Abstract: A device for measuring and regulating a volume of a fluid dispensed by a time-pressure dispenser, the device comprising: an adaptor for releasably coupling a syringe to the device, the syringe containing a fluid to be dispensed; a probe configured to be coupled with a piston of the syringe, the piston being operative to apply a pressure for ejecting the fluid from the syringe upon the application of an air pressure to the piston; and a displacement detector operative in use to determine a position of the probe so as to determine a position of the piston when dispensing the fluid, whereby to regulate the volume of the fluid dispensed from the syringe.

Abstract: A liquid cannabis blending and dispensing oil printer system. The 6D Liquid Cannabis Printer (6 cartridges) enables a user to create and save a unique blend of cannabis oils (THC, CBD terpenes, etc.) online, based on their cartridge set, and print it to the 6D oil printer at home via proprietary print driver. By enabling the user the ability to select and load the unit with personal favorites (THC, CBD terpenes, etc.), the 6D oil printer offers infinite combinations. This empowers users with a variety of combinations to accommodate the wide range of personal formulas and or recipes as desired.

Abstract: A variety of fill options is provided for a cell processing system. Certain options relate to a syringe assembly that receives a product directly from a separator. Other options relate to a filling system associated with the cell processing system, the filling system comprising one or more filling stations, each with at least one container, that receive product from a product container associated with the cell processing system.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for dispensing fluid, such as liquid adhesive, from a fluid cartridge having a plunger movable between opposite ends within the cartridge. The dispensing apparatus is releasably coupled to a robot in order to control discharging of the fluid at a particular location. Movement of the plunger is carried out by a cartridge actuator assembly that includes a linear actuator, such as a servomotor, that moves a piston rod into engagement with the plunger such that the plunger can be movable under a force applied by the piston rod. A dispense section of the dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly with a snuff-back mechanism that prevents excess dripping from an outlet of the dispenser. An end effector assembly may be coupled to the dispense section for dispensing the fluid to an application site in a precise and controlled manner.

Abstract: A system includes rigid reservoirs, each divided by a flexible diaphragm into a hydraulic chamber and a delivery chamber. The hydraulic chamber is connected to a hydraulic liquid conduit via a valve and the delivery chamber is connected to a delivery conduit. A hydraulic actuator is operable to apply pressure to the hydraulic liquid so as to force the hydraulic liquid into a hydraulic chamber whose valve is open, pushing the diaphragm distally to force the delivery liquid from the delivery chamber into the connected delivery conduit. The actuator is also operable to apply suction to the hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic liquid conduit so as to draw hydraulic liquid from the hydraulic chamber, proximally pulling the flexible diaphragm to draw the delivery liquid from the delivery conduit into the delivery chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing device dispenses flowable materials from cartridges, whereby the dispensing device comprises a base body, a connecting element for a gas cartridge on the base body, a valve element for controlling a gas flow from the gas cartridge, and a gas-permeable channel connecting the connecting element to the valve element. At least one evaporation container is arranged in the gas-permeable channel such that the gas flow from the gas cartridge is guided through the evaporation container, at least over regions thereof.

Abstract: Method and device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid which enables to dispense a liquid material with a higher accuracy. The device includes: a decompression valve for reducing the pressure of a compressed gas supplied; a discharging valve for controlling the flow rate of the gas decompressed at the decompression valve; a liquid storing container for discharging liquid from a nozzle by the gas supplied via the discharging valve; and a buffer tank between the decompression valve and the discharging valve that has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid storage container. The invention suppresses the pressure reduction that occurs in the flow path for supplying the compressed gas to the liquid storage container during the operation of the decompression valve by making the flow resistance between the buffer tank and the storage container greater than that between the buffer tank and the decompression valve.

Abstract: A pre-filled vial assembly adapted for dispensing and delivering a fluid includes: a body member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior; and a transitionable stopper disposed within the interior of the body member. At least a portion of the body member is engageable with a source of air or fluid for advancing the transitionable stopper from an initial position to an activated position in which at least a portion of a fluid contained within the interior of the body member is advanced therefrom.

Abstract: A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, capable of accurately discharging the material even if the material is sent under high pressure. A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, provided with: a discharge unit (400) having a discharge opening which discharges the high-viscosity material; a holding unit (300) having a holding area which holds the high-viscosity material, a receiving opening which supplies the high-viscosity material to the holding area, and a delivery opening which delivers the high-viscosity material to the discharge unit; and a high-pressure supply pump (100) for supplying to the holding unit under a first pressure the high-viscosity material having been filled into a container.

Abstract: A viscous liquid material discharging method and apparatus can minimize the problem of wear of a sealing member due to friction, and minimize a rotational force required at the time of starting discharge of a highly-viscous liquid material. The apparatus includes a screw having a helical blade which is axially provided over a surface of a rod-like member, a rotation driving mechanism for rotating the screw, a main body having a screw insertion bore in which the screw is inserted, a liquid material supply port formed in a lateral side of the screw insertion bore, and a liquid material supply flow passage communicating with the liquid material supply port, a sealing member which is disposed in the screw insertion bore and through which the screw penetrates, and a nozzle mounted to the main body and communicating with the screw insertion bore.

Abstract: A coffee maker contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.

Abstract: A grease gun includes a base, a storage unit, a feeding unit, and a boosting device. Thus, when the grease is forced and squeezed to flow through the interior of the boosting device, the boosting gear of the boosting device is rotated to stir, pressurize and accelerate the grease so as to increase the flow rate and pressure of the grease so that the grease is injected outward quickly and smoothly.

Abstract: A system, device and method for dispensing a product includes a delivery system that includes at least one auger with internal flighting that is either integral with or attached to an internal wall of a barrel portion of the auger. The auger rotates and the spiral flighting within the auger transmits a product from a bulk loading station to a product dispensation area. Thus, products can be bulk loaded into a device rather than having to be loaded one-by-one into a dispensing device. The spiral flighting reduces pinch points associated with conventional auger systems.

Abstract: In a liquid supply apparatus, a liquid held in a liquid holding portion is pushed out to the exterior by pressurized gas. The apparatus includes a liquid pouring section for pouring a predetermined amount of liquid into an intermediate portion of the liquid holding portion, a liquid discharge portion which comprises a thin pipe smaller in flow passage cross-sectional area than the liquid holing portion, and is connected to one end of the liquid holding portion, a liquid storing portion which is larger in flow passage cross-sectional area than the liquid holding portion, and is connected to the other end of the liquid holding portion, and a gas feed section for feeding the pressurized gas into the liquid storing portion. The apparatus further includes at least one of first fault detection section for detecting a fault of the liquid pouring section and second fault detection section for detecting a fault of the gas feed section.

Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.

Abstract: A process for producing a container comprising an outer container, an inner bag disposed therein and a pressure equalisation opening disposed in the outer container, and a container produced according to this process, is described, wherein a pre-moulding, comprising two coaxial tubes, is first produced by co-extrusion with the help of a blow mould and with an outwardly-projecting base seam being formed. The process forms a pressure equalisation opening in the outer container without endangering the integrity of the container, wherein a lower wastage rate and higher productivity are achieved. To do this, the base seam is partially cut off and a force which acts in the direction of the seam is introduced into the pre-moulding, which has a temperature of 40 degrees C. to 70 degrees C., which force breaks open and plastically deforms the base seam so that a pressure equalisation opening is formed in the base area.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for use in a beverage brewing machine, the liquid dispensing apparatus, includes a dispensing chamber, a liquid delivery and venting arrangement in communication with an interior of the dispensing chamber for delivery of liquid thereto and for venting air therefrom, an air pump assembly in communication with the interior of the heating and dispensing chamber for pumping air into the dispensing chamber, a liquid discharge conduit in communication with the interior of the heating and dispensing chamber for discharging liquid therefrom, an end of the discharge conduit located at a predetermined level of the dispensing chamber, and a liquid pump connected to the liquid discharge conduit for pumping liquid out of the heating and dispensing chamber. During liquid dispensing, the liquid delivery and venting arrangement is closed.

Abstract: A viscous liquid material discharging method and apparatus can minimize the problem of wear of a sealing member due to friction, and minimize a rotational force required at the time of starting discharge of a highly-viscous liquid material. The apparatus includes a screw having a helical blade which is axially provided over a surface of a rod-like member, a rotation driving mechanism for rotating the screw, a main body having a screw insertion bore in which the screw is inserted, a liquid material supply port formed in a lateral side of the screw insertion bore, and a liquid material supply flow passage communicating with the liquid material supply port, a sealing member which is disposed in the screw insertion bore and through which the screw penetrates, and a nozzle mounted to the main body and communicating with the screw insertion bore.

Abstract: A viscous medium feeder, which has an inlet, an outlet, a tubular portion, a rotatable cylindrical shaft arranged in and extending coaxially with the tubular portion, and a drive motor connected to the shaft. The tubular portion has an internal thread, which is connected, at one end thereof, to the inlet, and, at the other end thereof, to the outlet. Further, the tubular portion is elastic, and the shaft abuts the inner wall portions of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A grease output device for an electrical grease gun has a body, a double-cam member and a driving member. The body has a holder and a seat mounted with the holder. The double-cam member connects to the body and has a driven unit and a driving unit. The driven unit has a driven gear and two cams misaligning with the driven gear. The driving gear has two rings mounted around the cams and two pistol rods connecting to the rings. The driving unit has a driving gear engaging with the driven gear. The driving member connects to the body to rotate the driving gear so the driven gear is rotated to push the rings. Hence, the grease can flow out of the body successively by the pistol two pistol rods moving back and forth alternatively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of fluid using a pneumatic control valve connected to the intake port of a pump having a chamber of variable volume, connecting the outlet port of the pump to the inlet port of a high speed flow control valve and a long, small diameter nozzle to the outlet port of the flow control valve, to aspirate a fluid to be dispensed into a long, small diameter nozzle by closing the pneumatic control valve, opening the flow control valve and partially expanding the volume of the pump chamber, then closing the flow control valve and further expanding the volume of the pump chamber to increase the gaseous volume within the pump chamber, pressurizing the gas within the pump chamber by closing the pneumatic control valve and reducing the volume of the pump chamber, finally dispensing a measured amount of fluid by briefly opening the flow control valve for a measured time to allow controlled amounts of fluid to be dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A viscous material application apparatus includes a main body having a pressurized chamber which connects through to a discharge port and stores a viscous material, a viscous material supply device for transferring the viscous material to the pressurized chamber, and a discharge pressure regulating device for regulating the discharge pressure of the viscous material when the viscous material inside the pressurized chamber is pressurized and discharged by increasing or decreasing the capacity of the pressurized chamber, the discharge pressure regulating device being provided either inside the pressurized chamber or facing the pressurized chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of a container (1) comprising an outer container (2), an inner bag (3) disposed therein and a pressure equalisation opening (10) disposed in the outer container (2), and also a container (1) produced according to this process, is described, wherein firstly a pre-moulding, comprising two coaxial tubes, is first produced by co-extrusion with the help of a blow mould and with an outwardly-projecting base seam (5) being formed. The process is to form a pressure equalisation opening (10) in the outer container (2) of the container (1) without endangering the integrity of the container (1), wherein a lower wastage rate and higher productivity are to be achieved. This is attained by a process wherein the base seam (5) is partially cut off and a force which acts in the direction of the seam is introduced into the pre-moulding, which still has a temperature of 40° C. to 70° C.

Abstract: A grease output device for an electrical grease gun has a body, a double-cam member and a driving member. The body has a holder and a seat mounted with the holder. The double-cam member connects to the body and has a driven unit and a driving unit. The driven unit has a driven gear and two cams misaligning with the driven gear. The driving gear has two rings mounted around the cams and two pistol rods connecting to the rings. The driving unit has a driving gear engaging with the driven gear. The driving member connects to the body to rotate the driving gear so the driven gear is rotated to push the rings. Hence, the grease can flow out of the body successively by the pistol two pistol rods moving back and forth alternatively.

Abstract: A mixed liquid dispenser head (7) is provided with a carbonated water supply port (39), raw material exits (33), and a diluting water exit (35) within a head main body (11); a nozzle (13) that is attached to the head main body so as to cover the carbonated water supply port (39), the raw ingredient exits (33), and the diluting water exit (35); valve devices (49) that are provided in the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exits and that open and close due to liquid pressure changes; a flow straightening plate (41) for making carbonated water discharged from the carbonated water supply port flow along an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle; and low pressure caps (57) and (59) provided for each of the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit and covering the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit together with the valve devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic grease gun has a first compressed air chamber formed between a sleeve and a first piston set, and a second compressed air chamber formed between the sleeve and a second piston set so that the pressure of compressed air is double to increase the thrust force to push grease therefore make replenishment of fresh grease more effective. Moreover, grease is blocked by the two piston sets and the sleeve so that grease is prevented from returning and clogging the air vane and the life span of the pneumatic grease gun increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for injecting a pulsed supersonic gas flux, including a first chamber (2) inside which the gas to be injected is found under pressure on either side of a free piston (4), the device comprising means (12) for setting this free piston into motion, connected to the first chamber and able to cause propulsion of the free piston (4), the device further including a supersonic nozzle (6) able to communicate with the first chamber via an aperture (8), and also including a valve (10) closing up the aperture (8) and able to be actuated by percussion of the free piston (4).

Abstract: A battery operated grease gun has a motor that drives a planetary gear assembly that is coupled to a pump assembly that drives a plunger reciprocally in an grease passage to discharge grease through a discharge spout. The pressure in the grease exerts a reaction force on the plunger that will change torque of the motor. The change of the torque of the motor will simultaneously effect voltage applied to the motor. When the voltage in the motor changes, an electronic pressure regulator measures the voltage in the motor to determine the pressure in the grease in the grease passage and stops the motor as the pressure in the grease reaches preset given valves in the pressure regulating device.

Abstract: Low power integrated pumping and valving arrays which provide a revolutionary approach for performing pumping and valving approach for performing pumping and valving operations in microfabricated fluidic systems for applications such as medical diagnostic microchips. Traditional methods rely on external, large pressure sources that defeat the advantages of miniaturization. Previously demonstrated microfabrication devices are power and voltage intensive, only function at sufficient pressure to be broadly applicable. This approach integrates a lower power, high-pressure source with a polymer, ceramic, or metal plug enclosed within a microchannel, analogous to a microsyringe. When the pressure source is activated, the polymer plug slides within the microchannel, pumping the fluid on the opposite side of the plug without allowing fluid to leak around the plug. The plugs also can serve as microvalves.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises an accumulator including an accumulator chamber with an accumulator inlet to receive and store the sauce and a dispense member configured to dispense the sauce from the accumulator chamber out through an accumulator outlet, and a pump configured to pump the sauce through the accumulator inlet to the accumulator chamber. A diverter valve is coupled with the accumulator and being movable between a closed position to close the accumulator outlet and an open position to open the accumulator outlet. A control member is coupled with the pump, the diverter valve, and the accumulator.

Abstract: A gas powered spraying device that can be used for single or multi-part reactive medical polymer compositions is provided. A fluid or one or more reactive solutions are sprayed independently at a tissue surface, and the spraying of each solution of multi-component embodiments is controlled by a separate valve. Each solution is provided with a separate spray outlet, and each spray outlet is surrounded by an annular sheath of flowing gas. Gas flow is provided at two or more flow levels, including a high level flow for active spraying and a low level bypass flow to remove drips and prevent clogging, which can improve device reliability. Gas pressure can be used to drive fluid to its spray outlet, as well as to spray the fluid from the outlet to the tissue surface.

Abstract: The invention is a device for use by a person to dispense a medium such as a toothpaste or a gel from a disposable container. The device comprises a pump unit having medium and air pistons engaged with medium and air cylinder portions, respectively, thru a compression stroke and an intake stroke. The device further comprises an intake unit engaged with the pump unit. The intake unit comprises an inlet portion engageable with the container. The intake unit further comprises an intake valve operable from a closed position to an open position where the inlet portion is in communication with the medium cylinder portion. The device further comprises an exhaust unit engaged with the pump unit. The exhaust unit comprises a nozzle portion. The exhaust unit further comprises an exhaust medium valve operable from a closed position to an open position where the medium cylinder portion of the pump unit is in communication with the nozzle portion.

Abstract: A viscous material application apparatus includes a main body having a pressurized chamber which connects through to a discharge port and stores a viscous material, a viscous material supply device for transferring the viscous material to the pressurized chamber, and a discharge pressure regulating device for regulating the discharge pressure of the viscous material when the viscous material inside the pressurized chamber is pressurized and discharged by increasing or decreasing the capacity of the pressurized chamber, the discharge pressure regulating device being provided either inside the pressurized chamber or facing the pressurized chamber.

Abstract: A grease gun for lubricating machines, includes a housing having an inlet opening for receiving grease therethrough into the housing and an extrusion opening through which the grease is pushed out to a machine to be lubricated; a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and having an outer surface with external threads thereon; a conveying piston mounted in the housing and partially surrounding the drive shaft, the conveying piston having internal threads for engaging with the threads on the drive shaft; a reversible drive motor rotating the drive shaft so as to cause the piston to move toward and away from the extrusion opening; and a seal associated with the conveying piston for sealing the inlet opening when the piston is moved toward the extrusion opening.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for ultrasound gel comprises a cylindrical body having a closed first end and a dispensing opening at the other end. There is an inlet opening near the first end in fluid communication with a source of pressurized ultrasound gel. A plunger is secured to a shaft near its first end; and there is a valve element at the second end of the shaft, adapted to close the dispensing opening when the shaft is in a first, at rest position, and to permit a dispensing operation when the shaft is in a second, dispensing position. The plunger has at least one passageway formed through its thickness, extending towards a second face. A plunger return spring acts against the second face of the plunger, so as to urge it towards the rest position. A freely moving sealing plate covers the passageway, and is mounted for longitudinal movement along the shaft; and has a return spring to urge it towards the second face of the plunger. The plunger covers the inlet opening when in its first position.

Abstract: A system for aspirating and ejecting microvolume drops of liquid onto porous sites of a substrate wafer is presented. The system includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a means for priming and aspirating transfer liquid into the microdispenser, for controlling the pressure of the system liquid, and for washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the system liquid pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The drops are generally in the 10 to 100 micron range and the pores are generally 10 to 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of the drops deposited thereon. The resulting spots are uniform, and only slightly larger in diameter than that of the drops. The drops are ejected from a distance greater than the diameter of the drops, thus avoiding any contact with the dispenser that could damage the wafer.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device generally including: an electrochemical pump, wherein the electrochemical pump is capable of generating water; an electrochemical pump product chamber, wherein the electrochemical pump product chamber is capable of retaining water generated from the electrochemical pump; a displaceable member positioned between the electrochemical pump product chamber and a reservoir, wherein the displaceable member is controllably displaced upon generation of water from the electrical pump; a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is capable of containing a fluid which is delivered upon displacement of the displaceable member; and a housing for containing the electrochemical pump, the electrochemical pump product chamber, the displaceable member, and the reservoir.

Abstract: This cake decorator has an axial cylinder and a powered piston controlled by twisting an axial rotary actuator switch in one direction or another.

Abstract: A method and an installation for dispensing a flowable material. The material (11) is contained in a sleeve 60 positioned in a container (12) underneath a follower plate (36). The follower plate (36) is moved into the container (12) and in the process the material (11) is dispensed via a conduit system. On its contour, the follower plate (36) has a sealing element (50) which can be displaced between a sealing position and a retracted position. In the sealing position this sealing element (50) rests against the inner container surface (16) and constitutes a sealing device. In the retracted position the sealing element (50) is spaced apart from the inner container wall (16) and, together with the latter, delimits an opening (50) for venting the space underneath the follower plate (36).

Abstract: A powered condiment pumping system for pumping controlled portions from a dispenser receiving product from a substantial distance on the order of 30 feet or more. If includes a distantly disposed constant outlet pressure pump and a volumetric piston pump located adjacent the dispenser.

Abstract: An agricultural material metering system includes a metering member, a hydraulically driven actuator, a pump, a rotatable ground driven member, a variable drive control and an actuator coupled to the variable drive control. The metering member is configured to meter agricultural material upon being driven. The hydraulically driven actuator is coupled to the metering member to drive the metering member. The variable drive control is coupled between an inlet of the pump and the metering member and is configured for actuation between a first position in which the hydraulically driven actuator drives the metering member at a first rate and a second position in which the hydraulically driven actuator drives the metering member at a second rate. The rotatable ground driven member is coupled to the pump and drives the pump when rotating. The pump is coupled to the hydraulically driven actuator and displaces fluid upon being driven to drive the hydraulically driven actuator.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and a accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: In the housing is a motor and gear train driven by the motor, the train adapted to selectively engage a gear rack secured to the compression element to drive it down to squeeze the collapsible frosting container. When the train has moved into engagement, it closes a switch activating the motor.

Abstract: A dispensing pump for dispensing liquid, particularly suitable for dispensing two-part epoxy for encapsulation of integrated circuits, includes a pumping chamber in communication with a nozzle via a three way valve, the pumping chamber including an outlet, an internal volume, a pair of spaced directional seals located away from the outlet, an open volume residing between the seals and an external port opening the open volume to atmosphere. A stepped plunger extends axially within the pumping chamber, with a first portion sized to be received and aligned through the first directional seal, the plunger being movable to move the first portion toward the outlet to close off the internal volume at the second seal. The second portion of the plunger is relatively smaller in transverse cross-sectional dimension than the inside diameter of the second seal, to cooperate with the port to promote fluid removal from the internal volume during initial filling and priming of the pumping chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for positive displacement metering of viscous material. Positive displacement and non-positive pumping of material to be metered is provided. The positive displacement pumping includes pressure release apparatus to avoid excessive pressure build-up. One pressure release apparatus includes an expansion chamber to moderate pressure changes.

Abstract: Fluid proportions system for proportioning a fluid intermittently at various places. This fluid comes from a storage point and is added by an intermittently operating pump to a proportioner, which feeds a fixed volume of fluid to an outlet more or less independently of the pressure. For returning the reciprocating piston present in the proportioner, use is made of a further fluid which is connected to the proportioner by a further inlet line. A forced return movement of the piston is thereby achieved. Proportioning of fluid is realized by the proportioning fluid itself while return movement in the proportioner of the piston is realized by the control fluid.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing station includes a pneumatic clamp for easy and secure mating and un-mating of a supply syringe to the dispensing nozzle from which dots of fluid are selectively dispensed according to displacement of a plunger of the syringe. A syringe cover seals the distal end of the syringe during mating and provides access of pressurized air to the sealed syringe in order to displace the plunger. The piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder protrudes through the cover and into the syringe and serves as a follower which is maintained in engagement with, and follows the displacement of, the syringe plunger. The follower may be used to supplement the primary plunger displacement force, which is supplied by the pressurized air applied to the clamped and sealed syringe via the cover, by applying air at the same or a different pressure to the piston of the follower cylinder. The follower also can be used in indicating a low level state of the adhesive to an attendant.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system is provided for accurate delivery of a viscous or semi-viscous fluid. The dispenser system includes a pressure station for receiving a bottle filled with the selected fluid substance, and for pressurizing the bottle for fluid flow therefrom. In the preferred form, the fluid passes through a metering unit to a dispenser gun having a manually operated trigger. The metering unit responds to trigger operation to deliver a metered volume of the fluid to the dispenser gun for dispensing via a spout. The system is designed for quickly and easily dispensing a rapid succession of accurately metered volumes. The dispenser system is particularly suited for use in dispensing condiments in a fast food restaurant environment, or for dispensing metered volumes of paints and/or pigments used in mixing paints, or for handling other flowable materials such as adhesives and the like.

Abstract: A beverage vending system for successively outputting beverages into cups. The beverage vending system includes a vending machine having a currency output device and automatically outputs a beverage into a cup in response to an operator's payment and selection of a beverage. The vending machine including a plurality of disposable containers of beverage syrup, such as bag-in-box packages, stored in an auxiliary cabinet. The disposable containers interconnected to the vending machine by a dispensing system. The dispensing system functioning to draw syrup from the disposable containers and selectively dispense a predefined or selected amount of syrup through an output nozzle and into an awaiting cup. The dispensing system includes a first pumping stage having a first pump for drawing the syrup from the disposable packages through a supply conduit and then pumping the syrup downstream through a feed conduit towards the output nozzle.

Abstract: A top dresser (10) is disclosed in a first preferred form including a discharge gate (56) of a pusher (44) movably mounted in a hopper (30) for forcing material forward towards a rotating, cylindrical, dispensing drum (66) as the top dresser (10) is being pulled forward. The pusher (44) is slideably mounted by slides (50) secured to ears (48) extending between the sides (36) and the bottom (34) of the hopper (30) and slideable on tubular rails (52) positioned on the outside of the hopper (30). The pusher (44) is moved by expandable and contractable actuators (58, 60) pivotally mounted by their opposite ends to the frame (12) and the pusher (44) in a non-parallel, crossing manner. The drum (66) includes corrugated sheeting (70) around its periphery for gripping the material in the hopper (30) and drawing it under a metering gate (72) and a rotating brush (74) which propels the material onto the ground.