Abstract: A swivel pump dispenser for dispensing liquid from a selected one of a plurality of liquid compartments arranged side-by-side, includes positive venting to atmosphere of each liquid compartment during dispensing, and the sealing of the liquid compartment vents closed during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid dispenser includes a housing having at least a first opening and a second opening, and a valve member fitted in the housing, the valve member being rotatable about an axis and comprising a first channel, extending along said axis and communicating with the first opening in the housing, and at least two outlet channels radially extending from the first channel to the circumference of the valve member, wherein each of the radially extending outlet channels can be brought in register with the second opening by rotating the valve member.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: An automatic device for preparing mixed and non-mixed beverages having a load-bearing structure (22), a conveyor (21) designed to convey containers (26) into a set position under a motor-driven rotary head (12,32) having a plurality of receptacles (13,33) for ingredients to be poured into the containers (26) on the conveyor where each receptacle (13, 33) has an automatic-dosing actuation valve (24, 34) and the said device (10) includes an automatic system (20) for managing positioning of the dispensers over the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: An improved electric motor-operated, preferably hand-held, fluid dispenser, using in-line longitudinal drive racks and fluid cartridge containers dispensed by the racks, the driving (and retraction) being controlled through the use of a flat (pancake) coil spring, and the cartridge containers being mountable in an adjustable cartridge holder for accommodating different-shaped rear cartridge mounting flanges.

Abstract: A custom cosmetic powder dispensing method, including the steps of providing a body powder dispensing apparatus and operating the body powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing into a container a custom formulation of body powder ingredients at a retail purchase point of sale. The amounts and types of the body powder ingredients dispensed are determined based upon specification by a retail customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids includes a turntable rotatable around an axis of rotation. A plurality of pumps are attached to and distributed around the axis of the turntable. The pumps each have a connector for releasably connecting a fluid package thereto for dispensing fluid therefrom and have associated first positioning members. A plurality of removable rigid holders is adapted to receive a flexible fluid package therein in a predetermined position. The holders include second positioning members adapted to coact with the first positioning members to enable placement of the holders onto the turntable such that the package received therein is connected to the respective connector.

Abstract: The machine provides for metering liquid pharmaceutical products into bottom shells, and has: a bottom part rotating about a respective vertical axis; a number of first vertical through holes formed in the bottom part; a piston movable reciprocatingly along a respective first hole; a bottom-shell belt meshing with a portion of the bottom part; a rotary top part defined by a vessel containing the pharmaceutical product; a rotary central part coaxial and angularly integral with the bottom part and the top part; a second hole, for each first hole, formed radially along the central part; and a valve housed in each of the second holes. Two separate channels are formed in the valve; and the valve rotates between a first angular position in which a first channel hydraulically connects the inside of the vessel to a metering chamber defined along the first hole, and a second angular position in which a second channel hydraulically connects the chamber to the inside of the bottom shell.

Abstract: The invention is a specialty beverage container with a multiple colorant reservoir built into the cap 4. The colorant reservoir has a number of colorant chambers respectively for the colorants, such as primary colors red, yellow and blue, or others. The colorant reservoir 5 has a number of colorant chambers arrayed much like the sections of an orange, opening into a central cylindrical tube 7. Central cylindrical tube 7 is open into the main chamber 3 of the beverage container (bottle 1). The consumer purchases a bottle 1 filled with a neutral drink and with a colorizer cap 4. The consumer then proceeds to unlock the colorizer cap 4, select a color, and add colorant or colorants to achieve the desired hue and intensity. The consumer may then remove the colorant valve mechanism (or the entire colorizer cap) and drinks the beverage colored to his specifications.

Abstract: A method of organizing and dispensing cosmetic foundation compositions wherein a series of dispensers receive and hold a series of different cosmetic foundation compositions. The dispensers are supported within a structure such as a carousel and are disposed in side-by-side relationship. In cases where the desired foundation is a standard tone or color, the particular foundation is simply dispensed from the dispenser holding the same. In cases where the desired tone or color falls between standard colors, then certain proportions of two or more standard foundations are dispensed and mixed to yield the desired cosmetic foundation.

Abstract: A turntable storage device which has a turntable and a plurality of storage containers for condiments and other granular materials. The turntable has a base member and a platform that is removably attachable to the base and rotatable on the base member. The base member has an upwardly extending hollow post. The containers are attachable to the turntable by mating projections and receptacles. The turntable storage device is convertible. It is provided with a mounting hub for selectively attaching and removing either a handle or a hanging support member. The hanging support member is adaptable to hang one or more turntables from a shelf, if desired. The support member also is shaped to fit into the hollow post of another turntable, whereby two turntables can be stacked on top of the one another. In one embodiment, a rotary measuring dispenser is mounted in each container for dispensing predetermined quantities of material.

Abstract: The container is adapted to be releasably secured to a rotatable turntable. It has a pie-shaped cross section, with a recess in the bottom to receive a projection to hold it in place on the turntable. Another projection projects laterally from the narrow end of the container to mate with a receptacle on the turntable to prevent the container from being tipped off of the turntable. The container has a sloping hinged cover for a large opening on the top, and a hinged cover for a small shaker opening in the top. In one embodiment, the container has a dispensing opening in the bottom and a rotary dispenser operable from outside the container for dispensing pre-measured quantities of materials through the bottom opening.

Abstract: The container has a generally pie-shaped cross section and is adapted to fit on a turntable with a number of other containers of the same shape. To facilitate molding, the container consists of at least two separate molded parts, one including the angular side walls and bottom wall of the container, and the other including the front wall of the container. One molded part includes a portion of the top wall of the container, and the other molded part includes the other portion of the top wall, which preferably is sloping and has a large opening. A second opening in the top, preferably grilled, is provided as a shaker outlet. Mounting structures are provided in each molded part for supporting an internal rotary dispenser mechanism.

Abstract: A revolving hair coloring chemical dispensing carousel utilizes an identical pair of rounded, generally spaced apart support plates or racks which are rotatably mounted on a stationary base member. The support racks contain a series of passageways that are sized to accommodate either a large diameter container of developer solution or a smaller diameter container of colorizing pigment solution. More particularly, each cylindrical developer and pigment solution container is formed of a generally transparent material, such as clear plastic, and includes a plunger shaft which extends upwardly from the top portion of the container. The end of the plunger shaft positioned within the container housing includes a piston which facilitates the pushing or plunging of fluid confined within the fluid reservoir area of the container housing. The bottom end of the container housing includes a valve fixture, which is preferentially biased in the closed position by a helical biasing spring.

Abstract: A turntable storage device which has a turntable and a plurality of storage containers for condiments and other granular materials. The turntable has a base member and a platform that is removably attachable to the base and rotatable on the base member. The base member has an upwardly extending hollow post. The containers are attachable to the turntable by means of mating projections and receptacles. The turntable storage device is convertible. It is provided with structure for selectively attaching and removing either a handle or a hanging support member. The hanging support member is adaptable to hang one or more turntables from a shelf, if desired. The support member also is shaped to fit into the hollow post of another turntable, whereby two turntables can be stacked on top of the one another. In one embodiment, a rotary measuring dispenser is mounted in each container for dispensing predetermined quantities of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids includes a turntable that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The apparatus is connected to a plurality of containers that contain fluid to be dispensed. The containers are mounted to the turntable in a spaced relationship about the circumference of the turntable. The turntable is also connected to a plurality of pumps, one pump associated with each container. The pumps include connectors that are releasably connected to the containers and that facilitate the removal of an empty container for replacement with a full container. The apparatus also includes an actuator that facilitates the removal of an empty container. The pumps are preferably disposed on an opposing side of the turntable from the containers. The apparatus also includes a plurality of rollers disposed at the outer circumference of the turntable for supporting the turntable in the radial and axial directions.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing viscous fluids from flexible packages is provided. The flexible package is connected to a pump by way of a conduit. A buffer system may be provided which results in an emptying of the flexible package of fluid first prior to the emptying of the buffer system. A valve may be provided to isolate the flexible package thereby enabling the flexible package to be removed and replaced with a full package while the pump continues to draw fluid out of the buffer system. Accordingly, the flexible package of fluid may be replaced without interruption of the dispenser. A self-cleaning closure for the outlet to the dispenser may be provided to keep the outlet clean.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus for automated dispensing high-viscosity fluids for mixing applications, such as dispensing of pigment concentrates for mixing screen printing inks and paints includes a rotatable carousel containing a plurality of different pigment concentrate supplies. The carousel is selectively rotated into a dispensing position in alignment with a dispensing pump and the pump is actuated to dispense through a dispensing valve assembly associated with each pigment concentrate supply. The dispensing valve assembly includes a pair of dispensing valves having different valve orifices so that the pigment concentrates may be dispensed in coarse and fine iterations into a container for mixing.

Abstract: An aqueous, non-settling, universal pearlescent, or nacreous pigment dispersion is provided for use in dispensing machines for the custom mixing in retail stores and trade sales of alkyd or solvent-thinned and water-based surface coatings. The non-settling pearlescent pigment dispersion employs a synthetic silicate, sodium lithium magnesium silicate, as the suspending agent. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the dispersion which incorporates one or more carriers, humectants, surfactants and other optional conventional additives.

Abstract: A vaporizer carousel for an anaesthetic machine has a gas supply device on which a holder for at least one vaporizer is arranged in a rotating fashion. A coaxial gas coupling area is arranged between the gas supply device and the holder in order to achieve an uninterrupted flow of gas between the gas supply device and the holder, regardless of the holder angle of rotation in relation to the gas supply device. The coaxial gas coupling area is formed by first and second connecting conduit in the gas supply device, first and second gas conduits in the holder and a gas space between the gas supply device and the holder.

Abstract: A hopper assembly comprising a hopper bin having a substantially trapezoidal discharge opening and a charging adapter having multiple walls, each of the walls having a vertical portion.

Abstract: A dye batching machine has a dispensing head and several tanks arranged radially around the dispensing head. The tanks are connected to the dispensing head by means of Victaulic couplings. Each tank is fitted with dye measuring systems and dye mixing systems. A motor system is located above the dispensing head for controlling the dye measuring and mixing systems in the tanks and one or more vertical supports for the motor system are arranged radially around the dispensing head. The lower part of the vertical supports has two or more flat walls that are inserted into free spaces adjacent the Victaulic couplings.

Abstract: There are provided surgical suturing apparatus or stitching devices particularly suited for use in suturing artificial heart valves to heart tissue during heart valve replacement surgery. The disclosed apparatus include a stationary jaw oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the apparatus to facilitate suturing through the artificial valve in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the valve. One embodiment of the stitching device utilizes a pair of surgical needles or incision members joined by a single length of suture material. There are also disclosed disposable loading units for providing suture - needle assemblies to the suturing apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of suturing an artificial heart valve to heart tissue using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing beverages from containers including a housing having an outer surface, canisters arranged in the housing for defining compartments in which beverages from the beverage containers are received, one in each compartment, spigots mounted on the outer surface of the housing and arranged in flow communication with the compartments for enabling individual dispensing of the beverages from the compartments, and a single thermoelectric unit for cooling or heating the beverages received in all of the compartments. The thermoelectric unit has a first conductor plate thermally coupled to the canisters, a second conductor plate spaced from the first conductor plate and thermally isolated from the canisters and at least one thermocouple arranged between the first and second conductor plates. Each thermocouple includes a pair of semi-conductor elements made from a semi-conductor material.

Abstract: An automatic fluid mixing device wherein a cylindrical supporting structure supports a first number of valves angularly spaced along a first circumference, and a second number of valves angularly spaced along a second circumference concentric with and inside the first; the valves are three-way types, and present a control rod extending axially from one end; and the mixing device presents a blade type selecting device movable angularly about an axis through the center of the circumferences, and which singly engages an end portion of the control rod to move the rod axially and so open the valve.

Abstract: An automatic liquid material metering system including a plurality of storage tanks mounted around the periphery of a rotary wheel, each storage tank having a valve port and an electromagnetic valve controlled by a control switch to close open the valve port, a pulley block system having a carriage, a lifting rack at one side of the carriage, and a horizontal slide at the top of the lifting rack, and a contact switch mounted on the horizontal slide and moved to switch on/off the control switch, an electronic scale mounted on the carriage, a receptacle mounted on the electronic scale and adapted for holding a liquid material discharged from one of the storage tanks, permitting the received liquid material to be measured by the electronic scale, and a microprocessor adapted for receiving signal from the electronic scale and input data from an input device so as to control the rotation of the rotary wheel, and the movement of the pulley block system subject to the signal and data received.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus includes canisters mounted on a turntable, the canisters including dispense pumps and valves. Actuators for operating the dispense pumps and valves are located on a service door mounted alongside the turntable. The dispense apparatus is mounted on modular framework to improve serviceability of the components employed.

Abstract: A dry composition dispenser for dispensing powdered or granular materials comprising a frame, a support surface rotatably secured to the frame, a rotator for selectively rotating the support surface, a plurality of bins secured to the support surface in which each bin may contain a different powdered or granular material, a metering assembly residing in each bin, and a metering motor which when engaged with a metering assembly in a bin containing material to be dispensed, may be operated to dispense material from the selected bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering pigments for paints and the like is provided with a bearing framework on which is disposed a rotary carousel supporting a plurality of pigment vessels, each of which is provided with a delivery or metering assembly. The main feature of the invention is that the delivery assembly has a valve including a closure stem which can be located at a closing position, an opening position and a draining position in which the stem partially projects from the delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A loading unit is disclosed for supplying multiple surgical needles or surgical incision members and associated lengths of suture material for positioning the needle or surgical incision member within the jaws of a surgical suturing apparatus. The loading unit generally includes a body portion having apparatus receiving structure for receipt of the surgical suturing apparatus and a carousel rotatably affixed to the body portion and containing a plurality of supply stations thereon. The supply stations generally include a support member for supporting a central portion of a surgical needle and a storage member for temporarily securing a length of suture material associated with the surgical needle. The apparatus receiving structure includes structure for aligning and maintaining the surgical suturing apparatus in position on the loading unit until such time as a surgical incision member has been inserted into jaws associated with the surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: Dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of storage containers, each container having two or more metering pumps associated therewith. The containers and metering pumps are located on a turntable which is indexed to move a particular metering pump to a dispensing station. Automated dispensing equipment operate the metering pump at the dispensing station and the turntable is thereafter indexed a smaller amount to bring the other pump associated with the same container into a dispensing position. In this manner, a single actuator system can be employed for multiple discharge cycles associated with a particular canister, and can accommodate multiple canisters.

Abstract: A sealing valve arrangement for dispensing apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted on a support includes a valve with an outwardly protruding operator member with a free end remote from the valve, and a valve mount for mounting the valve to the turntable mount for travel with the turntable. A cam block mounted stationary on the turntable support defines a channel for receiving the free end of the operator member and, with rotation of the turntable, moves the operator member so that the valves move from one position to another.

Abstract: A rotary beverage dispensing device includes a turntable having an upstanding partition structure forming chambers facing away from the turntable rotational axis and beverage container support mechanism in each chamber. Each beverage container has a downwardly directed discharge spout, and a shut-off valve to control flow of liquid beverage through the spout. The dispensing device is especially designed for carbonated beverages and fruit juices, and enables the user to select different beverages for dispensing, depending on individual preference.

Abstract: A system from which a customer may rent and return videocassettes. The system has a plurality of vending machines for dispensing and receiving videocassettes including a carousel rotated about a horizontal axis and having bins for storage of videocassettes and access doors for dispensing and receiving videocassettes. A computer controlled positioning system scans a barcode ring affixed to the carousel and an aperture detector counts the passage of apertures in a ring about the carousel for determining the position of the carousel. The control computer also maintains an inventory database which tracks inventory in the bins by scanning barcodes affixed to the each videocassette and viewable via an opening at each bin location.

Abstract: Dispenser actuating apparatus includes guide rails carrying a valve actuator at one end. A pump actuator is mounted for sliding along the guide rails, and the guide rails are mounted for sliding along their central axes. Separate motors and drive belts reciprocate the valve and pump actuators with independent movements.

Abstract: A multiple jar turret airbrush is provided and consists of a turret having a top stationary member and a bottom rotating member coupled to the top stationary member, a plurality of paint jars, radially suspended downwardly from the bottom rotating member of the turret, an air brush assembly fluidly connected to the top stationary member of the turret and a mechanism for retaining the bottom rotating member in one of a plurality of positions with the top rotating member so that any one of the paint jars can be fluidly connected to the air brush assembly and the liquid in the respective paint jar can be utilized by the air brush assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the colorant-dispensing nozzles of machines adapted for coloring paint base material. Container assemblies of the machine provide storage of the colorants and may include metering apparatus to discharge preselected amounts of colorant through the nozzle into a quantity of paint base material. Flow control valves on the container assemblies block the discharge of colorant material from the metering apparatus. A sealing valve is attached to each nozzle to block the free end of the nozzle against air intrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing hardware to workers at workstations on an assembly line. Specifically, this invention relates to a transportable rotatable dispensing apparatus. Thus, the apparatus can be loaded with supplies, hardware or articles, then transported to a multiplicity of workstations for workers to use in an assembly of a product. The apparatus has a base support and at least one storage unit mounted on top of the support. The storage unit is made up of a number of containers rotatably mounted on the support. Each container has a discharging device which is operator actuated. The discharged articles will drop into a chute that directs the articles to a receiving device mounted on the support. On top of the storage unit is a covering that has a loading device for allowing the containers to be loaded with articles.

Abstract: A device for presentation of receptacles containing samples of liquid with a view to transferring them to an automatic analyzer. The device comprises a cylindrical drum forming a core integral with at least two circular crowns perforated or with cavities to receive the receptacles and sloping them relative to the axis of the drum which is maintained horizontal during the presentation of the samples with a view to transferring them into the analyzer. Such a device having a small bulk enables ideal agitation as a consequence of the rotation and tipping over of the samples during their presentation.

Abstract: Apparatus for coloring paint base material comprises a plurality of container assemblies mounted for indexing movement along a path of travel. A dispensing station is provided adjacent the path of travel. The container assemblies include metering apparatus to discharge preselected amounts of colorant into a container of paint base material. Valves on the container assemblies block the discharge of colorant material from the metering apparatus. Meter actuating and valve actuating apparatus is provided at the dispensing station for automatically dispensing metered colorants into passing containers of paint base material, according to formulae stored in the apparatus.

Abstract: A device facilitating the inhalation of powdered medicaments from within a container. The device comprises a body having walls partially defining a chamber, an inlet port into the chamber for the entry of air, and a mouthpiece having a central through opening communicating with the chamber. A support member also partially defines the chamber and is manually movable relative to the body to convey a first portion of the container from (1) a first position spaced from the chamber to (2) a predetermined dispense position within the chamber with an open end of the first capsule portion uppermost so that airflow into the inlet port and through the chamber induced by suction at the mouthpiece will cause the powdered medicament in the first container portion to become entrained in the airflow; and an extractor is mounted for movement relative to the body to remove a second container portion and open the container prior to positioning of the first container portion at the dispense position.

Abstract: An apparatus for arraying parts on respective trays therefor comprises a tray-stocking device for receiving empty trays from a conveyor and maintaining a stock of the empty trays from which the latter are individually lifted by a first elevator to a conveying line extending above the tray-stocking device past a tray-accommodating station, a parts supplying mechanism disposed adjacent such station for selectively supplying parts to an empty tray disposed thereat, a vibrator for shaking the tray disposed at the tray-accommodating station and thereby arraying the parts supplied to the tray, whereupon the tray with parts arrayed thereon is withdrawn from the station along the conveying line, and a second elevator for removing the individual trays with parts arrayed thereon from the conveying line and for returning the removed trays with parts arrayed thereon to the first-mentioned conveyor.

Abstract: A sand dispensing assembly is provided wherein two different sands are held in two bins in a top section. The bins are concentric and generally cylindrical. A middle section of the sand dispensing assembly includes a plurality of inner dispensing tubes at a first diameter from the center of the middle section and a plurality of outer dispensing tubes at a second diameter greater than the first diameter from the center of the middle section. A bottom of the sand dispensing assembly includes a plurality of discharge funnels. When the middle section is at a first position, sand fills the inner dispensing tubes from the first bin while sand exits the outer tubes through the discharge funnels. When the middle section is rotated to a second position, sand fills the outer dispensing tubes from the second bin while sand exits the inner tubes through the discharge funnels.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing assembly for use in an automated specimen analysis system. The assembly comprises a dispensing station and a plurality of reagent supply containers associated therewith. A system is provided for positioning a desired one of the reagent containers at the dispensing station for dispensing a desired amount of reagent. A device acts on the containers at the dispensing station for dispensing the desired amount of reagent. A control system coordinates the movement of the respective reagent containers to the dispensing station and the amount of reagent dispensed within a specimen in a specimen tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for apportioning powdered material into each of a series of containers is disclosed which includes a powdered material hopper having a dispensing opening and a rotatable filling head contiguous to the dispensing opening. The rotatable filling head includes a plurality of radially situated chambers each having an open outer end for displacement between the material hopper and the series of containers. A conventional pneumatic source is provided for assisting the filling and emptying of the chambers during the apportioning process. Within each chamber, the volume of powdered material received is defined by a piston having a porous surface. The piston engages a threaded stem longitudinally fixed in position yet rotatable about its longitudinal axis to effect displacement of the piston head and support longitudinally within the chamber. A seal is provided at the radially inner end of the threaded stem to ensure positive pneumatic action through the porous piston surface.

Abstract: A device for dispensing separate supplies of fluids has a circular array of valves which are moved selectively to position a selected one of the valves at the central axis of the array, the selected valve then being actuated to dispense a metered quantity of the fluid supplied to that valve, subsequent to which the selected valve is returned to its position in the circular array.

Abstract: Base structure is provided from which an upstanding post is supported and separate top and bottom horizontal support plates are mounted on the post in vertically spaced relation and for rotation relative thereto. Sleeve structure is also rotatable on the post and disposed between and keys the plates against rotation relative to each other. A plurality of upright tubular fluent material reservoirs are supported from and extend between corresponding peripheral portions of the plates spaced about and outward from the post and the upper and lower ends of the reservoirs open upwardly and downwardly through the upper and lower plates, respectively. Manually actuatable dispensing structure is carried by the lower end of each reservoir and a horizontal closure plate is mounted on the post above the upper plate for rotation relative to and about the post.