Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing decorating materials such as frosting incorporates a dispensing tube having the material to be dispensed and a water-operated piston therein. Application of water under pressure to the dispensing tube results in the dispensing of the material through a decorating tip. The water pressure applied to the dispensing tube is controlled and regulated through the utilization of a control valve assembly having a flow stop valve and an on/off valve. Water applied to the control valve assembly is pressure regulated and filtered.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered caulking device, also known as a powered bulk load dispenser, has a frame supporting a tubular housing, with a driving assembly mounted at one end of the tubular housing and application hose mounted at an opposing end of the tubular housing, and is used to apply a large amount of caulking material.

Abstract: An apparatus, process, and system for additizing a liquid product, allowing for visual inspection of the additive while it is being staged during a fill mode, or while the staged amount of additive is being supplied to an additive injector during an inject mode, for controlled injection into a liquid product.

Abstract: A Tip Sealing System for Non-contact Glue Applicators which dispense high viscosity adhesives in a straight line onto card stock or heavy paper, which applicator includes an outer body mounted in an arm which is attached to a machine which applicator is connected to source of glue under pressure, which body has an extruder nozzle with a nozzle tip attached thereto, a pneumatic cylinder in the arm connected to a source of air or vacuum, a rod in the cylinder which engages an actuator plate of a tip sealing assembly, the tip sealing assembly is mounted on a shaft and has a tip seal arm with a pad thereon resilently urged into contact with the nozzle tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to force a frozen food product out of a receptacle by moving a piston back and forth within the receptacle. Pressurized air is used to move the piston toward the frozen product, thereby forcing the frozen product out of the receptacle. To move the piston away from the frozen product, the pressurized air is sent through a venturi that also connects to the receptacle. The flow of pressurized air through the venturi creates a vacuum in the receptacle. The vacuum pulls the piston away from the frozen product.

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 platen for use with the heating and melting of thermoplastic material from bulk containers is disclosed. The platen includes channels having a channel depth that varies and increases to a maximum depth near the center of the platen.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a gas-powered pump 5 supplied with gas through an inlet 16 from a supply 7 when an actuation valve 11 is operated, the actuation valve also causing the opening of a dispense valve 9 in the outlet 18 of the pump. Gas supplied to the inlet 16 displaces a drive piston 35 against the action of a return spring 41. A rod 31 movable by the drive piston 35 extends into a pumping cylinder 13 where it drives a two-part pumping piston 33 over a substance dispensing stroke. As the substance is being dispensed by the piston 33 a fresh charge of the substance is drawn into the cylinder through a substance inlet 27 connected to a supply 3, which may be a bag-in-box. During the return stroke, lost motion between an inner piston part 43 fixed to the rod 31 and an outer collar-shaped piston part 51 is adjustable by limit switches (109, FIG. 5B) or locking pins (99, FIG. 5A). The actuation valve may be push-button operated (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding printing ink in an inking unit of a printing press having an ink fountain to which, for the purpose of metered filling, there is assigned a cartridge in a holder, the cartridge having a displaceable cartridge piston, which is acted upon pneumatically for the purpose of pressure discharge, and having at the other end a closable outlet opening. The device includes a holder for the cartridge, the holder having a controllable pneumatic connection, and a valve that is closed when the cartridge is being acted upon by pressure. Also provided are a spacing or distance sensor for determining the position of the cartridge piston in the upper part of the holder, and a pneumatic actuator for opening the cartridge valve, pressure being applied separately to the cartridge and to the actuator.

Abstract: A package (1) in the form of a spray container in which slides a piston. There is a dispensing nozzle at one end of the container and a liquid to be dispensed between the piston and the nozzle. A compressed gas occupies the container on the other side of the piston. The seal between the piston and the internal side wall of the container is ensured by shallow annular grooves in the internal side wall, having an interval less than 1,000 .mu.m and a depth no greater than 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: A piston is disposed inside a tube having an inner cross sectional size and shape uniform along its length. The tube has an open end. The piston is free to move linearly inside the tube and preferably may move out of the tube through the open end. If the tube is cylindrical, for example, it has a constant inner diameter. The open end of the tube is neither tapered or flaring. Liquid samples are aspirated into the device by pulling the piston back. The sample is then ejected by accelerating the piston to a minimum velocity to force the liquid sample out of the open end of the tube. The velocity of the sample is sufficient to render negligible the effects of surface tension forces. The volume of the liquid sample dispensed is determined by the inner diameter of the tube and the piston displacement. Accurate positioning of the piston provides samples of accurate volumes. A specific embodiment of the present invention uses a tube with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm, resulting in a volume displacement of 1.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a rotatable member such as a hollow shaft on which another member is axially displaceable, has a lubricant container received in the hollow shaft and in which a piston is displaceable by a gas generated by a gas-generating cell or by a motor-driven spindle. The electrical circuit includes a centrifugal-force sensor received in the container and having switches connected in that circuit so that when a certain speed of rotation is reached, the lubricant is dispensed and the circuit is de-energized upon standstill.

Abstract: An ink dispensing apparatus is comprised of a support frame capable of supporting a plurality of ink containers. The apparatus is provided with an agitating mechanism to agitate the containers from time-to-time to maintain the ink and coloring agent therein in admixture and substantially homogeneous, particularly before dispensing ink. Pressure is applied to the ink container to assist in the discharge of ink from a flexible dispensing spout which is connected to the mouth opening of each container. A scale is displaceable under each container and on which a vessel is supported for receiving a desired weight quantity of ink from selected ones of the containers which contain inks of different colors. The ink is dispensed by operating a hand-operable dispensing valve mechanism which closes and opens the flexible tube in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic cartridge expressing device is shown for expressing cartridges containing viscous materials. The device has a holder that is axially longer than the cartridge, and a cap that is sealingly fitted over one axial end of the holder with a piston guided within the cap and forced by compressed air against either the one axial end of the holder or against one axial end of the cartridge. Compressed air is provided through an opening in the piston to pressurize the cartridge, and in the case where the piston seals against the one axial end of the holder, also passes into an annular gap between the cartridge and the holder to prevent bulging of the cartridge during expressing of the cartridge. Compressed air is provided through a separate opening in the cap to the annular gap in the case where the piston seals against one axial end of the cartridge.

Abstract: The dispensing appliance for at least two components comprises a metering pump assembly with a housing consisting of three sections, held between a front frame plate and a rear frame plate connected by four tie rods and comprising a metering cylinder for each component, each metering cylinder having an inlet and an outlet and a displacement plunger. The outlet nozzles of the metering cylinders end in a double outlet with a common outlet nozzle. The front section is composed of the double outlet having two sleeves as spacers, the middle section is a double inlet and the rear section being spacer sleeves. The metering cylinders have external flanges secured between the sleeves of the double outlet and the double inlet. Such an assembly is modular, lighweight, highly compact, cost effective and can be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A method and system for re-fueling natural gas vehicles, at home, utilizing a hydraulic pressurization-chamber instead of a conventional mechanical compressor, to boost low-pressure gas (usually about 1 psi) up to the 3500-4000 psi required to re-fuel automotive equipment. This Residential Refueling Facility (RFF) will acquire natural gas from a residential public utility gas line into a flexible bladder located inside a steel high-pressure vessel where it will be pressurized by pumping a hydraulic fluid into the annulus between the outside of the bladder and the inside walls of the steel vessel. When the increased pressure reaches a level above the pressure existing in the on-board storage tanks on the vehicle being re-fueled, the gas in the bladder will be squeezed out to the on-board storage tank. The process is then repeated until the on-board storage tanks are filled.

Abstract: A proportional flow controller, having a combination of common-diameter, viscosity-insensitive orifices, accurately combines two or more liquids, for a range of flow rates. A common pressure is applied to all liquids causing equal pressure drops for the orifices, thereby ensuring stable flow ratios. Control is achieved without moving parts or electrical components, for flow rates low enough for spray painting and adhesive application. A flow passage junction, downstream of all orifices, provides for combining and discharging the liquids.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a sealed environment in the pressurized barrel reservoir injector which comprises a plastic closure cap that mates with a barrel reservoir with a dispensing tip. The closure cap has a top wall and a circular outer side wall extending downward from the top wall, and an annular sealing rib for engagement with an annular planar surface. Importantly, the cap also has three locking tabs that have a ascending horizontal top surface that engage external tabs on the reservoir, and also having an interior groove that houses a series of three nodes that are evenly spaced and positioned slightly ahead of the leading end of each locking tab. The external threading tabs of the reservoir pass counter-clockwise through the groove and pass over the nodes. The nodes act to maximize tension of the cap locking tab against the end of the external reservoir tab thereby preventing loosening of the cap.

Abstract: An automatic dry wall applicator having an applicator head connected to a translucent body with a quick release mechanism for easy cleaning and a gas spring dispensing system which moves a piston head in the body to dispense dry wall compound. A loading mechanism uses a manual pump which generates sufficient force to overcome the gas spring pressure to force dry wall compound from a reservoir into the head and body to retract the piston head during loading. The piston rod engages a cam brake which frees the rod during loading and locks the piston head from dispensing unless the cam is manually released from the rod. In one form of the invention, an on-off valve closes the applicator head during loading and can be opened to permit dispensing of dry wall compound.

Abstract: An adhesive dispenser for iteratively dispensing a controlled amount of an adhesive from a reservoir, by iteratively applying a pressure to the adhesive stored in the reservoir such that the controlled amount of adhesive is released from a nozzle connected to the reservoir via a supply passage and is applied to an object, the adhesive dispenser including at least one of an adhesive-temperature control device which controls a temperature of the adhesive present in the supply passage, by supplying a fluid to a first space at least partly surrounding at least a portion of the supply passage, and a pressure control device which is switchable to at least a pressing state thereof in which the pressure control device supplies a pressurized gas to a second space above the adhesive stored in the reservoir and a sucking state thereof in which the pressure control device sucks the gas from the second space.

Abstract: A liquid delivery pumping device for the delivery of liquids enterally or parenterally comprises a housing including a gas generating chamber, wherein a gas is generated intermittently when two reactants, such as the components of an effervescent couple, are caused to react, a pumping chamber for a reciprocating pumping unit operable by the gas and to which chamber the gas is conveyed once generated, the pumping unit forming part of a mechanism which receives and regulates the liquid to be delivered in response to the reciprocation of the pumping unit, and means for controlling the gas pressure within the pumping chamber to enable controlled reciprocation of the pumping unit. The device provides precisely controlled rates of liquid delivery to a patient irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid to be delivered.

Abstract: A device for the precise replacement of liquids before, during, or after operation of a mechanism such as, for example, an automobile motor or automatic transmission, includes a housing and a piston or diaphragm for separation of the housing into inlet and exit portions. A plurality of bags can be employed in the housing for inlet and exit portions and as a diaphragm. Pressure from the volume of liquid in a closed vessel that is to be replaced is used to measure the amount of liquid replacing the liquid that is in the closed vessel. The device can be employed during normal operation of the mechanism, and a method for the precise replacement of liquids employs the device during normal operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile filling unit mounted on a wheeled base and having one or more pumping systems and liquid dispensing heads. Each of the pumping systems has a metering turret containing a number of adjustable rods, the rods being adjustable to limit the stroke of a reciprocable drive motor, the drive motor being directly connected to a reciprocable pump, so that the volume delivered by the pump is controllable to any of a number of predetermined values equal to the respective settings of the adjustable rods in the metering turret.

Abstract: A pneumatic frosting applicator apparatus designed for dispensing viscous material, primarily frosting for the decoration of baked goods. The device permits the user to dispense frosting using the same natural and easy position utilized by experienced decorators but in a more ergonomically enhanced manner. The device further permits the user to more precisely control the flow of frosting and to dispense the frosting in a smooth continuous fashion. The device is simple to operate and to clean, easy to manufacture, and is affordable.

Abstract: A novel two-part fluid dispensing and technique using fluids of similar or widely different viscosities and in flexible plastic or similar cartridges of a similar or different volumes, and with adjustable dispensing ratios by forcing the fluids out of their respective cartridges in response to variable air pressure into a static mixer, and thence along a dispensing flexible pinch tube, the opening and closing of which is controlled by a pinch valve operated in response either to manual or micro-processor-controlled control.

Abstract: A refrigerant metering charge board that accurately meters a refrigerant and an associated synthetic compressor oil into a product, preferably a refrigerator, is provided. Metering is accomplished by way of servo motors coupled to ball screws which are in turn connected to hydraulic cylinders. Calibration of the refrigerant, preferably R134a, is maintained using a temperature sensor, a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a density/temperature equation that has been empirically fit to saturation data. The preferred equation is a modified Benedict-Webb-Ruben (MBWR) equation of state. The refrigerant charge amounts are entered into the PLC using either a fixed bar code scanner or a hand-held bar code scanner that reads a bar code on the refrigerator. An operator interface, preferably a touch-screen display is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable fluid transport system is provided for dispensing sterile fluids from a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an internal chamber with an outlet opening extending therethrough. The fluid transport system includes a collapsible media bag having an internal compartment defining a sterile environment. A first end of a delivery tube is attached in fluid communication to the compartment of the media bag. Disposed at a point along the length of a delivery tube is an interface adapter. The interface adapter includes an annular flange which encircles and radially projects out from the exterior surface of the delivery tube. The gasket is formed of a resiliently flexible material and has an outside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the outlet opening on the pressure vessel. Once the media bag and delivery tube are positioned within the chamber of the pressure vessel, the second end of the delivery tube can be fed out the outlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined flow rate by metering a metering liquid. The apparatus including a deformable liner adapted to hold the fluid and a tank having an inner surface defining a tank interior. The tank is adapted to support the deformable liner substantially within the tank interior. The apparatus also includes a metering pump operably connected to the tank and adapted to transfer a metering liquid between the deformable liner and the inner surface of the tank such that the deformable liner will be deformed so as to force the fluid from the tank at a predetermined flow rate as determined by metering the flow rate of the metering liquid through the metering pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically feeds lubricating oil to machine parts using a microcomputer. According to the method and apparatus, the lubricating oil discharge time for each discharge mode is set and the operation of an electrochemical reactor is controlled in accordance with the set discharge mode under the control of the microcomputer. At the completion of the set discharge time, a discharge mode for a preset minimum period of discharge time, such as one month, is set to allow complete discharge of the remaining lubricating oil. The set discharge mode and the determined discharge time are displayed on a liquid crystal display for convenient viewing by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to force a frozen food product out of a receptacle by moving a piston back and forth within the receptacle. Pressurized air is used to move the piston toward the frozen product, thereby forcing the frozen product out of the receptacle. To move the piston away from the frozen product, the pressurized air is sent through a venturi that also connects to the receptacle. The flow of pressurized air through the venturi creates a vacuum in the receptacle. The vacuum pulls the piston away from the frozen product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piston member for a container comprised of a piston body of a diameter smaller by at least about 0.3 cm. (0.012") than the diameter of the inner surface of the container and formed with an upwardly and outwardly extending conically-shaped wiping wall portion having a wiping edge in sliding contact with the inner surface of the container to permit flexing of the wiping edge over imperfections, such as dents or bumps in the container thereby substantially eliminating potential for piston member stall as well as more efficacious product dispensing.

Abstract: A package (1) in the form of a spray container in which slides a piston. There is a dispensing nozzle at one end of the container and a liquid to be dispensed between the piston and the nozzle. A compressed gas occupies the container on the other side of the piston. The seal between the piston and the internal side wall of the container is ensured by shallow annular grooves in the internal side wall, having an interval less than 1,000 .mu.m and a depth no greater than 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: In an elongate tank for transport or for storage in bulk of semisolid and fluid material such as grease and oil. The tank has an outlet at one end thereof for discharging material contained therein and is of generally cylindric internal cross section. It has a generally cylindric piston sized to slide in the tank and adapted to be moved in a direction toward the outlet thereby to force the material in the tank through the outlet. The piston comprises a piston member which carries an annular elastic seal. The seal has an annular crown projecting radially outwardly from the piston member and engageable with the interior surface of the tank.

Abstract: A carbonator and plain water booster includes a tank and a bladder mounted within the tank that separates the tank into a carbonated water chamber and a plain water chamber. The carbonated water chamber connects to a water source and a CO.sub.2 source to facilitate the forming of carbonated water, while the plain water chamber connects only to the water source. The pressure of the carbonated water and CO.sub.2 gas within the carbonated water chamber expands the bladder into the plain water chamber, resulting in the pressurizing of the water within the plain water chamber. That pressurization allows the dispensing of plain water with a beverage syrup at a pressure sufficient to maintain a proper mix ratio between the plain water and the beverage syrup.

Abstract: Forming a propellant mixture in a barrier-type fluent material dispensing can, wherein the mixture includes propellants of different volatilities and different evaporation rates so that the mixed propellant will have a lower equilibrium pressure at higher temperature than would be the equilibrium pressure of the original mixture before the more rapid evaporation of the one propellant.

Abstract: The method of and apparatus for providing multiple flavored beverages from a dispensing valve from a beverage dispensing unit is designed to provide the ability to prepare a number of differently flavored beverages from a valve on a dispensing unit. The novel apparatus comprise a housing that contains the components on a support frame and provides protection for those components. The housing receives power from a power supply and has liquid supply lines and base product and flavor supply lines attached. Valves or pistons control the flow of base product, liquid and flavor and a desired combination of same is regulated. A flavor assembly that is composed of a flavor block, flavor containers, and check valves are installed within the housing. A single dispensing head directs the flow of water, base product and flavor into the serving container. The control system for the apparatus is comprised of a logic board, beverage dispenser actuator, flavor signal devices and indicators.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluid to a site at a controlled rate and pressure, which comprises a housing enveloping three interconnected chambers comprising a first end chamber, a connecting chamber and a second end chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port each located in a side wall of the connecting chamber, each of the inlet port and the outlet port being associated with a valve for opening and closing the respective port; a first piston positioned within the first end chamber and a second piston positioned within the second end chamber, each of said pistons having a head with an inwardly facing surface having a periphery which fits snugly within the corresponding end chamber to form a fluid-tight seal with the at least one side wall of the end chamber, wherein at least a portion of a side wall of the connecting chamber intrudes inwardly to provide a stop for the head of each piston; and a closure to close the open end of each end chamber.

Abstract: A diluting station and a pipetting station for a machine such as a biological sample testing machine. The diluting station has a rotating shot tube that fills with diluent without the need for priming when the shot tube is in a vertically inclined orientation, and which dispenses the diluent into a receptacle when the shot tube is rotated to a downward orientation. A thimble valve is placed in the shot tube to control the flow of diluent into the valve.The pipetting station includes a cylindrical housing storing a plurality of straws and a concentric rotating drum that sweeps a straw into a straw withdrawal slot. A tubular tapered transfer pin is inserted into the straw frictional into engagement with the straw. The tubular transfer pin rotates the straw out of the slot into a generally downward orientation towards a receptacle containing a fluid. The pin and straw are lowered so as to place the end of the straw into the fluid.

Abstract: A squeeze dispenser for dispensing viscous liquid products such as pastes, jells and lotions. The dispenser includes a hollow housing, a pump mechanism in the form of a flexible hollow squeeze member attached along one side of the housing, and a product cartridge which is insertable into and removable from the housing. A substantially air tight seal is created between the product cartridge and the housing such that the interior of the housing forms a pressure chamber. A lower end of the product cartridge takes the form of a flexible plastic bag which holds the product. Two one-way valves are incorporated into the dispenser. One of these valves allows one-way flow of air from atmosphere into the flexible hollow squeeze member while the other of these check valves allows one way flow of air from the flexible hollow squeeze member into the pressure chamber of the housing.

Abstract: A plastic container for apportionable delivery of flowable, especially pasty materials, has a discharge opening at one end and a self-contained chamber only open to the inside of the container at the other end. The chamber volume is reducible by manual deformation. The chamber is configured in one piece with the container body. The container body is configured as a cylinder. The inside space of the container body receiving the flowable material is separated from the inner volume of the chamber by a separator piston longitudinally slidable in the container body.

Abstract: A system for delivering natural gas, from a moveable transport or pipeline, is off-loaded at an automotive re-fueling station, or other end-user facility, into one or more storage vessels equipped with internal flexible bladders. The pressure of the gas, stored inside the bladders, will be increased to levels sufficient for re-filling automotive on-board storage tanks, or other end uses, by pumping a hydraulic fluid in the annulus between the bladder and the walls of the steel storage vessels, thereby collapsing the flexible bladder and squeezing gas out to an on-board storage tank. The use of a hydraulic pump, instead of a more-expensive compressor, to pressurize the gas, results in significant cost savings which reduces the overall cost of CNG at the station, making CNG (the "preferred alternative fuel") less expensive than gasoline and/or diesel, which will enable CNG to replace gasoline and/or diesel as the primary fuel for automobiles, trucks, and busses.

Abstract: An dispensing system is provided with a stepping plunger to minimize the air buffer at develops as material is dispensed. The stepping plunger includes a plunger body having an air passage therethrough for insertion into a syringe containing a material to be dispensed, A plunger rod having an air passage therethrough is attached at one end to the plunger body, and at the other end to an air hose. The plunger rod has a plurality of equally-spaced detents distributed along at least a portion of its the length, and a detent pin is urged into contact with at least one of said detents under spring bias. The detents are ramped to permit the plunger rod and said plunger body to move axially in one direction while being prevented from moving the opposite direction. The plunger body follows the level of material in said syringe as it is dispensed while maintaining a substantially zero air buffer in said syringe.

Abstract: The multiple component metering and relative proportioning device, in particular a two-component co-axial device, comprises a cartridge (1) wherein at least one inner package assembly (3) containing one component is lodged within an outer package assembly (2) containing another component. The package assemblies (2, 3) are collapsible and are located in a reusable rigid housing (4), each package assembly having an individual outlet (8, 11), all individual outlets being joined in a common outlet piece (10). The package assemblies are sealed at their other end where a re-usable piston (23) is slidingly lodged within the rigid housing for collapsing the package assemblies and dispensing their content. Such a device allows an efficient disposal of the collapsed package assemblies and of the front outlet piece, and rear pieces in a compact form, whereas the other parts are re-usable, thus maintaining a high reliability, user friendliness and cost effectiveness of the device.

Abstract: A container for a fluid is formed of a soft, inner container for containing the fluid and a rigid, outer container, the inner container being disposed within the outer container, both containers having a discharge port common to each other. Approximately half from the discharge port side of the inner container bonded to the outer container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing two sprayable substances in a user selectable ratio. The dispensing apparatus comprises first and second pressurized containers for holding first and second sprayable substances. The dispensing apparatus further includes a manifold member having first and second inlet openings and an outlet opening. The inlet openings receive the dispensing ends of the first and second pressurized containers. The manifold member includes two passages which are in fluid communication between the first and second inlet openings and the outlet opening, respectively. A selector member having a single opening extending therethrough is provided in fluid communication with the first and second passages in the manifold member. The selector member is selectably rotatable with respect to the outlet opening in the manifold member.

Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a measured quantity of a gelatinous semisolid material into a receptacle comprises a cylindrical housing provided with a piston actuatable to move through the throughbore of the housing to a cap provided with a cylindrical sleeve. Mounted within the sleeve is a hollow valve body connected to a sealing member having an end of circular cross-section and a slidable hollow cylindrical body provided with an orifice whose cross-section is substantially equal to that of the end of the sealing member. The barrel is connected to the valve body by springs. In the valve closed position the end of the sealing member is situated in the barrel orifice, preventing the dispensing of the gelatinous material; in the valve open position the barrel is pushed away from the sealing member, allowing the material to be dispensed. The barrel returns to the valve closed position after the material has been dispensed.

Abstract: A double-walled aerosol spray container includes a hollow outer jacket and a flexible bag therein. A substance to be sprayed is held in the bag, while a propellant is charged into a space outside of the bag and within the jacket. The construction of the aerosol spray container helps ensure that the bag does not slip off during manufacture or use thereof. The bag includes a flange about its open end, and the flange abuts an inwardly projecting engagement ridge formed on a corresponding part of the jacket, preferably with an annular packing therebetween. The bag has a storage section that is thinner than the flange, and is easily deflatable or deformable. The aerosol spray container also includes a housing in which a spray valve mechanism is incorporated. The housing includes an inner frame that is inserted into the open end of the bag so that the bag is securely held between the jacket and the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying drywall compound to an irregularity in a wall surface. The drywall compound is formulated to be flowable and placed into an aerosol container with a propellant material. A valve assembly is arranged to allow or prevent fluid flow from the aerosol container. When the valve assembly is opened, the aerosol material expands to force the drywall compound out of the container. A scraper member is arranged on the container to facilitate smoothing of the drywall compound; preferably, the scraper member comprises a scraper edge that is arranged adjacent to an exit opening such that the drywall compound can be dispensed and scraped at the same time.

Abstract: A system for delivering natural gas, from a pipeline, is loaded onto a movable transport by flowing the gas into multiple pressure vessels equipped with internal flexible bladders which will contain the gas until the pressure in the vessels equalize with the pressure in the pipeline. At that time, the transport will be moved to a compressed natural gas (CNG) re-fueling station. At the re-fueling station, the multiple pressure vessels will be connected to an un-loading conduit leading to the storage facilities. The natural gas will be un-loaded by pressure differential until pressures equalize, then pressurized hydraulic fluid will be pumped into the annulus between the bladder and the steel walls of the pressure vessel which will deflate the bladder and squeeze the remaining gas out of the bladder to storage. The transport is then disconnected from the un-loading facilities and returned to the pipeline for re-filling with natural gas.