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 ultrasonic sensor detects the time of rise of the first of transmitted waves and also detects peak points Po appearing in the waveform of received waves to detect a waveform reference point where the time-base coordinate of a phantom envelope connecting these peak points Po is a minimum. The time T2 of rise of the first of the received waves is calculated by adding a predetermined period of offset time To to the time t2 of the waveform reference point of the received waves to calculate the elapsed time .DELTA.T from the time of rise of the first transmitted wave to the time of rise of the first received wave. The distance L to an object of measurement is calculated based on the result of calculation. The distance L to the object can be calculated alternatively based on the elapsed time .DELTA.T' from a waveform reference point of the transmitted waves to the waveform reference point of the received waves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for discharging the contents of a sealed container, such as a test tube. The apparatus includes a member to penetrate the closure of a test tube and provides for reduction of the volume within the test tube, thus pressurizing the test tube contents so that fluid is dispensed through a fluid flow path. The apparatus further including a stabilizing system that facilitates the accurate dispensing of fluid onto a target surface. The method includes pressurizing the contents of the test tube by reducing the volume of the test tube, and providing a flow path such that fluid may be dispensed through the flow path in response to the reduction of the test tube volume.

Abstract: A container for sterile liquids such as eye medicines has a dispensing orifice nozzle with a tip and a cap for covering the tip, a rim of the cap is made visually contrasting with the outside surface of the cap, to present a target for the user to insert the tip into the un-contaminated interior of the cap without touching the tip to the rim or the outside surfaces, thus maintaining sterility of the medicine. The invention may be used when vision is blurred due to eyedrop effects or the removal of eyeglasses for administering eyedrops. Besides the cap rim, the cap interior and/or the dispensing tip may also be made contrasting. The contrast may be provided by different colors or different surface textures.

Abstract: A device for removing fluid from a flexible tube includes a container having an opening and a sharp cannula located inside the container. The cannula is positioned to puncture the flexible tube when it is inserted through the opening, so that fluid in the tube flows through the cannula and collects at the bottom of the container. A diluent may be added to the container through the same opening. The cannula is affixed to the wall of the container by passing the cannula through a dimple formed in that wall. A spout formed in the container allows fluid to be dispensed from the container. When dispensing fluid from the container, the opening is preferably sealed with a finger, and the size of the spout determines the rate at which fluid flows out of the spout.

Abstract: A dropwise liquid dispensing system is provided which includes a liquid formulation having a surface tension of less than a specific value. A tip is provided for dispensing of the liquid formulation in a dropwise fashion and an inner bottle, in communication with the tip, contains the liquid formulation, and forces the liquid formulation through the tip when compressed. The inner bottle is configured with a volume for preventing a liquid formulation from flowing out of the bottle through the tip without compression of the inner bottle. An outer bottle is provided and disposed around the inner bottle for compressing the inner bottle. The inner and outer bottles are sized for providing hydraulic advantage in compressing the inner bottle with the hydraulic advantage being manifested by the outer bottle having a greater inner surface area than an outer surface of the inner bottle.

Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.

Abstract: This invention consists of an ophthalmic storage and dispensing device formed by injection molding, consisting of a vial with thick rigid walls and a limited flexible area. The flexible area allows only a small displacement when squeezed providing a metered volume of dispensed liquid. It also has an integral molded dropper tip as well as an integral molded puncture membrane within the tip. A bottom plug, which serves as closure after filling, is sealed to the vial. The bottom plug is of varying size and shape so as to provide for varying internal liquid capacity in the same bottle. It can also have a separate cap which acts as both a seal break and reclosable mechanical liquid seal between usage periods. Both vial and cap offer a geometric shape which facilitates gripping and limits rolling.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to apply medicament to an eye and stores the medicament in a medicament chamber. A nozzle is coupled in fluid communication with the medicament chamber and is formed by an outer nozzle portion and an inner nozzle portion received within the outer nozzle portion. A tight interface is defined between the inner nozzle portion and the outer nozzle portion and is normally in a closed position to prevent the passage of medicament through the nozzle. The interface opens in response to the flow of medicament of sufficient pressure into it to permit the passage of medicament through the nozzle for release into the eye.

Abstract: A container, composition and method for preserving treatment solutions, in which the composition includes weak and strong preservatives. The dispensing container includes media within a dispensing tip which media removes or alters the strong preservative, while allowing the weak preservative to inhibit microbial growth in the tip media. The dispensing container is especially useful in delivering to the ocular environment ophthalmic solutions which are essentially free of strong preservative which may cause patient discomfort. A dispensing container including a pH-preserved pilocarpine solution is disclosed in one embodiment.

Abstract: A packaged pharmaceutical product having extended shelf life includes a pharmaceutical preparation comprising chlorobutanol and a dispensing container. The container has a hollow body, having an open end therein and is formed from a blend of low density polyethylene, having high chlorobutanol permeability, and a polypropylene, having low chlorobutanol permeability. A body wall thickness, enables both drop-by-drop dispensing of the pharmaceutical preparation by manual squeezing of the body, and, in combination with the blend of polymers, preventing significant loss of chlorobutanol through the body wall upon storage of the container with the body filled with the pharmaceutical preparation. A dropper tip fixed to the body open end is provided for forming droplets of pharmaceutical preparation upon manual squeezing of the body.

Abstract: A dispenser for pharmaceutical solutions which includes membranes which are placed in a dropper of the dispenser and are used to achieve the flow of essentially all the active product and the retention of essentially all the preservative during pharmacological treatment. The membrane is coupled between two cylinder units on parts of the dropper, which remain in a relatively movable position, owing to the existence of a certain play between the cylinder units; or the cylinder units may be in a relatively fixed position, owing to the lack of such play. The cylinder unit may also be in a fixed position but with a membrane treated adequately so as to have a small area or "stain" that permits the flow of air.

Abstract: A bottle for administering liquid eye drops, comprising:(a) a container for holding the liquid eye drops;(b) a dispensing assembly, and(c) a closure assembly. The dispensing assembly is coupled to the container and has a passage therethrough for dispensing of the liquid eye drops from the container. The closure assembly is pivotally mounted on the dispensing assembly and moves between a closed or storage position in which the passage in the dispensing assembly is sealed by a closure seat disposed on the interior surface of the closure assembly, and an open position in which the passage is open for dispensing eye drops. An eye lid retractor is attached to the exterior surface of the closure assembly for retracting the lower eye lid of an individual to whom the eye drops are being administered. The dispensing assembly and the closure assembly may also be provided as a separate cap unit for attachment to a conventional eye drop bottle, and such a cap is a further aspect of the present invention.

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: A depositing apparatus includes a profile-following mechanism having a translational displacement mechanism portion and a rotation mechanism portion adapted to allow a head to be swung in the directions of both X and the Y axes so that the head follows a profile of the surface of workpiece smoothly around a first contact point, thereof with the workpiece, serving as a fulcrum point.

Abstract: The present invention features hydrophobic articles of manufacture having a composition comprising a plastic and a fluoropolymer. The plastic-fluoropolymer composition is resistant to irradiation allowing the article to maintain hydrophobic properties through standard irradiation processes.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing container particularly for single-use dispensing if eye medication and self-application if eye drop. The container for the liquid storage cavity has a molded plastic housing and a flexible cavity wall. The wall is manually squeezable or deformable to enable a reduction in the volume of the cavity and compression and displacement of the medication therefrom. The plastic housing has an integrally molded nozzle which combine to control displaced flow and drop size of the dispensed medication.

Abstract: A computer controlled system for high speed surface mount adhesive placement in circuit board production includes a dot generator supported for motion along the X, Y and Z axes. The dot generator ejects a jet of viscous adhesive that breaks away from the nozzle of the dot generator as a result of its own forward momentum. The system includes an automatic circuit board conveyor with adjustable width and pneumatically operated lift and lock mechanisms. The system runs through a self-diagnostic set-up procedure and dot calibration routine. Dot size and location are monitored through a video camera and vision circuit. A computer interfaces with the vision circuit and with motion, dot generator and conveyor controllers so that the system can operate in a high volume production assembly line. Application programs are executed by the system computer typically utilizing CAD data from a disk or a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) controller.

Abstract: A fluid applicator includes a suction bulb, a screw cap, a finger support, an inner shaft, and an outer shaft that ends in a spatulate dispenser. The suction bulb connects with the thin tubular inner shaft, which extends throughout the applicator to terminate at a release opening in the spatulate dispenser. The suction bulb, which is preferably made of rubber or flexible plastic, has a toroidal lower lip that hooks over a complementary toroidal projection of the screw cap. The tubular inner shaft has an upper lip that projects horizontally into contact with the inside of the suction bulb and that rests on the toroidal projection of the screw cap. The screw cap, which is innerly threaded, is positioned immediately above and integral with the oblong winged member that provides finger support for a user. Also integral with the screw cap and finger supports is the outer shaft, which shields the inner tubular shaft and is configured mainly as a cylinder.

Abstract: A dropwise liquid dispensing system is provided which includes a liquid formulation having a surface tension of less than a specific value. A tip is provided for dispensing of the liquid formulation in a dropwise fashion and an inner bottle, in communication with the tip, contains the liquid formulation, and forces the liquid formulation through the tip when compressed. The inner bottle is configured with a volume for preventing a liquid formulation from flowing out of the bottle through the tip without compression of the inner bottle. An outer bottle is provided and disposed around the inner bottle for compressing the inner bottle. The inner and outer bottles are sized for providing hydraulic advantage in compressing the inner bottle with the hydraulic advantage being manifested by the outer bottle having a greater inner surface area than an outer surface of the inner bottle.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a container body defining a solution retaining chamber therein, the container having an outlet for dispensing the solution from the chamber and means for removing a component from the solution as the solution is dispensed from the chamber through the container outlet. A method is provided for administering to a patient a pharmacologically active substance which substance is stable only at a pH value which is extreme in the acidic or alkaline region and at which pH value the substance cannot be administered without causing discomfort and/or injury to the patient. The substance is maintained in a solution or dispersion at the pH at which it is stable until the time of administration. At this time the substance is administered through a chamber containing an ion exchange resin which changes the pH of the solution or dispersion to a value which will not cause discomfort and/or injury to the patient.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: The process relates to the metering of liquid substances wherein the liquid substance, with separation of drops, is conducted through one or several discharge orifices, and the quantity of liquid is measured by way of the number of thus-produced drops. Liquid drops of varying sizes render exact metering impossible since no conclusion can be drawn to the exact quantity of liquid. According to the invention, drops of homogeneous density and constant size are produced by regulating the size of the drops by means of an electrical field generated in the zone of the discharge orifices.

Abstract: A disposable nozzle assembly for connection to the lower end of a syringe in a viscous material dispensing apparatus. The disposable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle portion having an internal cylindrical drop generation chamber and an exit orifice. A cylindrical feed tube having a central feed passage has a lower end that can slide up and down within the cylindrical drop generation chamber. A dynamic seal is provided on the lower end of the feed tube that prevents viscous material from escaping between the feed tube and the inner wall of the drop generation chamber. The disposable nozzle assembly is further provided with a modified luerlock fitting having an internal hollow stem that mates with the tapered nozzle of a standard adhesive syringe in a manner which prevents the entrapment of an air bubble in the fluid path when an empty syringe is replaced.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead for ejecting an ink from a nozzle. An ink ejection chamber holding ink confronts the nozzle. The liquid ejection chamber shares with a sealed pressure chamber one wall made from a thin film. The sealed pressure chamber is filled with a liquid that generates a bubble when heated to its boiling point. To another wall of the sealed pressure chamber is formed a heat resistor for rapidly heating the pressurizing liquid to its boiling point which is higher than the operation temperature.

Abstract: This invention consists of an ophthalmic dispensing tip formed by injection molding, which has a one-piece molded tip to be used with a mating cap, the tip having an internally molded breakaway barrier membrane inside the flow channel, and the cap having a shaped stud fitting inside the tip, so that the final clockwise half-turn of the cap pushes the stud against the barrier and displaces it, thereby creating a restricted path through which the contents are dispensed.

Abstract: A process for producing a spherical zeolite catalyst is disclosed, which comprises dropping a zeolite-containing alumina sol into a surfactant-containing oil phase from a dropping opening directly or through air to thereby form spherical droplets of the sol, and then allowing the droplets to gel in an aqueous alkaline solution phase underlying the oil phase and withdrawing the thus gelled droplets, said dropping of the sol being conducted while the dropping opening is being impulsed to thereby impart a spherical and uniform shape to the resulting zeolite particles containing alumina as a binder, and a novel apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container is provided with an overcap and a metamorphic spike carried therein for piercing a membrane on the container. The metamorphic spike is hollow and provides a liner that defines a controlled dispensing passageway. The spike pierces the membrane and is retained within the membrane after the overcap is removed so as to provide a controlled dispensing orifice for the container. The overcap can be reapplied to the container to seal the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A bottle for liquids is fitted with a dropper adaptor including a plastic body having extending longitudinally therethrough a flow channel. Over at least a first length portion thereof the flow channel has a cross section in the shape of a star with at least three branches. The channel opens outwardly from the body only at an outlet aperture at an outlet end of the flow channel and at an inlet aperture, defined by plural windows, at an internal end of the flow channel.

Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.

Abstract: A cap for receptacles, particularly bottles made of plastic in a blow molding process which are filled and closed in the blow mold and which have a bottle neck, is placed on the bottle neck. The cap has, adjoining the section for receiving the neck, a section which forms one piece with the neck receiving section and which is designed as a dropper or other dispenser and a piercer.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing container particularly for single-use dispensing of eye medication and self-application of eye drop. The container for the liquid storage cavity has a molded plastic housing and at least one metallic foil wall secured to form an exterior wall of the housing and a flexible cavity wall. The foil wall is manually squeezable or deformable to enable a reduction in the volume of the cavity and compression and displacement of the medication therefrom. The foil wall is impervious to water vapor transmission out of the cavity which extends the shelf life of the stored container. The foil wall is also conveniently printed with labelling text and color. The plastic housing has an integrally molded nozzle which combine to control displaced flow and drop size of the dispensed medication.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for eye drops, antiseptic solutions and the like, comprises a dispensing cap having a projecting conical discharge spout with tapered side walls and an annular end wall that surrounds the orifice. Projections in the form of ribs are provided on the exposed surfaces of the spout, to minimize the likelihood of contamination of broad spout surfaces if the spout inadvertently comes in contact with exterior objects. The projections are on both the end and the side surfaces of the spout.

Abstract: A rotoformer includes a rotary drum for dispensing drops or strips of a free-flowing compound onto a cooling belt. A heating hood overlies the drum and is swingable to an inoperative position to afford access to the drum. The hood is mounted for swinging movement on a vertical axis which is offset from a horizontal axis of rotation of the drum so that when in its inoperative position, no part of the hood overlies the cooling belt. A part of the hood is relocatable, e.g., by being swingable upwardly, or by being detached, to permit the hood to be swung to its inoperative position.

Abstract: A cartridge for actuating a piston-like or accordion-like dispenser-vial for applying medicament to an eye. The cartridge includes a housing for holding the dispenser-vial and a telescoping cylinder for compressing the dispenser-vial in the longitudinal direction to actuate the vial. The cartridge includes a locking mechanism for locking the telescoping cylinder to restrict its movement and a lever mechanism for releasing the cylinder from the locked position so that a drop is released from the dispenser. The housing includes a finger for engaging the lower eyelid and exposing the conjunctival cul-de-sac.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discharging the contents of a test tube which has a resilient self-sealing, reusable stopper at one end. The apparatus includes a flexible member that has a constricted end and a second end. The constricted end defines an outlet area that has an opening. A support having an aperture is disposed proximate to the flexible member. The interior of the flexible member defines a cavity. The apparatus further includes a single fluid transfer tube having a longitudinal bore. The fluid transfer tube has a sharpened end for insertion into and through the seal of the test tube and an outlet end that extends into the aperture. The longitudinal bore establishes a fluid flow path from the sharpened end to the outlet end. When the fluid transfer tube is inserted into the seal of the test tube, the interior of the sealed test tube and the outlet area opening are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A fine applicator tip for a craft paint applicator for use in creating stylized textured designs. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator tip includes a parabolically-shaped inner passage to deliver the craft paint in a laminar flow with minimal flow resistance. This permits easy flow of the craft paint from the applicator with minimum hand fatigue. The size of the outside diameter of the surface of the dispensing end is critical for fine point application and for the craft paint flow to be uniform without adhering to the end surface of the dispensing end of the applicator tip. The thin sidewall thickness allows the dispensing end to be formed with a fine-tip and still have adequate rigidity. The applicator tip is formed with a reverse-threaded portion to affix the applicator tip onto an applictator. This allows the applicator to be easily removable for cleaning or replacement while prevents the applicator tip from being inadvertently removed.

Abstract: An eyedrop dispenser uses the natural optical lens effect of a transparent droplet formed at the tip of the dispenser to focus the image of a target disposed inside the outlet of the dispenser. The target image is viewable by the user to align the droplet with the eye when dispensing eyedrops or other liquid medication. The target image is arranged so it comes into focus just prior to when the droplet being formed at the tip of the dispenser is ready to be released from the dispenser tip. The target image is formed by an image plane indicator device located inside the dispenser on the image plane of the droplet when the user is viewing the indicator through the natural transparent lens formed by the droplet. The indicator can be a pinhole through which the liquid contents pass prior to dispensing. The pinhole is focused by the lens and formed as a magnified image by the lens effect of the droplet.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device (10), designed to replace the cap (18) of an eye drop squeeze bottle (12) includes a positioning member (38). The positioning member is brought to bear against a boundary (54) of a patient's (14) lower eyelid (36), and the assembly (52) rotated about the member to bring a nozzle tip (24) of the device in facing relation with the eye (32). Besides providing stability to the assembly, the member assists in the eversion of the lower eyelid to form a well-like configuration (61) to receive drops (28). Thus, the patient may maintain a primary gaze position (17), facilitating the eye drop dispensing procedure.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying creamy solder onto a substrate, comprising: a syringe 1 storing therein creamy solder; a needle 2 fixed at the forward end of this syringe 1; and a driving mechanism 3 using a pulse-controlled stepping motor and an eccentrically rotating drive motion. The driving mechanism 3 comprises: a linear guide 10 for guiding a syringe holder which holds the syringe 1, a stepping motor 11, a crank 13 and a connecting rod 14 rotatably supported on the crank and the syringe holder. When, the stepping motor 11 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the crank 13 and the connecting rod 14 are eccentrically rotated in an interlocking relation to the rotation of this stepping motor, and the syringe 1 is upwardly and downwardly moved within a predetermined range through a syringe holder 9.

Abstract: A one-piece dispenser cap adapted for the controlled dispensing of liquids in droplet form is particularly configured to enable the use of a living hinge and closure cover combination that is of convenient size to reduce the complexity and cost of construction of the device. The described cap construction includes a funnel surface for directing fluid for discharge whereby dispensing of substantially all of the fluid from the container is insured. Appropriate sealing structure prevents contamination of the contained liquid and use of the living hinge uncomplicatedly prevents interference by the closure cover with liquid as it is dispensed.

Abstract: A drop dispenser for accurate dispensing of drops of a predetermined size. The dispenser comprises a container joined to a tip by a neck. The liquid from the container is forced into a flat flow passage in the neck and discharged into a chamber in the tip where the liquid coalesces. The liquid is then dispensed through an aperture which controls the size of the drop dispensed. The size of the aperture is independent of the pressure applied to the bottle. The flat flow passage prevents the flow of liquid therethrough at such a rate such that the liquid could be dispensed as a stream and not at the desired drop size.

Abstract: A method of making a pipette sampler system for removing and transferring a plurality of liquid samples includes the step of thermoforming a plurality of identical pipettes in a first thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a first precision die. A concave housing including a plurality of stiffening depressions and a skirt portion possessing a peripheral sealing edge is thermoformed from a second thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a second die. The housing and pipette sheet are joined by dielectric heat sealing forming a manifold communicating with each pipette, with the peripheral sealing edge and each of the stiffening depressions heat welded to the pipette sheet, forming an inflexible rigid monocoque structure. A filling tray is thermoformed from a third thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a third die. A sealing washer is sealed to a top surface of the housing, surrounding an aperture formed through a top surface of the housing and communicating with the manifold.

Abstract: A method for the metered application of a biochemical analytical liquid to a target, wherein the liquid is ejected in small quantities on to the target through a jet from a jet chamber by a procedure in which a partial volume of the liquid in the jet chamber is evaporated and expanded for a short time whenever a quantity of the liquid is to be ejected. The invention further relates to a device with a disposable jet element which contains prepackaged analytical liquid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device which delivers microliter and sub-microliter volumes by means of a reciprocating force mechanism requires no capillary contact between the delivery system and work surface. Furthermore, a built-in vacuum-based rinse station permits the user to dispense a variety of fluids while avoiding complex and time consuming changes to the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is a dropper bottle assembly (30) with a dispensing closure (34) having a base (48) adapted to be secured to the bottle 32) and an elongated dropper spout (64) extending from the base (48) to a distal open end (72) and with a separate cap (36, 236) defining a cavity (76) sized to receive the spout (64) therein wherein the cap (36, 236) and closure (34) share cooperating hinge (80, 84) and lock structures (130, 132, 264) for pivotably mounting the cap (36, 236) about a fixed axis and locking the cap (36, 236) closed with the spout opening (72) closed off. The lock (130) and hinge (84) structure are formed on the spout (64) below the opening (72) thereof but spaced from the closure base (48).

Abstract: A chamber that communicates with a viscous material reservoir has a flexible resilient diaphragm which forms an exterior wall thereof. An impact mechanism, which may comprise a solenoid actuated hammer, applies a predetermined momentum to the diaphragm for rapidly metering a predetermined minute blob of the viscous material from the chamber through a nozzle. The reservoir is pressurized with gas to force the viscous material into the chamber to refill the same. The chamber is heated to control the viscosity of the material. Dispensing rates in excess of four blobs per second can be achieved. Variations in the height of the nozzle from the surface of the workpiece are not critical to uniform rapid dispensing. An alternate embodiment eliminates the diaphragm and instead rapidly retracts a nozzle relative to a fluid feed conduit to eject very small blobs of viscous material. A strain gauge detects refill of the chamber inside the nozzle and sends a signal to control refill logic circuitry.

Abstract: Liquid is enclosed in a resiliently deformable container, the neck of which has a microfiltering membrane which is permeable to the liquid but impermeable to air when wet. Since the container resiliently recovers its shape after it is deformed, the liquid remaining in contact with the outside of the membrane after use is sucked back in and the membrane is kept moist until the next time the container is used.

Abstract: A cap for dispensing liquids from a container comprising a base portion; structure to attach the base portion to a container; and an off-center dispenser tip projecting from the base portion and having a passageway extending between an orifice at the distal end of the dispenser tip and the interior underside of the cap, the axis of said passageway forming an angle of no greater than 90 with the longitudinal axis of the base. Included is a composite membrane having liquophilic and liquophobic components for preventing fluid contamination and metering dispersing.

Abstract: A dropper bottle employs a conventional flexible bottle and cover with a conical tip having a hole in the end. An adapter is captured between the mouth of the bottle and cover and includes a generally conical extension. The extension seals inside the ferrule of a needle which is jammed inside the tip, with the needle protruding through the hole. The adapter seals between the mouth of the bottle and the ferrule of the needle and includes a passage for fluid between the bottle and the needle.