Abstract: A time-pressure system for dosing liquid, comprising: a tank of liquids which communicates with at least one discharge conduit; organs for regulating the pressure of the liquids at a predetermined level; a choke unit, acting on a section of the discharge conduit in order to obstruct/allow passage of the pressurised liquids coming from the tank, thus determining projection of dosed quantities of liquids externally at predetermined time intervals. In particular, the choke unit comprises a brushless motor, which cyclically moves an obstructing element between a choked position and a disengaged position of the section.

Abstract: A device for delivering a chemical to an area includes a chemical supply tank and, optionally, a solvent supply line. The device includes a controller that delivers the chemicals, or a mixture of the chemicals and solvent, and actuates flow of the chemicals or chemical-solvent mixture from the controller. Optionally, the actuator includes a timer in combination with a pump and/or control valve. The chemicals or chemical-solvent mixture is delivered to a feed line, optionally through a filter and flow controller, to a dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for dispensing a liquid such as a cleaning or disinfecting liquid to a fixture. The dispenser includes a housing with a reservoir. A removable container of liquid is installed in the housing such that the liquid flows by gravity through the opening in the container into the reservoir. A pinch valve controls the flow of liquid from the reservoir and provides for a reliable dispensing system aided by gravity.

Abstract: A key charm has a timer and a device for alerting a user. The timer is set to wake up after a period of time such as five-six hours; at which time the device for alerting the user is energized for a short period of time such as thirty seconds. The device for alerting the user is, for example, a vibrator, a sounder and/or a light. The key charm can be provided to an individual so that when it alerts the individual, the individual will think of someone or will think of an advertisement. Optionally, a mute button is provided to mute one or more of the vibrator, sounder and light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: An automatic distributor of fish food for aquariums comprising a rotating container (30) for fish food, a cover (40), an electric motor (53) and transmission (54) for transmitting the motion to the rotating container (30). At the bottom (31) of the container (30) there is an housing (14) for the electric motor (53) and the transmission (54), and furthermore the rotation axis of the rotating container (30) is aligned with the motor axis of the electric motor (53).

Abstract: A method of and system for dispensing material from a dispenser into an area of interest, wherein an interrogation step takes place prior to the dispensing of the material for the satisfaction of at least one criterion relating to the presence/absence of one or more objects, and upon the failure to satisfy the at least one criterion, inhibiting the dispensing of the material to be dispensed until the one or more criterions are satisfied.

Abstract: A filter monitor system is provided in a bottled water cooler for automatically tracking a filter service interval, and for indicating that filter cleaning or replacement is required for continued efficient cooler operation. In the preferred form, the water cooler includes a thermoelectric chiller module for chilling at least a portion of water contained within a cooler reservoir. An air filter is mounted on a filter frame which is removably positioned for filtering air drawn by a fan to circulate over a heat sink associated with the thermoelectric chiller module. The filter monitor system includes a reset switch engaged by the filter frame to initiate and track a predetermined filter service time interval, such as thirty days, and to energize a signal such as an indicator light at the conclusion of this service interval to indicate that the air filter should be removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: This embodiment relates generally to a foam dispensing system, and more particularly to an automated monitoring and diagnostic system for use with foam dispensing systems that permits remote control of the dispensing of foam. A control console is provided that is interconnected, preferably by way of a high-speed data link, with a foam dispenser, the A and B foam component pumps, a power source and controller, and a gateway. The console preferably includes a plurality of individual control circuits, typically disposed within one or more integrated circuits. The console may instead, or additionally, include software to perform some or all of the data exchange functions. The control circuits and/or software are preferably disposed within modules that are mounted to various components of the system. The modules may include one or more sensors operatively connected to the controller that monitor and record operational parameters.

Abstract: A viscous material dispensing system 100 utilizes pressurized gas directed to one end of a piston 109 and cylinder 103 assembly to extrude impression material 128, 129 from a dispenser 121 through a tube 133 into a dental tray 135 which hardens to form a mold of the patient's mouth. The movement of the piston 109 is controlled by switches 147, 149 which control gas valves 143, 145 which direct the pressurized gas to either side of the piston 109. A timer 141 is built into the material dispensing system to monitor the working time and the set time of the impression material 128, 129 after it has been injected into the dental tray 135.

Abstract: An auger pump for pumping molten magnesium and its alloys from a furnace to a die casting machine, ingot mould, DC caster or the like is disclosed. The pump is comprised of a linearly aligned upper and lower portion. The upper portion is comprised of a housing which is attached to the furnace lid. An inverter duty electric motor is attached to the top of the housing and is controlled by a PLC. The auger shaft runs longitudinally between each portion and is supported in position by guide bearings located in the upper portion. The lower portion comprises a tubular casing which contains a gas inlet aperture and an feeder inlet aperture for drawing the molten magnesium into the pump. The outlet of the pump, a connector, is attached to a heated transfer tube, which conveys the molten magnesium to the mould.

Abstract: A dentifrice closure on a dentifrice tube can emit a signal upon the opening of the closure to dispense some of the dentifrice. The closure is comprised of a base portion to attach the closure to the dentifrice tube and a lid portion that closes the dispensing opening of the dentifrice tube and which contains switch timer and signal generator. The signal generator can be a light, but preferably is a sound generator, and most preferably a music generator. Upon the lid being opened, a switch activates the timer which in turn activates the signal generator. Regardless of the position of the switch after a lid opening (the lid can be quickly closed) the signal will be emitted for a set period of time.

Abstract: The nozzle for a pressurized container is mounted to the container for shipment and sale by a hook member. The hook member has a hook portion that mounts to the valve cup rim or container rim. An attachment leg connects the hook portion to the nozzle. The hook portion has a slip-fit relationship to the rim on which it is placed. The wall of the hook portion that rests along the outside of the rim is thinner than is the wall that rests along the inside of the rim. This arrangement accommodates the over-cap without displacement or flaring of the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable liquid heating and dispensing system is provided. A preferred embodiment includes a self-contained dispensing unit and a receiver. The dispensing unit may include a container portion, a dispensing portion, and an electric heat generating portion. The container portion has a main reservoir for holding a supply of the liquid to be dispensed. The dispensing portion has a down tube, a manually operated pump mechanism connected to the down-tube, and an outlet spout connected to the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism has a liquid reservoir. Liquid is drawn through the down tube and into the liquid reservoir and out of the outlet spout. The heat generating portion is positioned at the liquid reservoir, so that liquid pumped out of the main reservoir is heated before being pumped out of the spout. The receiver accepts and provides power to the self-contained dispensing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer timed-locked medication container, which includes a container for holding medication. The container includes sidewalls, a partially open front, a back, a bottom, a top, at least one section extending from the partially open front to the back. Each section is sized and shaped to hold a plurality of compartments and each of the compartments is sized and shaped to hold at least one unit of medication. Each compartment has sidewalls, a bottom, a front, a back, opening-locking means for opening and locking at least one unit of medication in the compartment. When medication is due to be dispensed, an alarm will sound. Upon pressing a medication release button, the scheduled compartment will be opened and the medication will be accessible. If the medication button has not been sounded within a preselected time period, a message will be generated, either internally or through the Internet, on non-compliance.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is a dispenser that is a teaching tool and uses audio and visual means to promote compliance with proper washing techniques. A detection means is used to commence a time interval, and washing instructions are used to communicate with the user as an instructional tool in washing. There is a feedback response during the washing cycle to walk the user through the washing cycle and provide progress indicators during the cycle. A usage indicator tracks the number of usages as part of a management tool of assessing overall employee performance.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense material onto a person's hand, comprising: a dispensing device to dispense material from an outlet when the dispensing device is activated, a fingerprint reader adapted to read a fingerprint of a user's finger when located proximate thereon, a control system to activate the dispensing device to dispense material from the outlet when a user's finger is proximate the reader, the outlet and the reader positioned relative each other such that when a user's finger is located proximate the reader material dispensed from the outlet engages a user's hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that is attachable to a receptacle for timing a predetermined interval according to a timing schedule of a set of timing schedules. The apparatus has an electronic timing circuit that provides an alarm signal at the expiration of the predetermined time interval. The timing circuit includes a set of inputs and a set of outputs that are both connected to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry defines the set of selectable timing schedules. The inputs correspond to the timing schedules, and the outputs issue the alarm signals. The apparatus also includes a sensing mechanism for selectively engaging an input based on the position of the mechanism. Each timing schedule is selectable by the device through the inputs that are engaged and disengaged.

Abstract: Beverage servers for retaining beverages at a desired heated temperature. Prior art beverage servers have attempted to maintain the temperature of a brewed beverage retained therein in a variety of ways. One form of beverage server utilizes a heat resistant and heat conductive material for a beverage reservoir and places an exposed flame using a product such as gelled fuel thereunder to provide heat. One problem with this type of beverage server is that an exposed flame is presented to the customers and that the flame does not necessarily maintain a consistent or desired beverage temperature.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser which discharges a predetermined amount of fluid upon actuation of a actuator includes a counter and at least two timers for use by users of the device. The apparatus further includes a switch coupled to the actuator wherein the switch generates a use signal. An operating circuit is carried by the dispenser and provides a processor which receives the use signal and increments or decrements a counter by one. Additionally, the processor generates a flag signal to indicate which of the timers is in use. Each timer has associated therewith a distinct sensor output such as a sound or light to indicate to the user the start of a washing cycle and completion thereof. In the event more than two users are present, the sensor output is not provided. However, a counting event is still recognized. Of course, multiple users of the device or sensor outputs could be provided if desired.

Abstract: A dispenser for volumetrically controlling the amount of lubrication which is fed into the shot sleeve of a die casting machine. Lubrication beads are fed into a hopper. The beads gravitationally travel through a port in the base of the hopper and into a screw extruder. The beads are then moved through a screw extruder both mechanically and pneumatically. The beads are moved mechanically by the rotation of the screw shaft in the screw extruder with a rotary motor. The beads are moved pneumatically by injections of air fed into the screw extruder. The air flow serves the additional purpose of cooling the beads as they move along the screw feeder so that they do not melt and become coagulated. The rotary motor and the air flow are both activated and deactivated by the use of adjustable timers. The timers are synchronistically metered so that the lubricating beads move through the shot bead dispenser and into the die casting machine at predetermined rates.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense material onto a person's hand, comprising: a dispensing device to dispense material from an outlet when the dispensing device is activated, a fingerprint reader adapted to read a fingerprint of a user's finger when located proximate thereon, a control system to activate the dispensing device to dispense material from the outlet when a user's finger is proximate the reader, the outlet and the reader positioned relative each other such that when a user's finger is located proximate the reader material dispensed from the outlet engages a user's hand.

Abstract: A time displaying apparatus and method for an automatic vending machine is able to display current time and operation state so that user can conveniently use the vending machine. A time displaying apparatus for an automatic vending machine has a timer for counting a current time. A control part generate a control signals to display a current time counted by the timer when coins are not inserted in the mechanism after having checked the state of coins inserted, to display the amount of coins detected by the coin detecting mechanism when the coins are inserted. A display part displays selectively the current time or the amount of coins according to the control signal of the control part.

Abstract: The invention comprises a signaling device for a soap dispenser. The signalling device is mounted in the housing of the soap dispenser which has a pivotally mounted soap dispensing handle; and when pivotally moving the soap dispensing handle, the movement of the handle causes activation of the signalling device, immediately after dispensing the soap. The signalling device has an electrical circuit with a flexing panel which upon movement of the flexing panel by the engagement of the handle against the panel, it triggers an initial alarm or sound to signal to the operator that the timing interval for the operator to wash his hands with the dispensed soap has begun. The activated circuit thereafter counts a selected interval of time in seconds considered adequate for the operaor to thoroughly wash his hands; and at the end of that interval, the circuit sounds a second alarm or sound indicating that the washing time is over. The circuit then resets itself to repeat the sequence.

Abstract: A toilet bowl is automatically cleaned by a device having an automatic liquid soap dispenser and a guided flow tube. The dispenser is provided with a timer-activated device, and the guided flow tube is connected to the water supply connection of the toilet bowl. The liquid soap is squeezed through the guided flow tube into the water supply connection, thereby allowing the water to be mixed with the liquid soap for flushing and cleaning the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes a circuit board test platform having multiple electronic test capabilities and multiple hardware resources, and a pay-per-use module that is coupled to the circuit board test platform. The pay-per-use module is adapted for monitoring use of the multiple electronic test capabilities and the hardware resources of the circuit board test platform, and for debiting a number of usage credits from a usage credit pool based on the use of the multiple electronic test capabilities and the tester hardware resources.

Abstract: Tooth brushing timer device for presenting an amusing visual representation of the time required for a child to brush his or her teeth. The timer device comprises a housing, a static character face disposed at the front of the housing, and a visual indicator disposed behind the face. The face includes an aperture at the mouth region of the face so that a teeth portion of the visual indicator is visible through the aperture. The teeth portion of the visual indicator is capable of showing a white color for representing clean teeth and a non-white color, such as off-white or yellow, for representing non-clean teeth. Preferably, the visual indicator includes an hour glass timer, a liquid crystal display or a rotary timer. When the timer device is activated, the teeth portion animates a gradual transition from a non-white color to a white color for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the timer device may stand alone or include one or more compartments for bathroom amenities.

Abstract: A medium-sized portable container for holding and dispensing such fluids as aircraft engine oil is formed from durable, corrosion-resistant polymeric material such as high density polyethylene. The container, which has a generally rectangularly parallelepipedal shape, is positioned with its longest dimension parallel to the ground to enhance stability and permit stacking. The container is divided into two compartments, one holding the fluid to be dispensed and the other enclosing an electrically driven pump and other dispensing equipment. Controls are provided to shut off current flow automatically when the dispensing pump is not operating.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes a circuit board test platform having multiple electronic test capabilities, and a pay-per-use module that is coupled to the circuit board test platform. The pay-per-use module is adapted for monitoring use of the multiple electronic test capabilities of the circuit board test platform, and for debiting a number of usage credits from a usage credit pool based on the use of the multiple electronic test capabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes a circuit board test platform having multiple electronic test capabilities, and a pay-per-use module that is coupled to the circuit board test platform. The pay-per-use module is adapted for monitoring use of the multiple electronic test capabilities of the circuit board test platform, and for debiting a number of usage credits from a usage credit pool based on the use of the multiple electronic test capabilities.

Abstract: An aromatic alarm system for awakening a user to a pleasant smell at a pre-selected time comprising, in combination an electronic processor couplable to a source of power adapted to provide electric power and controls to the system; an optical display operatively coupled to the processor to display a time of day and a starting time, the optical display having associated operator variable controls to change the time of day and starting time; and an atomizer, a housing supporting the atomizer, the housing also supporting the processor, the atomizer including a reservoir of fluid to be atomized, an outlet orifice for dispensing atomized fluid, tubing coupling the outlet orifice and reservoir, a pump coupled to the tubing to convey fluid from the reservoir to the outlet orifice and convert it from the liquid state into the atomized state, a motor with an operator controlled variable resistor to operate the pump at a pre-selected intensity, an operator controlled on/off switch to energize the motor to allow activa

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a syringe containing liquid to be dispensed and an air supply for supplying compressed air to the syringe. The syringe is connected to the compressed air supply via a discharging solenoid valve by means of a pipe line which is provided with an accumulator so as to prevent disturbance of stand-up of the pressure in the syringe to thereby effect a highly accurate quantitative discharge of liquid from the syringe independent of whether a quantity of liquid remaining in the syringe is much or less. The apparatus further comprises an air suction connected to the discharge solenoid valve by means of an additional pipe line provided with an accumulator to prevent liquid from dropping out of the syringe after the end of discharge of liquid.

Abstract: A syrup dispensing assembly is provided for a soft drink dispenser. This assembly includes a plurality of syrup supply sources in communication with a plurality of syrup pumps. Each of the pumps is interconnected with a common manifold connected at one end to a source of CO.sub.2 gas under pressure, and at the other end by a vacuum pump. Actuation of a valve allows the gas pressure source to pressurize the pumps for dispensing. Closure of that valve and actuation of the vacuum pump allow the pumps to refill with syrup from the syrup supply sources. The system can operate with any of various types of syrup supplies, as well as combinations of such supplies.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses first and second compartments for storing a first item and a second item away from access by the patient. First and second delivery mechanisms are associated with the first and second compartments for making the first stored item available to the patient in response to a first command signal and for making the second stored item available to the patient in response to a second command signal. The first and second items are delivered to the patient according to schedules stored in resident memory. The schedules may be altered by a prescribed command issued by the patient.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispenser having a single flavor or a multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including a system for preventing the dispensing of a warm casual drink. The automatic dispenser includes an on-board computer having a timer circuit to purge the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line between the cooling apparatus and the dispensing valve whenever a drink is requested and no drink has been dispensed for a particular period of time. The warm water is purged or drained out for a period of time needed to purge the warm water from the uncooled portion of the water line. In another embodiment, a temperature sensor is included in the water line and the warm water purging terminates when the temperature falls to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system including a nonelectrical sensor for sensing the position of a needle of a gauge as it moves along a path and providing the sensed nonelectrical signal to a nonelectrical annunciator for annunciating when the needle is not at a predetermined position. The sensor is adjustably mounted with respect to the path of the needle by mounting the sensor to an adjustable transparent face plate of the gauge. A range portion is provided on a standard needle. A nonelectrical flush alarm includes a sensor to sense that the pump of a spraying or dispensing system is operating. If this sensor does not provide a signal to a timer for a preset period, the timer will produce a timed out signal which will be annunciated by an annunciator. .

Abstract: A dispenser for liquid germicide includes a container for germicide and an outlet, a metering device for metering a given amount of germicide to be dispensed from the outlet, a spout communicating with the metering device for dispensing metered germicide, and a timing arrangement coupled to the metering device for timed control of the frequency of dispensing the metered amount of germicide.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser including a timer device structured so that a person will receive a signal to indicate a time period of sufficient length has elapsed for the brushing of teeth. The timer assembly may include an activating structure directly thereon such as on an exposed face thereof wherein the activating structure is readily accessible from an extension of the dispenser. In another embodiment, the activating structure associated with the timer assembly is mounted at least partially on the interior of the housing of the toothpaste dispenser and connected to a dispensing plunger such that the time period for brushing teeth is automatically set concurrently to depressing of the plunger for the dispensing of toothpaste from the container.

Abstract: A paste-dispensing apparatus for bonding machines, etc., which constantly dispenses a fixed amount of paste, glue, etc. regardless of the amount remaining in a syringe and detects the amount of paste remaining in the syringe, including an air supply which supplies air under positive pressure to the syringe, a dispensing valve installed between the syringe and the air supply and connected to the syringe via a first pipe and to the air supply via a second pipe so that the syringe and the air supply communicate with each other when the paste is discharged, a first pressure sensor which measures the pressure inside the first pipe, a second pressure sensor which measures the pressure inside the second pipe, and a controller. Pressure values measured by the first and second pressure sensors are supplied to the controller so that the controller outputs a signal which actuates the dispensing valve so that the first and second pipes communiate when the paste is discharged.

Abstract: A powder feeding device comprising a metering hopper for metering a powdery material supplied from a holding hopper, a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of the powdery material in the metering hopper, a device for opening and closing a discharge opening formed in the metering hopper and a control device for controlling the action of the opening and closing device. The control device has a timer, a device for setting a discharge interval, and a device for correcting the standard discharge interval set by the discharge interval setting device. The discharge interval correcting device corrects the standard discharge interval on the basis of a measured signal from the weight measuring device.

Abstract: A compact and inexpensive apparatus for cooling and dispensing premixed beverages. The apparatus holds one or more conventional bottles of beverage, including carbonated as well as noncarbonated beverages, and chills these beverages for dispensing drinks from a tap. Pressure is maintained within the bottled beverages, either with compressed air or with carbon dioxide or other gases, to keep premixed carbonated beverages from going flat or to preserve the beverages. The source of pressure can automatically operate to supply pressurized air to the bottle for a predetermined time whenever liquid is dispensed, so as to pressurize the added head space created in the bottle by each dispensing operation.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for regulating the filling and refilling of containers with liquids, such as a carbonator vessel, and comprises a liquid container and an electronic circuit for reading the liquid level in the container at a single level and generating a level signal corresponding to the liquid level sensed, and in the event the level falls below a predetermined level, causes a flow regulator controlled by a timer to provide a refilling with an overshoot so as to permit the liquid level to rise to a second predetermined level above the first predetermined level so that the volume of the head space and pressure within the container is held substantially constant.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a substantially enclosed housing which has an upper, a lower, and a front portion and an internal heating apparatus. The machine has an upper reservoir within the upper portion of the housing which contains a large quantity of peanuts. An actuator has a coin responsive proximal portion which extends outside of the front of the housing and has a distal portion within the housing, which segregates a desired relatively small quantity of peanuts from the upper reservoir. A lower reservoir is enclosed within the housing which receives the small quantity of segregated peanuts from the actuator. A heating source is positioned above the lower reservoir which heats the segregated peanuts located within the lower reservoir. The lower reservoir is then pivoted which dispenses the heated peanuts from the lower reservoir to an exterior outlet from the front of the housing.

Abstract: A hot water dispenser is provided for dispensing a selected volume of water at a predetermined water temperature. The dispenser has a body defining a predetermined sized cavity having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body for heating the water contained within the cavity. A manually operable timer switch is operated to energize the heating mechanism and to select a time period for maintaining the heating mechanism energized. This selected time period determines the selected volume of heated water dispensed. A thermally responsive mechanism enables dispensing water from the outlet responsive to the predetermined water temperature of the heated water.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for use with a tire changer to regulate and control the inflation of pneumatic tires. This system regulates the flow of air in an air supply conduit through which pressurized air flows from a supply source to an outlet such as an air hose and chuck which an operator connects to a pneumatic tire. The system includes a first and second valve serially connected to the air supply conduit. A foot pedal activating member opens the first valve and closes a switch which activates a timer. The timer opens the second valve for a first predetermined time period and then maintains it in a closed position for a second predetermined time period. During the first period, the air flows through the conduit under relatively high pressure to inflate a pneumatic tire. During the second period, the second valve prevents the flow of air so that the system may stabilize and indicate the pressure in the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: An ice dispenser comprises an ice stroage chamber within which an agitator is rotatably mounted. In response to reception of an ice dispensation signal, a motor for driving the agitator is controlled in a predetermined timing sequence independent of a period during which ice pellets are dispensed from the ice storage chamber by means of an auger and a time interval intervening between the preceeding and succeeding ice dispensing operations. To this end, a first timer for driving first the agitator and a second timer for stopping the agitator for a predetermined period are provided in association with the agitator driving motor.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser with a timer device so that a person will receive a signal to indicate the time period during which the teeth are being brushed; three embodiments are shown, in one embodiment an hourglass timer is provided and in a second and third embodiment an electrical signal device is provided the timing being selected of a time period of between two and three minutes, the optimal period during which brushing should continuously be done in a tooth cleaning operation in order to achieve maximum results.

Abstract: A delayed actuator mechanism with visco-elastic timer is provided including a support section and an actuator section mounted to the support section. A compression spring biases the actuator section in a first state and permits the actuator section to be selectively switched to a second state. In that state a cocked torsion spring urges a detent carried by the actuator into engagement with a shoulder of the support section to restrain the actuator section in the second state. A visco-elastic delay mechanism gradually relaxes the torsion spring until the compression spring overcomes the detent shoulder restraint to abruptly switch the actuator section to the first state.

Abstract: A visco-elastic actuator mechanism including a support section and an actuator section. A visco-elastic adhesive is mounted to one of the sections and is engageable by the other of the sections to hold the actuator in a first state. A spring urges apart one of the sections relative to the other until the actuator is abruptly switched to a second state.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispending a fluid free of included air bubbles, such as for example, an adhesive bead, includes sensing devices for detecting the presence of an included air bubble in the conduit leading from a source of the fluid to a discharge of a movable fluid dispenser. The sensing devices are connected to a motor which drives an arm on which the fluid dispenser is mounted. A first sensing device slows movement of the dispenser upon sensing an air bubble in the fluid and a second sensing device stops movement of the dispenser upon sensing an air bubble in the fluid. The movement of the dispenser is restarted after a predetermined time period sufficient to allow the air bubble to pass out of the dispenser discharge. The sensing devices advantageously use a light beam, such as infra-red light or laser, to detect the presence of the included air bubble.