Abstract: A device is disclosed for receiving fluid components from a proportioning device and delivering the components to a mixing tube for chemical reaction of the components. The device comprises a housing having two inlet chambers and an outlet chamber. One of the fluids is connected to the first inlet chamber while the other fluid is connected to the second inlet chamber and both inlet chambers are fluidly connected to the outlet chamber by separate fluid passageways. A valve assembly is operable to simultaneously open both fluid passageways so that the fluids from the inlet chambers flow into the outlet chamber and then out from the device housing to the mixing tube. The device housing comprises two housing parts which are detachably secured together and, when separated, provide open access to the valve members and outlet chamber for cleaning and to enable a ratio check to be performed at a point in the system close to the mixing tube.

Abstract: A process for the sterilization of pumps for liquid or pasty pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foodstuffs or similar products, preferably for pumps in which the piston can be driven to slide longitudinally in a cylinder and, at the same time, to rotate about its own axis. The piston contains a recess that reaches as far as the circular cylinder wall and the working face of the piston and communicates with a suction connection in the cylinder wall during a suction stroke and with a pressure connection in the cylinder wall during a pressure stroke and where, further, a closable drainage aperture is preferably provided in the bottom end of the cylinder. A sterilization medium is fed to a pump connection while the pump is being driven. Consequently, the pump does not have to be dismantled for sterilization purposes.

Abstract: A sterilizing method is provided for use with a container filling machine having components defining passages through which a fluid product flows. In one method aspect, sterilizing steam is passed through the components unitl the components have been sterilized. As the system cools and the steam condenses, the system is pressurized with gas to prevent the internal pressure in the system from decreasing below the ambient atmospheric pressure. In a further method aspect, the sterilizing process is controlled in response to sensing the temperature of one or more of the components. In yet another aspect, a common source of sterilizing steam is provided for being directed into the product filling system and simultaneously into an associated process gas supply system to sterilize both systems generally concurrently in a single pass.

Abstract: A superflow diffuser and spout assembly including an inlet for carbonated water, an inlet for syrup, a diffuser assembly through which the carbonated water passes prior to being dispensed, a spout, a syrup distributor, and a flow separator within the path of the carbonated water, the flow separator being operative to separate the carbonated water into at least two streams, one stream directed to flow along an outside surface of the spout, the second stream directed to flow inside the spout, the second stream colliding with and mixing with syrup distributed within the spout. The first stream of carbonated water and the second stream of carbonated water, then mixed with syrup, meet and form a single stream to be dispensed in a second embodiment, a syrup distributor has a plurality of inlets for different flavored syrups and a shroud located within the spout between the syrup distributor and an inner surface of the spout.

Abstract: A pump is adapted for discharging a very small quantity of a liquid and has a discharge port opening and shut valve, discharge element and liquid drawing passageway opening and shut valve. The discharge port opening and shut valve includes a rod-shaped element which can advance to and retract away from a discharge port. The tubular discharge element and opening and shut valves mate relatively movably with each other coaxially with the rod-shaped element on the cylindrical surface of the red-shaped element. The advancement of the discharge element discharges the liquid which has been introduced into the liquid drawing passageway and regulated by the opening and shut valves to a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated, pilot operated valve having a nonmetallic body with a pressure responsive disphragm for opening the main valve and defining, in cooperation with a guide member, a pilot chamber having an armature/pilot valve member movably received thereon. The guide member has a bleed-supply hole formed therein and is secured to the body by an annular member attached to the body by nonmetallic weldment and integrally defining a cup into which a solenoid coil is received over the guide member and potted by liquid-cast insulating material. An armature guide member-diaphragm subassembly has the guide with armature received therein with the diaphragm peripherally secured thereto by a ring pressed thereover, the ring interfitting with cooperating body surfaces to define restricted passage to filter flow to the pilot chamber bleed hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle for dispensing a product, in particular a foaming product, contained in a pressurized container. The nozzle comprises three elements: an element (6) for fixation onto the container; a dispensing element (5); and a lateral element (7) for coupling the first two elements. The coupling element (7) has an elasticity such that its height varies between the operating position and the position of repose by a value equal to the sum of the distance between the upper edge of the emergent stem in the position of repose and the projection of the hole when the nozzle is in the position of repose, and the distance corresponding to the course of driving in of the emergent stem between its position of repose and the position of complete opening of the valve. The emergent stem of the valve, in the position of repose, is completely outside the hole.

Abstract: The multipath filling machine or unit for metering, filling and packing pastry products, especially soup pastes, in two or more product rows has a feed mechanism, which has a conveying device, and a following metering mechanism. The conveying device has a plurality of conveyor screws extending in pairs to a pressing chamber of the metering mechanism. These conveyor screws are associated with a common entrance funnel for all rows of products so that a uniform product distribution, is attained in the narrowest space and thus an exact metering over.

Abstract: Chemical dispensing apparatus for emptying and rinsing containers of chemicals, with dilution of chemical. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the container can be enclosed and supported, draining means provided at a lower portion of said chamber and a hollow perforated wash pipe mounted on the chamber so as to be moveable into the interior thereof to pierce twice any container supported therein, the wash pipe being connected to a diluent supply. The chamber is provided with means for supporting the container in a generally tilted manner such that a corner thereof is presented as the lowest portion and the wash pipe is arranged to pierce the container through said corner, means being provided on the wash pipe to hold apart the lowest pierced portion of the container and one or more nozzles being provided to spray diluent over a substantial part of the interior of the container while the pierced portion is held apart.

Abstract: This relates to a barrel or drum scraper to facilitate the complete emptying of a barrel or drum. Barrels and drums which are filled with a liquid containing solids and the like frequently have the solids settle out and become deposited on the inner surface of the barrel wall and the barrel bottom. Thus when you pour out the liquid content of a barrel filled with such a product, there remains in the barrel the solids which have adhered to the body and bottom. This relates to a scraper and barrel handler which will effect the removal of the solids from the walls of the barrel. This is particularly true when the barrel is used to store contaminated materials. In one form, the apparatus includes a barrel support which accurately positions the barrel, after which the scraper assembly moves down into the barrel.

Abstract: A flushing unit has an extraction borehole for process gases and a flushing gas line, which can be connected via a flushing gas connection to a flushing gas supply. In order for only one fitting to be flushed by a circulation flushing operation with an inert gas or a flushing gas, the flushing unit has a flushing gas outlet which is connected to the extraction borehole, and which is opened or closed with a stop valve.

Abstract: Mixing concentrates requires the precise dispensing of predetermined amounts of concentrate into predetermined amounts of liquid and such mixes can be obtained by the use of a system having two positive displacement pumps, one for pumping larger volumes with each operation than the second pump and a pressure regulator to maintain a predetermined pressure on the solvent carrier fluid for the mixture.

Abstract: Cleaning equipment is connected to automatically clean conduits which deliver beer from a keg to a spigot. An operator may manually commence the cleaning operation by controlling valves connected to the keg and to a source of water. The spigot is then manually opened by the operator to permit the water to flow through the conduits being cleaned and dispensed at the spigot. The water pressure at the entrance to the conduits creates a vacuum effect to cause a chemical solution to be mixed with the water in accordance with the amount of water pressure. A gauge measures the water back pressure at the entrance to the conduits. The amount of chemical concentration in the solution may be determined when the cleaning equipment is installed from systems involving different numbers of conduits having different back pressure levels.

Abstract: The problems of excess flow of a liquid to be dispensed in a metering device, especially for a sterilizing liquid for packings and packaging materials, is solved by pumping the liquid from a supply vessel below the housing of the metering device into the latter and maintaining a bath of the liquid in the latter by overflow back to the supply vessel. A control slider lifts a quantity of the liquid from the bath to an overflow channel from which it flows to a metering chamber and then passes through an upwardly inclined duct to the atomizing and blowing device applying the liquid spray to the packaging materials.

Abstract: A superflow diffuser and spout assembly includes an inlet for carbonated water, an inlet for syrup, a diffuser assembly through which the carbonated water passes prior to being dispensed, a spout, a syrup distributor, and a flow separator within the path of the carbonated water, the flow separator being operative to separate the carbonated water into at least two streams, one stream directed to flow along an outside surface of the spout, the second stream directed to flow inside the spout, the second stream colliding with and mixing with syrup distributed within the spout, wherein the first stream of carbonated water and the second stream of carbonated water, then mixed with syrup, meet and form a single stream for dispensing. A second embodiment includes a syrup distributor having a plurality of inlets for different flavored syrups and a shroud located within the spout between the syrup distributor and an inner surface of the spout.

Abstract: A flavor dispensing device usable on machines for dispensing frozen foods, such as ice cream. The flavor dispensing device is suitable to be retrofitted on existing food dispensing machines below the dispensing spigot. One embodiment includes a syrup stem protruding inwardly into the food/flavor mixing chamber. This stem may have both an opening in the central portion and the perimeter portion of the mixing chamber, resulting in syrup being deposited in the center and the perimeter of the ice cream flow. A rotor in the chamber provides mixing, and in one embodiment the rotor is tangentially driven and has a central aperture therein. A water flush system is provided to clean syrup and food from the various lines and ducts. The flavor dispensing device is readily removable for cleaning and servicing.

Abstract: This invention relates to the supply piping system of the process gas for various types of thin-film making and fine pattern dry etching process, and more particularly to the process gas supply system, which makes it possible to form high quality thin films and to perform high quality etching.Specifically, when there are a unit in operation with process gas supplied and a unit not in operation with no process gas supplied in a process gas supply piping system, supplying the process gas to two or more process units from a cylinder cabinet piping system, this invention provides a gas supply piping system, where the process gas supply piping line to the process unit not in operation can be purged with purge gas all the time and where gas flows all the time through all of gas supply piping lines to eliminate the stagnation of gas.

Abstract: A foam dispenser for converting a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam that can be cleaned with compressed gas after the foam is discharged and which is distinguished by the use of a center plug having discrete passages to separate the various foam components until the components enter a detachable mixing chamber located external to the dispenser barrel.

Abstract: A machine for filling packaging containers with a flowable product comprises a control valve in the form of a plug valve having a body defining a bore forming a frusto-conical valve seat, a plug having a complimentary frusto-conical surface, and a valve chamber for pressurized fluid formed at the wider end of the plug. The chamber communicates with the bore. The plug is axially displaceable between a first position, in which the frusto-conical surface seals against the valve seat and in which it is rotatable to control flow through the valve, and a second position, in which it is withdrawn into the chamber to provide clearance between the mating surfaces of the plug and the seat but retaining clearance between its wider end and the opposite surface of the chamber so that all surfaces of the plug are exposed for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: Injection mechanism for powder and the like comprising a movable disc (II) with a number of throughholes (6) and two stationary members (I, III), each having a number of openings (1,2 and 3, 4, 5) communicating with a powder supply, a propellant gas source and a powder receiving unit, respectively, wherein the two faces of the disc each faces a closely mating face of each of the members and wherein in defined relative positions holes (6) at the disc (II) are in alignment with openings (1-5) in the members (I, III). The surfaces of the stationary members (I, III) presented spaced apart depressions (7) communicating with an adjustable pressure oil source and an adjustable spring action device acts against the members with opposite direction.

Abstract: When using containers of agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides and the like, it is desirable to transfer the contents to the sprayer tank by pump means rather than physically lifting the container to the tank inlet and then pouring the contents manually into the tank. It is also essential to rinse out the container prior to disposing of same as most of the chemicals used are concentrated and can cause environmental damage if the majority of the contents are not removed prior to disposal. The present device allows the operator to transfer the chemical to the tank by means of a pump and then wash or rinse out the container with water which is then also transferred to the sprayer tank. A control valve portion connects to a concentric tube assembly which includes a container piercer on the lower end thereof.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for receiving fluid components from a proportioning device and delivering the components to a mixing tube for chemical reaction of the components. The device comprises a housing having two inlet chambers and an outlet chamber. One of the fluids is connected to the first inlet chamber while the other fluid is connected to the second inlet chamber and both inlet chambers are fluidly connected to the outlet chamber by separate fluid passageways. A valve assembly is operable to simultaneously open both fluid passageways so that the fluids from the inlet chambers flow into the outlet chamber and then out from the device housing to the mixing tube. The device housing comprises two housing parts which are detachably secured together and, when separated, provide open access to the valve members and outlet chamber for cleaning and to enable a ratio check to be performed at a point in the system close to the mixing tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-cleaning injection system for injecting foamable compositions into packaging applications. The system comprises an injection nozzle having an opening in one end from which mixed foam precursors which form foamable compositions may exit. The one end comprises a tip assembly which is porous to gases and to certain liquids, but which is impermeable to other materials such as the foamable compositions which may otherwise exit the housing only through said opening. A pump assembly pumps cleaning solvent from a solvent container to the injection nozzle while maintaining a constant delivery of air or a mixture of air and solvent to the injection nozzle. The pump assembly comprises a solvent container and an air compressor for sending air to the solvent container and for sending a mixture of solvent and air from the solvent container to said injection nozzle.

Abstract: A postmix juice dispensing system for reconstituting and dispensing pliable 5+1 orange juice at freezer temperatures of from about -10.degree. F. to 0.degree. F., including a pressurizable canister for pressurizing concentrate in a flexible bag and for forcing the concentrate through a concentrate conduit into a heat exchanger, then into a metering device and then into a mixing chamber where the concentrate mixes with water fed also through a metering device.

Abstract: A system is described for changing over propellant feeds to an aerosol can filling operation and for servicing filling heads without venting propellant to atmosphere. Instead, the propellant is collected in a scrap salvage tank.

Abstract: A thin-film coating apparatus for forming a metal oxide film or diffusion source film on the surface of materials to be treated. The apparatus includes a solution-dropping nozzle device including an inner tube adapted to cause a solution to flow down therethrough and an outer tube enclosing the inner tube. The inner wall of the outer tube is spaced from the outer wall of the inner tube so as to define a flow path therebetween, the flow path being adapted to supply a cleaning solution to the tip portion of the inner tube. Because the tip portion of the inner tube can be cleaned efficiently, any concentration or deposition of the dropping solution is prevented from occurring at the tip portion of the inner tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for dosingly filling pasty or fluid filling material into containers. The arrangement is provided with a rotatably mounted cylinder and an axially slidably mounted piston which moves within the rotatable cylinder and which in its extreme inner position closes at least a third, but preferably about 50% of a window-like through opening, respectively inlet opening in the housing of the device. When retracting the dosing piston it exposes the portion of the through opening which has been closed when the piston is in its innermost position. By filling containers by means of the device of this invention, the filling material is automatically dropped into the rotating cylinder and is thereby subjected to an extraordinarily sparingly sensitive manipulation, which is particularly significant for sensitive products, such as for example salad-like products.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for mixing fluids, particularly, liquids, and dispensing the mixture thus obtained, comprises an adjustment mechanism associated with a control device so as to be movable with, but not readily disconnectable from, the control device. The adjustment mechanism is independent of a main support of the fluid dispensing device so that the adjustment mechanism can be moved with a mixing chamber in relation to the main support, thus permitting the disengagement of supply conduits and the cleaning thereof without disconnecting the adjustment mechanism from the control device.

Abstract: A post mix dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, in the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers each are of rigid box member construction having supported therein a liquid-type bag member with an outlet member. The containers are coupled to a beverage discharge assembly by a concentrate pump and a concentrate control valve that provides for quick-disconnect operation.

Abstract: A system for cleaning cone/shake makers in place. Cone/shake makers have at least one freezer for making ice cream cones or milk shakes. Each freezer has a product inlet, a product pump for pumping product from the inlet into the freezer, and at least one draw valve for dispensing the product in the freezer. The cleaning system has a mixing tank for mixing water with a cleansing chemical, the mixing tank having a capacity of less than one-fourth the volume of the water and cleansing chemical mixture to be used while cleaning a cone/shake maker. The system controllably provides the cleansing chemical to the mixing tank at a rate corresponding to the rate at which water flow into the mixing tank, thereby making a cleansing chemical solution of predefined concentration on the fly as the mixture is being used to clean the cone/shake maker.

Abstract: A machine for transferring metered quantities of viscous materials from a source of such materials into successive receptacles has a tubular housing with inlets and outlets disposed diametrically opposite each other. The housing confines a rotary metering device having an axially extending chamber and an opening which communicates with the inlet in one angular position and with the outlet in another angular position of the metering device. A piston in the metering device draws flowable material from the source into the chamber in the first angular position and expels such material from the chamber into a receptacle in the second angular position of the metering device. The housing and the metering device have adjacent frustoconical surfaces and the metering device is movable axially to establish between such surfaces a frustoconical clearance for admission of a liquid or gaseous cleaning fluid while the metering device remains in the interior of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning-in-place valve actuator (23) for cleaning a soft serve shake machine (10). The valve actuator (23) is mounted upon the front of the soft serve shake machine (10), and a motor (20) moves a series of mechanical linkages (15, 11) so that a shifting fork (8) pivotally and reciprocally rotates. The forked ends (64) of the shifting fork (8) attach to levers (42) on the soft serve shake machine (10) and cause the lever (42) to move back and forth. The movement of the lever (42) opens and closes a draw valve (40) which controls flow to the machine's outlet nozzle (31), so that the cleaning solution can flow to all parts of the soft serve shake machine (10) for thorough cleaning.

Abstract: A package-type container for receiving a free-flowing product. The container including a foil-bag (2) composed of individual foil webs welded together which is placed in a rigid casing (1) and has a discharge device which provides sterile sealing with regard to the outside atmosphere. The discharge device including an outlet plug (4) which is firmly linked with the foil-bag, and an extraction device (5) which can be applied thereto.

Abstract: A plug valve and a sealing assembly for a plug valve. A plug valve having a plug closure member for sealing off the open end of a conduit and thereby preventing flow of a first fluid through the conduit, the plug closure member connected to a hollow stem tube, a channel for the flow of a second fluid, (a lift medium), extending through the hollow stem tube and plug closure member, the plug closure member and stem movable in a guide tube toward and away from the open end of the conduit, the plug closure member seatable in the open end of the conduit, and a sealing assembly disposed between the stem tube and guide tube for preventing the flow of fluid, fluidized catalysts, or purge medium downward past the sealing assembly and for preventing the flow of lift medium or feedstock upward past the sealing assembly. A spacer for a purge channel is provided for even distribution of a purge medium.

Abstract: An aseptic food handling system for filling containers with presterilized food which includes a first cylinder, having an inlet and an outlet, where food products to be packaged are received in the inlet and where the cylinder contains a piston operable from first position to receive product through the inlet to a second position to emit the food product from the outlet wherein the cylinder includes sterilizing fluid passageway to selectively admit sterilizing fluid to the cylinder to expose the internal surfaces of the cylinder and the piston to the sterilizing fluid and can be operated by an adjustable two position motive cylinder. A second dispensing cylinder can also be provided to receive the food product from the first cylinder and direct it to a food coainer.

Abstract: A rinse-injection box has, between a connection for supplying water from a drinking-water line and an inlet into the rinse-injection box, a valve that opens automatically when water flows in. An opening to the atmosphere prevents water from flowing out of the full box into a drinking-water line that communicates with the connection because the opening prevents the establishment of a vacuum. When the supply of water is discontinued, the valve body will close off the inlet, allowing the vacuum needed for the next rinsing process to become established inside the box. Thus, no non-potable water can be suctioned back into the drinking-water line even when the rinse-injection box is completely full.

Abstract: A roller metering device comprises a roller, which has continuous elongate grooves longitudinally thereof spaced angularly around the periphery thereof, mounted in a hopper so that it grasps and forwards a volume of the particulate material within the hopper for each movement of a recess past a metering edge into a plurality of cups and venturis arranged along the length of the roller. A cleaning device for the roller is provided which is driven by the roller and comprises a plurality rods carried in angularly spaced arrangement around an axis of rotation of the cleaning device with each rod extending along the length of the roller. In one arrangement there are twelve recesses in the roller and six rods on the cleaning device with the cleaning device driven at a 2:1 ratio in speed relative to the roller.

Abstract: In a water jet injection device for use with dispensers for producing and spensing beverages mixed of fruit syrup or concentrate there is provided a simple rinsing system which, if need arises, disturbs the water jet of the injection device with the aid of a rod-type member adjustable from outside in such a manner that in the mixing chamber an excess pressure and turbulent flow are generated in place of a vacuum, whereby the mixing chamber is separated from the supply conduit for fruit syrup or the like and an intensive cleaning of all of the parts of the injection device contacting the mixed beverage is effected with the aid of the water of the water jet.

Abstract: A syringe for the measured filling of a container, such as a bottle or the like, particularly for use on rotary-head filling machines, of the type including a valve means (11) having a cylinder body and arranged to selectively communicate an inlet conduit (5) and an outlet conduit (6) with a cylinder chamber (2) in which a double-acting piston (7) is slidably received, wherein during the cleaning and/or sterilizing of the syringe, both said valve means (11) and piston (7) are positioned within a widening (4) in the cylinder chamber (2) such that pressurized liquid or steam from the inlet conduit (5) will impinge upon and sweep all over the inner wall of cylinder chamber (2), the surface of the valve (11), the piston (7) and the associated portion of piston rod (8) extending inside the cylinder (2), with liquid or steam also flowing through a valve passage (12) in valve means (11).

Abstract: A device for the metered dispensation and registration of liquids dispensed from a bottle, comprising a solenoid valve which is attached to the bottle neck, and which is opened and closed magnetically, with the closed position being the rest position of the solenoid valve. The housing of the solenoid valve is provided with coding marks. In addition to the solenoid valve arrangement, the device includes an operating head having a receiving opening for the bottle neck with the solenoid valve, an operating coil for the solenoid valve, a reading facility for the coding marks. A flowmeter which controls the opening time of the operating coil, is positioned downstream of the operating coil. The device further includes a stationary registration facility which is connected to the operating head.

Abstract: A flavor dispensing device usable on machines for dispensing frozen foods, such as ice cream. The flavor dispensing device is suitable to be retrofitted on existing food dispensing machines below the dispensing spigot. One embodiment includes a syrup stem protruding inwardly into the food/flavor mixing chamber. This stem may have both an opening in the central portion and the perimeter portion of the mixing chamber, resulting in syrup being deposited in the center and the perimeter of the ice cream flow. A rotor in the chamber provides mixing, and in one embodiment the rotor is tangentially driven and has a central aperture therein. A water flush system is provided to clean syrup and food from the various lines and ducts. The flavor dispensing device is readily removable for cleaning and servicing.

Abstract: The apparatus for the dosed delivery of a granular solid material to a reaction container possessing a delivery inlet possesses a dosing device comprising a piston-cylinder unit which opens or discharges into the base or floor of a transfer chamber. The solid material which exits or leaves the dosing device is conveyed in the transfer chamber by means of a rotating conveyor component to a funnel whose inlet opening is located in the base or floor of the transfer chamber. The conveyor elements or cavities of the conveyor component extend over the entire cross section of the inner volume of the transfer chamber such that the solid material is transferred without loss from the dosing device to the funnel which discharges into the delivery inlet of the reaction container and the conveyor component seals the gas volume above the funnel.

Abstract: A self clearing bladder valve is provided by concentric flexible and expandable bladder sleeves, the inner sleeve defining the passage through the valve. Flushing fluid is directed into an annular chamber between the bladder sleeves and through apertures through the inner sleeve into the passage for material passing through the valve to lubricate the passage and tend to force material out of the passage. The flushing fluid is delivered to the chamber between the bladder sleeves more quickly than it escapes through the apertures to the pressure in the annular chamber increases forcing the inner sleeve into the passage to restrict same as it is being flushed by fluid. Normally the flushing fluid will be directed into the annular chamber and through the apertures into the passage immediately before the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: An enclosed slurry dispensing system employs a sealed pressurized reservoir for supplying slurry through a bypass chamber to a dispensing nozzle. Excess slurry is bypassed through the bypass chamber to an intermediate chamber. Slurry is allowed to return to the reservoir through a normally-closed check valve, closed by the higher pressure of the reservoir. The system is purged by opening the reservoir to the atmosphere, creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in the bypass chamber. Air is admitted through the nozzle to purge the nozzle of slurry. At the same time, the check valve opens and excess slurry returns to the reservoir from the intermediate chamber.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing system has a structure for flushing the dispensing valve and its nozzle of syrup using diluent water from the water supply; the dispensing valve has a nozzle, syrup and water valves and an actuator for the syrup and water valves, a mounting block for the dispensing valve has water and syrup ports with inlets and outlets and normally closed disconnect valves in the outlet enabling removal of the dispensing valve from the block, a flush connector goes across the bottom of the block and is fluidly connected into the water and syrup ports, a normally closed flush valve is in the connector and has an external pushbutton actuator for opening the valve for connecting the water port to the syrup port to flush the syrup port disconnect valve, flow control, syrup valve and nozzle with water, and there is structure to prevent flow of flush water into the syrup supply line.

Abstract: A pumping unit for the filling of containers in packaging machines, in particular of foodstuffs with fluid behavior with the presence of suspended particles, which allows reliable operation under aseptic conditions, and which is easily cleanable. The conical shutter of the pumping unit, selectively connecting the pumping piston to the product intake duct and to the product delivery duct, is movable backwards from its seat, so as to allow an easy and reliable cleaning of unit's body, with no danger of product deposit with consequent loss of aseptic conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sanitizing beverage dispensing systems of the type using a pump that draws beverage from a single port collapsible container which is otherwise airtight. The system provides a manifold having a main manifold chamber with one input and at least one output and having a secondary manifold chamber with an input and an output, and sanitizing fluid containers. The drink dispensing hoses are attached to the outputs of the main manifold chamber, and either a sanitizing fluid or water is attached to the input of the main manifold chamber. The water may be provided through the secondary manifold chamber. Afterward, sanitizing fluid and water are drawn through the manifold and the dispensing hoses and heads, sanitizing the system. Sanitizing fluid is provided in collapsible containers similar to the beverage containers and having a venting device.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing, a dispenser head with an electrically conductive combination cup actuator lever and beverage level probe, a control circuit connected to the probe and to a start switch actuatable by the probe and to a solenoid for a beverage valve, and a drip tray and cup rest wherein the cup rest is tilted rearward toward the actuator lever to hold a cup against the lever and keep the back of the cup rim against the lever. An improved actuator lever has a dielectric journal, an electrically conductive thin wall metal tube cantilevered probe extending down from a single fastener securing a control lead and the probe to the journal piece and the conductive probe is spaced from and is below the level of the valve body and lever fulcrum. A conductive plastic flow control is mounted in the valve body and a second control lead is connected to the electrically conductive flow control for providing a potential signal in the beverage.

Abstract: For overcoming certain inherent disadvantages associated with most agricultural fertilizer distributors, a hopper having a distributor under its floor has a clean out door that is adapted to be closed using a tensioned flexible cover. The flexible cover is drawn into sealing abutment with the edges of the hopper housing walls by tensioning members. Advantages of this difference in construction include, for example, the ease with which blockages can be cleared from the distributor mechanism without the necessity of first emptying the contents of the hopper. The flexible cover is made of non-corrosive material and is not easily damaged by rough handling.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to a can filler unit which apparatus functions to properly locate a can in relation to a filling apparatus so as to minimize any possible damage to a can and to provide a support for a sealing and pressure relief member when the can filling system is being cleaned.