Abstract: A bottle for storing grass seeds, soil, and/or fertilizer used for filling a golf divot is provided. The bottle includes a bottom section having a base and a perimetrical sidewall extending therefrom to an open end to define an interior. A pair of bosses extend outwardly from the sidewall at the open end. The top section has a perimetrical edge and a top surface with a spout extending therefrom for discharging the contents of the bottle. A pair of latches that extend from the perimetrical edge and pivot downwardly to engage the bosses to secure the top section to the bottom section. The bottle can also be part of an assembly that includes the bottle and a holder.

Abstract: A puncturing device and an anchoring device, the puncturing device including: a puncturing needle, an inflatable anchoring balloon, and a catheter which passes through a proximal end and distal end of the anchoring balloon, the puncturing needle being movably accommodated within the catheter; in a filled state, a central area of an end portion of the distal end of the anchoring balloon is depressed towards the proximal end to form a depressed area, and a distal end of the catheter is located within the depressed area. The anchoring device includes the anchoring balloon and the catheter. The puncturing device may improve the accuracy and success rate of puncturing, and after puncturing is complete, an expansion balloon may be transported along a guide wire to expand a puncturing opening by simply withdrawing the puncturing needle and a push rod.

Abstract: A capped retail dispenser package encloses and retains a mixing container into which a product mixture is filled using an automated manufacturing system in an individualized manner, such that each individual product container may be charged with a customized or unique formulation different than a previous or subsequent container passing through the system. Mixing is not done prior to filling, but with a mixer received in a slidable bottom portion that functions as a piston. The rod terminates at its upper end with a mixing plate. Movement of the rod through the central opening provides mixing of the product through a reciprocating motion, and preferably with a simultaneous rotation. Movement of the upper mixing plate within the mixing container provides mixing of the container's contents by forcing fluid flow through one or more mixing apertures formed about a flange of the mixing plate.

Abstract: A system and method for the purification of beverage fluids, primarily alcohol beverages, based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation processing of microbiological and chemical contaminants, micro particles and colloidal particles. The system is a batch system with a single vessel having an extraction tube and discharge tube extending into the same reservoir of fluid. Fluid is drawn through the extraction tube and forced through the discharge tube. The discharge tube contains cavitation elements dispersed along its length to generate hydrodynamic cavitation in the fluid as it is pumped through. The discharge fluid is mixed with the fluid already in the vessel and is re-drawn through the extraction tube in continuous batch processing.

Abstract: A product synthesizer has a core CPU, power distribution, and a plurality of selectable interfaces, each interface having an associated schematic symbol, PCB symbol, mechanical model, power dissipation, and power requirement. A set of constraints identifies performance metrics including low power, high performance, battery or mains power, battery life, and other constraints. The product synthesizer receives as inputs the interfaces and constraints, and generates as outputs a schematic diagram, a bill of materials, a routed printed circuit board, and a solid model of an enclosure, all of which satisfy the constraints and include the identified interfaces.

Abstract: A product synthesizer has a core CPU, power distribution, and a plurality of selectable interfaces, each interface having an associated schematic symbol, PCB symbol, mechanical model, power dissipation, and power requirement. A set of constraints identifies performance metrics including low power, high performance, battery or mains power, battery life, and other constraints. The product synthesizer receives as inputs the interfaces and constraints, and generates as outputs a schematic diagram, a bill of materials, a routed printed circuit board, and a solid model of an enclosure, all of which satisfy the constraints and include the identified interfaces.

Abstract: A medication administration tracker is provided. The medication administration tracker includes a medication container, such as an IV bag, vitamin organizer, prescription bottle and the like. If the present invention is a prescription bottle, a lid is releasably securable to the bottle. The present invention may include at least one indicator configured to produce an indication when prompted. A time keeper and a processor are integrated into the lid. The time keeper keeps time and the processor is operatively connected to the indicator and the time keeper. The processor is programmable to receive at least a dosage time and activate the indicator when the time keeper reaches the dosage time.

Abstract: An embodiment of a medication dispenser comprises a drug pump having a control module. A medication dose request device can be in communication with the drug pump. A dispensing device, for dispensing substantially solid medication in response to activation of the medication dose request device, can be in communication with the drug pump.

Abstract: A head (5) is associated with a device (1) for dispensing measured dosages of a free-flowing material. The head has housing (3) with an interior space (59) with a fill opening (57) and a discharge orifice (62). A shutter bolt (80) is arranged in the housing to open and close the discharge orifice (62) and to loosen and advance the material. The head (5) has a dispensing position, in which the shutter bolt is oriented substantially vertically and a fill position. In the dispensing position, the material is dispensed through the discharge orifice (62). In the fill position, material is filled through the fill opening (57), which is positioned laterally on the housing when the head is in the dispensing position. A rest surface (51) is diametrically opposite the fill opening, so that the head lies on its rest surface in the fill position.

Abstract: An aerosol metering valve (20) comprising: a valve body (21) containing a metering chamber (25) defined between an upper gasket (251) and a lower gasket (252); a valve member (30) that slides in leaktight manner against said upper and lower gaskets (251, 252) in said metering chamber (25); said metering chamber (25) including at least one movable element (100) that moves freely in said metering chamber (25), said at least one movable element being of shape that is substantially spherical, such as a ball.

Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first chamber for containing an ampoule having a first bone cement component. The housing has a second chamber for containing a second bone cement component and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. An ampoule breaking device is disposed within the first chamber and is configured to engage and break the ampoule for release of the first bone cement component. Disposed within the second chamber is an impeller that is configured to rotate such that the impeller mixes the first and second bone cement components together to form the bone cement mixture. Adjacent the impeller is a displacer that is configured to advance through the second chamber, receiving the impeller and dispensing the bone cement mixture.

Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first chamber for containing an ampoule having a first bone cement component. The housing has a second chamber for containing a second bone cement component and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. An ampoule breaking device is disposed within the first chamber and is configured to engage and break the ampoule for release of the first bone cement component. Disposed within the second chamber is an impeller that is configured to rotate such that the impeller mixes the first and second bone cement components together to form the bone cement mixture. Adjacent the impeller is a displacer that is configured to advance through the second chamber, receiving the impeller and dispensing the bone cement mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a device for processing materials comprising a mixing chamber having a valve for removal of the material from the mixing chamber and a piston which fits within the mixing chamber in a manner such that the piston can be moved to remove substantially all material from the mixing chamber via the valve; at least one, preferably at least two, retractable mixing element(s) wherein each of such elements is movable in and out of the mixing chamber through a port wherein the element and port are configured such that during mixing and when the element is withdrawn from the mixing chamber substantially no material is removed from the mixing chamber via the port. The invention is also a method of using such a device and a system comprising use of such devices in an automated or partially automated array.

Abstract: A device for preparing and ejecting polymeric cement made from at least two pre-packaged components comprises a tubular vessel including a first axial end wall having a closed outlet, and a second axial end wall having an aperture. A first starting component of the polymeric cement is present inside said tubular vessel near the first axial end wall. A shaft extends through said aperture of the second axial end wall. A piston element comprises a closed container filled with a second starting component of the polymeric cement. The piston element is selectively lockable to the shaft. The container has a bore and is slidingly engaged upon said shaft. An agitator element is secured to one end of the shaft. Furthermore opening means for providing an opening in the closed container are provided.

Abstract: The apparatus for production of mixtures from two components has a container for each and devices to combine the components in the mixing space and for extrusion of the mixture. The powdered component (4) is situated in the lower part of the inner space (21), which is sealed by a bottom (10). This carries a nozzle (2) with closure membrane (3). The inner space (21) is closed on the top by the lower wall (6) and the sliding seal (8). The liquid component (9) is situated in the inner space (18) of the inner hollow cylinder (5). This is closed on the top by the upper wall (11). The lower and upper wall (6) and (11) each have an opening with sealing lips (7) and (12) that are closed by parts of the mixing rod (15). A torus (20), a section with smaller diameter (19), a mixing disk (22), as well as a mandrel (24), are present on the lower part of the mixing rod (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at mixing devices for mixing pulverulent and liquid substances with each other for the manufacture of medical products, wherein a displaceable piston means (17) has at least one groove (22) extending around said piston means (17) and at least one sealing ring (23) is located in said groove (22). At least one connecting passage (22e) is provided for preventing a liquid substance (21) from generating or building up such a pressure in an inner space (22d) in the groove (22) within or behind the sealing ring (23) that said pressure presses the sealing ring (23) in a direction outwards (F) relative to the groove (22) towards a surrounding wall (1a) of the mixing device (1) and prevents or counteracts flow of the liquid substance (21) past the piston means (17) when said piston means (17) is displaced.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A device for preparing and injecting a polymeric bone cement under sterile, isobaric and isovolumic conditions includes a cylindrical vessel holding a volume of polymeric powder and a disk agitator mounted on a shaft passing through an aperture in a proximal end wall of the vessel and extending beyond the agitator though a delivery port in an opposite wall of the vessel. A piston can be selectively coupled to the disk in order to inject the contents of the vessel through the outlet port. The device can be packaged in a sterilized, evacuated envelope. The cement is ejected by breaking off a distal, tubular section of the shaft and mounting the broken off section over an external bushing surrounding the outlet port and moving the piston toward the outlet port to expel the contents of vessel.

Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser apparatus which provides for user-friendly medication measurement and compliance. The apparatus measures and dispenses liquid medication doses and records the time and dose sizes for up to one year. The recorded information can then be downloaded to a personal computer for evaluation of patient compliance. A disposable, motor driven pump is used to provide a very wide range of medication dispensation volumes, while maintaining full accuracy and reducing the risks of patient errors as might occur with a manual dispense system.

Abstract: A device for efficient storage, measuring, and dispensing of several powdered and/or particulate materials holds these materials in a side-by-side array of compartments. Each compartment has a storage chamber and a measuring chamber. Dispensing is prompted by gravity and agitation, for orderly flow of each material through its two chambers as their drain gates are selectively opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the gate under either chamber, a dc eccentric motor acts on that chamber to break up any clumps of material that might impede free flow. Each of the two chambers has its own motor. The storage chamber array is structurally separate from the measuring chamber array, so that the two chambers can vibrate separately, further improving free flow.

Abstract: A valve and dispensing assembly for dispensing powdered material from a container includes a flexible tube intended to be collapsed to actuate a valve which permits the tube to selectively open for dispensing the material through the tube. The assembly includes a flexible tube apparatus including a body attachable to the container and a valve releasably received within the tube and normally closing it off. Collapse of the tube causes it to move relatively of the valve to unseat it and open the tube for material discharge. The assembly also includes a declumper secured to the tube for movement therewith during collapse of the tube. The valve closes off the tube when in its uncollapsed condition while the tube and declumper move relatively of the valve during collapse to open the tube. A portion of the declumper is bifurcated and has serrated opposed edges which can engage the head of the valve during the tube collapse to assist in breaking up clumps which may have formed in the material.

Abstract: A metered dose dispensing valve having a movable agitator in the metering chamber and/or the pre-metering region of the valve.

Abstract: A single dosage substance dispenser is disclosed, which includes a housing having a chamber formed therein for holding a substance to be dispensed and a discharge port that communicates with the chamber. A plunger is slidably mounted to the housing for extending through the chamber and into the discharge port. The plunger includes a first seal portion proximate a lower end thereof, a second seal portion disposed above the first seal portion and a receptacle portion located between the first and second seal portions for accommodating a single dosage of the substance to be dispensed. The first and second seal portions are sealably and slidably engageable with the discharge port. A spring is provided for urging the plunger to retract so that the first seal portion engages the discharge port and the receptacle portion is maintained in the chamber to collect the single dosage therefrom.

Abstract: An ice dispenser comprising a housing for receipt of a plurality of pieces of ice, an outlet from the dispenser and a dispensing structure movable between a first location wherein the structure communicates with the housing and a second location wherein the structure communicates with the outlet, wherein movement of the dispensing structure from the first location to the second location causes a piece of ice received in the housing to be dispensed from the outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for generating a pulsed liquid stream, comprising a fluid tight housing having a cylindrical side wall, and first and second ends being compact enough to be hand held by a user. A piston mounted in the housing forms a liquid tight seal with the sides of the housing and slides between a first and a second position in response to an actuation means operated by hand pressure. An output port in the second end of the housing is connected to a nozzle for directing liquid at a desirable location. A liquid control means connected between the output port and the nozzle receives pressurized liquid exiting through the output port and transfers discrete portions of the liquid to the nozzle forming a pulsative stream of liquid exiting the nozzle.

Abstract: An automatic spice and herb dispenser including a plurality of separate independent compartments, each compartment including an upper spice and herb storage chamber and a lower dispensing chamber. A vibrator is disposed in each upper chamber for breaking up any spices and herbs therein. A measured dispenser is provided at the bottom of each lower chamber for receiving broken up herbs and spices therein.

Abstract: Apparatus which controllably meters dry powder from a powder supply chamber falling through a vertically disposed axial passageway interconnecting the supply chamber with a mixing chamber therebelow for forming an air-powder mixture therein for transport to a desired site. A tapered plug member is bonded to a bimorph bender comprising a piezoelectric element bonded to each face of a thin, flat, cantilevered metallic beam which is deflectable by a dc bias or driving voltage applied to the bender to cause the tapered plug to penetrate or move within the passageway, thus varying width of annular gap formed between the plug and passageway, and hence, amount of powder capable of falling therethrough. An oscillating voltage may be impressed upon the piezoelectric elements to cause the deflected beam to additionally be vibratorily displaced in accordance with the frequency of vibrations of the impressed oscillating source.

Abstract: A material dispenser comprising a material receiver, an elongate vertical material conducting duct communicating with and depending from the receiver and having a lower open discharge end, a vertically opening metering orifice in the duct, a valving member normally engaged in the orifice in a closed position and shiftable vertically to an open position, an armature freely engaged in the duct and shiftable upwardly therein from a lower normal position, means drivingly connecting the armature and the valve member, an annular coil about the duct and positioned so its field normally intersects the armature whereby the armature is drivingly elevated and the valve member is moved to its open position when the coil is energized, a power supply connected with and operable to cyclically energize the coil and including a half-wave rectifier in series with the coil and a resistor in parallel with the rectifier, whereby the coil is energized by pulsating direct current and supplemental alternating current.