Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed detachably secured to the front or rear of a vehicle to enable spreading of road salt or other granular material.In a first embodiment the dispenser is detachably mounted to the upper edge of a snow plow blade. A slidable damper plate regulates the flow of material from a hopper onto a multi-speed spreader rotor, which causes an even dispersion of the material by directing it outwardly and against the forward surface of the snow plow blade.The damper plate is positioned by a cable system causing sliding of the plate by tilting of the snow plow blade, with a visual indicator enabling viewing of the plate position within the vehicle cab.In a second embodiment, the dispenser is detachably mounted to the rear bumper of a motor vehicle and the damper plate is actuated by means of an electro-mechanical actuator. A deflector shield is positioned across the rear of the vehicle to deflect the dispensed material directed thereagainst by the spreader rotor.

Abstract: A safety dispensing conversion device for converting storage containers of inflammable fluids such as gasoline or the like, such as the well-known "jerry can", into a container with safety dispensing features. A pour spout, a flame arrester extending from the pour spout interiorly of the container, a safety cap in a normally closed relation to the pour spout, and a spring-biased operating handle and linkage arrangement mounted on the upper end of the container and connected to the safety cap to cause opening of the safety cap upon movement of the operating handle in an opening direction, and insuring closing of the safety cap due to the action of the biasing spring when the operating handle is released, in modular form, is integrated into such a container.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing fluidic substance including a valve housing (12) defining a general axial flow path through the housing, a diaphragm (22) disposed in the valve housing substantially transverse to the axial flow path and defining first and second compartments (38, 39) therein, the diaphragm having a surface facing away from the flow path which includes an annular rib (32) and further having at least one aperture (34) disposed through the diaphragm in a peripheral arrangement outside of the annular rib for allowing passage of fluidic substance from the first compartment to the second compartment, a tubular seal mounted to the valve housing and having an inner end (46) which opens to face the annular rib of the diaphragm, an outer end (50), an annular lip (60) defining the inner end of the seal, and being annularly pivotable relative to the pivoting break sealing engagement between the diaphragm and the tubular seal so that fluidic substance in the second compartment is permitted access to the bore (44) o

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, to movable using devices, includes a feed line having tap points spaced along it, with a tap valve at each tap point. A connection unit for connecting the feed line to the user is movable along the feed line and can receive fluid at any tap point. As the connection unit slides into place at the tap point, the tap valve automatically opens to supply fluid. Each valve has a rotary or slide-type valve member movable between open and closed positions, which is always exposed to equal fluid pressure all about it so as to require only a small force to actuate the valve. The valve member is tubular and open-ended and extends parallel to the feed line. Both mechanical and magnetic means for actuating the valve member are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is disclosed for application of herbicides and the like. The dispenser overcomes problems of applying herbicides because it avoids liquid spilling on an operator and provides a controlled application to a specific area. The dispenser includes in combination a dispenser for discharging liquid and a holster for holding the dispenser.

Abstract: A safety dispensing conversion device for converting storage containers of inflammable fluids such as gasoline or the like, such as the well-known "jerry can", into a container with safety dispensing features. A pour spout, a flame arrester extending from the pour spout interiorly of the container, a safety cap in a normally closed relation to the pour spout, and a spring-biased control handle and linkage arrangement mounted on the upper end of the container and connected to the safety cap to cause opening of the safety cap upon movement of the control handle in an opening direction, and insuring closing of the safety cap due to the action of the biasing spring when the control handle is released, in modular form, is integrated into such a container.

Abstract: A powdered material hopper or container is mounted in an airplane with a downwardly facing discharge opening positioned immediately above a centrifugal material discharge wheel driven by a hydraulic motor positioned in the outer end of a pivotal support in the form of a pivotal hollow housing. The pivotal hollow housing can be pivoted between a first position in which the centrifugal material discharge wheel is adjacently facing the discharge opening of the container and a second position remote therefrom for permitting a rapid emergency dumping of all material from the container. Movement of the pivotal support means is effected by a hydraulic cylinder connected to the pivotal support means and a lug extending from the lower end of the container which also provides pivotal support for the pivotal support means.

Abstract: An enclosed railroad car has hoppers at its underside for unloading a solid commodity. A pneumatic outlet trough is opened and closed by a slide valve or gate that is attached to operating rods supported in slide bearings. The gate can be safely removed from outside of the car by disengaging a pin that locks the gate to the operating rods.

Abstract: An actuator-overcap for use with pressurized aerosol containers of the type having tilt-actuatable valves. The actuator-overcap includes a fixed portion and a tab portion movably attached thereto through a peripherally located hinge. The tab portion includes a laterally-facing finger-contact surface which is radially depressible to actuate the valve. The tab portion also includes an overhang which is axially adjacent to the distal end of a valve stem extension. The valve stem extension has an upward-facing bearing surface which is contacted by a downward-facing wedging surface on the overhang of the tab portion. The wedging surface is engageable with the bearing surface at a position radially opposite the position of the hinge such that radial depression of the finger-contact surface provides a wedging action on the extension causing it to tilt toward the hinge position.

Abstract: A power actuated closure assembly for controlling the discharge of materials from an opening in the bottom of a hopper, the assembly including a frame having a sliding door support portion with a power actuator support portion extending longitudinally therefrom and supporting a cylinder whose piston rod is coupled to the door by a longitudinal bar which is guided by a fixed guide, the piston rod being connected with the door moving bar by a lost-motion coupling, the guide through which the bar passes having a latch for locking the door and bar in one of several selected positions and the guide also having a longitudinal slot capable of receiving a pin carried by the bar, the pin and slot limiting the movement of the door to a small increment suitable for spreading material over a large area such as a roadway.

Abstract: A spigot for dispensing viscous contents of a container having a filling and dispensing spout comprises an integral elastomeric member having a recessed, transverse diaphragmic wall adapted to fit within the spout and form a seal therewith; an annular radial flange at the outer end of the transverse wall having an arcuate slit therethrough extending a significant angle therearound; and a manipulatable lever on the transverse wall for flexing portions of the wall and the slit portions of the flange to move said portions away from the spout to open the slit and provide a large area dispensing opening through the spigot, the tranverse wall and flange automatically and resiliently snapping back toward spout sealing position upon release of the manipulatable lever.

Abstract: An openable discharge closure is provided, for silo bottom unloaders, in which the closure comprises a door-like member that is moved vertically downwardly and transversely away from the discharge opening. A sweeper or broom may be mounted for engagement by the upper surface of the closure as it moves laterally away from the opening. The motion of the closure is controlled by a single drive mechanism that provides both vertical and pivotal movement, with the vertical movement enabling the door to move upwardly or downwardly, and the pivotal movement enabling the door or closure to move transversely.

Abstract: A dispensing enclosure 12 for holding a liquid container 14 in an inverted position is disclosed. In the inverted position, the dispensing opening 22 of the liquid container 14 is disposed downwardly. The enclosure 12 is formed as a two part housing having a first portion 26 and a second portion 86. A plug 70 selectively closes the dispensing opening 22.

Abstract: A pneumatic discharge arrangement for railway hopper cars includes a housing secured to a discharge end of a hopper including a chamber having an elongated opening. The opening is regulated by a sliding pivoting valve disposed beneath the opening within a trough that is adapted to be connected to a pneumatic conveyer. Movement of the sliding pivoting valve is accomplished by an operating mechanism from either side of the railway car.

Abstract: A toner container includes a displaceable member located within the container and attached to one end of a flexible membrane utilized to seal the container closed. A bellows member also forms part of the container. Once the container is inserted into the copy machine in a sealed condition, operator initiated pressure upon an outer wall of the container causes the bellows member to collapse and further causes the displaceable member to move downward carrying with it the membrane member. As the membrane member is thus deflected, the seal of the membrane member to the toner container is broken allowing the contents of the container to escape into the copy machine. A safety mechanism is utilized with the container to prevent accidental operation of the displaceable member during shipment or handling.

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 valve for controlling gravity flow of a fluent product such as milk from a flexible bag of the product through an opening in the bag formed by severing a corner off the bag. The valve includes a pair of spring loaded jaws which engage the bag on opposite sides just above the opening formed by the removal of the corner. Cooperating cam surfaces on the jaws and on movable frames cause the jaws to move toward and away from each other as the frames are moved with respect to each other. Movement of the jaws away from each other causes the edges of the bag at the opening to become taut and restrict flow through the opening, while movement of the jaws towards each other relaxes the bag material adjacent the opening to enhance flow through the opening. The frames also carry resilient sealing bars which engage opposite sides of the bag just above the opening and seal the opening when the jaws are moved away from each other.

Abstract: A dispenser closure comprising a tubular spout to be connected at one end to a fluid container and a cap fitted to the other end of the spout, said cap being provided with a transverse wall of elastomeric material extending across the other end of the spout and being substantially wedge shaped in cross section with the wedge projecting inwardly into the other end of the tubular spout, an inwardly directed peripheral flange mounted on said transverse wall to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the tubular spout, a discharge outlet provided in the spout or in the cap outwardly of the region of sealing engagement between said peripheral flange and the inner surface of the tubular spout, the outer face of the transverse wall being provided with an outwardly directed protrusion to be manipulated to distort the transverse wall and the portion of the peripheral flange adjacent the discharge outlet to cause fluid flow from the container through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A pumping system is provided in which actuation of a piston and cylinder device is provided by a combination of a button and a lever. The lever magnifies the force applied to the button so that the pumping system operates at high pressure when pumping liquid product. On the other hand, when pumping air in priming the pump, the pumping system operates at very low pressure so that air can escape from the pump easily to aid in priming the pump.

Abstract: Valving apparatus designed for use in a remote-controlled beer-dispensing system. The apparatus includes a valve having a plunger selectively movable between opened and closed conditions, and a shiftable lever for controlling the position of the plunger. A pneumatic ram is coupled to the lever through a clevis. Upon supply of a pressurized gas to the ram, the clevis impacts the lever, shifting the latter to produce movement of the plunger from its closed to its opened condition. Upon exhaust of gas from the ram, a spring contained in the ram initiates return movement of the lever to produce movement of the plunger from its opened toward its closed condition, primarily under the influence of the spring. The upstream portion of the plunger has a surface which is exposed to and actable on by fluid flowing through the valve--this surface cooperating with the spring to complete movement of the plunger from its opened toward its closed condition.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for metering particulate material from a source and transferring it to another location. The metering apparatus is primarily designed to supply a supplement or supplemental component to animal feed to obtain accurate control over the quantity of supplement and uniform distribution of it. The apparatus includes a bin with a gate which can be reciprocated across a discharge opening with the stroke of the gate being variable. The apparatus has an improved drive arrangement and improved controls for regulating the amount of feed which are more reliable and less subject to malfunction than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A toy water gun assembly capable of ejecting water in bursts or in a continuous manner, is disclosed. A separate, pressurizable water container is connected by a flexible hose, to a pistal shaped member. A section of the flexible hose, mounted in the pistol shaped member, is continuously clamped by a lever. A spring biases the lever to prevent the release of a water stream through a nozzle which is mounted on the front of the pistol shaped member. A trigger member having a pointed pawl pivotably mounted thereto, is operatively connected to the lever. An initial movement of the pawl member caused by a quick pull on the trigger member momentarily removes the lever from its position clamping the hose. Additional movement of the pawl causes it to slide off the lever, thereby allowing the lever to return to its regular position wherein the hose is clamped.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved mechanism for actuating injection molding valve pins. In one embodiment, the mechanism is located between two parallel rows of valve pins located in a common plane with their driven ends adjacent the mechanism. The mechanism includes a central elongated member which is longitudinally reciprocable and two parallel elongated transversely reciprocable side members, each located between the central member and one of the rows of valve pins. Each of the side members is connected to the central member by a number of spaced pairs of pivotally connected pins and the central member is secured against transverse motion, while the side members are secured against longitudinal motion. Therefore, the side members are reciprocated transversely when the central member is reciprocated longitudinally by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing anti-burglar booby trap device is disclosed which discharges a fluid, containing a chemical such as tear gas, into an area to be protected when an intruder opens a window or door to enter an unauthorized area with which the device is associated. The anti-burglar booby trap device employs an actuating member for causing the discharge of a pressurized fluid container. The actuating member may be re-positioned to place the device in a safe, deactivated, inactuatable condition when desired.

Abstract: An outlet gate arrangement for a hopper having sloping side walls converging toward each other and defining between their lower edges a discharge opening communicating with a pneumatic discharge tube comprises a gate having an upper surface abuttingly engageable with the lower edges of the side walls, a gate operating mechanism having a part movable transversely of the discharge opening, the gate being pivotally connected to the transversely movable part such that, upon movement of the transversely movable part and the gate from a closed position, a portion of the gate slidably follows the bottom surface of one of the side walls permitting the gate to pivot about its pivotal connection to the transversely movable part and thereby move the gate out of sealing engagement with the lower edge of the other side wall and away therefrom to permit discharge of lading through the discharge opening.

Abstract: A door mechanism for controlling flow of loose products, such as potato chips, from a scale hopper in a packaging machine comprises a hinged door, a spring biasing the door towards its closed position, an arm attached to the door, a cam follower carried by the arm, and a cam acting in combination with the cam follower to force the door open against the influence of the spring. The cam is mounted independently of the scale hopper and the cam follower is not in contact with the cam while product is being weighed in the scale hopper. When weight has been made, the cam is rotated in response to signals generated by the weighing scale. The profile of the cam is such as to rapidly open and close the door for dumping and provides smooth vibration-free operation. The slope of the cam lobe portion during opening of the door provides an uplifting scale restoring force so that the scale is immediately returned to zero weight in readiness for the next cycle.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for liquid containers of the type which is normally actuated by a resiliently flexible concave diaphragm to automatically close or self-seal it but which can be manually opened a toggle arrangement including an actuating lever or tab extension projecting outwardly from the concave diaphragm. In combination with this automatically-closing toggle-actuated diaphragm structure, an extended spout is provided for slidably mounting the valve so that during shipping or when the container is not to be used for dispensing during relatively long periods, the valve is in a retracted non-dispensing position where it will be provided with an additional seal and where the valve cannot be accidentally opened by engaging the toggle lever or by shock but can be extended readily to dispensing position when desired.

Abstract: A valved closure for a container holding plastic or pasty material and having an opening generally in the form of a neck for dispensing the material from the container. The valved closure is permanently or, in the alternative, removably mounted over the neck of the container. The valved closure consists of a hollow housing with an aperture for placing the interior of the container in communication with the ambient and, a rotatable valve body being disposed proximate the aperture such as to obturate the aperture in a first position. The valve body has a passageway placing the interior of the housing in communication with the housing aperture in a second position of the valve body. The valve body is directly actuatable by means of a lever or, in the alternative, by means of a slide or a rotatable collar.

Abstract: In a building structure with a partition having an opening, a log dispenser includes coacting interior and exterior log boxes having a common inclined floor which forms the base of the opening. The interior box includes a vertical wall or log stop at the inner extremity of the inclined floor spaced from the partition. The exterior box includes enclosing end walls and a side wall, and a suitable closure cover. The exterior box also includes horizontal shelf means providing an inclined surface above the partition opening for guiding logs away from the partition towards the side wall and onto the inclined floor. A vertically sliding closure door is guided for movement at the exterior side of the partition. Door operator means include a bell crank mounted within the partition opening including a journal shaft, a lifting arm adjacent to the door, and a handle arm disposed at the inner face of the partition. The lifting arm is pivotally connected to the door by means of a suitable link.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser embodying a plastic canister with a fill inlet at one end and an outlet spout at the other end insertable within a cylindrical plastic valve body formed with a bracket thereon for removable wall mounting. A decorated plastic cover is removably attached to the front of and conceals the canister when wall mounted. The valve body includes a metal ball valve and a finger operable valve actuator pivoted in the valve body and provided with a magnet at its inner lower end for pivotal movement into engagement with the valve body to attract and move the ball valve relative to the outlet spout opening so that the contents may be dispensed therethrough.

Abstract: A dispenser for soft foods and the like including a thin-walled container having a piston assembly threaded to one end and including a cap element having an aperture in the end surface, a piston head within the container, a coil spring extending through the aperture and a knob rotatably connected to the cap and fixed to the other end of the spring. Rotation of the knob compresses the spring in the region between the piston head and cap end surface to store energy for dispensing the food. A dispenser assembly is threaded to the opposite end of the container and includes a nozzle, a container outlet in communication with the nozzle and a valve element for opening and closing the outlet. A spring-biased actuator element has a rack portion engaging a pinion portion of the valve element, and the actuator element is moved by a handle lever pivoted to the container.

Abstract: A pneumatic outlet for a hopper is disclosed having a tubular conduit extending from at least one end of the outlet to which suction or air under pressure may be applied for unloading the outlet. The tubular conduit is rotatably mounted and is connected to an internal valve member whereby rotation of the tubular conduit actuates the valve member to control the flow of lading from the outlet. The tubular conduit has a cylindrical outer surface, and a hub having at least one handle extending therefrom is rotatably and axially slidable on the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An upright hollow cylindrical body is provided including a hollow laterally outwardly projecting prong on one side. The prong tapers outwardly from the body and is pointed at its outer end. Further, the prong is generally in the shape of a three-sided pyramid somewhat elongated in a direction extending longitudinally of the hollow body. Two sides of the prong extend longitudinally of the body and a short side of the prong extends transversely of the body. The interior of the prong opens directly into the interior of the body and the two long sides of the prong are provided with openings therethrough whereby, when the prong is pushed through the side wall of a container for granular material, granular material may flow through the openings, into the interior of the prong and then directly into the interior of the hollow body. The lower end of the hollow body includes a manually actuatable dispensing door whereby granular material within the body may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently dispensing the contents of aerosol spray cans includes a pivotal actuator for opening and closing the valve of the aerosol can and a rotatable drive wheel for intermittently pivoting the actuator. The drive wheel carries a plurality of pins for pivoting the actuator as the wheel rotates, and the position of selected pins can be adjusted so that one or more pins do not engage the actuator. The wheel is rotated intermittently by an arm which reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and which engages one of the pins during each reciprocation.

Abstract: A door for opening and closing the discharge opening of a hopper is carried y a support suspended from an oblique lateral wall of the hopper by two links pivoted to the support at one end and pivoted to the support at the other end of the links. An actuating and locking mechanism for the door is connected to the support. The support has a generally triangular shape and the two pivotal connections between the links and the support are in the vicinity of two of the corners of the triangle. The door is located in the vicinity of the third corner of the triangle.

Abstract: A pneumatic outlet is provided in which a discharge conduit is affixed to spaced outlet slope sheets and to outlet end sheets. A valve member is movable vertically in the discharge conduit to assume a fully closed and a plurality of open positions. The extent of valve opening may vary from a closed position on one side of the outlet to a partially or fully open position on the other side, linearly across the outlet. Operating mechanisms for raising and lowering the valve member are provided on opposite sides of the outlet, preferably comprising lift rods which engage the valve member. A plurality of operating mechanisms for raising and lowering the valve member are disclosed including screw jack assemblies and cam and cable assemblies. The operating mechanism preferably includes transverse linkages along the outlet operating the valve member from the opposite side of the outlet from either side of the outlet.

Abstract: A slidable member used in conjunction with a dosing device for dispensing a select quantity of granular material, a rope turns around a pulley connected to the supporting frame of the device, with two sections of said rope then extending parallel from the device, with one of the rope sections adjustably securing to a plate that connects with the slidable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating lawns which includes a plurality of hoppers calibrated to dispense predetermined amounts of seed and fertilizer, wherein each of the hoppers includes an opening for feeding material therefrom and means are provided for adjusting the hopper feed opening. The adjusting means includes a movable closure bar which slides between an open and closed position for opening and closing each hopper feed opening. The movable closure bar is actuated by a rack and pinion, and the rack is connected to the movable closure bar by a plate member. The closure bar and plate member are arranged to slide relative to a stationary guide. An indicator dial is also provided for indicating the position of the closure bar relative to the hopper feed opening.The hoppers direct the seed and fertilizer to a distribution plate which distributes it over a wide lawn area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser closure formed of elastomeric material which is suitable for fitting to the discharge spout of a liquid container formed of a flexible film material such as polyethylene film and housed in a cardboard casing. The closure is provided with sealing means, the effectiveness of which is increased with increasing pressure within the container, and a diaphragm like transverse wall positioned across the discharge spout, said transverse wall being provided with an outwardly directed protrusion which is manipulated with a toggle like action to distort the transverse wall and sealing means to permit liquid to flow from the container.

Abstract: A dump body adapted to be hingedly mounted on a vehicle so as to be tipped upwardly towards an end of the body, outlets in the body near said end, plate valves slidably mounted to close and open the outlets, and a fluid cylinder and piston operating unit connected to the plate valves for moving the latter between positions fully opening and closing the outlets. Flingers are normally provided so as to receive the particulate material, usually sand or salt, from the outlets to spread the particulate material.