of noodles into discrete portions, and a diverter mechanism which selectively directs the discrete portions into one of two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the noodles into any number of final outlet streams. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the noodles and place them into containers. A computerized logic controller can accommodate the failure of any one or more container filling machines by stopping flow to any combination of final outlet conduits while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the remainder of the system.

Abstract: A device for feeding tablets in a blister packaging machine includes a vibrating container containing a mass of tablets. The vibrating container features a bottom wall, one portion of which includes tablet feeding channels, communicating with related slots made in the bottom wall. The slots communicate with the conveying means, which feed the tablets along a predetermined feeding path and release the tablets into respective blisters of a blister band. The blister band moves in a determined direction inside the packaging machine. The conveying means include a plate with a plurality of grooves, arranged one beside another and a covering element. The covering element is coupled with said plate, so as to move with respect thereto and includes transversal wings, each of which is situated inside a respective groove of the plate, so as to define a respective channel for conveying said tablets.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The apparatus has a metering disk that rotates in advancing steps, with bores disposed in its base. The bores which cooperate with tamping plungers that move up and down. The tamping plungers are disposed on a common tamping plunger support and when inserted into the bores, compress the powder into compressed pellets. In order to detect breakage of the springs and in order to be able to make a statement as to the mass of the compressed pellets, means are provided which detect the spring path of the tamping plungers immediately preceding the ejection plungers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.