Abstract: A shield for a fluid dispenser includes a mount structure and a fluid-deflecting structure defining an interior flow passage. The mount structure is configured to be attached to an actuator of a fluid dispenser. Fluid dispensers and fluid dispenser systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.

Abstract: A bottle has a funnel member defining a pouring spout attached thereto by a retainer which allows the spout to rotate relative to the bottle. The funnel member retains the spout in a storage/transport mode wherein it is affixed to the exterior of the bottle and in a use mode in which the spout is attached to the neck of the bottle so as to facilitate transfer of a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for receiving and containing loose beverage substance with a transfer device such as a scoop or measuring device and transferring it to a corresponding holder for retaining the loose beverage substance during dispensing process. The system and apparatus facilitates orderly transfer of loose beverage substance to the holder for dispensing.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus includes a hopper having a longitudinal axis and a wall having an external surface and an internal surface defining a thickness therebetween. The wall defines an infeed end for receipt of particulate material and an outfeed end for conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The outfeed end defines or has an outfeed aperture therein. A base disposed such that at least a portion of the base is substantially coextensive with the outfeed aperture. The base has at least one base aperture therethrough to facilitate conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The base aperture may be concentrically or eccentrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of said hopper. At least one of the base and the hopper is capable of rotation relative to another of the base and hopper, such that the base aperture is in at least intermittent in particulate flow communication with the outfeed aperture.

Abstract: A carbonated drink closure and dispensing device having an upper cap portion, a lower cap portion removably and rotatably secured to the upper cap portion at one end, and removably secured to a top opening of a container at an opposing end. The lower cap portion includes an opening allowing fluid contents of the container to flow thererough, and a valve member is dimensioned and configured to cover the lower cap portion opening. An anti-rotation device is disposed on the lower cap portion and houses the valve member, wherein the rotation of the upper cap portion slides the valve member within the anti-rotation device, closing off the opening of the lower cap portion in one position, and moves away from the opening of the lower cap portion allowing fluid contents from the container to flow through the opening and through the upper cap portion.

Abstract: This invention is a material discharge apparatus for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper, the apparatus includes a hopper with an inlet at the top to receive flowable material and a discharge outlet at the base of the hopper, a valve configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve has a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet forming a gap between the hopper and the valve for material discharge, with the valve fixedly connected to a fixed support beam, the hopper elastically connected to the same fixed support beam such that as the more material is received by the inlet, the more the hopper sags, the larger the gap formed between the valve and the hopper grows, thereby increasing the rate of flow of material discharge.

Abstract: A device connects a storage container to a working reservoir for transferring a substance from the storage container to the working reservoir. The device includes a housing which is joined to the storage container with either a fixed connection or a coupling means. A passage opening is formed on the housing, and a shutter that is movably connected to the housing serves to close the passage opening. The shutter has a connector port for each working reservoir. The shutter moves in a rotary or sliding manner relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the passage opening is closed off by the shutter, and in the open position the interior space of the storage container is connected through the passage opening to the interior space of the working reservoir which is seated in the at least one connector port.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing media which include, inter alia, a dispenser body, a funnel-shaped cover and a mechanism for securing the cover in the closed position to facilitate the dispensing of media from the spout. The body of the dispenser has an elongated handle with proximal and distal ends and a scoop depending from the distal end of the handle. The funnel-shaped cover is attached to the body of the dispenser and includes an upper spout and a lower base. The cover is adapted for movement between an open position and a closed position; wherein in the open position the cover is spaced apart from the scoop and allows media to be placed into the scoop, and in the closed position, the cover is placed over the scoop such that when media is dispensed from the scoop it passes through the spout of the cover. Also disclosed is a device for dispensing media which includes, among other elements, an elongated handle, a scoop and a stopper arm.

Abstract: A container has a first and a second opening formed in a lid that releasably closes the container. A first base surrounds the first opening and a second base surrounds the second opening. The narrow end of a retractable, self-deploying funnel engages the first opening and the wide end of a retractable, self-deploying pour spout engages the second opening. Both funnel and pour spout are retracted when the first and second caps engage the first and second bases, respectively. The funnel facilitates charging of a liquid into the container and the pour spout facilitates pouring of a liquid from the container. Each cap includes a vent opening formed in a top wall and a nipple formed in depending relation to an interior surface of the top wall. The nipple plugs the narrow end of the pour spout when the pour spout is in its fully retracted configuration.

Abstract: Method and device for metering granular materials which comprises a least one dispensing element, driving means arranged to control the dispensing element, sensing means designed to detect the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element, and a program control unit designed to control the control means and disable it as soon as the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for measuring and dispensing powdered products. The apparatus includes a cup portion and a funnel-shaped dispenser. The cup holds the powdered material to be measured is sized to contain a desired volume of the powder when filled to its upper edge. The upper edge of the cup has a flat surface to accommodate leveling of the powdered ingredients. The funnel-shaped dispenser serves as a leveler and aids in accurately dispensing the measured powder into a mixing area. The funnel-shaped dispenser thus defines a flat edge at its receiving opening for engaging the upper edge of the cup.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed pouring chute attachment for a wheelbarrow. The attachment sits on the front of the wheelbarrow and is secured by upper side channels and either rope of shock/bungee cords from the sides of the attachment to the handles of the wheelbarrow. In an alternate embodiment, the wheelbarrow container may have a funnel end as an integral part thereof.

Abstract: A powder dispensing system is disclosed which is formed from a top dispenser portion coupled to bottom container portion. The top dispenser portion has a dispenser orifice with a cap that is preferably attached to the dispenser through strap element. The top dispenser portion and the bottom container portion are coupled through geometrically matched brim sections with snap features or complementary twisting threads that adjoin the top and the bottom to form a smooth interior dispensing surface. The smooth interior dispensing surface is angled less than 90 degrees relative to the inverted dispensing direction such that a powder is capable of being fully dispensed by inverting the dispenser and without significant collection or retention of the powder on interior surfaces. Preferably, the bottom container portion is substantially cylindrical, transparent and has graduated marks so that the quantity of powder within the dispenser is readily discerned.

Abstract: A collapsible fuel container for holding a fuel and funnel for delivery of the fuel. The collapsible fuel container includes a bottle having a bottom wall and a top wall. The bottle has a peripheral wall extending between and integrally coupled to the top and bottom walls. The top wall has a bore therein. A cap for removably closing the bottle has a bore therethrough. A plug seals the bore in the cap. The plug has a shape adapted to fit in the bore in the cap. A funnel portion for directing flow of the fuel from the bottle and into the automobile is adapted removably fit in the bottle.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for a package containing a pourable product. The device is affixed to the package at the top end of the package and includes a ring affixed to the surface of the package. The ring encompasses an intended pouring opening which is prescored. A combination of a rupture element and a lever arm are hingedly mounted within the ring in position for activation of the rupture element through the lever arm, to rotate the distal end of the rupture element against the prescored region and to partly tear away a tab of the package. Further rotation of the rupture element carries the tab into the interior of the package. Provision is made for retention of the rupture element and tab within the interior of the package out of the flow path of contents being poured from the package through the opening formed by removal of the tab.

Abstract: An automatic ice and beverage dispensing machine having an ice dispensing chute assembly which is rotatable. As a rotating chute rotates rearward, a lifting motion first moves a locking device which locks a door in place and then elevates the door so that ice can freely flow from an ice storage bin. A switch is contacted which initiates the flow of ice from the ice storage bin. Releasing the rotating chute causes it to rotate (due to gravity) back to its initial, neutral position, disengaging the switch and stopping the flow of ice from the ice storage bin, reversing the lifting action on the door and the locking device, closing the door and locking the door in place to prevent further flow of ice from the ice storage bin.

Abstract: A reclosable fitment for a paperboard package having rear intrusion, anti-finger intrusion protection, and a raised spout to more naturally and directly allow the liquid within the container to be dispensed. The present invention provides a two piece fitment or closure having a base which is adapted to be attached about a scored area on a paperboard package. A lever is pivotally attached to the base and includes a rear portion which is adapted to open the scored area at a rear portion thereof. The rear portion is forced downwardly into the container by lifting upwardly on the forward portion of the lever. The forward portion of the lever has a built-in pouring spout which when placed into the open position forms a natural spout elevated away from the base to allow the liquid to more naturally and accurately be directed away from the package. A cover can be pivotally attached to the base to protect the lever from contaminates, and to automatically open the package upon lifting the cover away from the base.

Abstract: A funnel cap device for a fluid container includes a funnel-shaped member having a passage therethrough extending between a wide end and a narrow end thereof, and a cap member attached to the funnel-shaped member for selectively opening and closing the narrow end of the passage. A hub portion extends from the narrow end of the funnel-shaped member, the cap member being slidable on the hub portion between open and closed positions. The cap member and hub portion include a cooperating aperture and seal tab which mutually engage in the closed position to prevent fluid flow. The funnel cap device is attachable to a fluid container having a spout on one end. The funnel-shaped member includes an intermediate portion having a thread pattern on an inner surface for engaging similar threads on the spout in an upright orientation where the funnel-shaped member engages the neck of the container.

Abstract: A refillable dispensing apparatus is disclosed in which a removable cap is utilized to protectively overlie the container during its storage condition and the cap may be readily converted into a funnel for refilling the depleted container. The conversion of the cap into a funnel is achieved by removing and reversing the cap, with the cap being configured and dimensioned to define a trough like container having a funnel extension which communicates with the container opening.

Abstract: A cup assembly for a bottle includes a body having a closed end with an aperture extending therethrough and an open end and a wall tapering from the closed end to the open end. The cup assembly also includes an attachment mechanism to attach the body to an open end of the bottle to allow a user to drink from the open end of the body while attached to the bottle.

Abstract: A container (1) for petrochemical products comprises a pour adapter (19), provided with a pour spout (20) and is parallelepiped-shaped, the pour adapter (19) being disposed within an upper corner area (recess 28). In order to control and facilitate respectively a tilting of the container always in a direction towards the pour adapter (19) partly a diagonally disposed handle (9) in the top side (2) of the container is provided and partly on the bottom side (3) of the container a depression (13). Provided one hand seizes the handle and the other hand holds the depression, an automatically controlling outflow moment diagonally through the container towards the pour adapter (19) is simultaneously attained. The pour spout (20) can be swung out from an entirely recessed position into a diagonally outwardly bent position. Also, particular means (11) for filing and/or ventilation are provided, possibly via means mounted in the handle.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.

Abstract: A shaking container designed with built in measuring cup, funnel and pour spout intended to measure, mix and pour a powdered material with a liquid. This container will enable the user to invert the cap to sit in the container opening, using this cap as a measuring cup, as it has measure markers inside the cap. When measure completed, the top spout, inverted into the container, to be unsnapped, thereby funneling the powder down into the container. The container to be filled with liquid, then cap replaced in closed position. With pour spout snapped, shaking can commence.

Abstract: A closure unit for a container for storing and handling flowable products is made from at least two different thermoplastic materials, the different materials fulfilling different functions. A basic thermoplastic material (A.2) is used for sealing against the container (G.2), and an area made of another different thermoplastic material (B.2,C) is provided to fulfill additional sealing functions, to increase mechanical stability, to have a reduced permeability, and to provide increased elasticity for additional opening and closing and/or absorption characteristics. The closure unit is produced by a multimaterial injection molding process, so that contact surfaces between the different thermoplastic materials can be interconnected by reversible or irreversible positive engagement and/or by more or less pronounced melting into one another. The closure unit is in two parts and comprises a pouring part (1.2) and a closure part (2.2), or is in one part.

Abstract: A pivoted ice dispensing chute is pushed rearward to lift a door lock, lift a door and contact a microswitch for starting an ice dispensing mechanism. Release of the chute allows the chute to swing forward, opening the microswitch and stopping the ice dispensing mechanism, and allowing the door to drop downward and the lock to drop downward below the door. In its downward position, the door is adjacent the back of the chute to prevent lifting of the door and unwanted movement of ice through the chute. The chute is generally rectangular in planform, with a sloping back, sides and a rounded front. The top of the chute and the bottom of the chute are open. The back of the chute has a rib with a lateral extension which operates the microswitch. The rib lifts the door lock and lifts the door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a substance such as a hydrophylic polymer into a soil to minimize the need for repeated irrigation, plant feeding or the like. A trailer supports a mixing tank within which the polymer and a liquid such as water are continuously agitated. The mixture, in a liquid form, is sent through a pump to an outlet having a plurality of apertures communicating with the tank via a manifold. A valve operatively conditions the throughput of the water and polymer so that a series of high pressure pulses exit the outlet and cause slugs of liquid to contact the ground at a sufficient velocity that the slugs penetrate the soil and deform under the surface of the soil. The rapid opening and closing of the valve when used with the outlet's apertures can provide a distribution pattern in the soil which is substantially uniform and minimizes the likelihood of disproportionate polymer infusion in the ground which would otherwise cause non-uniformly swelling.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding granular silicon material comprises a hopper for storing granular silicon material, a feeder for feeding granular silicon material stored in the hopper, a first guide tube for leading granular silicon material fed from the feeder, a feed tube for feeding granular silicon material, which is arranged in a lower portion of the first guide tube and movable upward and downward, a housing incorporating the hopper, the feeder, the guide tube and the feed tube, a sluice valve for closing an opening of a chamber of the apparatus for manufacturing silicon single crystals, and a second guide tube which is positioned in a portion of the opening of the chamber and which leads granular silicon material to a crucible for melting granular silicon material.

Abstract: This invention is a transfer system for controlling and initiating the flow of metered amounts of materials. The aforementioned materials may be radioactive ash, radioactive calcined salts, cement, flour, or pharmaceuticals. The apparatus of this invention comprises: a vertical non-converging conduit which acts as a storage hopper; a stationary platform located at the downward end of the conduit to allow the radial outward flow of the material; a translatable hollow piston that acts externally but coaxially to the conduit and platform to interrupt the radial flow of material; a hopper located below the platform for accepting the material; and a housing that encloses and supports the hopper and platform and provides a dust tight seal around the apparatus of this invention.

Abstract: A low profile, liquid container, preferably of molded plastic construction, has rotatably mounted on it a dispensing spout which can be rotated between a pouring position and a stowed position overlying a carrying handle for the container. The rotatable spout is provided with outwardly projecting ribs which are alternately engageable with projections formed on the container to lock the spout in either the pouring or the stowed positions.

Abstract: A liquid containing and dispensing package comprising a hollow plastic container having a neck, a fitment interengaging the neck and closure. The fitment interengages the neck and has a first peripheral portion extending axially and having a portion defining a spout having a pouring lip extending axially inwardly of the end of the neck, and a closure comprising a top wall and a first peripheral wall extending from the top wall axially inwardly. The closure includes a radial portion extending from the peripheral wall and sealingly engaging an annular area of the fitment. The closure defines a dispensing cup and includes a second outer peripheral wall spaced from the first peripheral wall which has internal threads engaging external threads on the neck of the container.

Abstract: A silo chute hopper attachment that fits underneath an existing silo chute having a swivel end, and an upper hopper portion that has flanges slidably mounted onto brackets fixed to the silo wall so that the hopper slides in and out like a drawer underneath the silo chute. It can be easily removed for getting into the silo chute. When removed the bottom outlet opening of the silo chute is completely open.

Abstract: A self-service beverage dispenser which includes a cabinet, a plurality of dispensing heads mounted in upper portion of the cabinet and a support for bottles to receive the beverages that are dispensed from the dispensing heads. The support for the bottles includes a trough carried by the cabinet beneath the dispensing heads to receive and to carry away beverages spilled into the trough and a perforated positioning platform for a succession of bottles forming a screen cover for the spill trough. A support for a succession of bottles to receive beverage from a dispensing head. Optionally a positioning bracket secured to the cabinet is provided beneath each nozzle for holding a bottle with the filling opening in the neck thereof out of direct alignment of the gravity induced stream of beverage flowing from a dispensing head.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing bulk material comprises a supply chute having an outlet; an openable and closable gate in the supply chute for controlling discharge of the bulk material from the outlet; and a downwardly oriented funnel extending below the outlet of the supply chute. The funnel includes an inlet zone for receiving material from the supply chute; a discharge opening situated below the inlet zone for discharging material from the apparatus; a generally planar wall extending from the inlet zone to the discharge opening; and a constricted flow passage area below the inlet zone. A rotor of flat construction is situated in the inlet zone in the vicinity of the funnel wall between the outlet of the supply chute and the constricted flow passage area.

Abstract: A device for use with a container for liquid, such as a coffee pot, having a neck which defines an opening. The device comprises a sleeve adapted to fit in sealing relationship with the neck. A funnel member is disposed within the sleeve and is movable within the sleeve between a first position and a second position. The funnel member is in the first position when the container is in an upright position whereby liquid can be introduced into the container through the funnel member and the escape of vapors from liquid contained in the container through the sleeve is substantially restricted. The funnel member is in the second position when the container is tipped to pour liquid therefrom whereby liquid in the container can flow past the funnel member between the sleeve and the funnel member.

Abstract: In a self-unloading vessel having hoppers with discharge outlets for discharging either lump or pulverulent material onto an unloading conveyor, discharge apparatus includes a wheeled carriage supporting two separate gate assemblies thereon and movable to bring one or the other of the gate assemblies into discharge relationship with the hopper outlet. One gate assembly includes a horizontally sliding gate which is driven between open and closed positions by a drive cylinder. The other gate assembly includes fluidized bed airslide apparatus for directing pulverulent material to a discharge passage closed by a butterfly valve. Two embodiments are disclosed. In one a separate drive cylinder is provided for moving the carriage between its two positions along associated rails. In the other the one gate can be releaseably pinned to the other gate assembly. The relative positions of the two gate assemblies are reversed in the two embodiments.

Abstract: This invention relates to filters for the brewing of coffee. Specifically to the fast brewing drip type suitable for home use. The basis of the invention is in the addition of a diverting valve to allow for the transfer of brewed coffee away from the holding pot and into the users coffee cup. This is to be done without interrupting the brewing cycle or placement of the coffee pot.

Abstract: Valve system having a primary valve for excluding air, mounted in series with a secondary valve for controlling the flow of powder.

Abstract: A funnel type container is mounted above a bar with its axis vertical. A stop member is mounted on a cross member in the container at the open top thereof and extends coaxially toward the bottom in spaced relation therewtih. A plurality of tubular members are telescopically slidably coupled to each other. One of the tubular members is slidable coupled to the open bottom of the container and extends therethrough whereby in extended position the tubular members extend a maximum distance from the container and direct ice cubes stored in the container to glasses on the bar. In a withdrawn position, the one of the tubular members extends into the container and abuts the stop member thereby blocking the bottom of the container and preventing ice cubes from leaving the container.

Abstract: A rotary tabletting press, including a die table rotatable about an axis, has improved apparatus for feeding powder to the table. The improved feed apparatus includes a rotatably sliding valve at a discharge orifice at the bottom of a powder storage hopper, a conduit conveying powder from the hopper to the die table and apparatus which adjustably maintains the discharge end of the conduit a preselected distance above the die table.

Abstract: Structure for controlling the delivery of ice pieces for external service with the ice pieces being formed within a refrigerator or the like. The apparatus may include a closure for selectively closing the end of a delivery chute through which the ice pieces are conducted during the delivery operation. Delivery of the ice pieces is effected by movement of an actuator as by a receptacle, such as a cup or glass, being urged thereagainst to receive the delivered ice. Movement of the actuator concurrently moves the closure away from the delivery chute and positions a guide in cooperation with the closure to guide the ice pieces from the end of the delivery chute into the receptacle. The guide may include upstanding side wall portions for preventing undesirable lateral discharge of the ice pieces and effectively assuring the delivery of all of the ice pieces into the receptacle. The guide may comprise a one-piece element removably installed on the actuator for movement therewith.

Abstract: For pouring molten metal, a device is provided which affords a flow passage between a source of supply of the molten metal and a mold. The device is supported separately from the mold and can be rotated about a vertical axis and tilted about a horizontal axis. A jet deflecting member is provided in the flow passage to provide a kinetic energy dissipating effect and the passage is arranged to afford automatic emptying of the molten metal from the device. Various embodiments of the flow passage include walls forming a tortuous flow path or a weir-shaped wall between the inlet and the outlet of the device. Additionally, a downwardly inclined elongated nozzle forms the flow passage outlet from the device with the outlet offset relative to the inlet to the device.