Abstract: A cup type liquid dispensing machine in which the liquid-supplying system is a closed airtight circuit in the form of bag-in-box packages. The packages are connected to a dispensing pump which supplies the liquid to a dispensed and supported cup. Waste liquids from the machine are collected by various lines which are coupled to a flexible bag. A movable member engages the bag and activates a control switch to stop the machine as the bag becomes full.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser has a container with a deformable side wall and an internal chamber storing a propellant and a component to be sprayed through a discharge nozzle. A control valve mounted on the top of the container regulates the flow of fluid through the nozzle. A frangible ampule storing a second component is retained in the chamber adjacent a portion of the side wall. The ampule can be broken with a lever mounted on the outside of the container in alignment with the ampule. The lever is manually moved to deform the side wall and break the ampule so that the component in the ampule is mixed with the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatic dispenser gun for two part viscous materials comprising two parallel containers containing the two materials and a pneumatic cylinder 12 whose axis is parallel to the axes of the two containers and which contains a piston 15 having symmetrically mounted piston rods 17, 18 extending through the end wall of the cylinder into the containers to expel the contents of the two containers simultaneously through a common outlet passage. A further rod 19 extends from the piston parallel to the piston rods but outside the containers to provide an indication of the amount of contents remaining in the containers and a handle for returning the piston to its initial position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston dispenser for pasty products which has a single dispensing passage for simultaneously dispensing two products such as a stripe on toothpaste. The dispenser has a pump chamber (5) of a delivery mechanism and a stripe chamber (6) of a dispensing unit (A) disposed radially adjacent one another in free communication with the interior cavity (3) of the dispenser without the provision of valves. The dispensing unit (A) also includes the dispensing passage (29') which has an opening in communication with the stripe chamber.

Abstract: A multi-component toothpaste pump dispenser utilizes a delivery tube extending below the reservoir of striping paste and into the reservoir of main paste. The delivery tube has holes at the juncture of the top of the tube and the top wall of the pump chamber to allow passage of the striping component while the main component flows axially through the tube. A valve closes all of the openings when the pump chamber reforms to incrementally advance a piston type follower.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved aerosol structure whose partition-walls have passages in the vicinity of the bottom of container, thereby permitting its compartments to communicate with each other. In use the liquid under pressure is supplied to the outlet of aerosol from all compartments until they have been completely exhausted. The bottomless aerosol body and bottom closure are made of synthetic resin. Advantageously the bottom closure may be made of a transparent synthetic resin, thereby permitting a check on the remaining amount of liquid in the container.

Abstract: A threaded cap having an axially-disposed element containing an additive adapted to be engaged upon a threaded neck of a container. As the cap is tightened, the element is distorted resulting in release of the additive which is in liquid form into the container without spilling. In one embodiment, the distortion is the result of engagement of the element with corresponding structure positioned on an inner surface of the neck of the container. In another embodiment, the element is ruptured by an axially aligned plunger which is manually operable by the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hand held, totally integrated dispenser for mixing and dispensing two viscous components. The dispenser includes a hollow plunger within a generally cylindrical outer chamber. The hollow plunger has an open ended container attached to its proximal end. The hollow plunger is used to mix the two viscous components and as a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a bicycle to enable a rider to receive either a spray of cooling water or a stream for drinking purposes. A diaphragm-type pump supplies the water. Plural reservoirs enable a plurality of liquids to be transported and utilized, such as water for cooling the rider and a sucrose solution for energy.

Abstract: The beverage and condiment dispensing server is disclosed. The server consists of a support framework having a base, a cup supporting surface and sidewalls extending generally vertically therebetween. The double-wide server's base is dimensioned to receive thereon two, laterally positioned, frusto-conically tapered beverage containers, each having a manually operable spigot near its top for dispensing a beverage into a cup, and further being dimensioned to receive two, laterally positioned, removable trays for receiving and organizing condiments and the like. The sidewalls of the framework form a through opening extending from the front of the framework to the rear of the framework, providing access to the condiment trays to remove their contents and to remove and install the trays themselves, and providing a rear access for installing and removing the containers.

Abstract: The device, placed inside of the cartridge, container, tube, etc., makes it possible to maintain two different substances in chambers (6, 7) separate until the moment of use and then makes possible their mixing, and distribution of the mixture from a closeable (3) output opening (2) of cartridge, tube or container (1). The device comprises a membrane (4) easy to perforate or break (10) fastened to a fluidtight peripheral ring (4'). A perforated (13) disk (14) is provided with points (8) or the like for perforating or breaking (10) of membrane (4) at the moment of use. The disk is driven like a piston, by sliding (arrow 12) and/or rotation (arrow 17) of a rod (5) coming in a tight manner from container (1) to allow, by alternating movements, the intimate mixing of the two substances.

Abstract: A container includes a vertical main cylindrical container open at an upper end and at least two vertical internal containers disposed side by side in the main container. A double wall cover closes the upper end of the main container. The cover includes at least two neck portions one disposed below the other. Each neck portion has an outer periphery of the same shape as the periphery of the open end of the main container. The cover has a plurality of openings equal in number to the pluraity of internal containers, each opening being connected to the open end of the corresponding container. A plurality of discharge valves equal in number to the plurality of the internal containers are provided. A piston is provided in the main container. Each valve is coupled to a corresponding opening and extends above the cover in the direction of the axis of the main container.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for dispersing a solid particulate material and a fluid simultaneously under pressure. The dispenser apparatus includes a sealed container having an aperture at a top end. A first conduit extends through the aperture into the interior of the container for flow of particulate material from the interior of the container. A second conduit sealed at one end is housed within the container and contains a pressurized fluid. Both of the first and second conduits are connected in fluid flow communication to first and second valves mounted at the top end of the container. The first and second valves are closed and opened to fluid flow via a cap mounted on the top end of the container. The cap is biased to a normal position closing the valves to fluid flow.

Abstract: The pasty components of a multicomponent material are first contained in separate tubular portions (11,12) which, prior to the mixing operation, are assembled together to form a cartridge (10) having a cylindrical inner wall and in which a mixing means is accomodated which consists of a rotationgly driven disk (21) and of a relatively stationary disk (18). Via a rod (29) projecting out of the cartridge (10), disk (21) is drivable by a rotating tool. By reciprocation of the rotating tool, both disks (18 and 21) are moved axially to the cartridge (10). Upon the mixing performed by displacing and redistributing of the materials, the piston (13) is advanced in order to squeeze the mixture out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A soda system for soft drink dispensers which includes an auxiliary tank adapted for maintaining a reservoir of cold soda for immediate dispensing, which soda is also recarbonated in the auxiliary tank. A recirculating pump passes soda from a carbonation unit sequentially to various dispensing stations for a return to the circulating pump. Interposed in the soda path is an auxiliary tank from which the dispensing of soda is actually made. The auxiliary tank communicates with a source of pressurized carbon dioxide to maintain a head of that gas therein for purposes of recarbonating the soda while providing the pressure head for dispensing the soda. Shunt lines are provided in communication with soda dispensing lines to assure that even the soda within the dispensing lines is recirculated and refreshed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-contained, portable apparatus for admixing a plurality of liquids. The liquids, generally a diluent (such as water or an organic solvent), together with dilutable liquid chemical concentrates such as pesticides, fertilizers, and the like, are automatically proportioned and blended together to produce a resultant mixture, with controlled dispensing of the resultant mixture. The apparatus, which may be hand carried, is preferably powered by a battery source that is operatively connected to a positive-displacement pump. Such positive-displacement pump draws the liquids into the pump, utilizing the pump vacuum force, mixes the liquids in the pump chamber or housing, and thereafter discharges the resultant mixture from the apparatus, utilizing a suitable dispensing device.

Abstract: A two-chamber container for two gas-pressurized components kept separately, for example liquids which are miscible. An outer chamber contains a first component and is provided with a dispensing valve whose interposed connecting member leads from the interior of the outer chamber to the outside and is adapted to be closed by a plug. The second component is contained in an inner chamber mounted in the interior of the outer chamber. The inner chamber is an entirely separate, self-contained vessel supported in the interior of the outer chamber. The interior end of the interposed connecting member terminates in a cup-shaped receptor member which is disposed above and around the distal end portion of the inner chamber such that a radial and axial clearance of 1-2 mm between the receptor member and the distal end is provided. The inner chamber has a desired rupture site which can be broken by force from outside, for example by pivoting or pushing-in the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A slurry of liquified gas such as carbon dioxide and finely pulverized coal particles is provided in a mixing chamber and discharged from the chamber into a pipeline for conveyance to a power plant. During discharge from the mixing chamber pressurized gas at a sufficiently high pressure is injected above the slurry mix to maintain adequate pressure during discharge and prevent cavitation at the inlet port of a pump employed in the pipeline. The slurry is depressurized at the downstream end of the pipeline by movement through a pressure reducer so that it is decompressed non-adiabatically and the coal and gas particles are separated. The gas remains at a low temperature and is passed in heat exchange relationship with cooling water from the power plant cooling tower to lower the temperature of same and consequently increase the efficiency of the power plant.

Abstract: A coin-controlled atomizer dispensing system is actuated entirely by compressed air or gas. At the conclusion of an operating cycle a cylinder is charged with liquid to be dispensed. The next operating cycle is initiated by inserting a coin which momentarily opens an air valve. A charge of compressed air and a charge of liquid are simultaneously fed to an atomizer nozzle until the charge of liquid in the cylinder has been completely dispensed whereupon the compressed air is cut off and the cycle is terminated by re-charging the cylinder with the next charge of liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: An improved multi-boom field spraying apparatus designed to spray in a sequential manner one or more of a plurality of liquids to a selected spray zone among a number of spray zones is described. The apparatus contains a novel spray, agitate air and rinse system. A novel spray boom and vessel apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A re-usable mixing and spraying device in which the fill opening and the hand pump used to discharge the spray solution are arranged at different heights, and a concentrate and a diluent may be mixed together in the device which is tightly sealed off from the outside, the concentrate being enclosed in a sealing cap which can be ruptured by the device, so that the reservoir enclosing the concentrate is closed when the sealing cap and fill opening are loosely connected and opened toward the diluent when the sealing cap and fill opening are tightly connected.

Abstract: A dispensing container of the type comprising a tube, a transverse end wall in which is fixed an outwardly projecting nozzle, and a plunger slidably mounted within the tube to dispense a first material within the tube through the nozzle. At least one hose is fixed to the tube, a second material to be dispensed is contained within the hose, and means are provided for dispensing the second material from the hose in proportion to the first material dispensed from the nozzle upon movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a caulking gun or similar dispenser contains two or more components to be mixed upon operation of the gun. One component is stored within an inner tubular container with flexible walls, which walls are sustained against collapse by a light gauge spiral spring extending between the nozzle end and the plunger end of the cartridge. The cartridge may have a rigid cylindrical outer tube within which the second component is retained by a plunger, or a flexible tubular outer container for the second component, again supported against collapse by a spring. A passive mixer unit is provided at the nozzle end of the assembly either inside or outside the body. The mixer unit is preferably cylindrical, defining internally a double spiral mixing passage containing passive mixer elements.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing, mixing and dispensing two components. A casing contains the first component and has a piston therein. A mixing tube containing the second component is axially housed in the casing and has an open end sealed by the piston until mixing of the two components is desired. The mixing tube has a mixing plate adjacent the open end to agitate and mix the two components. The mixing plate comprises arms extending from the mixing with flapping vanes attached on one side of each arm.

Abstract: An automatic system for analyzing specimens which have been selectively treated. The specimens are arranged in a plurality of specimen trays with each tray containing a plurality of specimens. Tray towers support a plurality of specimen trays. A work station selectively moves the trays one at a time from the tower to selectively deliver reagent or analyze the specimen in the tray. A control system is adapted to sequentially actuate the work station to properly sequence the system so that the reagents are administered to the respective specimen and the specimen have been analyzed after a desired incubating period.

Abstract: The present application discloses a liquid mixing method and apparatus which can mix two or more liquids in selected proportions. Each constituent fluid is introduced in a chamber provided with liquid level controlling devices that establish a liquid free head space which is connected to a source of pressure gas operative to pump or displace liquid from the chamber through a metering device prior to the introduction to a chamber where the constituent fluids combine.

Abstract: A device for mixing and spraying a mixture composed of at least two components, such as liquids, and of a propellant, comprising two containers disposed within each other for receiving the components to be mixed and the propellant, and comprising a dispensing valve mounted on the outer container and including a movably mounted dispensing tube. The dispensing valve is adapted to act on a closure member of the inner container in such a way that the inner container may be broken open by normal actuation of the dispensing valve or the dispensing tube thereof. In order to achieve and maintain a defined fluid communication between the interior of the inner container and the interior of the outer container, the closure member of the inner container preferably includes a sealing cap adapted to be pushed or urged into the container opening by the dispensing tube of the dispensing valve.

Abstract: An infusion pump is disclosed in which a canister of compressed gas is regulated to provide a continuous source of pressure to one or more compressible fluid sources. Valves on the outlets of the sources prevent fluid from escaping except when the valves are opened. The valves are opened by solenoids which are selectively activated to open the valves.

Abstract: A combination mixing and discharge capsule for storing separate ingredients which are to be mixed together prior to use and including a container body for one ingredient closed at one end by a slidable piston and the opposite end being displaceably received in a cup-shaped cap which forms a second compartment with a perforated wall of the container body opposite the end containing the piston for receiving a frangible pillow containing a liquid second ingredient to be mixed with the ingredient in the body. The cap has a discharge nozzle extending axially therefrom and when the cap is displaced farther onto the body the innermost wall of the pillow is burst to cause the discharge of the liquid ingredient through the perforated wall end into the container body for mixing with the ingredient therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and spraying a mixture consisting of at least two components, e.g. liquids, and a propellant gas, comprising two nested containers for housing the components and the propellant gas and a discharge valve which is disposed at the outer container and has a small discharge tube operable from outside to establish fluid communication with the interior of the outer container. The inner container has a closure including a desired rupture site at its end remote from the discharge valve or facing the bottom of the outer container. The rupture site is adapted to be broken from outside by means of a crusher acting through the bottom of the outer container and establishing fluid communication between the inner and outer containers.

Abstract: A gas pressure operated dispensing method and apparatus for dispensing fluids including a first container as a primary fluid source, a second container as a reserve fluid source, a first gas line connected to the first container and a second gas line connected to the second container, a gas pressure source connected to the first and second gas lines for supplying a pressurized gas thereto, a first change over valve and a second change over valve disposed in the first gas line and the second line, respectively, a supply line for introducing a fluid into the second container, a discharge line for discharging a fluid from the first container, a fluid line communicating with the supply line and the second container at one end and the discharge line and the first container at the other end, the fluid line containing a third valve, and vent line selectively connectible to the second gas line through the second change over valve when the gas pressure source is separated from the second gas line by the second change

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading dry or granular materials such as lawn seed and/or lawn treatment chemicals that includes a support frame 18 rollingly supported by a pair of wheels 14 and a hopper 12 attached to the support frame that defines four substantially isolated material compartments 55-58. Discharge openings 65-68 are associated with each compartment; the outflow of material through the discharge openings is controlled by shutter-like gates 65a-68a, two of which are remotely controlled by lever mechanisms 78, 87 mounted on operating handles 20a, the other two of which are adjustable by an arrangement mounted near the hopper. Material discharged through the openings falls into a blending chamber 90 that includes a blending disc 96 rotated by a vertical shaft 98 that is coupled to an axle 32 by a gear box 40 that is drivingly engaged by one or both wheels.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid chemicals, such as photoresist, from containers which includes a valve to govern the flow from the containers, a reservoir to intermediately hold the chemicals prior to pumping, and a level detector to monitor the liquid in the reservoir and to control the valve, and an aspirator to remove air from the reservoir. The aspirator is activated in response to signals from the level detector indicating that the reservoir level is low. The increased suction causes liquid to be drawn from the container into the reservoir. If after a period of time the level detector indicates the reservoir level is still low, the valve will cause liquid to be drawn from a different container. The aspirator is deactivated a period of time after the level detector indicates that the reservoir level is normal.

Abstract: A barrier type product container wherein product is contained at atmospheric pressure and separate from a pressurizing gas. And, mounted thereon, for example, a valve actuator that preferably includes an ejector pump type nozzle element that is valvingly positionable to facilitate ventilating inflow of ambient air into the container and dispensation of product. The nozzle element is also positionable to inhibit ventilation of the container and effluence of product, and facilitate use of ambient air to purgingly dispel product residue from discharge passageways of the nozzle.

Abstract: A double-chamber aerosol container is constructed using two conventional aerosol receptacles each having a valve at one end. A first of the receptacles is an outer receptacle which contains one of the components of the product to be dispensed. The other of the receptacles is smaller and is contained within the outer receptacle with its valve facing the bottom of the outer receptacle. The inner receptacle contains a propellent gas and a second component of the product to be dispensed. The outer container has an inwardly displaceable closing plug in its bottom which, when displaced inwardly opens the valve in the inner receptacle to discharge the contents of the inner receptacle into the outer receptacle. A sealing gasket surrounding the closing plug permits it to be displaced inwardly while maintaining the sealed condition of the container.

Abstract: A flowable granular, powder or flake material storage bin of the type having an inflatable generally cup-shaped bag with a blower for inflating and a blower for deflating the bag has a valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high-volume low-pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles themselves may be automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated. The valve assembly may be adapted for the sequential discharge of a plurality of bins which may, for example, be located on a freight vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a reservoir to which a refill container may be connected via a fitment in order to determine the level of soap in the dispenser through a window of the reservoir. The refill container further has a dispensing tube through which a predetermined amount of soap is dispensed on actuation of the lever.The tube and fitment are both mounted to a mounting component to which the bag is fixed, a duct being provided between the tube and fitment for liquid communication thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensi

Abstract: A coin operated dispenser for spraying desired fragrances interiorly of an automobile or vehicle. Preferably the dispenser includes a generally cubical, rigid, cabinet adapted to be mounted to a rigid support. Containers of fragrances to be dispensed are disposed within the cabinet. A compressor delivers air pressure to a coin operated control system for selectively outputting desired fragrances through a remote manually actuable spray gun. Customers are attracted by a visually pleasing display module associated with the cabinet. The module includes a rigid enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a translucent front permitting the visual inspection of its interior. Preferably a pair of cylindrical containment compartments disposed within the enclosure extend between the top and bottom thereof. Each containment compartment includes a bottom mounted, preferably cylindrical fluid control compartment and a top mounted cylindrical fluid control compartment.

Abstract: A container for holding a plurality of supplies of fluids of different colors for being provided to a color changer connected with spray painting equipment, is characterized by a canister in which is contained a plurality of bottles containing the fluids. Caps on the bottles have outlets connected through associated fluid supply tubes with inlets to the color changer, and vent holes are formed through the caps. The interior of the canister is maintained at a selected pressure, so that by virtue of the vent holes in the bottle caps the interiors of the bottles are pressurized and the fluids are supplied under pressure through their associated tubes to the color changer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing pavement joints or seams is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheeled support platform which supports an airtight container of sealant composition which hardens upon contact with the atmosphere. A second airtight container includes a supply of water or other liquid. An air compressor is mounted upon the wheeled support platform and compressed air is selectively coupled to the containers of sealant composition and water. An oil film on the surface of the sealant composition is utilized to prevent it from hardening while in the container. A third output of the air compressor and outputs in the water and sealant composition tanks are coupled to a wheeled applicator which is adapted to be moved over the pavement seam.

Abstract: A dispensing system comprising first and second collapsible storage containers, a pump and a pressure responsive selector coupled to both of the storage containers and to the intake side of the pump. The selector includes a valve movable between a first position in which the selector provides communication between the first storage container and the pump and blocks communication between the second storage container and the pump and a second position in which the selector provides communication between the second collapsible container and the pump and blocks communication between the first collapsible container and the pump. An actuator is responsive to the pressure drop at the selector resulting from the collapse of one of the collapsible containers for moving the valve from one of its positions to the other of its positions.

Abstract: An amalgam capsule includes two chambers separated by a piston detachably formed as a part of the capsule end cover. One compartment is formed in part by a resilient flange portion of the capsule which is deformable to provide communication of the chambers and to permit a mixing of the contents of the chambers in the larger of the chambers. Delivery of the mixed amalgam is accomplished by removing a cap from one end of the capsule to expose an aperture therein, and connecting the opposite cover end of the capsule to a syringe, the plunger of which detaches the piston from the capsule cover and drives the piston through the mixing chamber to eject the amalgam therefrom.

Abstract: Self-contained fire protection apparatus. The present apparatus comprises a first container for storing water or other liquid under atmospheric pressure, a discharge conduit from this container, and a second container having high surface to volume ratio for storing liquefied propellant under pressure. Communication between the first and second containers is prevented until the apparatus has to be used. Then the propellant transfer line connecting the two containers is opened, preferably by actuation of a valve controlling this line, allowing propellant vapors to flow into the first container and establish a pressure therein sufficient to cause discharge of the contents of the first container. Heat exchange between the water being discharged and the propellant is provided so that the propellant temperature and pressure do not drop appreciably as the propellant is being evaporated and transferred.

Abstract: Two measuring cups (5, 6) are alternately filled and emptied. The fill st is determined by an overflow, and the emptying time during which a withdrawal pump (30) is connected to the respective cup is determined by scanning pump revolutions. The scanned pump revolutions for emptying are compared with a desired pumping rate, entered into a counter (50) which decrements in accordance with revolutions of the pump (30), and, if a deviation from commanded pumping rate is sensed, a correction memory (60) is loaded which controls over a control unit (33, 61) change in pumping speed to null any deviation from commanded rate. To associate the commanded rate with actual weight of chips or fibers to be coated, the chips or fibers can be weighed continuously, and the continuously weighed number entered into the control computer (33) to generate a command number for entry into the decrementing counter (50).

Abstract: A process and a mixing head for the production of a reaction mixture comprising at least two reaction components, with a high degree of mixing. By this process, reaction components are introduced, at a high pressure into one end of the mixing chamber of the mixing head, these components being deflected by the front of the discharge piston which forms the opposite end of the chamber, a counterflow forming intensive turbulences on the wall of the mixing chamber and on the boundary surface with the incoming flow before this counterflow exits the mixing chamber at the same end through which it entered the chamber, substantially as a radially-directed, laminar flow.

Abstract: A dental container receives and separately stores mercury and silver ingredients until they are subsequently brought together and mixed within the container for making a ready-to-use amalgam which is directly injected from the container into a prepared tooth cavity. Visual indicators are provided on the container to advise a dental operator of the current status of the dental container.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a container having an upper section and a lower section. A perforated plate separates the upper section from the lower section. A first product is within the lower section with an air space existing between the first product and the plate. A deformable membrane or pliable bag overlies the plate. A second product is in the upper section with the membrane or bag separating the second product from the plate. A lower delivery tube section is connected to the lower section of the container, an upper delivery tube section being connected to said upper section of the container. There is a nozzle communicating with the delivery tube sections, and a pump on the container for introducing air under pressure into the air space for simultaneously forcing the first and second products through the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensi

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a manually operated, self-cleaning, aerosol valve that has separate control elements for propellant fluid and product fluid. The valve is adapted to maintain internal separation of the fluids. Even when the fluids are codispensed to produce a fine mist, separation of the propellant from the product is maintained until the fluids are beyond control elements. Control elements also maintain internal separation of the fluids when the valve is actuated for purging. This is achieved by keeping the fluid product control element closed while the propellant control element is open. With the control elements so positioned, cleaning fluid can be directed to purge all passageway surfaces that are exposed to external air. This type of valve is particularly suited for dispensing viscous products, such as water-borne paints.