Abstract: A refillable syrup tank for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser including an open top through which the tank may be refilled and a discharge end at the bottom. A flow rate control assembly is mounted within the tank and includes a flow rate control tube extending from the top of the tank to a position spaced from the discharge opening. A diaphragm is connected between the bottom of the tube and the tank sidewalls. Weep holes are provided in the diaphragm to permit the flow of syrup therethrough.

Abstract: Sterile solution delivery and venting devices for use with multi-dose sterile solution packages are disclosed. The devices include a positive acting, normally closed check valve which opens to express solution from the package when squeezing pressure is applied and which automatically closes when the pressure is released. A hydrophobic filter is included to sterilize the replacement air which enters the package upon release of the squeezing pressure.

Abstract: An enteric feeding bag having unique fluid dispensation features comprising a supplying chamber within the bag being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an outlet, a channel placing the chambers in selective fluid communication upon tilting of the bag, a partition between the chambers having at least one aperture to receive a clamp in which the aperture coincides with volumetric graduations on the feeding chamber, an elongated flap appended to the exterior peripheral edge of the feeding chamber also having at least one aperture horizontally coinciding with the aperture on the partition and, a clamp inserted through the apertures for transversely sealing together the side walls of the feeding chamber at one aperture.

Abstract: A fluid handling device of the rotary slot type is characterized by a fluid metering volume disposed in the stator of the device in close proximity to a fluid transfer passage formed in the stator. The metering volume receives a piston movable in a suction and a pumping stroke to draw fluid into the metering volume and to pump fluid therefrom. A rotary seal having the slot formed therein is received by seal rotating actuator such that a portion of a tab formed on the seal is accessible to permit removal of the seal from the rotating actuator.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing system is disclosed which comprises a syrup dispenser provided with a rupturable membrane which seals the discharge end thereof and a vent with a vent cap on the opposite end thereof. An opening device is provided comprising a cylindrical piercing knife and a socket for receiving the membrane seal end of the syrup container. Due to the unique structure of the opening device, the rupturable membrane is effectively pierced and displaced upon insertion thereof into the socket, thus providing unobstructed continuous flow of the syrup from the container into an associated valve body.

Abstract: A container for the electrostatic spraying of liquids, especially pesticides, having an integral conductive spray nozzle formed from two concentric tubes in which axial ribs and grooves between the tubes provide a liquid pathway to the nozzle mouth. Air is bled into the container in use through an extended pathway provided by a helical thread on the surface of a bung in the upper end of the inner tube.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for pouring liquids from a container such as a liquor bottle. It includes a discharge passage having an outlet nozzle at one end and a dual purpose valve element slideably and sealably mounted within the passage. The valve element includes a duct through it that extends between opposite sides of the passage. A movable sealing body, e.g. a ball in the duct is adapted to move under the influence of gravity to a first position for sealing the duct when the dispenser is inverted. The sealing body moves under the influence of gravity from its sealing position to an open position when the dispenser is upright allowing the valve element to slide quickly to its starting position at the end of the passage.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge or other similar container having a piston-type closure at one end and an apertured dispensing wall at its other end which may be covered by a cover or cap. The piston-type closure is a rigid structure which includes a sealing ring to engage the container sidewall, a centrally-located filling aperture and a integrally-molded, detachable plug that is aligned to the aperture and adapted to be forced into the aperture to close and seal the container after filling. The plug is attached to the piston closure by several frangible elements and the container is filled via the gaps formed between these elements.

Abstract: An automatic intravenous flow regulator for regulating the infusion rate of a parenteral solution flowing from an intravenous fluid container to a patient. When the level of parenteral solution in the container is above a threshold level, the infusion takes place at a first flow rate. When the level of fluid in the container drops below the threshold level, fluid flow continues but at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. The flow rate is controlled principally from outside the IV container; while in a second embodiment, the flow rate is controlled from within the IV container. Other embodiments are disclosed including one in which the initial flow rate may be adjusted; one in which the fluid is filtered prior to delivery to the patient; one in which the initial flow rate is maintained at a constant value with time, secondary flow rate remains fixed, and complete filtration of the intravenous solution being infused is provided.

Abstract: The plunger may be locked down after a full depression stroke so that the overall height of the pump assembly and the container with which it is associated can be significantly reduced. A special valve component loosely encircling the plunger and slidable with friction along the interior surface of the barrel is initially positioned during factory assembly in a closed position covering vents in the sidewall of the barrel, thereby blocking the undesirable ingress of liquid into the barrel above the piston should the container be laid on its side during shipment or other handling. Upon the first unlocking upstroke of the plunger to its extended position, a shoulder on the plunger lifts the valve to an open position so the vents can function properly to introduce ambient air into the container replacing pumped-out product.

Abstract: An elastic squeeze bottle which springs back to shape after collapse by squeezing, contains a viscous product and has a normally closed valve opened by the displaced product and which automatically closes again when the squeezing is terminated. So that air can enter the bottle to replace the displaced product, the valve has a permanently open package proportioned so that the air can be sucked into the bottle, but the passage being too small to permit the viscous product to gravitationally leak from the bottle through the passage.

Abstract: A post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system for use in refrigerated cabinets includes a carbonator having a refillable water reservoir, a CO.sub.2 system coupled to said carbonator, a valving system, and a disposable package for containing and dispensing the syrup of the post-mix beverage at a controlled rate of flow. The water reservoir may be manually refilled from a water pitcher. The CO.sub.2 system includes a cylinder which is also disposed within the refrigerator cabinet and is coupled to the carbonator. The valving system may include a plurality of dispensing valves and mixing nozzles for dispensing different selected beverages depending upon which of the valves is actuated. In addition, carbonated water alone may be dispensed. The disposable syrup package includes a plastic container having a flow rate control tube therein and means in said flow rate control for precluding spillage of syrup when the package temperature becomes elevated from opening and closing the refrigerator door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting and proportioning pulverulent products comprising a hopper and coaxial screws with threads of opposite directions, driven in rotation in a cylindrical conduit, which screws are separated from each other by the wall of a tube coaxial to the screws and to the conduit, the screw of smaller diameter rotating inside the tube to convey the product therein in one direction and the screw of larger diameter rotating outside said tube to convey the product in the opposite direction, in the space defined between the tube and the conduit, said latter comprising on its periphery at least one orifice for the flow of the product, wherein said screws are composed of wires helically wound in the manner of a spring, and the tube in which the so-called extraction screw, of smaller diameter, is mounted, comprises on its periphery and on the hopper side an opening for the inlet of the product, in front of which said screws extend at least partially, which product, after hav

Abstract: An improved, plunger-type hand pump for liquids in flexible containers is provided which includes a check valve for preventing outward flow of liquid through the air intake passageway of the pump, as a consequence of simultaneous depression of the pump plunger and incidental deformation of the flexible container walls. The pump includes a skirted head mounted atop the plunger and an upstanding, cooperating, skirt-receiving collar, and an annular vent opening forming a part of the air intake passageway of the pump is presented between the skirt and collar. The check valve preferably comprises a flexible annular washer mounted on the pump head for reciprocation therewith, and the outer periphery of the washer slidingly engages the collar to seal the container opening against outflow of liquid.

Abstract: A disposable package for dispensing liquids with a controlled rate of flow is described, such as for syrup for use with a post-mix soft drink dispenser. The disposable package includes a thin walled plastic or glass container with a closed end and an open end defining a discharge opening with a flow rate control tube positioned in said container in a predetermined position. The flow rate control tube has a closed rupturable, openable or frangible sealed end, which extends through the closed end of the container, and an open end, which is disposed at a predetermined distance within the container from the position of the discharge opening. The discharge or open end of the container is sealed by a removable cap and a rupturable membrane. The sealed end of the flow rate control tube may be contained within a recessed portion of the container adjacent the closed end thereof to protect the sealed end from rupture during shipping of the disposable package.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering parenteral liquids from a parenteral fluid container which provides a sufficient quantity of parenteral liquid to be administered at a slower than normal rate so as to afford a keep-vein-open (KVO) means. The apparatus utilizes a first orifice to afford a faster flow rate than a second orifice spaced away from the first orifice. The preferred means for regulating different flow rates of fluid through the two orifices are the dimensions of the orifices and filters having different mesh sizes. When the parenteral liquid is maintained in the reservoir in contact with the first orifice with the faster flow rate, liquid will pass through both orifices at a predetermined regular rate. When liquid no longer contacts the first orifice, as when the fluid container is depleted of liquid, the second orifice then comes into effect to afford a slower rate of liquid until a new container can be supplied.

Abstract: The present specification describes and claims an arrangement for filling a vessel which is to be put under high pressure, with freely flowing solids from a storage vessel which is under normal pressure. The arrangement comprises a supply line extending between the storage vessel and the pressure vessel with a pressure sealing valve which can be tightly closed to counter the working pressure in the pressure vessel, and a shut-off valve suitable for sealing the storage vessel, arranged one behind the other in the supply line. The part of the supply line within the pressure vessel has at least one aperture in its wall and extends within a tube which also has an aperture or apertures, the tube and the supply line being so arranged that relative rotational movement there between opens and closes the aperture in the supply line. Thus, when the pressure vessel is full, the solids block off the supply line which is also full.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser bottle of a resiliently flexible material has a relatively thin, resiliently flexible septum of circular planform seated on and spanning the dispenser outlet, peripherally sealingly clamped in place by a dispenser nozzle cap. The septum has a 90.degree. butt cut slit formation defining at least one resiliently flexible valve flap integrally joined along a hinge line area to the septum proper for outward deflection of the flap by internal liquid pressure when the dispenser is squeezed. The septum is also formed with at least one tiny hole, preferably on or in the vicinity of the hinge line area to increase flexibility of the valve flap, to serve as a vent to greatly accellerate relaxation and normalization of the squeeze bottle wall.

Abstract: A spraying and watering can is herein disclosed. The spraying and watering can includes a container. The container includes a reservoir. A hollow carrying handle, having a vent hole formed therein, is connected to the reservoir. A spout is also connected to the reservoir. The spout is positioned below the vent hole. A sprayer is connected to the hollow carrying handle and to the reservoir. The spout is adapted to deliver a stream of water to a plant. The sprayer is adapted to deliver a water mist to the plant.

Abstract: A bottle and cap of relatively very simple design for spraying an atomized liquid; the bottle being made of squeezable material so that air and liquid within its interior can be together forcibly pushed outwardly therefrom through a common port leading from an air-liquid mixing chamber in the cap, the air being originally admitted into the bottle through a one-way valve which automatically closes when the bottle is squeezed.

Abstract: A storage container is disclosed as well as a liquid storage system. Each container has walls of thin plastic material with the top and one sidewall of each container including a plurality of protuberances and the bottom and other sidewall including a plurality of indentations complementary to the protuberances so that, when like storage containers are brought into adjacent relationship, protuberances in one wall of one container are received in and mate with the indentations in one wall of the other container to facilitate maintaining vertical stacking and/or abutting side-by-side relationship of the system. The protuberances and indentations preferably have complementary slanting walls and each container wall preferably includes three such protuberances or indentations which are of substantial dimensions to also strengthen said walls.