Abstract: A water container has an inlet water line and an outlet water line, each with a one-way check valve therein. An electric heater element heats the water, controlled by a thermo switch that senses the temperature of the water. The switch is set to turn on at a low temperature of the water and turn off at a high temperature thereof. Upon heating and expanding of the water, it is forced out through the outlet water line to the cut plants, and upon cooling and contraction of the water, replenishment water is drawn in through the inlet water line.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thermal pumping system based upon the action of a temperature-sensitive evaporating-condensing expansion liquid for dosing liquid products from a supply container into a washing machine comprising a discharge line having an aeration point above the maximal liquid level of the supply container. The invention provides a fully automatic temperature-triggered pumping system which is self-priming.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit for controlling an amount of pelletized material that is dispensed from a pellet dispenser, the dispenser is driven at the same speed during each one of a plurality of pellet dispensing cycles. The frequency of dispenser operation is varied by varying the time interval between pellet dispensing cycles. The circuit includes two timers, an OFF timer which is connected to a counter that counts the number of "off" timing signals in each "off" period and an ON timer that receives a triggering signal from the counter when the "off" period is completed. A switch is connected to the counter to select this number of "off" timing signals. The "off" time period can also be altered by altering the time base of the OFF timer. This is accomplished with a resistance circuit that is connected to a timing circuit for the OFF timer, through either a user-controlled timer or a temperature-responsive switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing and dispensing thermoplastic resin has a conveyor or extruder with a chamber provided with heating elements, a conveyor or extruder screw mounted in the chamber and connected to a drive motor, a resin inlet and a resin outlet. To ensure the intended continuous dispensing of the resin even during intermittent operation, a control device is provided having inputs connected to a resin pressure sensor, a conveyor speed of rotation sensor and a resin temperature sensor. Intended values for the conveyor speed, resin pressure and resin temperature are supplied to the control device, which regulates the pressure during interruption of the dispensing of the resin and effects a speed regulation or a pressure regulation with a superimposed speed regulation during dispensing of the resin. For plasticizing of the resin, which is supplied in solid, preferably granular form, and since the conveyor geometry by the heating elements is required.

Abstract: A release mechanism is disclosed for releasing an object such as a ball from a body under the force of gravity. A bimetallic element obstructs or opens an opening in the body for retaining or releasing the object depending upon the temperature of the bimetallic element. The release mechanism may be incorporated into a novelty "brass monkey" for "emasculating" the monkey when the temperature decreases to a predetermined temperature at which the balls in the "brass monkey" are permitted to drop to a base which is designed to produce an audible sound when struck by the balls.

Abstract: A temperature compensator mounted on a gas pressure regulator having a spring loaded valve in which the amount of compression in the spring is changed by moving an adjusting member of the compensator in response to changes in temperature. The temperature compensator may include a piston and cylinder assembly containing a plug made of vulcanized polymer which contracts in response to a reduction in temperature. The piston is in engagement with the spring and is moved to change the amount of compression in the spring in response to the change in temperature.

Abstract: A controlled temperature hot melt adhesive dispensing system including three closed loop temperature control arrangements along a flow path for hot melt adhesive extending from an upstream adhesive source to a downstream adhesive dispenser. As disclosed, each closed loop temperature control arrangement includes a comparator which compares the temperature sensed by a temperature sensor with a setpoint temperature to produce a control signal for a heater in the temperature control arrangement. The temperature control loops are located along the adhesive flow path so that the second closed loop temperature controller is upstream from the first closed loop temperature controller; and the third closed loop temperature controller is upstream from both the first and second temperature controllers. A first feedback circuit scales and integrates the control signal from the first location to produce a first feedback circuit output which adjusts the setpoint temperature at the second location.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing system including a hot melt adhesive dispenser, a hot melt adhesive tank, and a hose for coupling hot melt adhesive from the tank to the dispenser. The dispenser, the tank and the hose are heated by electrical heaters to maintain the adhesive in a suitable molten condition for dispensing and for flowing from the tank to the dispenser. When the hot melt adhesive system is first energized, the hose and tank heaters are coupled to a source of electrical power and the temperature at either the tank or the hose is sensed. When the sensed temperature reaches a suitable preselected level, the dispenser heater is then energized by coupling the heater to a source of electrical power. In this way, as the adhesive in the dispenser is heated from a solid to a molten form, it is free to expand into the hose, with the adhesive in the hose adjacent the dispenser having already been heated to a molten state.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the regulator of a device for spreading salt and the like onto road surfaces, the apparatus comprising: a sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid on the road surface; a collector for liquid removed from the road surface, adapted for operation on a moving vehicle; a device operatively associated with the collector for measuring the concentration of salt in the collected liquid; and, a device operatively associated with the collector for measuring the quantity of liquid present per surface unit area of the road, based upon the quantity of collected liquid and a measured factor related to movement of the vehicle along the road, whereby sufficient information is available from the apparatus for regulation of a device for spreading salt and the like to achieve a salt concentration on the road surface just sufficient to avoid freezing at any predetermined tempertaure and for any predicted quantity of precipitation.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing compressed gas from a storage tank is disclosed in which the temperature and pressure in the tank is measured before and after the dispensing cycle and electric signals representative of these values are applied to a processor/computer which is programmed to compute from these signals the volume of gas dispensed.

Abstract: An irrigation and fertilization control/distribution system characterized by a distribution network and a control assembly coupling the distribution network to a pressurized water source. The control assembly includes an on/off valve mechanism operative to supply water to the distribution network when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and a fertilizer metering mechanism operative to supply liquid fertilizer to the distribution network on the rising portion of a temperature cycle. The distribution network can include an inclined, hydroponic growth tube and a drip/mist tube.

Abstract: A self-opening closure for casting crucibles used in aluminothermic reactions and made of a high mechanical-strength, high boiling point inorganic material producing no gases when heated, the closure being composed of one or more sealing disk(s) made of a fibrous aluminum silicate, the ratio of the total thickness of the sealing disk(s) to its (their) diameter being 1:5 to 1:1, the melting point of the aluminum silicate being equal to or exceeding 1650.degree. C., and a metal plate between 0.1 and 3 mm thick mounted on the sealing disk(s).

Abstract: A temperature compensator mounted on a gas pressure regulator having a spring loaded valve in which the amount of compression in the spring is changed by moving an adjusting member of the compensator in response to changes in temperature. The temperature compensator may include a piston and cylinder assembly containing a fluid which contracts in response to a reduction in temperature and expands in response to an increase in temperature. The piston is in engagement with the spring and is moved to change the amount of compression in the spring in response to the change in temperature.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving the neck of a compressed gas-containing capsule mounted for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the first end portion of the housing to confront the seal on the neck of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the second end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the first end portion thereof.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving a compressed gas-containing capsule for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the second end portion of the housing to confront the seal of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the first end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the second end portion thereof.

Abstract: A solid anhydrous composition comprising a surface layer formed of a caustic compound and a second layer formed of a corrosion inhibiting compound for use in a corrodible container in a device for the automatic addition of corrosion inhibitors to coolant systems. Where corrosive water is present in the coolant system in contact with the corrodible portion of the container, perforation of the corrodible portion allows penetration of coolant into the container, forming a highly corrosive alkaline solution in the area of perforation, quickly destroying the remaining corrodible portion and allowing rapid disolution and dispersion of the solid corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing method and apparatus particularly adapted for post-mix dispensing of a soft drink, with accurate relative proportions of carbonated water and soft drink syrup. Separate syrup and water valves are controllably turned on and off, independently, at prescribed duty cycles, to provide a prescribed mix ratio, and syrup and water flow meters monitor the instantaneous flow rates of the water and syrup to minimize the effects of any pressure variations in the initial syrup and water supplies. The apparatus is conveniently modified for use with different soft drink syrups using a separate removable personality module for each syrup, characterizing its prescribed mix ratio and its viscosity.

Abstract: A motor drive for a hot melt adhesive pump is maintained in an inoperative condition until the adhesive has heated sufficiently to permit free operation of the motor. The adhesive is received in a container supported upon a heater which is activated to heat the container and the adhesive therein. The output of a proportional control for the heater, which is responsive to the container temperature, is monitored. The output of the proportional control, when the container temperature is near a set point temperature indicative of a desired heated condition for the adhesive, is an intermittent signal. In one form of the invention, the intermittent signal is electrically integrated to produce an interlock release pulse permitting operation of the motor. In a second form of the invention, a thermal relay is coupled to a source of electrical power through a switching circuit, which permits power to be coupled to the thermal relay during the intermittent off times of the heater.

Abstract: The automatic espresso coffee machine brews coffee from coffee pods placed in an extraction head or in a plurality of extraction heads and is characterized in that it comprises an electronic control system, including a microprocessor and memory means, which operate all the operations of the machine. In particular, the machine carries out a continuous control of the water temperature in a boiler in order to keep that temperature in a narrow range of a selected temperature. It also controls the volume of the hot water delivered to each extraction head to be within a narrow range of predetermined volume. The machine diagnoses itself for possible failures and depleted supplies by showing on a display in code the kind of failure or of needed supply, i.e. coffee.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism is provided for automatically inflating a life preserver or the like upon immersion in water. The mechanism includes a housing, a first piston slidably mounted within the housing, a second piston slidably mounted within the first piston, and a water-activated chemical positioned in a chamber between the two pistons. Upon immersion in water, the chemical reacts therewith creating a gaseous end product. The pistons are forced apart by the gas. One of them includes a piercing pin for puncturing the membrane of a CO.sub.2 cartridge. If the mechanism is not totally immersed in water, the piston including the piercing pin is restricted from moving through the membrane.

Abstract: A soft dessert dispensing arrangement in which a dispenser is responsive to manual actuation by an operator to dispense soft dessert over a given time period, as measured by an electrical timing circuit. Changes in important parameters affecting the pumping rate of the dessert, such as the pressure and temperature of the pumped dessert and the elapsed time since the last dispensing operation, are compensated for by adjusting the given time period to provide for the dispensing of a substantially constant quantity of dessert despite the changed parameters. The electrical timing circuit is responsive to an input resistance to measure the given time period, and the resistance applied to the timing circuit changes in accordance with sensed variations in the aforementioned parameters.

Abstract: Automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated cup-shaped housing having an open rear end and a generally closed front end. The rear end of the housing receives the neck of a compressed gas-containing capsule with the seal on the capsule disposed within the housing. A plunger is disposed adjacent to the forward, generally closed end of the housing, the plunger being adapted to reciprocate longitudinally of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the plunger to confront the seal of a capsule mounted on the housing; there is a spring at the forward end of the housing for constantly urging the plunger and the piercing pin thereon longitudinally rearwardly of the housing toward the seal on the capsule, and a releasable blocking device interposed between the plunger and the neck of the capsule to hold the piercing pin spaced from the seal of the capsule.

Abstract: The invention relates to portable apparatuses for dispensing purified water from conventional five gallon water bottles directly into a spigot mounted on a sink or an ice maker of a refrigerator. The bottle of water does not have to be mounted on any known support or cabinet, but can remain in its upright position. The water is pumped directly from the bottle through a flexible tube upon drop in pressure in the transport line. A sensing mechanism detects this drop in pressure when the spigot is open and activates a motor which drives the pump. Second pressure switch de-activates the pump when the water runs out of the bottle to prevent overheating of the motor. The pump then has to be manually reset. A time release is provided when it is desired to connect the bottle to an ice maker, so that the pump continuously operates for several minutes to fill in the ice maker and then automatically stops.

Abstract: A cartridge is made up of a plurality of packet-like members each forming a closed pocket containing a material which expands to many times its dry volume when contacted by liquid water. The packet-like members are arranged superposed on one another with the members secured together as a unit. When the material is contacted by water, the individual packet-like members expand but the members remain together as a unit.

Abstract: Sources which emit tracer gas at a known constant rate are positioned throughout a building. Samples of air are collected in selected rooms with constant rate adsorbent samplers. Samplers are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the tracer gas concentration during the period sampled, which concentration is compared to the known volume of the building to determine air infiltration rates. The tracer gas emission rate is rendered independent of room temperature by allowing the gas to escape through specially designed orifices which automatically open and close in response to changes in temperature. In one design, an orifice is formed in a material which expands and contracts with variations in temperature surrounded by a second, less elastic material. In another design, the area of an orifice is changed by a needle valve imbedded in a material which expands and contracts with temperature variations to move the needle in and out of the orifice.

Abstract: Gravimetric apparatus is provided to mechanically adjust the internal capacity of a volumetric liquid dispensing cavity, such as a metering cavity, to compensate for decrease in density and expansion of said liquid at ambient temperatures above the temperature of maximum density of said liquid. The apparatus includes a liquid displacing member, preferably in the form of an elongated bar which is inserted into the liquid metering cavity to decrease the volumetric capacity thereof, and which may be moved manually or automatically inwardly or outwardly of the cavity to vary the capacity of the cavity in such a manner that it will always contain a volumetric charge of liquid having a weight equal to the same charge of liquid at its maximum density.

Abstract: A master control for preventing the operation of a hot melt adhesive pump motor in a hot melt adhesive dispensing system until the adhesive has reached a dispensable molten state. The hot melt adhesive dispensing system includes an adhesive melting tank and a heater for heating the tank, which in turn heats the adhesive. A heater control energizes the heater when the temperature of the tank falls below a predetermined temperature so that, after an initial "on time", the heater control de-energizes the heater for periods of time of increasing length as the temperature of the adhesive increases. The master control enables the operation of the adhesive pump motor when the "off time" of the heater exceeds a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period is selected so that at the corresponding adhesive temperature the adhesive is in a dispensable molten condition.

Abstract: A low level indicator for a heated fluid in a container such as for use in indicating the glue level in a tank in a hot melt glue application. A thermistor probe is positioned at the mid-level of the container and senses the level of the heater fluid based upon sensing fluid contact with the probe. A light or alarm is activated when the heated fluid level falls below the probe, permitting of cooling the probe. The light or alarm is only activated when the probe becomes cooler subsequent to a time at which the probe was immersed in the fluid and properly heated. This conditional activation prevents continued low level alarm indications when the container is refilled with material at a temperature lower than that of the heated fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a pressurized gas container is disclosed. The container bottom moves outward as a result of over-pressure caused by excessive temperature. The bottom pushes against a member of the housing, thereby forcing the nozzle head to hit and become fixed against a second member of the housing. Continued movement of the container body toward the nozzle head effectively depresses the nozzle head, thus releasing gas from the container. In a preferred embodiment, a safety plug in a passageway in the nozzle head is melted to provide a channel for the vented gas.

Abstract: A device for the automatic addition of a corrosion inhibitor to a cooling system, such as in an automobile engine, utilizing osmotic pressure. The device includes a container for a concentrated corrosion inhibitor solution with a semi-permeable osmotic membrane in contact with and separating the inhibitor solution from the coolant in the overflow reservoir. With properly inhibited coolant, the osmotic pressures balance, but if the level of inhibitor in the coolant drops, water passes through the membrane to force inhibitor solution through an overflow tube or opening to mix with the coolant and raise the inhibitor level therein to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A membrane for the end surface of a container housing a corrosion inhibitor for engine coolant where the membrane is exposed to the coolant and corrodes when the corrosiveness of the coolant increases above a predetermined level. The membrane is formed of substantially the same metal or alloy as the radiator and has a thin layer thereon of a second metal so that in a corrosive environment, a galvanic cell is set up between the two metals to enhance the rate of corrosion of the membrane.

Abstract: A membrane for the end surface of a container for a corrosion inhibitor for engine coolant where the membrane is exposed to the coolant and corrodes when the corrosiveness of the coolant increases above a predetermined level. The membrane is formed of the same metal or alloy as the radiator and has a thin layer thereon of a second metal except for certain areas where the base metal is exposed so that in a corrosive environment, a galvanic cell is set up between the two metals to enhance the rate of corrosion of the membrane.

Abstract: Means for adding corrosion inhibitor to an engine cooling system utilizing a corrosion detector in contact with the circulating coolant and which is in an electronic circuit to activate a control valve which controls the feeding of corrosion inhibitor solution from a reservoir that is in selective communication with the coolant system. The corrosion detector may be in the form of a probe that measures solution potential or electrical resistance of a metal wire as it corrodes due to the corrosiveness of the coolant. The corrosion inhibitor reservoir is located either in communication with the line between the radiator and coolant reservoir or in a by-pass line parallel with the radiator.

Abstract: A corrodible container for the storage of a corrosion inhibitor to be suitably located in the coolant system of an automotive vehicle or other environment wherein the container has at least a portion thereof formed of substantially the same material as the material forming the heat exchange device in a coolant system so as to corrode when the coolant is partially or wholly replaced by a corrosive liquid such as water. More specifically, an aluminum radiator has a tendency to corrode rapidly where corrosive water is present and the container for the corrosion inhibitor has at least a portion thereof formed of aluminum foil or aluminum sheet material with a thinner portion so that the foil or thinner portion will corrode through to release the corrosion inhibitor into the coolant to minimize corrosion of the heat exchanger and coolant system.

Abstract: A dispensing container comprising a wall, a base, and a top is used in an inverted condition and is closed, but for an outlet in the top from which liquid can be dispensed and an inlet to allow only sufficient air to bleed into the container to make up for liquid dispensed from the container so that the liquid will be dispensed from the container under constant head. In one arrangement, the inlet comprises a tube extending from the bottom to close to the top of the container with a one-way valve arrangement close to the bottom of the container to permit venting of the head space through the one-way valve arrangement in the event of a pressure build-up in the head space. In an alternative arrangement, the inlet comprises a tube extending from the top of the container to close to the bottom of the container and a valve closing flow of air through the tube, the tube permitting a flow of air to make up for material dispensed.

Abstract: A pulping digester contains a liquid digesting medium and wood chips dispersed in the medium. The level of the wood chips in the digester is normally below the top of the digester. As chips and digesting medium are fed to the digester and as pulp and digesting medium are withdrawn from the digester, the chip level will vary dependent upon the net addition of chips and withdrawal of pulp. The variable location of the chip level, or chip height, is determined by positioning a temperature sensing means in the upper portion of the digester above the normally desired chip level. The temperature sensed by the sensing means is displayed to and monitored by the digester operator. As the chip level rises toward the temperature sensor, the sensed temperature will fall until the chip level rises above the location of the temperature sensor, after which the sensed temerature will rapidly increase as the chip level continues to rise above the location of the sensing means.

Abstract: A control valve is placed between a water supply pipe and a delivery device such as a tub spout or a shower head. The control valve includes a cylinder open at the discharge end. The supply line is connected to the other end of the cylinder by a series of radial inlet ports. A slide closure in the cylinder moves to open and at least partially to close the inlet ports by a thermal sensor located upstream of the valve. The closure freely passes water on opposite sides so that the closure is balanced and unaffected by fluid pressure. Resetting of the control valve is quickly achieved as soon as safe conditions are sensed under reduced flow conditions.

Abstract: A system for applying a foam insulation material which automatically compensates for changes in temperature and flow rates so that an optimum blending of materials can be maintained to provide for the production of high quality insulation.

Abstract: In this fluid dispensing control system, the size of a container to be filled is established by a set of photosensors mounted on the dispenser housing. Discrimination circuitry distinguishes between ambient light level and light reflected from the container that is placed under the spout. Delay and lock-out circuitry is provided to insure that an erroneous size-indicating signal is not generated as the container is moved into position, and to insure that the size-indicating signal does not change once pouring has begun. Timer circuitry controls the pouring duration and insures complete, uniform filling of each size container. Counter and display circuitry tallies the number of containers, of each size that have been filled, and indicates the total volume of fluid that has been dispensed.

Abstract: An explosion proof device for a pressure accumulator, such as an aerosol container, having a valve portion comprising an action segment fixed in the vicinity of the valve portion, a part of such action segment being set in the state wherein engagement with a valve of the valve portion occurs, whereby the action segment can open the valve of the valve portion intermittently or permanently by displacement of the valve portion and/or of the action segment itself, being caused by the temperature of the atmosphere in which the aerosol container is disposed.

Abstract: A container holds a volume of water over a plant and has an opening closed by a plug that is formed of a water-soluble material configured and composed so that the plug dissolves after a predetermined interval to let the water flow onto an area to be watered. The container can have several openings at different heights and closed by plugs that dissolve after successively longer intervals for each lower opening. Then quantities of water are admitted to the plant as the plugs dissolve after 2- or 3-day intervals so that the plant is watered periodically.

Abstract: A rupturable disc shaped capsule replaceably installed in a fire hose coupling, the capsule having a small central bore therethrough to permit the initial limited flow of water, there being one or more regions of the downstream end wall of the capsule which are rupturable by water pressure when the hose fills by virtue of air pockets disposed within the capsule causing the wall to collapse from external pressure there being water-erodible support structure within the capsule which disintegrates upon the rupturing of the capsule wall and entry of water causing the entire capsule assembly to be destroyed and finally blown out the end of the hose.

Abstract: A duplicator system and method are provided for preparing a lithographic master and for producing duplicated copies from the master in a fully automated system. An ink and moisture system is provided for supplying ink and moisture to a master on a master cylinder. During a pre-inking phase, an ink ductor roller is operative for a predetermined duration within variable ranges, as determined by the number of duplicated copies to be reproduced, and a moisture roller is operative to transmit moisture to the inking system. An early moisture circuit is also provided for conditioning the system by supplying moisture prior to a pre-inking phase in those instances wherein there has been a significant delay between the processing of two consecutive masters. Control means including a sensing device is provided for sensing the ambient temperature at an ink fountain and providing an indication thereof at predetermined temperature values.

Abstract: In an upflow, ebullated bed reactor using a heterogeneous catalyst, a transport liquid compatible with the catalyst and the reactor feedstock is used. During the addition of fresh catalyst, a heated slurry of catalyst and transport liquid is pumped into the reactor under conditions to minimize (a) the temperature difference between the slurry and the reactor and (b) exposure of the fresh catalyst to a deactivating elevated temperature. During catalyst withdrawal, the temperature of the reactor effluent stream is controlled by mixing with a transport liquid. Measurement and flowability of the resultant mixture is thus assured.

Abstract: A liquid heating and dispensing device is disclosed which includes a housing, a liquid storage tank located within the housing, a heating coil located within the storage tank, an electrical pump located within the housing for dispensing the hot liquid contained in the storage tank, and a thermal sensor to automatically determine when the liquid in the storage tank has reached a preset, minimum acceptable dispensing temperature. Also disclosed is a thermal sensor switch and related circuit to connect the thermal sensor to the pump to keep the liquid in the tank from being dispensed unless it is at or above the minimum dispensing temperature.

Abstract: A structurally simple device in the form of a closed container and vented outlet conduit operates in accordance with Charles' law to intermittently dispense quantities of a liquid reagent in response to an increase in ambient atmospheric temperatures. The present liquid dispensing device finds particular utility in supplying liquid reagents, such as scale inhibitors, biocides and the like to the water circulating systems of air conditioners.

Abstract: A high pressure gas tank has its output closely connected to the input of a Joule Thomson cryostat. The valve which releases the high pressure is a plug of electrically conductive thermally degradable material located in the line. An electrical pulse is applied to the plug to cause it to degrade and to permit the flow of pressurized refrigerant gas from the high pressure gas tank through the cryostat.

Abstract: A plurality of refrigeration units are successively charged with a liquid refrigerant which is dispensed by a positive displacement pump including a hydraulically actuated ram or piston slidably supported within a dispensing cylinder. An elongated tension coil spring extends parallel to the axis of the cylinder, and the piston carries a photosensing device which senses the helical turns of the spring when the piston is actuated to provide corresponding electrical pulses which are counted for precisely controlling the axial movement of the piston and the displacement of the refrigerant into each refrigeration unit. The length of the spring and the uniform spacing or pitch of the helical turns is automatically changed in response to changes in temperature of the refrigerant being dispensed to assure that each refrigeration unit is charged with precisely the desired weight of refrigerant regardless of changes in temperature of the refrigerant.

Abstract: Apparatus for tempering drilling mud preparatory to testing the mud for petroleum content comprising a plurality of cylinders with heat-sinks about their exteriors, resistance heaters in the heat-sinks and temperature control means related to the heaters and heat-sinks, pistons engaged in the cylinders and shiftable longitudinally therein to draw mud into and drive mud out of the cylinders, valve controlled flow means connected with and between the cylinders and upstream and downstream sections of a mud conducting flow line and operable to conduct mud from the upstream section into the cylinders and from the cylinders to the downstream sections and operable by pressure differentials in the cylinders resulting from the movement of the pistons therein, drive means to move the pistons and means controlling operation of the drive means and responsive to the temperature of mud in the cylinders, the pistons operate to wipe and displace mud caked on the walls of the cylinders to be recombined with fluid mud, whereby

Abstract: A fire extinguisher package or assembly adapted for attachment to the top rim of a waste receptacle. A small translucent plastic container holds pressurized extinguisher liquid and a heat-activated valve for discharging and directing the liquid is connected to the top of the container and enclosed in a protecting shroud. The shroud or a cover therefor is mounted on the receptacle rim by releasable attaching means.