Abstract: A system for detecting and removing a gas bubble from a vascular infusion line, the system comprising: a disposable cassette adapted for disposition intermediate the fluid line, the disposable cassette comprising: a body comprising an inlet port, a chamber, an outlet port, and a purge port, a first passageway connecting the inlet port to the chamber, the first passageway comprising a first bubble detection section where a gas bubble may be detected within the first passageway, a second passageway connecting the chamber with the outlet port, and a first pinch valve disposed along the second passageway intermediate the chamber and the outlet port, and a third passageway connecting the chamber with the purge port, the third passageway comprising a second bubble detection section where a gas bubble may be detected within the third passageway, and a second pinch valve disposed along the third passageway intermediate the chamber and the bubble detection section.

Abstract: Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having product volumes and structural support volumes are provided with a valve mechanism to facilitate dispensing fluid product from the product support volume. One or more tension-inducing elements may be used to provide the valves with the ability to permit dispensing of fluid product from the product volume upon application of greater than a minimum threshold but less than a maximum threshold of squeeze force to an exterior of the flexible container. The valve may also be re-closable to prevent fluid product from being dispensed subsequent to use. The flexible container may further be provided with a product sensory experience sampling mechanism to provide for consumer interaction with one or more characteristics of the fluid product contained in the product volume without compromising the integrity of the product volume.

Abstract: An ornamental dispersion assembly that provides at least one ornamental portion positioned inside a dispersion assembly for engaging with a liquid or vapor that disperses from the dispersion assembly. The ornamental portion includes spherical gemstones configured to enhance the liquid by providing a smoothing and balancing effect to the liquid. The gemstones include etched surfaces for removing residue from the gemstone and providing a smooth surface to engage the liquid. The gemstones also include an aperture for enabling a siphon inside the dispersion assembly to pass through. In this manner, the gemstone positions on a nonlinear portion of the siphon, and in proximity to a central longitudinal axis of the dispersion assembly to inhibit contact with a sidewall of the dispersion assembly. The transparent dispersion assembly displays the gemstones. As the liquid passes over the gemstone, the liquid is enhanced by becoming more smooth and balanced.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a flowable substance, e.g., a fluid, has a housing with an indicating chamber, an outlet and two fluid paths from a container, one of the fluid paths to the indicating chamber and the other fluid path to the outlet. The indicating chamber may have indicia identifying, in real time, an amount of fluid that has flowed through the outlet. A shroud-cap may close the outlet and obscure the indicating chamber. Each fluid path includes a respective metered inlet. All the metered inlets are substantially identical in size and shape. Some disclosed shapes reduce surface tension for more accurate readings. A snorkel tube may extend into a container to supply makeup air into the container as fluid is dispensed. An indicating spout for flexible containers is vented to only the exterior of the flexible container.

Abstract: A container is formed from flexible top and bottom sheets and further includes an energy-deformable conduit. Contemplated containers include a plurality of compartments and a sample receiving compartment, wherein the conduit allows feeding a fluid into the sample compartment without feeding the fluid in the remaining compartments, which is preferably achieved by a flow-restriction portion in the conduit and a flow-control element between the sample receiving compartment and one or more of the compartments.

Abstract: An hydraulic proportioning system having a fluid actuated motor with a driven motor shaft, the motor being in fluid communication with and powered by a fluid source. A pump is provided having a drive shaft driven by the driven motor shaft of the fluid actuated motor, and a drive clutch interconnecting the driven motor shaft and the drive shaft of the pump. An injector manifold is in fluid communication with the pump which is connectable to a chemical source. A tube is in fluid communication with the injector manifold and extends into a chamber having fluid communication with the fluid source, the chemical and fluid from the fluid source combining in the chamber and discharged therefrom.

Abstract: Liquefied petroleum gas is widely used in leisure time activities. Here, as liquefied petroleum gas is highly inflammable, it is important to have an indicator (19) that quickly determines whether there is leakage. The present invention relates to a new leak indicator (19) that, when an easily operated button (20) is pushed downwards into a cavity (8), indicates whether or not there is leakage. The space confined in the cavity (8) is completely closed off when the appertaining liquefied petroleum gas system is in normal operation mode.

Abstract: A decanter for displaying and pouring a liquid from a bottle while fitted on top of the bottle including a transparent receptacle having a body portion, a neck portion, and an opening at the bottom of the neck portion. The body portion of the decanter has an inner hollow defined by a wall that is concentric with the neck portion. The body portion has an outlet mouth positioned above a middle area for pouring the liquid out of the decanter. The neck portion provides a path to provide for the flow of a liquid from the bottle to the body portion. The neck is sized and shaped to accommodate the neck of the bottle from which the liquid is poured.

Abstract: A sustained duration non-aerosol mechanical sprayer includes a spray head which is screwed onto the top of a bottle. The spray head includes a spring biased piston in a cylinder, a lever which is coupled to the piston via a flexible cable. A thumb support is provided to facilitate movement of the lever. A load bearing surface is provided to absorb force exerted by moving the lever. Anti-rotation structure is provided to locate the spray head relative to the bottle. A window in the spray head allows the contents of the cylinder to be viewed. According to some embodiments, the nozzle is located at one end of the spray head and the end of the accumulator to which the inlet and outlet are connected is located at an opposite end of the spray head.

Abstract: A device for providing illumination in conjunction with a sprinkler system has a body with an opening through it and at least one appendage extending from the body. The device takes on the appearance of a living thing, such as a flower, creature, or three-dimensional art. The opening in the body allows for the passage of liquid from the sprinkler system through the illuminator and provides a means for mounting the device near plants and flowers. A light source, preferably a light emitting diode, is embedded in the device itself and provides the illumination source. The opening includes a roughened surface along a portion of its length, which helps to refract the light emitted from the light source and adds to the quality of the display. A pivoting head assembly allows a user to adjust the pattern of liquid spray and also provides an easy means of maintenance.

Abstract: An hydraulic proportioning system having a fluid actuated motor with a driven motor shaft, the motor being in fluid communication with and powered by a fluid source. A pump is provided having a drive shaft driven by the driven motor shaft of the fluid actuated motor, and a drive clutch interconnecting the driven motor shaft and the drive shaft of the pump. An injector manifold is in fluid communication with the pump which is connectable to a chemical source. A tube is in fluid communication with the injector manifold and extends into a chamber having fluid communication with the fluid source, the chemical and fluid from the fluid source combining in the chamber and discharged therefrom.

Abstract: Accessories are provided for preventing the ingress of air into a dispensing pump (P) and to align a discharge aperture of the dispensing pump with a target, such as an eye (E). A dip tube (10) is disclosed that is sealed with a sealing plug (22) to serve as a liquid reservoir for the dispensing pump. A pliant dip tube (100) is also disclosed to which is mounted an anchor (108) that causes the dip tube (100) to be responsive to gravitational orientation of a dispensing pump (P). In a third embodiment of the invention, a liquid reservoir (200) is formed with a recess (208) that is covered by a semi-permeable membrane (212). The semi-permeable membrane restricts flow in and out of the recess (208) to maintain a supply of liquid (L) about an end (210) of a dip tube (206). In a fourth embodiment, a safety is provided that comprises a safety ball (304), a blind aperture (306) defined in a nozzle cap (302), and a conical depression (308) defined in the dispensing pump (P).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pack comprising a storage compartment (1) and a dispensing compartment (2), the dispensing compartment (2) comprising a metering space (6) and an outlet space (13), in which there is an outlet opening (4), there being between the storage compartment (1) and the dispensing compartment (2) a dividing wall (3) that, in an area (12) of the dividing wall (3) that—compared with other areas of the dividing wall (3)—is at the greatest distance from the pack base (7), is penetrated by a connecting piece (5), which projects into the dispensing compartment (2) and ends flush on the side of the storage compartment (1) and through which the contents can pass from the storage compartment (1) into the dispensing compartment (2), that end of the connecting piece (5) which faces the dispensing compartment (2) sloping in the direction of the metering space (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining direction of flow in a fluid or pneumatic system. The apparatus comprises first and second conduits having clear portions, the first and second conduits being capable of determining fluid flow direction in the system by observing fluid through their clear portions. The apparatus further comprises a valve assembly connecting the first conduit to the second conduit, the valve assembly including a shut-off valve. The valve assembly can comprise a release valve for releasing fluid from the valve assembly, and a release mechanism for opening the release valve. The system may include a transmission system and a fluid circuit with a first port and a second port, a transmission service system being connected to the first port and the second port of the fluid circuit according to the direction of fluid flow determined by the apparatus.

Abstract: A display apparatus [100] for bag-in-box type dispenser bags comprises a transparent enclosure [103] having a dispenser portion [117] and a cup holder portion [119]. The dispenser portion is sized to accept a drink dispenser bag [101] for dispensing beverages. A spout aperture [129] on a dispensing end [109] provides access to the spout [131] of the dispenser. A cup holder [121] dispenses a stack of cups [125] from the apparatus. Suction cups [205] provide a means to attach the apparatus to a vertical surface [135]. The apparatus provides high-visibility display of a bag-in-box product and facilitates sampling by potential customers.

Abstract: A pump having a plastic body which includes first and second body ends. The first body end of the pump body defines a metering chamber and has an inlet valve including a valve seat and a ball disposed therein. The second body end of the pump body cooperates with a spray tube carrying an outlet valve positioned near a bottom end thereof and mounted for axial movement with respect to the pump body. A helical spring surrounds the spray tube wherein a top end of the spray tube defines a laterally extending shoulder of which the helical spring abuts at one end. Both the pump body and the ball of the inlet valve are fabricated from a transparent or at least translucent plastic material.

Abstract: A sales volume for at least a cup of syrup is secured in a down-stream side of a sold-out case 22 of a syrup supplying system, whereby the cup type automatic vending machine can be provided which has excellent washability and inspection ability of syrup existence, and in which construction of the syrup supplying system is simplified.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system having a beverage tower with a first side and a second side. The beverage dispenser system also has an ice elevator and an ice hopper connected to the ice elevator. The ice hopper has a first side exit and a second side exit such that the ice elevator may be positioned on either side of the beverage tower and connected to either side exit of the ice hopper.

Abstract: A batch liquid purifier uses a detachable container for a batch of liquid to be purified and flows the liquid from the container to a purified liquid dispenser while contacting the liquid with an ozone-containing gas. To ensure that a leading volume of the liquid flow is adequately contacted with ozone, the gas and liquid flow is mixed and directed to an upflow chamber in which gas bubbles overtake the leading liquid flow. Bubbles rising in the liquid flow are also displayed and illuminated to show that the purifier is operating.

Abstract: A fuel gas supply for providing fuel gas to a gas burner, including a fuel gas cylinder having a top guard, a connector assembly installed in the fuel gas cylinder and surrounded by the top guard, the connector assembly having a gas inlet for guiding air into the fuel gas cylinder to mix with fuel oil in producing fuel gas, a gas outlet connected to the gas burner for guiding fuel gas out of the fuel gas cylinder to the gas burner, a first control valve for closing/opening the gas inlet, and a second control valve for closing/opening the gas outlet, and a pump mounted on the top guard and connected to the gas inlet through a transparent tube and controlled to pump air into the fuel gas cylinder, a plurality of check valves installed in the transparent tube to prevent reverse flow of fuel gas.

Abstract: A coiled tube for cooling water or thick juice has an inner layer for preventing minerals such as Ca, Mg, etc. from depositing thereon, and a water or thick juice tube has an inner layer for preventing minerals such as Ca, Mg, etc. from depositing thereon on the side of the down-stream of the coiled tube.

Abstract: A material loader includes a material hopper, an air filter, a hopper support and a control box. The filter is positioned on top of the hopper, and the hopper is positioned on top of the hopper support. The entire unit is mounted directly over the throat of a plastic injection molding machine and feeds a mixture of virgin and regrind plastic into the machine. The control box, mounted on the side of the plastic injection molding machine, contains timers and other electronic equipment which run the unit to control amount, ratio and timing of conveyance of feed material to the hopper, and ultimately to the press. Two inlet tubes feed plastic into the hopper, one feeding virgin plastic and the other feeding regrind plastic. The control box contains load timers, which may be adjusted manually to control the exact amount of each type of plastic which is fed into the hopper.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus includes a source of supply of carbonated water, a source of supply of one or more beverages in syrup form and a mixer for admixture of the water and syrup. Prior to admixing of the carbonated water and syrup the apparatus displays a flowing sample of the syrup. The apparatus may include a plurality of different syrups, each with its own display. The display preferably takes the form of a display dispense line comprising an illuminated translucent or transparent tube bent in a tortuous path. The displayed syrup sample may be either mixed and dispensed after display, returned to a main reservoir or be retained as a sample for display only.

Abstract: An improved dispensing spout assembly and method for self-service dispensing of purified water is described for reducing the possibility of contamination. An overlapping pair of enclosures house an ultraviolet lamp and a delivery nozzle to provide a secondary purification just prior to delivery and to inhibit contact between the nozzle and any contaminated objects, while permitting the exit of purified water to a container.

Abstract: A rotatable auger is disposed within an ice chest to direct ice through an opening into a tubular conduit through which runs a flexible looped cable. Plastic paddles are fixed to the cable at spaced intervals and engage with ice received within the conduit and advance the ice through the conduit to an above-the-counter transparent display segment of the conduit having an outer transparent plastic tube surrounding an inner transparent plastic tube through which the conveyed ice is visible. The ice is conveyed to a discharge opening where a user activated gate valve controls ice discharge. An ice return tube directs undispensed ice back to the ice chest.

Abstract: A pump for use with containers with differential and transmission oil includes an adjustable collar for attachment to the containers, and a length adjustable casing to facilitate oil removal from the bottoms of the containers. The pump is manually operated and includes a flexible tube for delivery of the oil to a desired location. A bell-shaped adjustable collar facilitates an attachment of the pump to the top of the container, and an overflow line having a sight gauge can be used to determine when no more oil should be pumped to the receiving structure. Small baffles may also be provided interiorly of the pump casing to prevent solid residue and particles from being pumped into the differential or transmission of a vehicle. In a modified embodiment, the baffles comprise thin magnetized plates so as to be particularly effective in capturing ferromagnetic particles.

Abstract: A device for dispensing enteral feeding solutions and other therapeutic fluids from penetrable, shape retentive containers comprising a unitary dispensing spike for penetrating a topside panel of such containers which are suspended in an orientation to define an uppermost end and a lowermost end. The dispensing spike of the present invention includes an ambient air vent integrally formed therein. The present invention further includes a fluid visualization chamber which permits a user to determine the volume of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A fuel pipe joint for connecting fuel pipes through which fuel is supplied from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine mounted on a portable power-driven machine such as a chain saw. The fuel pipe joint has a main body made of a transparent synthetic resinous material and mounted on an upper portion of the fuel tank. The main body is equipped with a first pipe connector portion projected from the lower side of the main body into the tank and connected to a fuel pipe for sucking the fuel from the fuel tank, a second pipe connector portion projected from one side of the main body and connected to another fuel pipe leading to the internal combustion engine, and a fuel passage formed in the main body and providing a communication between the first and second pipe connector portions. The user can visually confirm the proper supply of the fuel, especially in starting up the engine.

Abstract: A decorating material dispensing machine having a pump and maniford disposed within a heating chamber for supplying decorating material, such as chocolate or the like, from a reservoir tank to one or a plurality of nozzles. A pressure gauge, thermometer and window permit monitoring of the operation of the dispenser. An adjustable valve determines the back pressure and therefore delivery pressure of the system and a thermostatic dial, the temperature of the chamber.

Abstract: A weighing and packaging system operates by combining weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, obtaining a combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value equal to a target value or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits, discharging articles from those weighing machines belonging to the combination obtained, and packaging the discharged articles. In performing combinatorial weighing, the articles discharged from the combinatorial weighing machine are temporarily retained in a cylinder, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged to detect the level of the retained articles, thereby making it possible to detect the volume of the articles charged into a package.

Abstract: Two forms of a tool for draining fuel from the sumps of aircraft are disclosed, wherein a hollow body is fitted with an adjustable needle at its front end, the needle being mounted in a fuel block fixed in closely spaced relation to the upper end of the body. The fuel runs down the outside of the solid needle, collects in the cup formed by the fuel block, and then drains through openings in the block through the inside of the body and into a container. This facilitates turn around time, allows inspection of the fuel while it is draining, and clearly indicates the completion of the draining operation.

Abstract: A liquid decanter includes a collapsible container, a cylindrical outer casing enclosing the container, a piston rotatable upwards and downwards in the container and a transparent pouring neck. The piston has an outer handle and external screw threads meshing with internal screw threads on the casing. Hence the container can be collapsed and expanded, and the liquid level and hence the amount of air in the container and neck can be observed through the transparent neck. The neck has a simple screw-thread connection with a disk secured to the upper end of the casing. The neck is terminated by a valve and pouring spout. The liquid is poured into the wide opening of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a liquid additive to the surface of a receding liquid in a pressurized vessel, particularly for automatically dispensing a liquid oil spreading agent to the surface of ballast water contained in a pressurized tank of a cargo carrier having oil based material at least partially floating on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids that are parenterally administered to a patient. The fluid metering device consists of a plastic housing having a primary fluid channel formed therein that is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A secondary fluid channel is also formed in the housing and is connected at one end to the primary fluid channel so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Fluid flows through the primary fluid channel and through a fixed resistor that is in series with the primary fluid channel. The fluid then flows through a drip tube in series with the fixed resistor. From the drip tube, the fluid is collected in a drip chamber. The secondary fluid channel is vented into the drip chamber so that the pressure at the open end of the stationary fluid channel will be the same as the pressure in the drip chamber. Thus, the fixed resistor will cause the fluid to back up, entering the secondary fluid channel.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a metering chamber with a piston assembly movable therein for variance of the chamber volume and a supply chamber capable of liquid communication with the metering chamber. A hollow valve body with valve seats communicating with the metering and supply chambers and with a dispensing outlet is positioned between such chambers. A valve member is located within the valve body and is actuable by a control mechanism such that it is given an operating cycle whereby during one operating cycle the valve member is actuated into a first position to close the valve seat communicating with the supply chamber and to permit communication between the metering chamber and dispensing outlet and is maintained in the first position for a period of time sufficient to permit the emptying of the metering chamber through the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A fuel-lubricating oil proportioning and mixing device for mixing an appropriate quantity of lubricating oil with an appropriate quantity of fuel in the fuel tank of an internal combustion engine, principally for motor boats powered by two-cycle engines. The device of the invention comprises a lubricating oil reservoir separate from the fuel tank and a graduated measuring container connected to the oil reservoir through a solenoid actuated two-position valve and a reversible pump. The oil measuring container is connected to the fuel tank filler through the pump, the valve and a discharge line. After a known quantity of fuel has been taken in the fuel tank, the pump is actuated to draw from the oil reservoir through the valve an appropriate proportional quantity of oil into the measuring container.

Abstract: A device for discharging particulate material, such as agricultural seed at a uniform rate comprises a hopper having a rectangular slot in the base, a driven roller having a compressible surface which contacts one side of the slot and a transparent glass metering plate attached to the hopper and which bears against the roller to provide a nip therebetween and to control the rate of flow of the material from the hopper while allowing visual examination of the flow of particulate materials between the roller and metering plate. The device may be conveniently attached to an agricultural drilling machine and the roller driven by a mechanism associated with the ground wheels of the machine. Collecting cups are provided for directing the seed from beneath the roller into the seed drills. Seed is discharged into the drills at a constant rate and no adjustment is necessary for use with seeds of different sizes.

Abstract: A flow meter for liquids comprising two tubes interconnected at their lower ends, one tube providing an inflow passage for liquid from a supply container and the second tube having an opening at its upper end. A thin orifice disc in sealing engagement with lower portions of the tubes has an orifice through which liquid flows, the rate of flow being governed by flow control means associated with a set incorporating the flow meter. The tubes are enclosed within a drip chamber having an outlet at its lower end. Indicia associated with the second tube mark the various flow rates. In another form of the device, a third tube adjacent the second tube and connected by their top portions with a passageway has a second orifice at its base and second indicia so that a flow meter with an extended flow rate capability is obtained. The flow meters provide greater accuracy in flow rates and the flow rates are only minimally affected by solutions of widely differing viscosities.

Abstract: A system for safely dispensing fluids, especially low stability fluids such as catalysts, comprises a pair of fluid operated pumps of very small volume alternately operable for drawing in individually small quantities of catalyst from an unpressurized, sanitary source of supply, and for then pressurizing and dispensing the catalyst in individually small increments; the two pumps operating alternately to provide a continuous pressurized discharge of catalyst despite the fact that only a small quantity is pressurized at any given time. Because only a small quantity of catalyst is under pressure, and the basic supply is not under pressure and is maintained in a sanitary condition, the potential for violent reaction of the low stability fluid is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A solution dispensing proportioner utilizing a varyingly pressurized solvent and a solute having a vagrant negative gauge pressure and a tracer that is detectable in proportion to its concentration. The proportioner aspirates the solute and tracer through a conduit, which may have metering flow valves ahead of the confluence in one embodiment, and then for a progressive check of the proportion of the solution after confluence by comparing the light transmissivity of the inflowing solute and the outflowing solution, respectively. The viewing is through windows in close proximity to each other where the relative depths of the flowing streams of solute and solution, as viewed, are substantially inversely proportional to the desired percentage of solute in the solution as corrected for a null point traverse by adjusting the solute valve to provide the ratio desired for the solute and solvent in the final solution. The tracer supply is variable to optimize the null point appraisal.

Abstract: A coaxial hose for the unloading of gasoline from a tank truck, the inner core carrying gasoline to the storage tank and the concentric outer passage carrying vapors which are returned to the truck as they are displaced from the storage tank.

Abstract: A burette chamber is provided which includes a primary and a secondary compartment, a wall member separating the primary and secondary compartments with the wall member providing an opening for communication between the primary and secondary compartments. When the burette chamber is included in an intravenous solution administration set, the set can continuously administer IV solution to a patient as well as to allow intermittent administration of medicaments with return to the continuous administration of IV solution to the patient after completion of medicament administration.