Abstract: A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

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

Abstract: A material storing and dispensing assembly for storing and discharging hot asphalt material, comprising a vertically-extending vessel having a generally cylindrical shape and a top opening for receiving material, a dispensing cone positioned in the vessel and opposed to the top opening, the dispensing cone having a discharge opening at a distal end for discharging material from the vessel, a first gate enclosed within a gate weldment and adapted for engagement with the discharge opening slidable between one of an open position for releasing material from the vessel through the discharge opening and a closed position for retaining material within the vessel, a second gate having a sealing face adapted for effectively sealing the discharge opening by rotating the second gate from a vertical storage position into a horizontal closed position, a third gate adapted for further cooperating with the first and second gates and slidable between one of an open position for releasing material from the vessel and a close

Abstract: A filling device for the proportioned delivery of very viscous materials comprises a filling pipe with a material outlet end in the vicinity of a front. At the outlet end, provision is made for a cutting head, which is rotatable relative to the filling pipe about a common central longitudinal axis. A cutting knife, which preferably consists of a spring steel wire, is disposed detachably and replaceably on the cutting head.

Abstract: An applicator is described which is sealed to a very high degree against any ingress of air and is therefore suitable for use with adhesives which react strongly with air.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions includes a first module comprising a first housing, a fluid flow fitting in the first housing, a shutoff valve in the first housing and in fluid communication with the fluid flow fitting. The dispenser further includes a second module comprising: a second housing, a valving chamber in the second housing for receiving fluid from the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting; and an attachment for securing the first and second modules to one another with the valving chamber in fluid communication with the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting so that foam precursors can travel from the foam fittings to the valving chamber, and be dispensed from the chamber to form foam.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can (12) that can only be operated when connected to a utility a-c power source. Thus, the use of the spray can (12) to spray graffiti is prevented or at least minimized. The aerosol spray can (12) is modified by attaching to its upper surface (14) a can top seal (20) that includes an upper threaded section (22), a puncturable seal (30) and a lower siphon tube sleeve (32) to which is attached a conventional siphon tube (34). The can (12) functions in combination with a solenoid valve assembly (40) that is located within a vitreous housing (42) that includes a threaded lower end (68). When the valve assembly (40) is threaded into the cap top seal (20), the seal (30) is punctured allowing paint to flow upward into the valve assembly (40). The solenoid valve assembly (40) remains closed until it is opened by an energized separable or permanently attached magnetic coil (120) which is located around the valve assembly (40).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a beverage dispenser mounted in a refrigerating compartment thereof for dispensing a beverage through the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a beverage-storing vessel having a beverage outlet in the form of a valved spigot which is arranged to project through a hole in the door when the door is closed. The spigot includes an internal valve which is attached to a first magnet. The door carries a valve actuator which includes a second magnet adapted to generate a magnetic repulsive force against the first magnet to open the valve against a valve-closing spring force when the actuator is moved to a valve-opening position. A sealing arrangement is provided to create an air-tight seal between the spigot and hole when the door is closed. A manually releasable latch is disposed within the refrigerator for releasably retaining the vessel against accidental removal.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing various types of viscous fluids has a valve which is capable of operating at high speeds. The valve has a stiff diaphragm spring which moves an armature which has a relatively large pole face area directly opposite the end faces of an inner and outer core. So that movement of the armature is not interfered with by the fluid material above or below the armature, openings are provided through the armature for the flow of the fluid material. The armature is positioned close to the cores, and is provided with a short stroke, so that the air gaps in the flux loop between the armature and the cores are small, reducing the reluctance of the magnetic circuit and thus increasing the amount of force produced by the coil.

Abstract: A liquids dispensing valve comprising a cylindrical body (10) having a tapered outlet passage leading to an outlet orifice (12) at one end and an inlet orifice (30) at the other. Multiple pistons (18, 19, 20 and 21) depressed by springs (23, 24 and 25) progressively close the orifice (12). An air cylinder (14) with piston (16) progressively retracts the pistons (18, 19, 21) to open the valve and subsequently causes the valve to close progressively. Liquid flows downwardly through the ducts (28) in the valve in a generally axial or longitudinal direction and the subtended angle between the longitudinal axis of the body (10) and the wall of the tapered outlet passage is not more than 50.degree..

Abstract: A non-contact glue applicator for dispensing high viscosity adhesives in a straight line onto card stock or heavy paper, which includes an outer body connected to source of glue under pressure, which body has an extruder nozzle attached thereto, which body also carries an activator solenoid to which a metallic needle is attached which carries an O-ring seal which is in selective contact with the nozzle to permit controlled adhesive flow from the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging flowable material, particularly a powder or other particulate material, is provided with a hopper, bin, silo or the like having a discharge outlet with a closure, also known as an .alpha.-flange, and spaced therefrom a device, such as a cone, for obturating flow of material from the outlet, and a mechanism which is connectible with the obturating device and is operative to open the closure and obturating device in sequence. The mechanism also closes the obturating device and closure in reverse sequence.

Abstract: A liquid metering-filling apparatus is provided which includes a container transport conveyor intermittently drivable so as to halt containers one by one at a filling station. A filling nozzle is disposed above a path of transport of containers at the filling station. A metering cylinder houses a piston and has an outlet in communication with the filling nozzle. An inlet check valve is provided at an inlet of the metering cylinder. An outlet check valve is provided at any one of the outlet of the metering cylinder and inside of the filling nozzle. The liquid metering-filling apparatus also includes a driver for causing the piston to perform a cycle of stroking movement every time the conveyor is driven by one pitch. A photoelectric sensor is provided at the filling station for detecting any one of the presence and absence of a container of the plurality of containers at the filling station.

Abstract: In a drink-dispensing installation, an authorized individual is required to identify himself by entering a code into a code-registering station. The drinks-dispensing installation includes an automatic valve and a manually-actuable hand-dispensing valve connected in series with the automatic valve. The automatic valve is maintained in an open position and is closed at a time subsequent to the start of opening the hand valve when a drink is first drawn off from the dispensing installation without first entering the code.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flowable materials and in particular anaerobic materials. This dispenser has a material inlet which allows the flowable material to flow into a pump cylinder, and a material passage through which the flowable material exits the pump cylinder. The material is positively displaced from the pump cylinder by a material displacement assembly of the ball-nut follower-type. A flexible plastic diaphragm which has sufficient porosity to permit oxygen to flow therethrough is biased toward a closed position by a pressurized air supply which applies pressurized air against an outside surface of the diaphragm, enabling the diaphragm to function as a one-way shut-off valve. The diaphragm extends across the material passage formed in the pump cylinder and a material outlet through which the material exits the dispenser.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing droplets of liquid or viscous material are disclosed. A valve is opened to dispense a stream of the heated liquid or viscous material through an elongated orifice of a nozzle. The stream of material being dispensed from the elongated orifice is broken into droplets by rapidly closing the valve. Furthermore, a method for varying the height of a droplet of liquid or viscous material is disclosed by which two or more droplets combine to form a droplet of a desired height. A method for applying a plurality of droplets of material onto a substrate so that the droplets flow together to form a uniform film of desired thickness and shape is also disclosed. A second embodiment of the invention relates to dispensing apparatus with a heater assembly removably attached to the dispenser housing.

Abstract: An automatic liquid material metering system including a plurality of storage tanks mounted around the periphery of a rotary wheel, each storage tank having a valve port and an electromagnetic valve controlled by a control switch to close open the valve port, a pulley block system having a carriage, a lifting rack at one side of the carriage, and a horizontal slide at the top of the lifting rack, and a contact switch mounted on the horizontal slide and moved to switch on/off the control switch, an electronic scale mounted on the carriage, a receptacle mounted on the electronic scale and adapted for holding a liquid material discharged from one of the storage tanks, permitting the received liquid material to be measured by the electronic scale, and a microprocessor adapted for receiving signal from the electronic scale and input data from an input device so as to control the rotation of the rotary wheel, and the movement of the pulley block system subject to the signal and data received.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a material including a valve assembly comprising: a valve member movable in a reciprocating fashion along an axis, where the valve member includes a stem having at least one material transfer recess provided on the stem and a tapered dispensing end having an angle of taper. The valve member is movable between a first position where a discrete toroidal mass of material to be dispensed is formed at the dispensing end and a second position where a discrete toroidal mass of material to be dispensed is not formed at the dispensing end. The dispensing apparatus also includes a material dispensing assembly comprising having a fluid knife for moving the discrete toroidal mass to be dispensed from the dispensing end away from the dispensing end when the valve member is in the first position. The fluid knife is supplied substantially parallel to the angle of taper of the dispensing end.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably delivering a liquid under pressure from a supply to a first location is provided having a first structure operable for a predetermined first time interval to cause flow of a first predetermined quantity of liquid at a first pressure from the supply to the first location, and a second structure for sensing the pressure of the liquid and as an incident of sensing that the pressure of the liquid is not at the first pressure causing a compensating delivery of liquid from the supply to the first location so that the first predetermined quantity of liquid is delivered to the first location each time the first structure is operated for the first time interval. The first structure is capable of operating for a plurality of different time intervals corresponding to a plurality of different size containers selectable by a user to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an applicator head for the dosed dispensation of fluid mediums wherein a valve member and a valve drive are arranged within a casing. The valve drive comprises at least one piezoelectric element connected with a voltage supply and comprising several parallel, juxtaposed piezoelectric stacks which are flexibly mounted. The present invention provides a piezoelectrically driven applicator head which is simple and economical to manufacture, and which is usable not only in the low-temperature range but also in the high-temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging the contents of an aerosol container, the container having an actuator which can be moved between discharging and non-discharging positions, the apparatus comprising: member for holding the aerosol container in an inverted position; electrically-operable operable actuating member which effects movement of the aerosol container actuator between discharging and non-discharging positions; a member in electrical connection with the actuating member for controlling movement of the actuating member, and thereby the aerosol container actuator, between discharging and non-discharging positions; and member for providing electrical power to the apparatus, wherein the controlling member is disposed remotely from the holding member and the actuating member so that an operator of the apparatus is able to discharge the contents of the aerosol container without being in physical contact with the holding member and actuating member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flowpath defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.

Abstract: A container or hopper with a flexible weigh container as an inner member, in which the weigh container is supported through at least one weigh cell on a frame. In order to weigh-in a material to be proportioned, a throttling device is provided at the bottom end of the weigh container. To avoid complicated distributing arrangements and assure precise dosing, the flexible weigh container extends further downwardly like a hose through the throttling device and its bottom is attached to a movable spout which in turn is displaceable in such a manner that the flexible, hose-like extension of the weigh container is carried along with it so as to selectively discharge through different outlets of the container or hopper.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid cryogen comprises a vessel (10) and a valve/actuator arrangement (16, 18) the valve being positioned within the vessel and operable to obturate or uncover an outlet orifice (14). The actuator (18) being positioned wholly or substantially outside the vessel, but being able to generate a magnetic force within the vessel for moving a magnet on the valve so as to move the valve between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic meter including an electrical coil with a ferromagnetic core. Electrical current flowing through the coil is controlled in a predetermined cycle by a switching mechanism. The meter housing has a material outlet and a bracket is pivotally attached to the housing. A gate is attached to the bracket and is movable between a closed position covering the material outlet and an open position spaced from the material outlet. A permanent magnet is also attached to the bracket and positioned at one end of the core offset from its longitudinal axis. When current flows through the coil the magnet is repelled away from the core, and when current flow is stopped the magnet is attracted to the core. Displacement of the magnet responsive to current flow moves the gate between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen dispenser 10 includes a consolidation structure 20 adjacent its outlet 14 for causing gas contained in the liquid to consolidate into bubbles of sufficient buoyancy to cause them to rise to the surface of the liquid rather than be drawn through the outlet 14 where they can disrupt the smooth flow of liquid cryogen therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing volumes and/or weights of a free-flowing product contains a shaft formed by four fixed walls. At the lower end of the shaft is provided a rotary flap or valve, which can be closed and opened by a motor drive. Rotation takes place about an axis located in the vicinity of the rear wall of the shaft. The rotary valve can be opened to randomly selectable opening positions and fixed there.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a first vertical tube with a plug operably mounted in the lower end to selectively prevent the flow of the material from a dispensing opening in the lower end of the tube. A horizontal feed tube has an auger therein which selectively moves material into the upper end of the vertical tube for dispensing through the dispensing opening of the vertical tube. An actuator mounted on the vertical tube selectively moves the plug between the open and closed positions to dispense material within the tube. A second vertical tube adjacent the first tube also includes a plug operably mounted in a dispensing opening in the lower end thereof, for dispensing fluid from the second vertical tube. The first vertical tube is mounted with its lower end vertically spaced above the lower end of the second vertical tube such that liquid from the second vertical tube will not spray on the first vertical tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for closing and/or opening a hopper or container (5) with a bottom outlet. A flap (7) fastened to at least one lever mechanism (2) is urged toward a closed position by means of a counterweight (6) mounted on the opposite end of the lever mechanism (2). At least one driving element (9) operatively connected to the shaft (8) supporting the lever mechanism (2), via a partial free wheel mechanism composed of a pair of conditional forcible drive members (3, 4) mounted on the shaft, promotes the closing of the flap (7) when the force of gravity acting on the counterweight does not bring the flap to the fully closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condiment dispensing system for dispensing condiment and the like which includes a gas operated pump for moving condiments from a condiment source to a delivery nozzle through a pinch valve that operates to close and open the delivery flow path in response to and absence of gas pressure. A swipe valve to clean the delivery nozzle is also provided.

Abstract: A flow controller for the hopper of a self-unloading ship controls the flow of particulate material from the hopper. The controller is a throat having an opening and a movable gate to open and close the opening. The gate has a sloped central surface that blocks the opening. When the gate is open, particulate material in the hopper flows out of the hopper through the opening and onto the central surface. From the central surface the particulate materials flow onto the conveyor system of the self-unloading ship. The throat has a seal surrounding the opening with a corresponding bead surrounding the central surface on the gate. When the gate and throat are in a closed position, the gate is water-tight. When the gate is open, the seal is located away from the flow of material.

Abstract: An anti-graffiti device includes a spray can with an activation base having a recess for receiving the spray can wherein the recess contains a way for controlling the dispensing flow from the spray can. The spray can has a liquid delivery tube for conducting liquid to be dispensed to an outlet and a selectively controllable interruption plunger for preventing liquid dispensing flow from the spray can. The plunger, for selectively preventing liquid flow, is independent from the finger-pressure spray can dispensing valve.

Abstract: Carbonated beverages are dispensed by an apparatus that includes a tank mounted for holding the beverage at atmospheric pressure. An inlet tube is provided to supply beverage beneath the surface of the beverage already in said tank. An nozzle projects from said tank for a length at least as great as the depth of a serving container into which beverage will be dispensed. A valve member movably located in an outlet of the nozzle and has a conical shape. The valve member is moved by an actuator between a closed position in which the outlet of the nozzle is sealed against beverage flow, and an open position in which beverage can flow from the nozzle. The conical shape of said valve member disperses the beverage in a 360 degree pattern around the outlet to reduce beverage foaming. A shell encloses the tank and forms a cavity therebetween through which chilled air circulates to maintain the beverage in the tank at a desired serving temperature.

Abstract: Emptying device for bulk material container (1) with a discharge funnel (2) and a conically shaped closing part (3), which is axially displaceable in an encapsulated guide cylinder (16). The closing part (3) is held against the inner wall of a discharge funnel (2) under pressure by the working of a return spring (40). The return spring (40) is integrated in the internal space (17) of the guide cylinder (16) and is directed against a pressure plate (22) mounted axially slideably within the guide cylinder (16). The pressure disk (22) is provided with a pressure rod (24), which axially transcends the guide cylinder (16) in the manner of a piston rod and projects upwardly. For raising the pressure disk (22) to the discharge position the pressure disk is acted upon by a lifting device, which according to a preferred embodiment is likewise completely encapsulated, wherein the necessary supply media for the operation is delivered via the lift device (7) supporting struts.

Abstract: Positive adjustable flow is provided for a dual flow valve for paint dispensing or the like utilizing externally adjustable stops and operating lifts deployed by a single pressure source alternatively or simultaneously applied to a plurality of operating pistons.

Abstract: A fluid feed apparatus includes a suction hole and a discharge hole for a fluid, a fluid transfer part provided between a rotor and a stationary member containing the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor, a rotation actuator for rendering a relative rotating motion between the shaft and the stationary member in a surface perpendicular to an axis of the shaft, a driving power supply for the rotation actuator, a rotating motion control unit for the rotation actuator, a swing actuator for rendering a relative swinging motion between the shaft and the stationary member, a driving power supply for the swing actuator, and a swinging motion control unit for the swing actuator. Synchronous control is performed by the rotating motion control unit and the swinging motion control unit so that the rotating motion and the swinging motion are synthesized to implement a revolving motion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dispenser for dispensing viscous heated fluids, such as hot melt adhesives. A fixed pole extends from a fluid chamber. The coil is located about a portion of the fixed pole and spaced from the fluid chamber to isolate the coil from the fluid flow path of the adhesive. The coil is insulated from the heat which is conducted from the adhesive as well as provided with a heat sink for dissipating heat. A plunger is mounted within the fluid chamber for reciprocal movement therein to open and close dispensing orifice in response to the field generated by the coil. When mounted to a service block, the coil assembly may be serviced without disconnecting the dispenser body from the source of heated fluid.

Abstract: An actuator for a personal protective spray canister having a container for holding a pressurized protective material capable of being propelled in a gaseous cloud to at least partially disable a person and a manipulative valving device protruding outwardly from the container, with the valving device having an outlet for directing the gaseous cloud from the container, and a valve element movable between a first biased normal position closing the outlet and a second depressed operative position opening the outlet to allow the material to be propelled from the container as a cloud.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for metering spaghetti and the like including a spaghetti vessel having a bottom which can be displaced by a controlled driving device, the vessel being provided with an overflow rim adjoining a collecting bin, having a pouring outlet controlled by a shutter element.

Abstract: A metering device for controlling the flow of granular material from a container. The metering device includes an electromechanical solenoid connected to a pivoting metering bar. When the solenoid is energized, the metering bar is pivoted away from an outlet aperture, permitting the flow of material from the container. When the solenoid is de-energized, a spring causes the metering bar to pivot into contact with the outlet aperture, closing the outlet aperture and stopping the flow of material from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double acting metering and dispensing apparatus for high viscosity materials having a cylinder and a piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder having a charging and discharging stroke and forming proportioning expandable and contractible chambers such that for every stroke of the piston, a measured amount of viscous material is dispensed to the appropriate dispensing area.

Abstract: Methods and dispensers which are used for a new way of filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The invented methods use the invented liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: A variable restrictor valve for use in an intermittent dispensing system having a recirculation loop. The restrictor valve establishes a more linear relationship between the amount of adjustment made thereto and the resulting pressure drop over the restrictor valve in the recirculation loop. A first embodiment of the restrictor valve changes the length of the flow path created by a helical groove to thereby adjust the flow resistance through the valve. A second embodiment uses a valve member in the form of a perforated cylindrical tube which is adjustable to present a varying number of perforations as the inlet to the tube and thereby allow adjustment of the flow resistance. A third embodiment utilizes a helical spring as a valve member in which adjustable spacing between the coils of the spring provides adjustability of the flow rate through the spring.

Abstract: A metering device for controlling the flow of bulk material, contained in a bulk material container, out through a flexible pouring spout on the bulk material container, so that the flexible pouring spout may be tied shut and later un-tied for re-use of the bulk material container. The metering device is positioned below the bulk material container which is to be emptied, upstream from the plant process operation which is to receive the bulk material from the container. A metering gate discharger, contained within the metering device, provides accurate batching from the bulk material container as well as the ability to completely empty the bulk material container at one time without metering the contents.

Abstract: An aerosol spray can and selectively-operable valve mechanism for dispensing the contents of the can to an environment are assembled to one another in operable relation using an adaptor structure which comprises an element snap-fit mounted to the aerosol can and a further element snap-fit mounted or otherwise affixed to the valve mechanism. The elements are provided with mating screw threads, which permit the assembly to be readily and securely effected. The adaptor elements are moulded parts constructed to be resiliently flexible to a degree to assist in mounting and demounting from the element to which it is to be attached and yet to resist such flexure when assembled together.

Abstract: A device which positively dispenses small, accurately measured, amounts of a flowable material, such as a resin, epoxy, etc. A pair of reciprocal pistons are movably mounted, each in a respective fluid pressure chamber, formed in a main body of a housing. One of the pistons moves a material dispense rod within a first section of a bore formed in a tubular portion of the housing. The second piston moves a sleeve which is telescopically mounted on the tubular housing between a material load position wherein flowable material is admitted into the first bore section, and a material discharge position wherein the first bore section is in communication with the second bore section.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a buffer container (1) for receiving the pasty substance of high viscosity, a feed line (11), through which the buffer container (1) can be refilled with the substance, a pressure generator (2 to 5), by which the substance in the buffer container (1) can be pressurizes, a nozzle (10), which is close to the buffer container (1), a pressure sensor (43) downstream of the pressure generator, and a controller (44). As a result, the metering rate can exactly be controlled close to the nozzle (10).

Abstract: A pasta cooking apparatus includes a generally rectangular cabinet including an upright cooking tank and a sauce heating chamber with a common wall, with an opening permitting water flow therebetween. The cooking water temperature and the sauce heating water are separately temperature controlled for heating thereof. A sauce chamber abuts the heating chamber and includes various sauce containers. Transfer hoses extend from the containers, through the heating chamber into nozzles located above the cooking tank. A self-contained conveyor unit within the cooking tank has an endless chain with equi-spaced pasta baskets. The cover has a top run above the tank. The baskets are pivotally mounted. The baskets are inverted in the upper run and then reset. A dish table rotates beneath the horizontal run and successive baskets drop the pasta into an aligned dish which then rotates beneath the nozzles. The unit has a 34 inch width to allow it to move through conventional doorways in small fast food restaurants.

Abstract: A solenoid controlled valve is mounted in a threaded opening of a pressure vessel which contains compressed natural gas. The valve includes a valve body having a head, which is exposed outside of the pressure vessel, and a neck, which is located within the pressure vessel. A solenoid poppet valve is mounted to the inner end of the neck. A valve seat is mounted in a bore within the valve body. All orifice at an inner end of the valve seat exposes a flow passage between the bore of the valve body and an outlet port, which is located in the head of the valve body. The solenoid poppet valve includes a seal for closing the orifice, a bias spring which biases the seal toward the seat to close the orifice, a plunger which is connected to the seal, and a solenoid coil which, when energized, moves the plunger so that the seal moves out of engagement with the seat and permits flow of compressed gas from the interior of the pressure vessel to the outlet port.