Abstract: An actuator orifice and an actuator for enhancing or creating a foam from a pressurized material dispenser. The actuator includes a skirt attached to the dispenser and a trigger movably mounted to the skirt. The trigger includes a flow conduit with a socket for receiving a valve stem. The socket exerts pressure on the stem to release contents of the dispenser. The trigger includes a hollow flow diverter located within the chamber. The flow diverter has a side wall and an end wall extending inwardly from the flow diverter side wall. The flow diverter side wall in turn has slots that provide fluid paths between the flow conduit and a surrounding chamber. The chamber side wall has recesses. Each slot laterally directs contents of the dispenser into at least one of the recesses in the chamber side wall when the valve is activated by the trigger.

Abstract: A toy water gun provides a plurality of nozzles for discharging water in a variety of directions, volumes or spray patterns. A multi-position trigger or similar device controls selection of nozzles individually or in combinations whereby an operator can quickly choose among various modes of discharge by moving the trigger through corresponding positions.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for a hot melt adhesive system has a manifold centrally located within the dispensing unit to permit commonality between heated hoses of substantially the same length used to supply adhesive guns at either side of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit also includes a manifold that is thermally isolated from the adhesive tank. The manifold has a heater that is independent of the tank heater for more precise temperature control of adhesive flowing through the manifold. A pump coupled to the manifold is located external to the tank and is heated by the manifold heater.

Abstract: Nozzles are disclosed that are suitable for dispensing a liquid material to be dispensed from an aerosol can or other liquid reservoir. The nozzles are designed to deliver two streams of liquid which visually appear to substantially retain their separate character for a defined distance from the dispenser. The nozzles can have two parallel, horizontal, vertically aligned outlet paths, that are both truncated at their outer end at angles that are pointed away from each other.

Abstract: A liquid material dispensing system provides individually metered streams of liquid material to a nozzle or die tip which dispenses the liquid material in a closely spaced arrangement. In one embodiment, the dispensing system utilizes a series of gear pumps to induce the flow of liquid material through individual dispensing modules. An adapter intermediate the modules and the die tip directs the individually controlled streams from a spacing provided by the modules to a close arrangement, such as may be suitable for coating parallel strands of substrate material.

Abstract: A food product depositor system utilizes a food product depositor device. Preferably, the food product depositor device includes at least one food product depositor module. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module may include mating features and a plurality of food product depositor modules may be assembled by the mating features to form the food product device. Preferably, the food product depositor module includes a supply port, a rotor positioned within a cavity, at least one sliding vane, and a discharge port. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module includes a cutoff device. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of processing food products by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: A squeegee head having a volume-variable container and a printing space is used. The volume-variable container is variable in capacity with pressures applied thereto. The volume-variable container includes a projecting portion having a plurality of projections, a push-plate with a plurality of through-holes formed therein, and a side wall. A paste is stored in the volume-variable container. The projecting portion is pressurized to move and the paste is pushed out into the printing space from the through-holes, and then, the projections are fitted into the through-holes. In this way, the paste being stable in viscosity is completely pushed out into the printing space without wasting at all.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive material flow control system comprises an input manifold for receiving a supply of adhesive material, a plurality of flow control valves from which the adhesive material is discharged, an output manifold for heating the adhesive material and conducting the hot melt adhesive material to the flow control valves, a pair of multiple outlet pumps for supplying the adhesive material to the flow control valves, and a recirculation pump for recirculating adhesive material back from the flow control valves to the pair of multiple outlet pumps. A distribution plate and a recirculation plate are interposed between the input and output manifolds and have separate and independent fluid circuits or flow paths defined upon opposite surfaces thereof. In this manner, the number of plates required to define the flow paths is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A grout slurry pumping system, and a grout slurry control box and associated tools are described. Methods of using the pumping system and control box are also described. The pumping system and control box may be used separately or together. The pumping system maintains a grout slurry of desired consistency and can provide it through a hose to remote locations. The control box operates to apply grout to a work surface in desired quantities and in desired amounts according to a control valve.

Abstract: A gel and paste container possessing opposing dual heads which allows for compete expulsion of the contents of the container, possesses no crimped end and shortens the maximum distance any particle of paste or gel must travel. The container is designed to be symmetric about a latitudinal axis and thus can stand freely on either end.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus that provides for positional adjustment of multiple liquid dispensing modules. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a flow metering device which provides a flow of a liquid to a plurality of discharge orifices and a spray head attachment comprising a stationary plate, at least one movable plate, and multiple liquid dispensing modules. Flexible liquid supply lines route the liquid from the discharge orifices to the liquid dispensing modules. Each movable plate carries at least one liquid dispensing module and is movable relative to the stationary plate for varying the relative positions of adjacent ones of the liquid dispensing modules. The flexible liquid supply lines conform to the positional adjustment of the movable plates. For dispensing heated liquids, the apparatus may further include a heated enclosure through which the liquid supply lines are routed in the fluid path between the discharge orifices and the liquid dispensing modules.

Abstract: A modular applicator for dispensing liquid including a plurality of manifold segments, a plurality of removable pumps, and a drive motor coupled to each pump. The manifold segments are coupled in side-by-side relation and each includes a liquid supply passage and a liquid discharge passage. Each pump includes an inlet communicating with the liquid supply passage, an outlet communicating with the liquid discharge passage and a pumping mechanism for pumping the liquid from the inlet to the outlet. The drive motor is coupled to each pump to simultaneously operate each pumping mechanism and dispense the liquid from a plurality of dispensing modules coupled with each manifold segment. The dispensing modules are recirculating modules which direct the liquid back into the corresponding manifold segment when they are in closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spreading device for spreading fluids, especially for devices for applying adhesives, with a distributing block which has a fluid canal and an inlet opening for introducing fluid into the fluid canal and an outlet opening for discharging fluid from the fluid canal. At least two distributing blocks may be positioned and fixed adjacent to each other in such a way that the fluid canals of adjacent distributing blocks are connected to each other, so that fluid can flow from the fluid canal of one distributing block into the fluid canal of the adjacent distributing block.

Abstract: An improved motorized lubricant dispenser comprising a multi-port rotary distributor disconnectably connected to a detachable motorized lubricant dispenser. The multi-port rotary distributor is connectable to a plurality of lubrication points. The multi-port rotary distributor has a compact size and is essentially comprised of three parts: (1) a manifold; (2) a closure cap; and (3) a distributor disk. The detachable motorized lubricant dispenser has an electric motor-driven spindle that floatingly engages and rotatingly drives the distributor disk of the multi-port rotary distributor. As the distributor disk rotates, an aperture in the distributor disk successively registers with each of the discharge ports of the rotary distributor manifold to allow lubricant, which is pressurized by the advancing piston in the motorized lubricant dispenser, to flow out successively to each of the lubrication points that are connected to the multi-port rotary distributor.

Abstract: A system for supplying drywall mud in a viscous, flowable, semi-liquid form from a container for alternately filling at least two different types of drywall mud applicator devices is disclosed. The system includes a hand pump having a body partially disposed in a quantity of drywall mud in an open top container and a two way diverter valve having an inlet port attached to a discharge port on an upper end of the pump and the two outlet ports. One of the valve outlet ports is connected to a gooseneck tube for filling a bazooka type of drywall mud applicator and tape dispensing device. The other of the valve outlet ports is adapted for connection to a charging port of conventional corner box type drywall mud applicator device. A switch on a housing of the valve switches the valve inlet ports alternately into and out of communication with each of the valve outlet ports for alternately filling both types of applicator device without need for modifying the system.

Abstract: A photoresist developing nozzle, a photoresist developing apparatus and a photoresist developing method capable of effecting uniform development are provided even in the case of a large diameter wafer. A photoresist nozzle is characterized in comprising a nozzle body (8) having a plurality of small chambers (8A to 8E), developer supply flow passages (14A to 14E) for supplying developer to respective small chambers (8A to 8E), developer discharge sections (10) for discharging developer supplied from the developer supply flow passages (14A to 14E) onto the wafer W. The photoresist developing apparatus has the photoresist developing nozzle and the photoresist developing method uses the photoresist developing nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device comprising: a base plate (1) fitted with heating means (25) and a pipe (7) which connects two openings, at least one (4) of which is located on the upper wall of the said plate two or more tanks (2, 2′) designed to rest on the plate, which are fitted with a connector (5) designed to be inserted into the said pipes metering means (8) designed to be connected to the other end of the said pipes (7) to convey the product from the interior of the said tanks through the said plate; the outlet of the said metering means (8) leading to a dispensing head (10) which contains two chambers (28, 29), connected to feed devices that convey the adhesive from each tank, while two nozzles (32, 33) connect the said chambers to two outlets, one of the said chambers (28) also being connected to a second pipe (37) which dispenses the adhesive.

Abstract: A deodorizer device for deodorizing shoes, includes a container containing deodorizer material, and a dispenser assembly at one end of the container for dispensing deodorizer material. The dispenser assembly includes a feed tube having one end located within the container and the opposite end communicating with one or more discharge openings for discharging deodorizer material laterally of the container. The dispenser assembly further includes an actuator attached at one end to the feed tube and configured to enable the actuator to be inserted into a shoe, when the container is inverted, to stably support the container in the inverted position, and to be pressed against the inner surface of the shoe bottom for discharging a quantity of deodorizer material from the discharge opening laterally into the shoe.

Abstract: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a sauce to a target food is claimed. The dispensing comprises a pump, a supply manifold, and a dispensing manifold. The pump draws a quantity of sauce from a source into the supply manifold and forces the sauce through the dispensing manifold to the target food. The supply manifold receives the sauce from the source. The sauce is transferred to the dispensing manifold through which the sauce material is transferred to the target food. A baffle suspended in the dispensing manifold. The baffle has a peripheral edge and a central portion displaced a distance from a substantially horizontal plane defined by the peripheral edge by a positioning portion which connects the central portion to the peripheral edge. A pattern plate is positioned downstream from the baffle and has a plurality of apertures for delivering the predetermined quantity of sauce in a predetermined pattern to the target food.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spreading device for spreading fluids, especially for devices for applying adhesives, with a distributing block which has a fluid canal and an inlet opening for introducing fluid into the fluid canal and an outlet opening for discharging fluid from the fluid canal. At least two distributing blocks may be positioned and fixed adjacent to each other in such a way that the fluid canals of adjacent distributing blocks are connected to each other, so that fluid can flow from the fluid canal of one distributing block into the fluid canal of the adjacent distributing block.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system is especially useful in agricultural apparatus for delivering liquid agricultural chemicals to agricultural fields. The system includes a flow divider with a cylindrical stator with a ring of collection chambers around the bottom of the stator and a rotor having a flow passage from the center of the top end to the bottom end above the ring of collection chambers. The flow dividers may be cascaded to provide multiple outlets. The system may include plural liquid supplies and a mixer for mixing the liquids from the plural supplies to provide a desired blend upstream of the flow divider. It is preferred that the flow of each liquid can be varied to vary the blend. The system may also include a control that varies the blend according to requirements as distribution proceeds. This may include a recorded mapping of a field being treated and a position sensor, for example a global position sensor (GPS) for monitoring the position of the apparatus in the field.

Abstract: A viscous substance containing tube comprises more than one lid-covered outlets. These outlets can be implemented at each of two tube's end and can be implemented on the tube's surface, between two tube's ends. Each outlet is used to squeeze out of the tube the portions located in the vicinity of that outlet by applying a squeezing force on the surface in the vicinity of chosen outlet. The simplest embodiment of the tube comprises only two outlets—an outlet per each of tube's end.

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 fluid dispensing head assembly which comprises a fluid dispensing head assembly segment or modular unit which is adapted to be secured together with additional segments or modular units whereby resulting fluid dispensing head assemblies of predetermined sizes are able to be achieved in order to meet or satisfy customer dispensing or deposition application requirements. Each fluid dispensing head assembly segment or modular unit is fabricated so as to accommodate, house, or mount a predetermined number of dispensing valve components, such as, for example, six, eight, or ten dispensing valves.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing head assembly which comprises a fluid dispensing head assembly segment or modular unit which is adapted to be secured together with additional segments or modular units whereby resulting fluid dispensing head assemblies of predetermined sizes are able to be achieved in order to meet or satisfy customer dispensing or deposition application requirements. Each fluid dispensing head assembly segment or modular unit is fabricated so as to accommodate, house, or mount a predetermined number of dispensing valve components, such as, for example, six, eight, or ten dispensing valves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibratory powder feeding and metering apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining a powder reservoir, a powder storage hopper having an outlet disposed to deliver powdered resin to the reservoir, a powder distribution block having one or more generally vertical fill tubes, a plurality of discharge ports extending from the reservoir to the fill tubes in the distribution block, and a vibration device to which the housing is mounted. Typically, the fill tubes are in communication with individual spray nozzles for transmission of the powdered resin. The housing also carries an adjustable barrier which serves as a dam to control or meter the flow of powdered resin into the discharge ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fabrication of a semiconductor assembly and a method of underfilling flip-chip devices are disclosed. The apparatus for multiple controlled dispensing of polymeric precursors filled with silica and anhydrides comprises a center feed tube supplying the proecursor; a header connecting the center tube to a plurality of distribution tubes, whereby the distribution tubes acquire predetermined distances from the center tube; a nozzle at the end of each distribution tube; and these nozzles having increasingly larger cross sections, the farther the respective distribution tube is positioned from the center tube, whereby the dispense rate of the precursor remains the same for all distribution tubes.

Abstract: A hygienic toothpaste dispenser comprises a main body member having a plurality of tubular spouts (27, 28, and 29), from which an individual can dispense toothpaste from his or her own personally assigned tubular spout permanently marked by indicia (30), thereby providing a sanitary delivery system. This dispenser has a main body with a base (23) for connection to a toothpaste container (20), either directly or via an adapter (FIG. 10), and tubular spouts with caps (31) for delivery of the paste. Additional dispenser embodiments (FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9) are shown. Also additional adapter embodiments (FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17) show various means of connection between various types of toothpaste container tubular spouts and the various types of bases of the main body of the dispenser. Several dispensers may be connected together (FIG. 4), providing almost an unlimited number of assignable tubular spouts, limited only by a reasonable length and a reasonable width.

Abstract: A dispenser made in accordance with the present disclosure includes a liquid storage container and a mechanical regulating assembly that are mounted on a frame. A plurality of conduits is in liquid communication with the storage container and dispenses liquid flowing from the container under the force of gravity through the conduits through open distal ends. The regulating assembly of the dispenser regulates this flow using two pinch rollers that are moveable between a closed position, wherein the rollers pinch the sections of tubing and restrict flow, and an open position, wherein there is a free flow of liquid through the sections of tubing.

Abstract: A cassette for holding and dispensing a viscous material for use in an apparatus for depositing the viscous material onto a substrate through openings formed in a stencil positioned over substrate. The cassette includes a body having a base and interior defined by first and second side walls and first and second end walls substantially orthoganol to the base. The base has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and a cover plate adapted to slide within the interior of the body. The cover plate having a plurality of protruding members wherein each of the protruding members corresponds to and is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base.

Abstract: A pump system for delivering a polymer melt adhesive to an applicator includes the components: a body having mounted thereon a hopper containing a molten polymer, a dual stream pump mounted on the body for receiving a melt from the hopper and discharging dual streams, a first flow course formed in the body interconnecting one pump stream with an outlet from the body, a flow meter for sensing the flow through the first course, and a second flow course interconnecting the other pump stream to a second outlet from the body. A pressure relief valve disposed in the first and second flow courses is activated in response to a predetermined pressure in each course due to downstream failure and diverts the flow therein from the body outlet to the hopper. Diversion of the flow to the hopper changes the flow rate through the flow meter which automatically activates controls to shutdown the system or activate an alarm.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense a granular material to a plurality of discrete locations, such as a tube of a reactor vessel. The dispenser includes a hopper to contain the granular material and has a discharge port to permit egress of material from the hopper. A conveyor receives material from the discharge port and transfers it to the plurality of discrete locations. The conveyor comprises a tray having a plurality of outlets spaced from the discharge port and each connectable to respective ones of the discrete locations. A barrier is interposed between adjacent ones of the outlets to inhibit transfer of material therebetween. A vibratory drive oscillates the tray and distributes the granular material uniformly on the tray. The drive induces movement of the material from the discharge port to the outlets along the tray.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for delivering grout or other material, in either a single column or a plurality of spaced apart columns, is comprised of a body member having a pneumatic chamber with a pair of end caps attached to opposing ends. A piston is adapted to slide within the pneumatic chamber. A discharge nozzle having at least one discharge port is removably attached to one of the end caps. A control system controls fluid flow communication between the pneumatic chamber and the discharge nozzle. A pair of valves are attached to the end of the body member opposite the discharge nozzle end. One of the valves controls fluid flow communication between the pneumatic chamber and a source of pressurized gas while the other valve acts as an air relief valve.

Abstract: A particulate material dispensing system suitable for metering seed for individual rows of a seed sowing drill. The seed sowing drill having a container which acts as a seed hopper. Positioned beneath the container is a metering device. Below the metering device are a number of tubes which are seed outlets to which the metering device feeds the seed it receives from the container. A peripheral guide forms part of the metering device. The peripheral guide is a disc of material that defines an aperture. On the inner walls of the guide is a seed track and an outlet. There are a plurality of seed track/outlet combinations, one for each of the outlets. A vertical-axis rotor fits within the aperture of the guide. The rotor rotating within the aperture causes seed falling from the container into the guide to be dragged down and around the inside walls of the guide. The seeds are guided by a seed track to a guide outlet and into the appropriate seed outlet. At the base of the seed track is a flange.

Abstract: A flow system that is suitable for controlled dispensing of liquids such as anti-reflection coatings is described. The system is driven by a gas at high pressure from a single dispensing bottle. On emerging from the dispensing bottle the fluid is directed into one of two branches, each such branch being terminated by its own nozzle. By inserting a needle valve in each branch of the flow system, between the branch point and the nozzle, control of the amount of liquid dispensed by each nozzle is separately achieved and a change in flow through one nozzle does not affect the flow through the other nozzle.

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: A method and device for repairing fasteners attached to plaster board, where the plaster board has become loose around the fasteners. The method is particularly useful to repair loosened threaded fasteners affixed to plaster board which have worked loose due to the brittleness and chalkiness of the plaster board. The device consists of a syringe or like implement to which is attached a specialized needle. A bonding agent is pushed by the syringe through openings in the needle and into the plaster board after the needle is inserted into the plaster board in the immediate proximity of the fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: An adhesive supply unit used in palletizing applications having a multipositional head consisting of a module, service block, and head. Initially, the head is fastened to the service block forming a single head and service block unit. The head and service block unit may then be fastened to the adhesive supply unit in at least two ways at the lower module of the module. In one embodiment, the head and service block unit are vertically attached to the lower module so as to produce an adhesive swirl spray pattern. In another embodiment, the head and service block unit are horizontally attached to the lower module so as to produce an adhesive bead pattern.

Abstract: A sprayer extension device, to be used with a spray container of the type that includes a housing and an outlet valve through which a fluid content of the spray container exits the housing, including a connector hub that has a fluid inlet connected in fluid flow communication with the outlet valve of the spray container, and an extension segment. The extension segment includes a proximal end secured to the connector hub, a free distal end that can be variably spaced from the connector hub, and a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit is structured for fluid engagement with the fluid inlet of the connector hub and an outlet nozzle disposed at substantially the distal end of the extension segment so as to permit sprayed passage of the fluid therethrough at a spaced apart distance from the connector hub and the spray container upon actuated initiation of a flow of the fluid from the spray container into the fluid inlet of the connector hub.

Abstract: A windshield wiper washer fluid system designed to visually notify the operator of the vehicle that the windshield wiper washer fluid is getting low and should be refilled. The system includes a tank having a passenger side hose and a driver's side hose each connected thereto such that the passenger side hose only sprays washer fluid on the passenger's side of the windshield and the driver's side hose only sprays washer fluid on the driver's side of the windshield. The tank and hoses are designed such that the passenger's side hose will run out of fluid before the driver's side hose and washer fluid will only spray on the driver's side indicating that the system needs to have washer fluid added while allowing the driver to continue to clean the driver's side of the windshield.

Abstract: An actuator for an aerosol container, comprising a body forming an inlet, a top surface (16) defining a multitude of discharge slits (20), and a multitude of body passageways (22) to conduct fluid from the inlet to the discharge slits. Each of the body passageways has a pouch shape, including narrower upper (22a) and lower portions (22b) and a wider mid portion (22c). When the actuator is used to dispense foam from an aerosol container, the shape of the body passageways has several advantages. First, that shape helps the foam to expand as it passes outward through the dispenser, and second, after the container has been used to dispense a quantity of foam, the shape of the body passageways helps to draw back into the actuator any excess foam remaining on the outside of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is formed in a plastic injection molding process, and the body passageways of the actuator are formed into the desired shape as the plastic cools during the molding process.

Abstract: A droplet floating apparatus is provided to float a sample without any contact so as to carry out various types of experiments and develop new materials. The droplet floating apparatus includes a liquid sample supply pipe whose distal end is opened to a floating space, to receive supply of a liquid sample to form a droplet at the distal end, a separating device for separating the droplet from the liquid sample supply pipe, and a device for confining the separated droplet in the floating space without ambient contact. The separating device uses a gas to spray a pressurized gas on the droplet, and the confining device uses voltage. The liquid sample supply pipe is periodically vibrated, and the distal end of the liquid sample supply pipe may be diagonally cut away or may be heated. A plurality of liquid sample supply pipes may be mounted to supply a plurality of types of liquid samples. Further, the droplet may be recovered by suction of a droplet recovery pipe, an adsorber, or the like.

Abstract: Previously weighed powder is radially scattered by centrifugal force. The scattered powder is introduced into a plurality of powder chambers via a plurality of powder inlets arranged along the circumferential direction. The powder, dispersed almost uniformly with respect to the circumferential direction, is distributed at a given ratio corresponding to the ratio of the areas of the powder inlets. The powder is accurately and efficiently distributed into plural portions of a given weight each without melting, aggregating or crushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing and metering a fluid, particularly fuel, from a plurality of fluid sources to a single or a plurality of fluid outlets. The invention uses a single meter for measuring the amount of fluid dispensed from each of the fluid outlets. Valves are used at the inlet to and outlet from the meter to control the flow of fluid from a single source to a single outlet intended to dispensing fluid from the selected source. The invention is particularly useful in a multiple grade or octane-level fuel pump or dispenser. The meter can advantageously be located near the dispensing nozzles, so that the contamination caused by using a single meter is purged after a small amount of fuel is dispensed. The invention preferably uses a small-volume meter with valves located near the meter, to thereby limit the amount of octane variation caused by use of a single meter.

Abstract: A droplet floating apparatus is provided to float a sample without any contact so as to carry out various types of experiments and develop new materials. The droplet floating apparatus includes a liquid sample supply pipe whose distal end is opened to a floating space, to receive supply of a liquid sample to form a droplet at the distal end, a separating device for separating the droplet from the liquid sample supply pipe, and a device for confining the separated droplet in the floating space without ambient contact. The separating device uses a gas to spray a pressurized gas on the droplet, and the confining device uses voltage. The liquid sample supply pipe is periodically vibrated, and the distal end of the liquid sample supply pipe may be diagonally cut away or may be heated. A plurality of liquid sample supply pipes may be mounted to supply a plurality of types of liquid samples. Further, the droplet may be recovered by suction of a droplet recovery pipe, an adsorber, or the like.

Abstract: An electric steam iron comprises a pump (20) adapted to remove a quantity of water from a reservoir (17) and to send this quantity, via a selection device (24), either into a steam chamber (14) so as to obtain abruptly an abundant emission of steam through holes in the sole, or to a cold water spray (25), this pump being of the type having a piston (27) movable in an intake chamber (31). The selection device comprises a deformable membrane (56) with two valves (58, 59) associated respectively with two openings, namely an injection opening (44) connected to the steam chamber (14) and a spray opening (45) connected to the spray chamber (25) and subjected respectively to two manual control buttons, namely, a steam button (62) and a spray button (63).

Abstract: A hygienic toothpaste dispenser for selectively distributing toothpaste onto a toothbrush from one of a plurality tubes oriented so as to form a stand for a toothpaste container shaped as a cylinder, the tubes being capped with snap type covers. The tubes have indicia thereon to identify with a specific user.

Abstract: Viscous flowable material dispensing apparatus for dispensing viscous flowable material such as food material. The apparatus is provided with a supply manifold for receiving and distributing the viscous material with air actuated reciprocating pump connected to the manifold to force the material therethrough, facilitated by one way inlet and outlet valves in the manifold. A pattern plate adapted to receive the material from the manifold into a flat chamber with a dispersing pattern plate supported in the chamber to disperse the material throughout the chamber. A pattern plate covering the plate chamber to receive the dispersed material and dispense same in a pattern over object to receive the material. Pneumatic control valves are utilized for operating the pump to continuously provide repeated movement of material through the apparatus.