Abstract: Provided is a storage and delivery system that includes a container containing a stable liquid composition therein for increasing the viscosity of an aqueous liquid or aqueous liquid solid mixture foodstuff and having a viscosity of less than 2000 cP and a water activity of greater than 95%, wherein the composition comprises one or more thickening agents and one or more polysaccharides, and a pump dispenser sealingly attached to the container and having a valve for inhibiting or preventing drying of the composition in the container. Further provided is a method of delivering a stable liquid composition to an aqueous liquid or aqueous liquid solid mixture foodstuff by use of the storage and delivery system. A method for increasing the viscosity of an aqueous liquid or aqueous liquid solid mixture foodstuff by adding the stable liquid composition thereto is also provided.

Abstract: A dual valve injector assembly having a base; a passageway in the base for receiving a food product; a first draw valve in communication with the passageway and a first spout, the first spout dispensing the food product at a first draw rate; and a second draw valve in communication with the passageway and a second spout, the second spout dispensing the food product at a second draw rate; wherein the second draw rate is lower than the first draw rate.

Abstract: A drainage component in fluid communication with the fluid supply line includes a drain channel leading to a drain, the drain channel having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall has a sealing surface approximate a three-way elastomeric valve. The elastomeric valve includes a moveable first wall having a first position when the fluid supply is on and a second position when fluid supply is off and a second wall connected to the moveable first wall, the second wall engaging a drain sealing surface when the first wall is in the first position. The elastomeric valve includes an orifice through which fluid may flow. When the pressure of the fluid on the elastomeric element increases, the second wall of the elastomeric valve engages the drain sealing surface. The elastomeric valve is preferably a fluoroelastomer to ensure both flexibility and resistance to a variety of chemical products.

Abstract: The device for the quantitatively regulated delivery of bulk product includes a supply tank for the bulk product and a slider element, which forms the boundary of an outlet gap on one side. The slider element comprises on its front end an elastic, U-shaped loop, the upper part of which is fixed in position, whereas a rear portion of the lower part of the loop is connected to a linear drive. The linear drive can be used both to adjust the width of the outlet gap by translational movement of the lower section of the loop and to produce a small-amplitude back-and-forth movement of the lower section of the loop. In this way, it is possible to release bulk product of various shapes and sizes reliably and without damage in a quantitatively regulated manner.

Abstract: Dosing device (100) for dispensing a specified vol? ume of liquid, comprising an electromagnet (1 11) and being adapted to hold a pump (1 12) with a magnetisable pumping member (1 10) displaceable under the action of the electromagnet when the pump is held by the dosing device. The dosing device further comprises a portable voltage source (1 13) adapted to energize the electromagnet by repeated current pulses and to measure the current intensity at least once per pulse, thereby estimating the charge amount in each pulse, until a total charge amount corresponding to the speci? fied volume of liquid to be dispensed has been supplied. A method including pulse-wise activation of an electromagnet actuating a pump having a magnetisable pumping member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers in which the filling rate for the products can be varied, thus enabling the filling machine to be used for different filling products, and in particular products having different viscosities. The machine comprises at least one filling station comprising a filling spout provided with a supply opening and a discharge opening, a blocking system mounted in the filling spout, and a supply pipe connected to the supply opening upstream of said blocking system. The supply pipe comprises at least one section made of a flexible tube, the supply apparatus further comprising a clamp adapted to clamp the flexible tube in order to modify the cross-section of the internal passage of the flexible tube, the clamp adapted to move between at least two positions corresponding to different cross-sections of the internal passage of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A multipurpose pipetting device may include a pump, a flexible hose, at least one substantially rigid tube, a removable pipette tip, and a valve element. The hose has a first end coupled to the pump and a second end coupled to a first end of the at least one substantially rigid tube. The pipette tip is removably coupled to the second end of the at least one substantially rigid tube. The valve element may be disposed proximate the second end of the at least one substantially rigid tube and arranged to prevent liquid backflow from the pipette tip into the substantially rigid pipe. Methods of using the device include feeding or applying a solution to an aquatic plant or animal, to a non-aquatic plant or animal, removing materials and substances from an aquarium bed, and/or applying an adhesive to affix an item, plant, or sessile invertebrate to a surface.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.

Abstract: A quantitative dispenser is disclosed. The quantitative dispenser includes a container body, a rod, a connection base, an elastic part, and a pressing element. The container body consists of a first space with an isolation ring and a second space. The rod is passed into the first space and the second space. One end of the rod in the first space is through the elastic part and is connected to the pressing element while the other end of the rod is with a pull part. A bottom of the first space is connected to the connection base and a bottom of the rod is inserted into a material discharge opening of the connection base so as to close the material discharge opening. By pressing and releasing the pressing element, a gap is formed between the rod and the material discharge opening and a constant amount of seasoning falls off.

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing color paste, a shading apparatus, a method, a computer program product, and a memory. The arrangement includes a piston pump including a feed channel. The feed channel is provided with a substantially different amount of color paste per travelling length unit when the piston is moving towards the first end of the cylinder than when the piston is moving towards the second end of the cylinder. The arrangement further includes a valve connected to the feed channel, a dispensing channel connected to a first outlet channel of the valve for conveying color paste into a can, and a by-pass feed channel connected to a second outlet channel of the valve for conveying color paste past the can for the paint to be shaded.

Abstract: To deliver a liquid at high speed and with high accuracy. A device for delivering a fixed quantity of liquid, comprising a pump section for metering the delivered liquid to provide a desired amount consisting of a plunger chamber formed in a cylinder block, and a plunger reciprocating in the plunger chamber, a valve section for switching between liquid flow channels for suction and delivery, a reservoir section for reserving liquid adapted to communicate with the pump section depending upon the position of the valve section, and a delivery section having a delivery port for delivering liquid, the device being characterized in that the pump section and the valve section are disposed connected to each other and that the maximum advance position of the plunger is defined by a plane where the front end surface of the plunger contacts the valve section and pump section. The valve section is removably disposed in the pump section.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders, a plurality of metering powder pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective powder pump, wherein the capacity of the metering powder pump is selectable.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders or flowable materials, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders or flowable materials, a plurality of metering pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective pump, wherein the capacity of the metering pump is selectable.

Abstract: A pressure medium-operated dispenser for dispensing a mass from a storage and dispensing container and including a housing, a dispensing device (13) supported in the housing (12) and having a pressure medium-operated plunger (15) with at least one push member (16), and a metering device (14) for presetting an amount of mass to-be-dispensed by the dispensing device and including adjustment element (26) for setting the metered amount, a carrier member (27) cooperating with the dispensing device (13), a return element (28) for displacing the carrier member (27) from its end position to its initial position, a retaining member (29) supported in the housing (12) without possibility of displacement in the longitudinal direction (L) of the dispenser (11), and a follow-up member (30) displaceable in the longitudinal direction (L) of the dispenser (11) and extending in a guide tube, the carrier member (27) being arranged at the free end of the follow-up member (30) and secured in the guide tube for connection the foll

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sauce containing particulates which is configured to reduce clogging of the nozzle by the particulates. In one embodiment, a dispensing nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle cavity with a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The nozzle inlet has a bore-shape cross section. The nozzle outlet is longitudinal in shape with a length substantially larger than a width. The nozzle cavity extends from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet in a flow direction and has a cross-sectional area which is substantially constant extending from the nozzle inlet along the flow direction to the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A coffee dispenser includes a housing with a bin for holding coffee and a base with an upright wall for supporting the bin over the base. The bin includes a hopper in the lower end with a dispensing opening therein for dispensing coffee to a coffee filter located on the base. A volume control mechanism includes a slide plate with an opening therein slidably mounted under the hopper dispensing opening to cover a portion of the opening, to reduce the overall opening size. A shutter is mounted under the slide plate and is operable to open and close to thereby dispense coffee into a coffee filter. A trigger mechanism is connected to the shutter to repeatedly open and close the shutter for a uniform time period during each dispensing sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e. g., a tank comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e.g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid spray gun whih includes an improved flow rate control. The improved flow rate control results from a valve in the supply inlet line which can restrict the flow of liquid material from the supply container. The ability to vary the flow rate is improved because, while the electromagnetic motor is maintained at maximum electrical input power, inlet flow can be accurately regulated. Maintaining maximum input pressure ensures optimum spray performance. Finer atomization at lower flow rates can be achieved from the improved flow control system.

Abstract: A reaction injection molding machine provides for independent spring actuation of pistons in metering cylinders. Individual compression of the springs is provided by hand screw compression mechanisms. The pressure level of the liquid in each metering cylinder is adjusted to a desired level of pressurization by the total energy transferred to the springs. Impingement mixing of liquid streams from each metering cylinder is synchronized by a valving rod which includes a plurality of mixing heads. Upon appropriate positioning, a mixing head opens an orifice from each metering cylinder to allow streams of liquid to be expelled into impinging contact. The resultant product is directed by the mixing head into a separate collection vessel associated with that mixing head where the product may react and solidify.

Abstract: A dispenser for irrigation chemicals includes an antisiphon or vacuum breaker valve which includes redundant valve members disposed at differing levels to on the one hand ensure communication of ambient pressure to the valve outlet, and on the other hand ensuring that no subambient pressure at the valve inlet is communicated to the outlet of the valve. The differing levels of the two redundant valves ensures also that backflow water from the outlet is vented to ambient without reaching a level sufficient to allow flow into the inlet flow path of the valve. The dispenser includes means to sealingly receive a chambered cartridge of irrigation chemical having a frangible diaphragm capturing the chemical therewithin, and means for penetrating the diaphragm in response to a low of irrigating water to dispense the chemical material along with the irrigating water flow.

Abstract: An injection mixing apparatus is provided for use with a spraying system carried on a mobile vehicle of the type including a spray bar, a carrier reservoir for holding a supply of a liquid carrier medium, a main pump interposed between the carrier reservoir and the spray bar, a flow control valve interposed between the main pump and the spray bar, a ground speed sensor for developing a ground speed signal corresponding to the speed of the vehicle, a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure across the spray bar and developing a corresponding pressure signal and a supply of chemical agent to be mixed with the carrier at a desired concentration for delivery at the spray bar. The injection mixing apparatus comprises at least one injection control loop with an injection pump coupled intermediate the supply and the main pump for injecting the chemical agent into the carrier ahead of the main pump, and an injection controller for controlling the injection pump.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e.g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Beneficial chemicals and water are dispensed by an irrigation system to vegetation served thereby. The irrigation system includes a water flow path in part defined by a housing of the inventive irrigation chemical dispenser. The dispenser housing includes a single-use disposable and replaceable chambered cartridge holding a premeasured supply of chemical material. The cartridge is sealingly closed by a penetrable diaphragm prior to and after its uniting with the remainder of the dispenser housing. Penetrating means are included by the dispenser for receiving momentum from the flow of water through the housing to penetrate the cartridge diaphragm. The chemical material is then communicated to the flow path for dispensing to the vegetation served by the irrigation system.

Abstract: A filling device for sterile filling of containers. A flexible temporary storage container is placed in a dosage chamber and exposed to external over-pressure and under-pressure, respectively. The filling goods is sucked into the temporary storage container and pressed out to the final storage container.A device for fine adjustment of the volume of the chamber has the shape of an adjustable membrane.In one embodiment the temporary storage container comprises two semi-spheres, of which one is rigid and the other flexible. The flexible part forms a membrane having an area equal to the inner area of the rigid semi-sphere. In order to promote natural rolling of the membrane on the inner surface of the rigid semi-sphere, the membrane has reduced wall thickness in a direction towards the margins thereof.

Abstract: A filling device for sterile filling of containers. A flexible temporary storage container is placed in a dosage chamber and exposed to external over-pressure and under-pressure, respectively. The filling goods is sucked into the temporary storage container and pressed out to the final storage container. A device for fine adjustment of the volume of the chamber has the shape of an adjustable membrane. The temporary storage container can be made of two semi-spheres, of which one is rigid and the other flexible. The flexible part forms a membrane having an area equal to the inner area of the rigid semi-sphere. In order to promote natural rolling of the membrane on the inner surface of the rigid semi-sphere, the membrane has reduced wall thickness in a direction towards the margin thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser for distributing food seasoning and other cohesive solids includes a rotating auger enclosed by a tube which is fed via a hopper. The auger is divided into two sections, each with a different pitch. In a first metering section, the pitch is narrow to facilitate accurate metering of the seasoning. This is followed by a distribution section of higher pitch which reduces the bulk density of the seasoning so that it passes easily through a series of apertures in the tube. A sleeve is slidably secured to the tube and has a series of apertures registerable with the apertures in the tube. By adjusting the degree of register, the seasoning can be distributed evenly along the entire length of the distribution section. The tube contains a second set of apertures located about 180.degree. from the first set, and which are used for distribution of non-cohesive, small particle size material, such as salt.

Abstract: An apparatus for a controlled supply of a powder to a mold for continuous casting has a vibrating conveyor with a delivery edge and a retaining wall carried by the vibrating conveyor. The retaining wall extends along the delivery edge and defines a flow control gap therewith, the retaining wall causing the powder to pile up thereat and to exert a conveying pressure on the powder flowing through the gap. The flow control gap has a height varying in inverse relation to the conveying pressure.

Abstract: A metering device for particulate material in which backups and caking of material is inhibited by the provision of a "live" metering gate consisting of an upper blocking section and a lower material contacting surface. The lower surface is continually moved in the direction of material flow at a speed approximately equal to or slightly greater than the material flow speed. An elongate rotatable rod carried at the lower end of a blocking plate preferably provides the material contacting surface.The gate is vertically adjustable so that the volumetric flow rate of material can be controlled. In a preferred embodiment the gate is located above the end of the material bearing surface and is adjustable along an axis which diverges from vertical by an appreciable angle, preferably about 45.degree..The transverse dimension of metered material is also controlled by means of two blocking members which extend inwardly toward each other from behind the gate.

Abstract: A power actuated closure assembly for controlling the discharge of materials from an opening in the bottom of a hopper, the assembly including a frame having a sliding door support portion with a power actuator support portion extending longitudinally therefrom and supporting a cylinder whose piston rod is coupled to the door by a longitudinal bar which is guided by a fixed guide, the piston rod being connected with the door moving bar by a lost-motion coupling, the guide through which the bar passes having a latch for locking the door and bar in one of several selected positions and the guide also having a longitudinal slot capable of receiving a pin carried by the bar, the pin and slot limiting the movement of the door to a small increment suitable for spreading material over a large area such as a roadway.

Abstract: This invention is a flow control gate apparatus mounted between a discharge opening of a hopper assembly and between a portion of a conveyor assembly operable to control amount of grain or the like being discharged into the interior of the conveyor means. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor housing having a conveyor chain assembly mounted therein with spaced flight members to move the material laterally. The slide gate assembly is movable to opened and closed positions and control size of the discharge through the conveyor assembly having a horizontally movable slide gate member actuated by a control handle assembly. The control handle assembly includes a rack member secured to the slide gate member, a handle member mounted on a support shaft, and a pinion gear mounted on the support shaft engagable with the rack member to longitudinally move the slide gate member. The slide gate assembly is very compact requiring little vertical height so it can be easily installed in existing conveyor assembly system.

Abstract: In an apparatus for building up and repairing a refractory lining of an industrial furnace, the material is centrifugally deposited by a wheel rotated by a vertical drive shaft passing through a hopper and a mixing chamber connected thereto. A shut-off bell member having a bevelled lower edge is slidably mounted on the mounting housing of the shaft for vertical movement into selected positions wherein the bevelled lower edge defines an annular gap between the hopper and the mixing chamber for permitting the granular refractory material to flow from the hopper into the chamber and the bevelled lower edge engages the conical inside wall surface of the hopper for completely closing the annular gap for interrupting the flow. The vertical movement is effected by a pneumatic motor attached to the bell member by means of a linkage and rods.