Abstract: A cartridge and a piston for storing and dispensing a two-component dental material. The cartridge and the piston have a cross-section which substantially correspond to a D-shape in which the perimeter of the D-shape is defined by a plurality of circle segments only. At least two of the circle segments are based on different radii. The invention helps maximizing the time period over which a dental material can be stored in the compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides a product leveling system within at least one tank or particulate material supply compartment that helps to encourage uniform movement of an agricultural product out of the bottom of the compartment. More specifically, the invention relates to a product leveling system that helps monitor areas in which agricultural product is prone to starving and also prone to accumulation, such that quantities of the agricultural product can be diverted from the areas prone to accumulation to the areas prone to starving. For instance, at least one leveling device having a driving shaft and a helical coil may be rotatably mounted within the compartment and rotated to encourage agricultural product to be moved from areas of accumulation to areas where the agricultural product is more quickly removed, resulting in starving. The product leveling system may include three coils mounted about the compartment.

Abstract: A laminate structure is provided for forming a package, where the laminate structure allows for access openings to be provided upon peeling of the layers. The access openings may allow air to be introduced to the contents, such as to cause an exothermic reaction for heating items, or may allow product to be dispensed from the package. The laminate structure includes a first layer laminated to a second layer via an adhesive, and score lines are formed in the second layer to define plug areas and non-plug areas. The plug areas are configured to result in a peel interface line that occurs across a constant ratio of plug areas to non-plug areas along a predefined distance of a peel area of the laminate structure. Thus, when the first layer is peeled away from the second layer, the peel force needed remains relatively uniform across the predefined distance.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a container for containing a product to be dispensed and a tip threadably retained on the container. The tip includes an application surface including a thermal member and an opening in the application surface in fluid communication with the container through which the product is dispensed. A cosmetic applicator includes a container containing a product to be dispensed, a dispensing tip disposed on the container having a tip application surface, and a cap selectively engageable with at least one of the container and the dispensing tip to selectively cover the tip application surface. The tip application surface is configured to contact a user's skin to apply the product to be dispensed and an opening in the application surface through which the product to be dispensed is dispensed from the reservoir. The cap includes a cap application surface configured to contact a user's skin to apply the product to be dispensed.

Abstract: A developer accommodating unit for accommodating a developer includes: a flexible container provided with a plurality of openings for permitting discharge of developer. The openings are formed and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the developer accommodating unit. The openings have opening areas such that with respect to the longitudinal direction, the opening area of the opening provided at an end portion is larger than the opening area of the opening provided at a central portion.

Abstract: An improved seed metering wheel assembly is provided to deliver a substantially constant flow of seed to a downstream treating device or the like, without any substantial surging of seeds. The seed metering wheel assembly includes an axially rotatable metering wheel having a plurality of strategically sized and arranged seed metering openings therethrough, arranged in circular arrays of differently sized metering openings. In another embodiment, the seed metering wheel includes a central hub section and an outermost rib, with a series of ribs between the hub section and rim, which lie along respective non-diameter chords. Incoming seed is delivered from a seed hopper outlet by gravitation to the metering wheel, which preferably provides a substantially constant open area while preventing wholly unobstructed flow of seeds.

Abstract: Head for spraying a product in a spraying direction, for example a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant, this spray head comprising: a body, comprising: a channel for conveying the product, a housing in which the conveying channel emerges, the spray head also comprising: a spray nozzle mounted on the housing, this nozzle comprising at least two, better still three, spray orifices, respective feed channels being formed between the nozzle and the body, these channels connecting the conveying channel to the said corresponding spray orifices, and being obliquely inclined relative to the spraying direction.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing faucet includes first and second inlet flow passages that are isolated from each other, and first and second valve chambers respectively in fluid communication with the first and second inlet flow passages. First and second valve elements are located respectively in the first and second valve chambers and respectively control flow of liquid from the first and second inlet passages through the first and second valve chambers. First and second outlet passages are respectively in fluid communication with the first and second valve chambers for respectively receiving and dispensing liquid from the first and second valve chambers. A handle is operatively connected to both the first and second valve elements for selectively opening the first and second valve elements to allow flow of liquid through the first and second valve chambers when the handle is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dosing unit for a powder dispenser comprising two dosing chambers (2,3) each chamber comprising: one upstream inlet (21, 31) and one downstream outlet (22, 32), an upstream means (23, 33) for opening and closing the inlet, a downstream means (24, 34) for opening and closing the outlet, the upstream means (23, 33) closing the inlet (21, 31) when the downstream means (24, 34) opens the outlet (22, 32) and reciprocally, wherein the upstream means (23) of the first chamber closes the first chamber (2) when the upstream means (33) of the second chamber opens the second chamber (3) and reciprocally.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal dropping device, including: a container for containing liquid crystal and being provided with at least one nozzle on an end thereof for ejecting liquid crystal from the container; a driver connected to the container for driving the liquid crystal to eject from the container; at least two dropping heads connected to the at least one nozzle; and at least one corrosion-resistant connecting pipe arranged between the at least one nozzle and the at least two dropping heads for communicating the at least one nozzle with the at least two dropping heads. The dropping device of the present disclosure is capable of shortening the time of manufacturing the liquid crystal panel, improving the efficiency of manufacturing the liquid crystal panel, and avoiding uneven arrangement of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensing caps, containers, and methods for quickly and easily dispensing liquids of varying viscosities at different flow rates. In one embodiment, an adjustable dispensing cap is provided that permits a user to rotate a first member to select an appropriately sized pour hole and achieve a desired flow rate for the particular liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A device by a drinking cup (1) comprising a container (2) and a valve element (4), the valve element (4) being provided with, on at least a portion of its free edge portion (12), an abutment (14) for a sealing, actuable gasket (8), and wherein a user's lip is resting against the gasket (8) when the drinking cup (1) is in its operating position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing portions of flowable materials has a piston that is advanced along a dispensing chamber by rotation of a spindle that passes through the piston. A stop may limit travel of the piston to control the volume of flowable material dispensed. The stop may be adjustable. In an example hand-held dispenser the spindle is rotated by a rack and pinion mechanism that can be operated with one hand. The dispenser may be used, for example, for dispensing portions of condiments, sauces or the like.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a receptacle formed by a continuous sidewall extending between a bottom and an opposed top. A diverter, formed with inclined channels, is positioned in the bottom of the receptacle opposite to the top. A volume is defined by the continuous sidewall between the inclined channels of the diverter and the top, an opening is formed in the continuous sidewall opposite to each of the inclined channels, and the inclined channels of the diverter are for receiving and conveying material from the volume to the respective openings.

Abstract: A dual tube container with one way valves comprises an outer tube and a cap, wherein, the tube head of the outer tube is provided with a base plate; the base plate is provided with a left through hole and a right through hole connecting the outer tube and the inner tube; a connector extends downwards from the right through hole, and the inner tube body in the outer tube body is connected to the connector to form the inner tube; a pair of one way valves are fixed in the tube head; an applicator with a orifice is inserted into the tube head; when the cap is put on to close the tube head, the pintle or elastic gasket in the cap sealing the orifice on the daub part of the applicator to prevent the leaking of liquid contents. It is provided with a pair of one way valves, and the inner tube is fixed in the outer tube; via the opening or closing of the pair of one way valves, the contents of the outer tube and the inner tube are permitted or forbidden to flow out.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage dispenser for receiving individual containers and dispensing alcohol from one or more of the received containers comprising a base having multiple compartments therein each for receiving the individual containers therein. A valve having a valve stem extending therefrom is coupled around the opening of each individual container and each container is in turn connected with a dispensing system within the base. The dispensing system receives liquid from each individual container and dispenses the received liquid through a receiving outlet such as a tap, drink dispenser, or an individual glass.

Abstract: A two-way dispenser cap has a main cap member and a toggle valve. The main cap member has two passages that allow material from inside an attached container to dispense. The first passage leads to a trap chamber that is defined by the main cap member and the toggle valve walls. The second passage leads to an outlet passage for continuous pouring dispensation. The toggle valve pivots in relation to the two-way dispenser cap between one of three positions: no dispensation, metered dispensation from the trap chamber passage or continuous pour dispensation. When the toggle valve pivots to open the trap chamber passage, the trap chamber inlet is closed off. When the toggle valve pivots to open the continuous pour passage, the trap chamber outlet remains closed. When the toggle valve pivots to the closed position, both the inlet passages are in fluid communication with the attached container's interior, but both outlets are closed. The main cap member has a recessed top portion.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of bulk material, in particular a free-flowing bulk material such as, e.g., plastic granules, comprises a discharge base (7) having recesses (8), with a discharge opening (9) being formed in each of the recesses (8), and a cover plate (11) which is arranged on the outflow side of the discharge base (7) at a distance (h) from the same, with the cover plate (11) having openings (12) which are arranged essentially in the same pattern as the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7). The cover plate (11) and the discharge base (7) are movable relative to each other between an opened condition in which the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7) and the openings (12) of the cover plate (11) overlap each other at least partially, preferably being congruent, and a closed condition in which the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7) exhibit such an axial offset (s) from the openings (12) of the cover plate (11) that no overlap is produced.

Abstract: A device for clocked dispensing of portions of a pasty compound, having a nozzle body, which has a vertical main channel terminated on top and a feed channel for feeding the pasty compound. The nozzle body comprises a multiplicity of distribution channels running transversely to the main channel, each having an entry cross-section on the main channel and each having an exit cross-section, and a dispensing area, into which the exit cross-sections of the distribution channels open out. The distribution channels have a distribution channel area rising in the flow direction of the pasty compound.

Abstract: A closure for a receptacle of a type having an open top and a closed bottom is provided. The closure comprises a base configured to be coupled to the top of the receptacle and a cover coupled to the base and rotatable relative thereto. The cover includes a flap having an outer edge with a downwardly extending skirt and is configured for selective movement between an open position and a closed position. The closure further comprises and an insert supported between the base and the cover. The insert defines at least one dispensing aperture and is rotatable relative to the base. Rotation of the cover rotates the insert relative to the base.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base insert device for crossed base valve bags for the formation of crossed bases in paper bags, by means of folding devices which introduce folds at the ends of the tubular sections from which the bags are produced, with one or more gluing stations, which apply glue to the regions of the folds for gluing and/or the sheets (5) provided for gluing to the base, in the gluing stations and at least one pressing station in which the folded bases and the sheets (5) are brought into contact and glued. The novelty of the present patent application is that at least one gluing station for the sheets and/or bases is provided, comprising glue outlet openings (22) which may be selectively supplied with glue, whereby the selection of the glue outlet openings (22) defines the format of the glue application (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A device for introducing a liquid, such as brine, into an animal product, such as meat, ham and the like, comprises a mounting member on which the product can be arranged and a holder at some distance from the mounting member. The holder bears hollow needles oriented transversely with respect to the mounting member and can move to and fro transversely to the mounting member for inserting the needles into the product or, alternatively, for extracting the needles from the product. Said needles have at least one discharge orifice near their free end and one feed orifice at some distance from said free end and are accommodated in the holder such that they can be displaced in the longitudinal direction between a position projecting relatively far out of the holder, in which the feed orifices are blocked, and a position projecting relatively less far out of the holder, in which the feed orifices have a flow connection to a liquid supply.

Abstract: A head part (11) for a multi-chamber tube bag (1) with a multi-component mass which can be pressed out, having a main chamber (2) for a first component and two secondary chambers (3, 4) for two other components, has a disk-shaped contact surface (12) for the multi-chamber tube bag (1) surrounding a press-out opening (13). At the contact surface (12), a plurality of raised portions (14) project toward the multi-chamber tube bag (1) and are provided at the head part (11) for narrowing the outlet regions (5, 6) of the two secondary chambers (3, 4) of the multi-chamber tube bag (1) when the multi-chamber tube bag (1) bears against the contact surface (12).

Abstract: A paint dispenser for dispensing paint components such as colorants and possibly base into 5 gallon and 1 gallon containers is disclosed. The paint dispenser comprises a cabinet for accommodating a plurality of colorant and optionally base canisters in communication with a common dispense outlet. The canisters may be connected to individual pumps which, in turn, are connected to a dispense outlet. A container shelf unit is disposed in front of the cabinet and below the dispense outlet. The shelf unit comprises a base comprising a plurality of rollers particularly suitable for supporting and moving 5 gallon pails of paint. The base is disposed below the dispense outlet a first vertical distance sufficient to permit the 5 gallon cylindrical containers to be disposed on top of the rollers and below the dispense outlet without engaging the dispense outlet. The shelf unit further comprising a pivoting shelf being pivotally connected to the cabinet above the base.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for adding colorant to pre-comminuted material. The colorant dispensing system includes a supply hopper to selectively retain and discharge dry colorant. The colorant dispensing system further includes a colorant dispensing assembly to receive dry colorant from the supply hopper and dispense dry colorant onto pre-comminuted material (M) before it is processed by a waste reducing section of a waste reducing machine. The present invention is also a method of dispensing colorant onto pre-comminuted material before processing by a waste reducing machine. The method includes the steps supplying dry colorant from a supply hopper to a colorant dispensing assembly and dispensing a controlled amount of dry colorant through the apertures onto pre-comminuted material prior processing the pre-comminuted material by a waste reducing section of a waste reducing machine into colored mulch.

Abstract: An exemplary dispenser for glue or another adhesive is provided. The dispenser includes a container, a first nozzle, and a second nozzle. The container is configured for supplying pressurized glue. The first nozzle fluidly communicates with the container and allows pressurized glue to flow out therethrough along a first direction. The second nozzle fluidly communicates with the container and allows pressurized glue to flow out therethrough along a second direction different from the first direction. Further, a dispensing process using such a dispenser in a process of assembling lens module also is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a container 10 which simultaneously discharges agents A and B respectively charged in an outer container 11 and an inner container 21 from an outer nozzle portion 40C and an inner nozzle portion 40D in accordance with a tilting of the container 10.

Abstract: A multicomponent cartridge, particularly a two-component cartridge, contains a coaxial outlet with an outer outlet tube and an inner outlet tube concentric to the outer tube. A cap detachably connected to the coaxial outlet. A seal with at least one seal flange is arranged on the cap for contact on the inner and/or outer outlet tube. A simplified and improved seal is thus enabled, such that the seal includes at least one laterally projecting sealing edge, which extends around the inner and/or outer side of the inner and/or outer outlet tube of the coaxial outlet and/or on the side of the one or more seal flanges facing the outer and/or inner side of the inner and/or outer outlet tube.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for automatically proportioning-out or measuring-out a predetermined quantities of a variety of selected products and feeding the predetermined quantities of product into the individual chambers of a multiple-chamber dispensing container. The multiple-chamber dispensing containers are fed by a conveyor that is driven by a stepper-motor, to the filling location. The filling cycle begins when an empty container is recognized by a sensing mechanism. The machine and method causes the measured products to be deposited simultaneously into all of the individual chamber of the multiple-chamber dispensing container. The cycle is completed at a predetermined time period after the container was recognized. When a cycle has been completed the conveyor is energized. The next cycle begins when the next container is recognized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spout assembly having a plurality of fluid passages so as to enable easy and convenient drinking of liquid beverages contained in the container through an associated straw and easily dispense the liquid beverages into another container. The spout assembly includes a main body coupled on a top of a container, a fluid spout assembly having a first fluid passage through which the liquid beverage can flow out of the container in a state where the container is inclined and a second fluid passage through which the liquid beverage can be socked in a state where the container vertically stands; and a cap coupled to the fluid spouting assembly. The fluid spout assembly can be folded on a folding portion or be elected so that the user can drink or dispense the liquid beverages.

Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings in communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) having a bore (14) for receiving a fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing (12) and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) that interface with the upper gasket, permitting communication between the outer housing (12) and the fluid container. A spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with protruding pins (48) that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the housing (12) and the detent ring (50) rotate, the pins (48) enter radial grooves (54) and (55) causing the housing to remain at a desired location. A closure assembly is snapped onto the inner housing to permit a fluid path to be formed between a specific compartment in the container and the bore (14) in the outer housing.

Abstract: A flask is formed of two panels heat sealed together along with a base or bottom insert. Two spouts are provided proximate the top one of which is for the extraction of fluids and the other of which is for the introduction of fluids. The flask may have a bite valve or a fluid conduit attached to one spout cap. Both spouts may be sealed into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately, one spout may be formed into a panel and the other into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately a pump may be provided to pump air into the flask to pressurize the fluid so that it will be urged out of the flask and through the bite valve when it is open.

Abstract: A dispenser head includes a body defining two housings, which receive a respective nozzle-carrier provided with a nozzle. Each of the housings communicates with the outside via a first opening and via a second opening. Each nozzle-carrier communicates with a feed duct after being inserted in one of the housings via one of the first openings. The substance is dispensed through the second openings.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises at least an inner flow control member and an outer flow control member arranged in series, wherein the flow control characteristic of the inner flow control member is greater than that of the outer flow control member.

Abstract: A pill loader system comprising a pillbox loader and a matching pillbox for loading pills into the pillbox. The pillbox loader has a plurality of loader containers, and the pillbox has an identical number of pillbox containers. The pillbox loader is positioned on top of the pillbox and the pills are placed into the loader containers according to instructions written on a pillbox loader form, which is positioned within a loader bottom plate which is slidably inserted between the loader and pillbox such that the loading instructions appear in the bottom of the loader containers. In operation, the loader bottom plate is removed, and the pills drop into corresponding pillbox containers.

Abstract: A squeeze bottle is provided for dispensing a flowable liquid material. The bottle includes an axially extending squeezable container having a side wall and a base at one end of the side wall to define an interior chamber for housing the flowable liquid material. The container defines a neck that extends axially outwardly from an axially outer end of the container opposite the base. A cap is removably attachable to the neck, and includes a plate having at least one opening therethrough and in communication with the interior void of the container. The cap further includes at least two tips defining respective outlet channels in fluid communication with the plate opening to outlet at least two directed streams from the squeeze bottle to a desired food product.

Abstract: An assistance tray for manual distribution used in a medicine sharing and packing device with a disk-type tray for manual distribution of pills mounted in the front side. The assistance tray includes an assistance tray body at the rim portion of which a plurality of auxiliary pill containing portions are formed which correspond in number to a plurality of pill containing portions formed at the rim of the upper surface of a disk-type tray for manual distribution, and on both sides of which handle portions are formed having openings therethrough. An opening/closing plate is mounted on the lower surface of the assistance tray body so as to be rotated, at the rim portion of which holes are formed, a number of the holes corresponding in number to the number of the auxiliary pill containing portions of the assistance tray body.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for dispensing items from a storage container and into an object container is disclosed. The dispensing machine dispenses items such as frozen chicken nuggets or other food items which are normally cooked and sold by volume. Accordingly, the machine may be set to dispense a pre-selected portion of chicken nuggets from the input hopper. The object container is typically a deep-frying basket. Upon activating the machine, the user will not have to count the items nor will the user have to touch the items at any time, thereby reducing or eliminating opportunities for contamination of the items and consequent spread of disease or unpalatable impurities such as dirt. The machine may be fully automatic or may be hand operated. Where the items are edible items that must be refrigerated, the machine components may be contained in refrigeration unit. Access to the interior of the machine is provided through one or more doors which are designed to remain shut during operation of the machine.

Abstract: A one-piece integrally molded container includes a finish having a deck and a pair of outlet openings surrounded by associated annular walls. A peripheral ring extends upwardly from the deck, and has a radial lip that helps retain the container in the mold tooling during the forming operation. The finish has a radial bead over which a bead on the inside diameter of a closure skirt snaps to secure the closure to the container. Annular walls on the closure surrounding the closure dispensing openings are received in plug sealing engagement within the annular walls surrounding the outlet openings on the container finish deck.

Abstract: A multi-compartment bottle is provided, the bottle comprising a body defining a plurality of compartments, with each compartment being adapted to contain an amount of a liquid. A neck finish, integral with the body, has an outer surface which defines an opening for and in communication with each respective compartment. Each opening is adapted to allow dispensing of the respective liquid therethrough. The outer surface of the neck finish defines a groove configured to discretely separate the openings such that the groove prevents liquid dispensed from one opening from entering another opening. The openings are further arranged so as to collectively define a substantially circular outer periphery for the neck finish. A closure system for the bottle comprises a plug for and configured to be separably engageable with each respective opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treatment fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition, means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door preferably a hook and sucker; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric treatment composition is used up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for dispensing liquids, preferably reagents, in an essentially automated and finely dosed manner. The dispensing device comprises a first duct that is connected to a storage element for storing the liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a conveying element for conveying the liquid through the fist duct is provided, whereby said liquid has to be dispensed. Liquid is sucked from the storage element and is conveyed into the first duct by means of the conveying element. Moreover, the dispensing device is provided with a closing device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the liquid in relation to the conveying element and serves for quickly closing and quickly opening the first duct. The aim of the invention is to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the region between the conveying element and the closing device. A device for regulating the pressure of the liquid in said region is provided.

Abstract: A metered output hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a plurality of hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies, and a multiple outlet metering gear pump for supplying hot melt adhesive material to the plurality of valve assemblies. Return ports of the valve assemblies are fluidically connected to the intake side of the multiple outlet metering gear pump through a plurality of return conduits and a common return line. A single output return metering gear pump is disposed within the common return line and has operatively associated therewith a recirculation bypass loop within which a spring-biased one-way check valve is disposed. The system relieves excess pressure buildup within the valve assemblies so as to substantially prevent the occurrence of bursting and stringing phenomena attendant cyclically intermittent OPENED and CLOSED states of the plurality of valve assemblies.

Abstract: A loader for an automated pill dispenser has a plastic body with two rows of pill cavities which are positioned to overlie pill compartment blocks in the speciality pill dispensing carousel of a conventional automated pill dispenser. Two guides affixed beneath the loader body restrain a flat floor member, which has a handle to permit it to be moved between a retracted loading positioned and an extended dispensing position. The floor member has a single slot running its width through which front row pill cavities empty when the floor member is extracted. The guides define positioning holes which allow the loader to be rapidly brought into position with respect to the automated pill dispenser drawer. The loader may be filled with pills at a location remote from the automated dispenser, and rapidly engaged with and removed from the dispenser to most effectively make use of the dispenser's processing time.

Abstract: A loader for an automated pill dispenser has a plastic body with two rows of pill cavities which are positioned to overlie pill compartment blocks in the speciality pill dispensing carousel of a conventional automated pill dispenser. Two guides affixed beneath the loader body restrain a flat floor member, which has a handle to permit it to be moved between a retracted loading positioned and an extended dispensing position. The floor member has a single slot running its width through which front row pill cavities empty when the floor member is extracted. The guides define positioning holes which allow the loader to be rapidly brought into position with respect to the automated pill dispenser drawer. The loader may be filled with pills at a location remote from the automated dispenser, and rapidly engaged with and removed from the dispenser to most effectively make use of the dispenser's processing time.

Abstract: A closing member 3 is equipped with a dispensing valve 8 and a filter 7. The valve 8 is deformed resiliently to shift its valve head 82 downstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if pressure less than a first predetermined pressure and more than a second predetermined pressure is acted on the inner surface of the valve head 82. The valve 8 returns to its original shape to shift the valve head 82 upstream with its orifice 82a remaining closed if the pressure is removed, thereby sucking fluid remaining within the passage 10 back to the upstream side of the filter 7. The closing member 3 has a supporter 31d that prevents the orifice 82a of the valve head 82 from opening when a negative pressure is generated in the bottle.

Abstract: A liquid holding container is disclosed having one or more spill openings closable by a lid during normal use and adapted to discourage direct user mouth contact with the container when the one or more spill openings are left unexposed by the lid. The liquid holding container may have one or more anti-drink guards projecting away from the container and positioned proximate to the container main flow access for discouraging direct user mouth contact with the main flow access. Also provided is a method for the use of the container.

Abstract: A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes.

Abstract: A mixture of beads of uniform size from is deposited in an array by establishing discrete attachment areas each consisting either of a droplet of adhesive or a small area of a continuous adhesive layer exposed through an aperture in a mask. Beads which are trapped by the attachment areas are released either by a solvent on a vacuum manifold, or by evaporation of the adhesive, preferably by means of a vacuum centrifuge. The beads are released into capillaries, in which cleavage of attached compounds, or synthesis of new compounds, can be carried out. Also invented is the apparatus used in carrying out the invention.