Abstract: A liquid collection apparatus for easily collecting and disposing of liquid waste such as oil. The liquid collection apparatus includes a container member having end walls, an open top, and a bottom wall which has a first and second side portions which are slanted downwardly and toward a centrally-disposed longitudinal channel with the bottom wall being slanted downwardly from one end wall to the other end wall; and also includes a spigot member securely disposed in the other end wall; and further either includes a plurality of compartments disposed inside the container member and being spaced above the bottom wall with a screen member disposed between the bottom of the compartments and the bottom wall or includes a base member having pole-like support members extending upwardly therefrom with each pole-like support member having branch members which are adapted to support an upside down liquid-containing member.

Abstract: A funnel usable for transferring relatively viscous fluids from one container to another. The funnel includes either extending posts or threaded walls which are engageable with the container from which the fluid is to flow. The funnel may have a tubular section to fit into the neck of a receiving container of comparable size, such a section may give added stability to an upper part of the arrangement.

Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a needle. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and the needle passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The needle is attached to one of the adapters for support and provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The needle also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the user.

Abstract: A carburetor float bowl drain screw and recovery system includes a retaining screw having a threaded forward end, an intermediate portion having a plurality of transverse holes leading to an axial channel and an internally threaded end portion terminating in a hex head. An externally threaded insert engages the end portion and includes a tapered forward portion which engages tapered internal walls on the retaining screw to effect a seal, an internal channel and a hexagonal rear portion terminating in a cylindrical end for coupling a fuel line thereto. When the insert is loosened fuel flows through the holes in the screw into the screw channel and then outwardly through the insert channel to a fuel line. The fuel bowl may thus be safely drained.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for draining bodily fluid from a container, such as a suction canister.

Abstract: A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the drainage of contents from a second drum or vessel into a first drum or vessel, including a first supporting member for supporting the first vessel and a second supporting member for supporting the second vessel, and a lifting mechanism for lifting the second vessel over and in tilted relation to the first vessel, and maintaining the second vessel in the raised, tilted position to permit the emptying of contents into the first vessel, the lifting mechanism including a hydraulic lifting device.

Abstract: A frangible closure has a closure sheet having a central weakness formed substantially though a medial portion. The central weakness has a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness so as to resist shearing of the central weakness. A lateral skirt surrounding the closure has at least a partial radial weakness therebetween for cooperating with the central weakness and enabling the central weakness to fracture.

Abstract: A container for photochemical materials has a frangible closure. The frangible closure has a central weakness and a central portion having a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness. A radial weakness connects with the central weakness enabling the central weakness to collapse in response to an applied predetermined force.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system suitable for emptying a container or flask closed by a liquid-tight removable frangible closure obtained from a material that can be recycled. Photoprocessing materials are transferred from a first container having the frangible container into an adjoining second container. The frangible closure has a single closure sheet fixed to a lateral skirt for mounting the frangible closure on the spout of the flask, for example with a screw. The flask is emptied by tipping the flask onto a perforation device that perforates a central weakness in the closure sheet which connects with a radial weakness at the seam of the closure sheet and lateral skirt, allowing for lower puncture forces.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use in extracting liquid, such as water, from a container of the type which is inverted into a position above a reservoir. The device includes probe which is of simple construction and wherein the surfaces of the probe are exposed and readily observed or inspected. In a preferred embodiment, the probe has a cruciform cross-section through which water may flow when the probe is inserted into an inverted water bottle to separate an inner cap from a sleeve in the center of the closure of the bottle. The probe is supported by and projects from a base which has apertures through which water may flow into a reservoir of the dispenser with which the probe is used. If the probe is a replacement part for an existing dispenser, as opposed to being designed and sold as part of a new dispenser, the base which supports the probe may have an externally threaded cylindrical or cup-shaped portion extending in a direction opposite to that of the probe.

Abstract: The invention resides in fluid transfer device having an inverted funnel at its top and a conically downwardly tapered funnel at its bottom with a collecting portion formed about generally its midspan. The upper inverted funnel has a longitudinal slot formed therewithin and an opening is formed in the collecting portion allowing fluid to pass between the upper container and the lowermost container and the slot allows the upper inverted funnel to be circumferentially compressed against the interior surface of a container so as to act as a fluid conduit therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting adapter and related bottle cap are provided for use in a bottled water cooler having an upwardly open reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The mounting adapter comprises a compact housing for press-fit installation into an upper region of the reservoir, wherein the adapter housing carries an outer seal ring for sealing engagement with an inner wall surface of the reservoir. An upstanding feed tube or probe carried by the adapter housing includes separate air and water flow passages as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,152, and has an upper tip end shaped for opening and closing a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted position over the reservoir. The bottle cap may be constructed, e.g., according to U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes an outer pipe, inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe, and cap fitted over the inner pipe. The outer pipe and inner pipe are of a long, hollow cylinder shape and are formed with a plurality of first and second openings, respectively, therein aligned longitudinally thereof. The inner pipe has at one end thereof a toner-filling opening and an annular flange eccentric with respect to the hollow cylinder, and at the other end thereof a knob that closes the longitudinal end of the hollow cylinder and abuts the outer pipe. The first openings are not aligned with the second openings when the inner pipe is at a first rotational position and are aligned when the inner pipe is at a second rotational position. A sealing member is mounted to the inner pipe encircling the second openings and has third openings aligned with the second openings.

Abstract: A toner reservoir for a laser printer includes an elongated toner hopper housing extending in a horizontal direction and an elongated toner cartridge adapted for detachable attachment on the toner hopper housing with its bottom on the top of the latter. The toner hopper housing has an elongated top opening extending longitudinally of the toner hopper housing. The toner cartridge has an elongated bottom opening extending longitudinally of the toner cartridge. The top and bottom openings are adapted to mate with each other when the toner cartridge is attached on the toner hopper housing so as to allow discharge of toner through them from the toner cartridge into the toner hopper housing. The bottom opening is closed by a strip of sealing tape, which is removed away after the toner cartridge is attached on the toner hopper housing. A toner sensor is provided in the toner hopper housing.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes an outer pipe, inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe, and cap fitted over the inner pipe. The outer pipe and inner pipe are of a long, hollow cylinder shape and are formed with a plurality of first and second openings, respectively, therein aligned longitudinally thereof. The inner pipe has at one end thereof a toner-filling opening and an annular flange eccentric with respect to the hollow cylinder, and at the other end thereof a knob that closes the longitudinal end of the hollow cylinder and abuts the outer pipe. The first openings are not aligned with the second openings when the inner pipe is at a first rotational position arid are aligned when the inner pipe is at a second rotational position. A sealing member is mounted to the inner pipe encircling the second openings and has third openings aligned with the second openings.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device and a hygienic adapter are provided wherein the dispensing device includes a cabinet housing a liquid reservoir open at its upper end with a generally annular ring portion for supporting the shoulder portion of an inverted bottle over the reservoir and the adapter includes a feed tube having a generally cylindrical outer portion and a substantially hollow interior defining at least one flow path for dispensing liquid from the inverted bottle into the reservoir and for admitting replacement air from the reservoir into the bottle and wherein the outer portion of the feed tube is formed integrally with and is supported by a cup-shaped structure having an inwardly stepped side wall and an opening for admitting air into the upper end of the reservoir.

Abstract: An ink leakage prevention system, for a liquid electrophotographic printer having a development tray, which includes a chassis, installed at a main body of the printer, a development tray, installed at the lower portion of a development unit and is detachable from the main body of the printer, wherein the developing tray accommodates developer left over after being used by the development unit for developing and which has a discharge portion for discharging the accommodated developer, a drain tray installed at the chassis to drain the developer discharged from the development tray into a circulation tank, and a discharge portion opening/shutting means for closing the discharge portion when the development tray is separated from the drain tray and for opening the discharge portion when the development tray is coupled to the drain tray.

Abstract: A vented self-supporting filling device for providing a filling device that can be stably positioned within an opening of a receiving container. The device includes a conical member having an open top end and an open bottom end, and a tubular member integrally joined to the conical member. The tubular member has an open upper end and an open lower end, wherein the open upper end is integrally joined to and communicates with the open bottom end of the conical member. A plurality of outer fingers outwardly project from the tubular member for stably supporting the filling device in a generally upright orientation when positioned within an opening of a receiving container. In addition, a plurality of inner fingers inwardly project from the conical member for stably supporting a pouring container when positioned within the filling device in an inverted orientation.

Abstract: Filling apparatus for filling a refillable aerosol package. The filling apparatus comprises a liquid container (1), a pump (2) with a power means (3), a nozzle (4) for passing liquid into the aerosol package (5), and a flow channel (6) for passing liquid from the liquid container into the nozzle. A control unit (7) is connected to the power means (3), a controlled valve (8) placed in the flow channel (6) before the nozzle (4), a flow meter (10) placed between the pump (2) and the valve (8), and a starter (11). The flow channel is provided with a flow restrictor (9) placed before the valve (8).

Abstract: A oil recycler for collecting used oil such as from the draining of oil from an engine so that the used oil may be dispensed into storage containers at measured volumes. The oil recycler includes a trough with a plurality of depressions downwardly extending from the bottom of the trough. Each depression has a bore therethrough. A support structure is included for supporting the trough above a resting surface.

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 developer replenishing device for replenishing a developing device with a developer, and a developer container for use therewith. The developer container, or toner bottle, has a mouth portion at one end thereof which is smaller in diameter than a hollow cylindrical main body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a shoulder has the inner periphery thereof partly raised to the edge of the mouth portion to form a raised portion for scooping up a toner. In addition, a part of the inner periphery of the circumferential wall of the bottle which is contiguous with the raised portion is also raised toward the axis of the bottle about which the bottle is rotatable, thereby forming another raised portion. When the bottle is mounted to a bottle holder, which is included in the replenishing device, substantially horizontally with the mouth portion oriented sideways, the bottle is rotated to raise the toner from the bottom of the main body to the mouth portion.

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: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.

Abstract: A one-piece cap (10) for closing a liquid container to be installed for supply purpose in upside down position onto a liquid dispenser. Such container has a neck (14) on which the cap is sealingly mounted and through which a liquid supply tube (70) passes when the container is installed onto the dispenser. The cap comprises a lid (30) having a surface area substantially identical to the one of the neck (14), and a skirt (50) integrally projecting from the lid. The lid is provided with a central recess (32) including a tubular guiding portion (34) projecting from the lid in the same direction as the skirt (50). The guiding portion is sized and positioned to receive the supply tube (70).

Abstract: A policing key for regulating the type of toner in a copying machine or other toner consuming machine includes a base mounted to the toner-consuming machine and a boss projecting from the base to a position between a port on the machine and a toner bottle cap prior to engagement. The boss protrudes above the periphery of the toner port that contacts an annular brim of the toner bottle cap, precluding the toner bottle from engaging the toner port while the key is in place. Only the annular brim of an approved toner bottle cap, which includes a notch associated with the boss for bypassing the policing key, can be used on in connection with the toner consuming machine. By varying the size and shape of the policing key, the restrictions on the type of toner used in a particular machine can be effectively controlled. In a preferred embodiment, a hardening gel is placed over the base of the policing key such that removal of the base will disturb the hardened gel and indicate a tampering of the key.

Abstract: A developer container, which includes a container body having a bottom developer supply hole and two longitudinal sliding grooves at two opposite sides of the bottom developer supply hole, a sliding cover moved with a carrier in and out of the sliding grooves at the container body, and a sealing membrane moved with the sliding cover to close/open the bottom developer supply hole.

Abstract: A nozzle for a container including an internal ball check valve along with an o-ring sealing structure and angled insertion limitation stops to cooperate with a receptacle to permit the insertion of the nozzle and container only a predetermined distance, while providing for such insertion to effect an opening of the ball check valve, and appropriate sealing o-rings are provided to prevent leakage of the liquid past the nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus clamps onto the neck of a large liquid container such as a pure water bottle, sealing the mouth of the container, while the bottle is upright. The apparatus has an elongate column upstanding from a broad base. A passage at the top of the column receives the bottle neck and clamps the apparatus onto the bottle while sealing the mouth. The bottle is then tilted onto its side and then pivoted on the base until the bottle is inverted. A vent tube with check valve extends up through the seal and to the bottom of the bottle. A dispensing tube with valve extends down through the seal and terminates in a dispensing valve. The problems of spilling and injury from lifting and inverting are avoided.

Abstract: A collecting device for collecting a viscous fluid comprising a base having a front panel, a back panel and an interior area located therebetween. A lower portion of the base further includes an outlet port. This outlet port is adapted to be located into a holding container. Located on the front panel and/or back panel are a plurality of apertures which extend into the interior area. A holding receptacle is secured in front of each aperture. Accordingly, utilization of the device occurs once bottles are inverted into the apertures. The holding receptacles maintain the bottles in a fixed and inverted position. Residue of the viscous fluid located within the bottle flow from the bottles to the side walls of the interior area. Gravity forces the residue to the outlet port and into the holding container. This collected material can be stored for later use.

Abstract: A system for delivery and refilling a dispenser of potable liquids provides a delivery container with rigid sidewalls and refill liquid containers with flexible sidewalls. Complimentary fitments on the dispenser and refill containers permit leak free docking under ascetic conditions when transferring liquid from the refill container into the liquid dispenser. The refill containers are easy to lift and handle, are used one time only and are then recycled. When empty the delivery container is nestable with others.

Abstract: A coupling system for transferring granular contents from a container to a pump dispenser with minimum risk of direct contact with a user. The coupling system includes a connecting threaded assembly that is frictionally and snugly mounted inside the neck of the container. The upper wall of the connecting threaded assembly includes at least one off-centered opening. A cap assembly is rotatably and coaxially mounted over the connecting threaded assembly and the former also includes at least one off-centered opening that is selectively made to coincide with the off-centered opening of the connecting threaded assembly. A spring is used to bias these two assemblies to make the respective off-centered openings not to coincide. A coupling ring assembly is firmly mounted inside the neck of a pump dispenser. The cap assembly engages the coupling ring assembly with at least one of its protuberances that extend radially outwardly into the L-shape slots on the internal surface of the coupling ring assembly.

Abstract: A reservoir tank for use with an apparatus to provide liquid thereto, which includes a cylindrical tank open at one end with an end cap removably engaged therewith, which has a spring urged arm with a stem and stopper which normally closes off an opening in the cap, the arm is depressed to allow liquid to enter the tank for filling, and the arm is engaged by an upstanding pin from the apparatus when the tank is inverted and placed in the liquid receiving portion to allow liquid to flow out to fill the apparatus.

Abstract: The present device is a connector device designed to connect two tubes or containers so as to allow the transfer of fluids from one tube or container to the other. The connector device includes a tubular member made from an elastic material, with the tubular member having an inner wall that includes longitudinal slits. The tubular member can be made from one individual tube or a pair of joined flanged tubes. The flanged tubular members are joined at the flange positions and held together by a collar member. Furthermore, a plurality of individual tubular members can be placed in a rectangular frame member so that the tubular members are perpendicular and integral to the frame member.

Abstract: A holding device for collecting adjacent an outlet spout the residual contents from a container for eventual complete consumption of said residual contents, comprising a hollow rigid base portion; a flexible conical-shaped hollow upper portion; and the smaller first end aperture at the apex of the flexible conical-shaped upper portion being inserted into the upper end aperture of the rigid base portion and concentrically engaged with the upper edge of the base portion. The device further includes a plurality of concavities at a predetermined radially spaced apart relationship along a bottom edge of the base portion. The upper portion is made from a foam rubber material and the rigid base portion is made from a plastic, a ceramic, a metal, a nylon, or a durable hard-rubber material.

Abstract: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a layering apparatus for the disposition of multiple fluids in sequence, into a receptacle, in a series of separate layers. The apparatus includes a tubular shaped column having an open upper end and a lower end having a base plate arranged thereacross. The base plate is arranged at an angle of between about 35.degree. to 60.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the column. An annular flange is arranged about the upper end of the column to permit the column to be supported by an upper edge of a receptacle in which the column is disposed. An opening is arranged in the column adjacent the base plate, to permit the even, controlled drainage of fluid into a receptacle after receipt of that fluid in the upper end of the column.

Abstract: A stopper device for a bottle having a neck provided with an outside bead at its free end and intended for use with a water fountain type liquid dispenser comprises a plastics material capsule having an end wall from which project in the same direction a substantially cylindrical outer skirt which has an inside bead which hooks behind the outside bead on the neck of the bottle and a substantially cylindrical inner chimney to receive a dispenser tube on the dispenser which nests in the chimney from the side of the end wall of the capsule when the bottle is fitted to the dispenser. The capsule further comprises a tamperproofing closure which closes off the chimney so that it is irrevocably and visibly destroyed upon nesting of the dispenser tube in the chimney and can comprise a diaphragm made up of a plurality of petals connected together by tear lines.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing (10) having a powder inlet opening (12) in an upper face (13) thereof. A dust shield (14) upstands from the upper face (13) adjacent said powder inlet opening (12). A movable box (16) for accommodating a bag (18) containing powder has an open end (20). Co-operating guides (22, 24) provided respectively on the housing (10) and on the box (16) constrain movement of the box (16) between a first position in which the open end (20) is closed by the dust shield (14) and a second position in which the open end (20) mates with the powder inlet opening (12) to allow powder from the bag (18) to fall through the powder inlet opening (12). Thereby, discharge of the powder contents of a flexible material bag can be achieved in a convenient manner.

Abstract: An oil change kit apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped pan that supports a bracket at its upper annular surface. The bracket has a threaded bushing that receives an externally threaded stem of a funnel, the stem having a hollow open ended flow bore. The funnel adjusts in elevation relative to an underlying support surface, floor, etc. by rotation of the funnel relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A liquid transfer tool allows a nearly empty plastic bottle to be emptied into another bottle that is to be saved. Shampoos and other liquid like perfume are very expensive and users of these products want to save every last drop in a bottle. The handy screw on caps include a mating portion that allows a user to screw both caps onto the bottles to be joined together for salvaging the fluid of the more empty bottle into the bottle that is more full through either a snap fit or male and female mating threads.

Abstract: A system is provided for draining an anesthetic agent from a reservoir of an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes an anesthetic agent container having an inlet into which the agent can drain. The vaporizer has a draining station that defines an outlet and that defines a drain passage between the vaporizer reservoir and the outlet. A valve is operable to open and close the drain passage. A connector is provided with a receiving end for connecting to the draining station at the outlet. The connector has a discharge end for connecting to the container inlet. The connector holds the container below the draining station outlet and defines a transfer passage between the receiving end and the discharge end for draining the agent from the draining station into the container. Structural key configurations, uniquely associated with a specific anesthetic, are preferably provided at the connection of the container and connector and at the connection of the draining station and connector.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for separately storing and facilitating the mixture of separate components of a two-part composition. The dispenser includes a first container having a chamber for retaining one of the components and a second container having a chamber for retaining the other of the components and for mixing the components together to form the resultant two-part composition. A receptacle sleeve is provided and is mounted on the second container. The receptacle sleeve is adapted to secure the two containers together during periods of storage and transportation as well as to facilitate mixture of the components. The receptacle sleeve further serves to protect the user from exposure to the unmixed components as well as providing a drip-free spout in dispensing the composition. A method is further provided for alternately storing the separate components and admixing them together in one of the containers.

Abstract: A container of flexible material is described, for granular or powdery products, particularly coffee beans, having, at the corner of one of its walls (6), an opening (7) closed with a peel-off seal (8) provided with a pull tab (12), for easy emptying of its contents into a bar coffee grinder by placing the container (1) in a special support (20), mounted on the grinder and provided with a seat to receive the container, with a mobile partition such as to allow said pull tab (12) to emerge through a slit below, for easy pulling thereof, with opening of the peel-off seal (8).

Abstract: The present device is a connector device designed to connect two tubes or containers so as to allow the transfer of fluids from one tube or container to the other. The connector device includes a tubular member made from an elastic material, with the tubular member having an inner wall that includes longitudinal slits. The tubular member can be made from one individual tube or a pair of joined flanged tubes. The flanged tubular members are joined at the flange positions and held together by a collar member. Furthermore, a plurality of individual tubular members can be placed in a rectangular frame member so that the tubular members are perpendicular and integral to the frame member.

Abstract: A hopper (20) with a bias member (21) for coacting with a catch (12) for a sliding door (11) on a cartridge (10). Catch (12) has two abutments (13,14) for abutting with bias member (21). When cartridge (10) is inserted into hopper (20), bias member (21) abuts a bottom surface (15) of abutment (13) to force sliding door (11) to open and thereby create an outlet (18). Outlet (18) is on the bottom of cartridge (10) and allows transfer of components (23) into a receiving portion (22) of hopper (20). When cartridge (10) is removed from hopper (20), bias member (21) abuts a top surface (16) of abutment (13) to force sliding door (11) to close and thereby stop the transfer of components (23).

Abstract: A two-piece cap for a water bottle comprises a main cap which has an annular top disk formed with a depending central well having three levels, each of a slightly smaller diameter. The main cap skirt which depends from the periphery of the top disk has an upper cylindrical portion formed with a truncated internal screw thread which merges into a horizontal bead extending about 180.degree. around the interior of the cap and terminates in a reverse thread portion which extends upward to merge with the leading edge of the truncated screw thread. A first vertical score line extends from the bottom edge of lower skirt portion to the upper edge of the slanted portion. A second vertical score line, spaced a short distance from the first vertical score line, extends from the bottom edge of the lower skirt portion to the top disk. A plug having a closed bottom and a smooth exterior fits into the bottom of the well.

Abstract: An automatic metering/supplying apparatus is used for subdividing a granular silicon material. A cone member is placed on the upper opening portion of a drum, which contains the granular silicon material, so as to hold the drum. Subsequently, the drum is turned upside down by a rotary-type drum-inverting machine. Meanwhile, a quartz recharge tube into which the granular silicon material is to be discharged is placed on an electronic scale so as to measure the amount of the silicon material supplied to the quartz recharge tube. A valve control unit opens the valve to start the supply of the silicon material and closes the valve when the measured weight reaches a predetermined weight. Dust produced in the vicinity of the valve is sucked by a dust collection mechanism. The automatic metering/supplying apparatus can automate work for subdividing the granular silicon material contained in the drum. Further, collection of dust maintains the working environment clean.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for charging a bioreactor with feed material through a sight port in the bioreactor vessel wall without compromising sterility of the material or the vessel or releasing organisms from the vessel to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus including a material container as a hopper serves to feed a molding material sealably received in the material container to a molding machine via a heating sleeve. The material feeding apparatus includes as essential components a material container molded of a transparent synthetic resin or a translucent synthetic resin so as to enable a quantity of molding material remaining in the material container to be visually confirmed from the outside, and an adapter of which one end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be threadably fitted into an opening portion .Iadd.of the outer wall .Iaddend.of the material container and of which the other end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be fitted onto a receiving member of the molding machine. To openably shut the interior of the material container, a shutter is slidably displaceably arranged in the adapter.