Abstract: A lid for a beverage container includes a lid housing with a drink opening, a slider member, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has a seal arm, a seal and a spring. The slider member slides linearly about the lid housing. A cam pivotally connected to the slider member engages the seal arm. The slider member and cam operate to move the seal arm from an open position to a sealed position. The drink opening is open when the seal arm is in the open position, and the drink opening is closed by the seal when the seal arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: A device for controlling the dispensing of a beverage is provided. The device is configured to control the dispensing of a bag-in-box beverage and includes a removable adaptor for attachment to a push button operated beverage dispensing valve. The removable adaptor includes a base with interior passageway, a plurality of clamp members to releasably secure the removable adaptor to the beverage dispensing valve, and a depression member with a depression extension for depressing the push button of the beverage dispensing valve.

Abstract: A rotary actuator suitable for use in a refrigerator ice-dispensing door provides a rotating shaft driven by a DC permanent magnet motor through a gear train and subject to a returning force of an internal spring. The gear train communicates with a switch to reduce current to the motor when a limit of travel is reached and a shunting path is provided around the motor to produce generative braking when power is removed from the motor and the actuator rotates backward to its initial position.

Abstract: A reservoir system for an operating unit, such as a humidifier, includes a removable water tank configured to provide the operating unit with water. The removable water tank includes a primary reservoir for holding water, with an opening in the removable water tank fluidically connecting the primary reservoir with a secondary reservoir in the operating unit. A plunger is slidably disposed in the opening and movable between an open position in which the opening fluidically connects the primary reservoir to the secondary reservoir, and a closed position that seals the opening to fluidically disconnect the primary reservoir from the secondary reservoir. A float member in the secondary reservoir includes a buoyant main body and is configured to generate a force upon the plunger to urge the plunger into the open position according to the height of water in the secondary reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening and closing device of an autoclave and the autoclave, wherein: supplying and discharging of a product to a chamber having a sealed structure can be performed automatically, and the occurrence of accidents caused by back pressure is structurally prevented; and a product bonded by pre-load is heated and transferred whereby energy loss is minimized and the product is cooled off uniformly, thereby improving the quality of the product.

Abstract: A closure is provided that is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a member supported at the end wall. The member has a flap configured for pivotal movement and a user interface configured for sliding movement. The sliding movement of the user interface causes the pivotal movement of the flap. The closure further includes a retaining member coupled to the body portion for securing the member to the body portion. The retaining member at least partially covers the flap and the user interface.

Abstract: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor for ground coffee dispensers comprising a swinging trapdoor for the temporary retention of the dispensed amount of ground coffee inside an outlet duct, an actuator element associated with the rotating shaft of the swinging trapdoor and able to rotate between two angular end positions, and a motor conveying to said actuator element a rotating movement with a determined amplitude by means of a wheel and a belt; and wherein said actuator element has a configuration in the form of a circular sector the rotating shaft of which is located in correspondence with a point of the bisector close to the angle or vertex of said circular sector; the curved profile of the actuator element forming a support surface for supporting the belt for conveying the rotating movement of the motor and the rotation of the actuator element towards one of the angular end positions being determined.

Abstract: An ice flap device (10) for a refrigerator comprises a flap unit (14) movable between an open position and a closed position, which unit releases a dispenser aperture for dispensing ice in its open position and blocks the dispenser aperture against dispensing ice in its closed position, as well as a motorized drive mechanism for driving the flap unit (14) between its open and closed position. According to the invention the drive mechanism comprises an a.c. motor (12) as well as a first electrical switch (26), which lies in the supply circuit of the a.c. motor and switches depending on the introduction of a receptacle into an ice dispenser compartment of the refrigerator, and by means of which the a.c. motor (12) can be turned on when the receptacle is introduced into the ice dispenser compartment for a movement of the flap unit (14) from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: A metering device comprises a scale barrel, a weight part, and a shut mechanism. The scale barrel is composed of a stationary box plate and a movable box plate pivotally connecting with each other. At least a weighing platform is provided at an inner side of the movable box plate. The weight part is disposed at a lateral side of the scale barrel to measure the weight of weighed substances sent into the scale barrel. The shut mechanism is disposed at an outer side of the movable box plate and has a moving rod to open or close the movable box plate. When the movable box plate is in a state of closing, weighed substances can be received in the scale barrel. When the weight of weighed substances in the scale barrel reaches to a predetermined value, the movable box plate may open pivotally to admit the weighed substances entering a packing bag.

Abstract: An improved spigot actuating device is provided for actuating the spigot on a spout of bag-in-box potable liquids. The device comprises a collar for mounting onto a spout of a large standard diameter. A spacer is provided in the shape of an arcuate cuff, that makes all smaller spouts emulate the large standard diameter. The collar is flexible and resilient, arcuate, terminates in legs, and extends around the spout more than half way. The collar mounts graspingly the spout along a grasp arc that is larger than 180.degree., which makes for a secure attachment. Teeth are provided on the collar to render the attachment more secure. A pair of pinchers can be squeezed together to increase the separation between the legs, to permit mounting and removing the collar. The device further includes an actuator that is pivotable with respect to the collar around a rotation axis. The actuator has a handle for the user, and a cam with a specially designed upper surface.

Abstract: A valve for a water dispenser including a housing, a resilient member, a slide, a button, a O-ring and an inlet connector, wherein the resilient and slide are fitted within the housing and the inlet connection is engaged with an outer end of the housing, characterized in that when the button is pressed by the teeth of an user, the slide will be forced to go further into the housing thereby moving an O-ring 34 away from the circular recess of the inlet connector and therefore enabling water to flow through the passage of the inlet connector and the interior of the housing into the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A novel container having a plastic pour spout is provided, the container carrying a pour spout having a platform, a first side panel connected by hinge to the platform on a first side and a second panel connected by hinge to the platform on a second side, the two side panels having a substantially triangular shape. The hinged connection of the panels to the platform permit each pour spout to be provided in a flattened configuration in which the side panels are folded relative to the platform for insertion into an unerected carton. Following insertion, the panels again relax along the hinge-line and permit subsequent processing of the flattened carton stock. When the carton is folded, the panels move passively in response to the carton folding steps and assume an assembled configuration as the carton is assembled.

Abstract: A fluid container plug is disclosed in which, if a button of the plug is pressed, the content of the container can be discharged by inclining the container, and if another button is pressed, the container is locked shut, so that the container can be manipulated in a one touch manner, thereby making the use of the container convenient. The fluid container plug according to the present invention includes an outer casing with its upper and lower ends open, an inner casing installed within the outer casing keeping a gap with the outer casing; a discharge path formed through the lower open portion of the outer casing and along the gap through which the content of the container is discharged. An opening/closing member is installed within the inner casing in a reciprocating manner to open and close the lower opening portion of the outer casing.

Abstract: A unitary liquid dispensing cap with integral actuator and valve assemblies is provided which includes a centrally located bellows to provide a restoring force to drive the valve back to the closed position after dispensing the liquid. A guide is provided for the valve and includes projections which cooperate with mating projections on the valve assembly to control movement of the valve. The valve assembly may be cocked to provide positive sealing of the dispensing passage by the valve.

Abstract: A tilt valve cartridge for a pneumatic mechanism has a cylindrical housing having two open ends, an annular valve seat secured in one open end, a valve member in tiltable contact with the annular seat and having a valve stem which extends through the valve seat and protrudes from the end of the cylinder, a spring to hold the valve member in a normally closed relationship with the valve seat, a sealing element secured to the cylindrical housing on its exterior surface so as to seal the interface between the cartridge and the mechanism, and retention feature to capture the valve member and valve biasing spring within the cylindrical cartridge. The modular cartridge feature simplifies installation and replacement of the valve in the inlet air passage of the pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A manually operated seeder and gardening device has a storage hopper for seeds with a pressure activated valve therein to permit the passage of seed from the storage hopper onto the desired location. The arrangements of parts and relative sizes is such as to meter the seed to be deposited. An optional insert traversing the length of the hopper to allow for depositing of a growth aid at the moment of seed expulsion.

Abstract: A dispensing device for materials such as loose fill packaging material, is disclosed. The endwalls of the device housing are formed by corrugated sheets which are slit laterally from side to side and folded over into the inside of the housing to define hinged closure flaps. The housing sidewalls are attached to the endwalls by bolts or screws which extend through or are threaded into lateral flutes defined in the corrugated sheets. Also, cam follower rods are inserted into the flutes of the flaps. The flaps are biased together by a spring attached to the rods and are opened by a handle and attached cam plate.

Abstract: The preferred package of this invention has a fluent or paste containing body portion with a pump, nozzle and cover combination mounted at its top. The cover is rotatably mounted on the body portion of the container so that it may be turned through a half turn from a nozzle closed position to a nozzle open dispensing position. The nozzle is coupled to a pump and cover so that the cover in its open position is pressed up and down moving the nozzle and pump in a pumping motion for dispensing the fluent from the container. An object of the invention is providing a container with a rotatable cover which is manipulated both for opening and closing the nozzle and for product dispensing.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive applicator capable of dispensing relatively large volumes of molten adhesive at relatively fast rates, comprising a barrel and rotary valve block mounted in a housing and a rotary valve to control the flow of the molten adhesive through the barrel. Heaters attached to the barrel maintain the adhesive in the molten state. Advantageously an arm may be mounted on the spindle of the rotary valve, capable of being moved manually, by electrical or mechanical means to open and close the valve. Compression seals mounted on the valve spindle prevent seepage of molten thermoplastic from the valve block. The passage in the rotary valve can be selected to provide a low pressure drop in the applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for containing and feeding particulate material tending to pack into a mass from an elongated hopper having opposed sloping walls converging downward and inward towards each other to terminal margins presenting between them an elongated laterally restricted outlet for directing material onto a conveyor below. Gates are provided to close the outlet for containing the material and to open the outlet to discharge it onto the conveyor belt. Baffles within the hopper are provided to divide the cargo at a level spaced above the outlet into several piles which merge above and below the outlet. In this way the material is channelled to the outlet so that lateral arches which may be formed in the material are prevented or broken up to assure feeding. Pressure may be relieved on some of the piles by flanges extending laterally of the baffles. The invention also includes the combination of gates equipped to break up longitudinal arches with baffles to prevent the formation of lateral arches.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispensing system includes a molded plastic housing adapted to receive a disposable refill cartridge containing liquid soap. Rails on the housing engage in recesses on the cartridge to guide vertical movement of the cartridge to its mounted use position, in which position it is latched by a latch member pivotally carried by the housing and engageable with the outlet neck of the cartridge. The neck carries a compressible discharge nipple engageable by a pump member actuated by a handle for discharging soap. Bias means holds the latch means in its latched condition and the pump member and handle in their normal rest positions. The dispenser includes a minimal number of parts which can be assembled without the use of fasteners. A key is provided for releasing the latch member to permit removal of a spent cartridge.

Abstract: In an autoclave (1) which can be charged with bulk material and has at its bottom a discharge opening (2) to be closed by means of a cover (4), the cover (4) can be opened inward. For preventing that the bulk material obstructs the opening movement of the cover (4), a closure device (13) is provided to shut off the cross-section of the autoclave, said closure device being opened only after the cover (4) closing the discharge opening (2) has started its opening movement. The preceding closure device (13) comprises downwardly swivellable plates (12).

Abstract: In a hopper or the like wherein the flow of particulate material is controlled by a gate the improvement wherein the gate is mounted to be swingable towards an open position within the hopper so as to break arches and rat holes which form in the material above the gate or a gate adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are closure mechanism for the open-neck of manually resiliently squeezable receptacles permitting fluids of a wide viscosity range to be dispersed through the open-neck only so long as manual pressure is being exerted against a visually indicated portion of the receptacle deflectable wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are closure mechanism for the open-neck of manually resiliently squeezable receptacles permitting liquid to be dispensed through the open-neck only so long as manual pressure is being exerted against a visually indicated portion of the receptacle deflectable wall. The dispensing closure mechanism generally includes: a cap secured to the open-neck and having a leadward outlet-opening; a longitudinally extending and movable spindle and preferably having a shoulder attached thereto inside the receptacle; and a yieldable seat for the spindle such as a resiliently stretchable gasket secured to the cap and constrictably surrounding the spindle. Accordingly, maintenance of manual pressure against the receptacle deflectable wall moves the spindle causing fluid dispensing such as via the gasket central-opening. Novel optional features include special shields overlying the cap, specially contoured and/or visually marked receptacle walls, various yieldable seats for the spindle, etc.

Abstract: Drinking cover for a beverage container comprising a circular top wall and annular side wall with sealing means on the bottom periphery of the side wall for securing the cover to the upper rim of a beverage container. The top wall is tapered downwardly from front to back and contains an opening. A sealing flap underlies the opening and is attached to the bottom surface of the top wall so that the flap is movable from a closed position to an open position with respect to the opening.

Abstract: A feminine syringe unit wherein a housing with a valve member and nozzle serve as both a filling and dispensing port for an expandable syringe bag. The syringe unit includes a removable nozzle retainer which has slidably secured thereto a nozzle member. When the nozzle member is removed, the bag is easily filled through a filling orifice and a dispensing flap valve. For cleaning and drying purposes, the valve is also removable from the bag by means of its being engaged by a valve retainer which in turn is threadably engaged on a bag retainer. The unit is activated by moving the nozzle toward the bag whereby the inlet portion of the nozzle will abut against a flap valve so as to create fluid communication between the inside of the bag and the nozzle. A hold-open means is also provided for the nozzle inlet portion in the valve member so that when a force is exerted on the bag to eject liquid through the nozzle it will not force the valve closed.

Abstract: A self-contained pouring spout which can be attached to a container over a single opening in the container. The structure includes a spout which is attached to the side of a container by a hinged tab and swings in and out through an opening in the container. The spout is controlled by a slide plate mounted in a guide channel, which is fixed on top of the container above the opening, the slide plate being connected to the spout by flexible straps on opposite sides, leaving a dispensing opening between the straps. A detent on the slide plate and guide channel holds the spout in closed position, and a finger pad is provided on the slide plate for positive grip and to make the spout action a one hand operation.

Abstract: A cover for a drinking vessel of heat-insulating material comprising a cylindrical wall with elements at its lower end which cooperate with complemental elements at the upper end of a drinking vessel to provide a detachable bayonet joint. Integral with the upper end portion of the cylindrical wall is an inclined flat wall formed with a drinking opening and a relief vent in diametric alignment. Depending from the inclined wall substantially midway between said opening and vent are a pair of spaced lugs each having a journal recess opening onto its lower edge. A lever has a pair of studs extending from its opposite side faces and received in said recesses with snap fits. Upstanding from one end of the lever is an arm which projects through the drinking opening and carries a valve member on its upper end which is of greater extent than said drinking opening and normally engages the upper surface of the inclined wall about the drinking opening.

Abstract: The ice making and vending machine of the present invention will be seen to minimize to the extreme any ice bridging or fusing within the ice storage bin by virtue of the unique design and relationship of the bin rotor to the configuration of the bin. Additionally, the ice making and vending machine of the present invention will be seen to be extremely positive in operation in assuring that ice cubes are not delivered to the dispensing cavity of the machine housing except during such time as the vend switch is actuated, with the brake arrangement associated with the drive motor functioning to positively position the rotor at the termination of each vend cycle. It will be noted that the brake mechanism will function in two directions so as to not only prevent forward rotation of the rotor at the termination of a vend cycle but will also prevent rearward rotation as might occur when the rotor is subjected to certain loading conditions due to the quantity and orientation of the cubes within the bin.

Abstract: A material dispensing device having a discharge spout, passage of material through the spout being controlled by a curved blade spring which is operable to snap between two positions in each of which it co-operates with an obturating member in closing the spout.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drinking receptacle and valve means wherein: hot or cold liquids may be safely contained and carried during intermittent drinking such that the liquids cannot be spilled and in the case of hot liquids the valve means is manually operable to open the drinking valve to allow drinking of liquid from the receptacle or container. The valve means comprising a lost motion mechanism coupled with a manually operable plunger such that the manually operable plunger first opens a relief valve to relieve steam and pressure from the interior of the container whereupon the plunger continues its motion to open the drinking valve so as to allow drinking of contents from the receptacle after steam and pressure has been relieved therefrom and to thereby avoid the danger of causing hot coffee or other beverages to gush from the drinking valve when opened.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a precessing bottom pour stopper is used to accurately and precisely control the flow of molten metal through the tap hole which is located in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The precessional movement of the stopper, as it moves into and/or out of sealing engagement with the tap hole, removes any debris which may be lodged between the sealing surfaces and thereby ensures a tight seal over a prolonged period of operation.