Abstract: A container (1, 2) for storing and dispensing a liquid, the container including an access port (16) having a frangible seal (18) for allowing contained liquid to be dispensed. A vent (19) permeable to vapour but impermeable to liquid is also provided so that vapour may be vented from the interior of the container.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.

Abstract: A fluid container unit including: a container coupling for coupling a supply/discharge port of a first container with a supply/discharge port of a second container; a single nozzle member having a nozzle tube; a connection cap having a first end for holding a base portion of the nozzle member and a second end for covering one side of the container coupling by fitting around an outer periphery thereof; an intermediate adaptor having a pair of pusher elements facing the first and the second supply/discharge ports, respectively; and a supply/discharge port opening mechanism for moving the intermediate adaptor toward the container coupling and opening the supply/discharge ports by the pusher elements. The pusher elements are movably held in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube in the connection cap.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluids wherein a support structure holds bulk fluid contained within a bag that is transferred from the bag to an enclosed chamber in a dispensing base, from which chamber the fluid is dispensed, via a puncturing device utilizing multiple spikes. After dispensing air pressure in the enclosed chamber is equalized with the air pressure acting on the bulk fluid by at least one of the spikes.

Abstract: A device (20) includes a holder (24) for encircling and holding two containers (76, 96). A tubular structure (22), directed through the holder (24), includes a first tubular portion (52) extending from an outer surface (44) of the holder (24) and a second tubular portion (54) extending from another outer surface (46) of the holder (24). A method of utilization entails placing one container (76) in a sleeve (26) of the device (20) and placing the other container (96) in another sleeve (28) of the device (20). Application of a force (108) causes the tubular portion (52) to pierce the container (76) inside the sleeve (26), and also causes the tubular portion (54) to pierce the container (96) inside the sleeve (28), thereby coupling the containers (76, 96) and enabling transfer of fluid (110, 114) from one container (76) to the other container (96) via the tubular structure (22).

Abstract: An improved multipurpose funnel system for filling a container which prevents overflow during filling is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, an elongated tip and a ball and socket mechanism. The elongated tip includes a check valve having an inside sleeve having an opening, and a spring. The inside sleeve extends outwardly and inwardly from the elongated tip, which opens and closes the opening. The elongated tip has an exterior lip extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fine particulate matter from a flexible container includes a housing with a first open end and an opposed closed end. A nozzle is attached to the closed end extending into the housing. The nozzle has a passageway extending therethrough and a first end puncturing a wall of the container and enabling the first member to penetrate the container. A pump member is disposed transversely to the nozzle and includes a passageway having a venturi and a venturi throat disposed adjacent a first end. The second end receives a supply of fluid under pressure. A vent is attached to the cover and has one end puncturing and penetrating the wall of the container. Supply of fluid under pressure forms a pressure differential between opposite ends of the container and enables the fine particulate matter to enter the first and second passage for mixing with the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a housing and a container having an interior. The container is removably coupled to the housing for dispensing fluid from the container by the dispensing mechanism. The housing has a guard recess opening downwardly and an access opening into the recess. A piercing member is secured in the recess. The container has a protuberance which is adapted to be received in the recess such that when the container is being coupled to the housing, the protuberance on the container is inserted upwardly into the recess and moved into the piercing member to pierce the protuberance with the piercing member. On the piercing member piercing the container, an air passageway is provided providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmospheric air. Preferably the piercing member is secured in the guarded recess against engagement other than with elements inserted into the recess via the access opening.

Abstract: A multipurpose funnel system for filling a container which prevents overflow during filling is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, an elongated tip and a ball and socket mechanism. The elongated tip includes a check valve having an inside sleeve having an opening, and a spring. The inside sleeve extends outwardly and inwardly from the elongated tip, which opens and closes the opening. The elongated tip has an exterior lip extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a quantity of fluid (10) from a sealed container (12) onto a device (16) or the like. The apparatus (10) comprises a venting needle (18) having a fluid delivery portion (22) and a contain portion (24), a housing (26), a fluid container (12) contained within the housing (26) and an aperture (28) in the housing (26) for passage of fluid (20) from the container (12) onto a fluid receiving portion (14) of the device (16).

Abstract: A dispenser for releasing a debilitating substance into a user's hand comprises an outer layer defining a cavity therein wherein the outer layer further defines a plurality of holes therethrough communicating the cavity with an exterior of said dispenser. At least one sharp projection extends from the outer layer into the cavity. A pouch is positioned within the cavity proximate to the at least one sharp projection wherein the pouch contains a debilitating substance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device comprising an appliance, and a reservoir suitable for being removably connected to said appliance, said appliance comprising at least one piercing means and said reservoir comprising one pierceable means, said appliance comprising a releasable protecting means for preventing access to said piercing means when said reservoir is not connected to said appliance. The present invention is further directed to said appliance, and also to said reservoir. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the appliance comprises an actuation trigger to release said protecting means and give access to said piercing means, and said reservoir comprises a releasing means to cooperate with said actuation trigger in releasing said protecting means. Also preferably, said appliance and said reservoir are provided with cooperating securing means, so as to ensure that said reservoir is secured into said appliance, ones connected thereinto.

Abstract: A dispenser for releasing a debilitating substance into a user's hand comprises an outer layer defining a cavity therein wherein the outer layer further defines a plurality of holes therethrough communicating the cavity with an exterior of said dispenser. At least one sharp projection extends from the outer layer into the cavity. A pouch is positioned within the cavity proximate to the at least one sharp projection wherein the pouch contains a debilitating substance.

Abstract: A multi-component, mixing, storage and dispensing package (10) has a housing 11, a displaceable cavity block (20) having at least one cavity (21) therein. A vent spike block (40) having at least one spike (42) held in an opposing relation to at least one cavity (21) is provided within the housing (11). When cavity block (21) is caused to move toward the vent spike block (40) spike (42) is caused to enter a cavity (21). A vent (43) is in fluid communication through the spike (42) with a mix channel (51) and a mixing and dispensing tip (50).

Abstract: An aerosol can content analyzer workstation is disclosed which will make available the drug content of an aerosol can by a mechanical extraction process wherein the extraction is performed by isolating the bottom portion of the aerosol can in an extraction chamber. The aerosol can bottom is pierced by a metal punch after the aerosol can bottom is isolated. An extraction solvent is dispensed through spray holes in the metal punch in order to extract the contents from within the can. The extract is then collected in a collection flask and the extract is analyzed in order to determine the drug content.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet printing module, of the type that can be removably mounted on the carriage of a printer, comprises a reservoir for the ink and a thermal ink jet printing head fixed to and communicating with the reservoir, and a housing integral with the reservoir for receiving an ink refill cartridge for supplying the spent module with fresh ink by means of a transfer element integral with the housing of the cartridge. Successive refilling of the printing module exploits the working life of the head to the utmost and reduces the waste of expensive materials. The reservoir can be refilled relatively easily, even when the user is travelling.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: A pressurized canister recycling apparatus is used to recycle contents of a plurality of pressurized canisters of varying length and diameter. The canisters are maintained in a hopper and released. The canisters are pushed into a canister piercing station where they are pierced while isolated from the outside environment. After being pierced and while still isolated from the outside environment, the canisters travel within an evacuation tank. The evacuated contents of the canisters are drawn away from the evacuation tank with filters recovering the active ingredients of the canisters and purifying the propellant. The propellant is then placed in a storage tank. The present invention is particularly useful for recycling medicinal Freon ingested into the body since the Freon recovered does not require additional purification before reuse.

Abstract: A method and assembly for treating hazardous and/or unknown fluids either liquids or compressed gases contained in a gas cylinder (12) having a cylinder body (14) and a removable fixture (16). The assembly (10) includes a tubular housing (18) having an open end (20). An adjustable carriage assembly (34, 38, 40) is included for supporting the cylinder body (14) in the center of the housing (18). A clamping assembly (30) secures the cylinder body (14) to the carriage assembly (34, 38, 42). An end cap (70) seals the open end (20) of the housing (18). A shaft (72) is rotatably disposed through the end cap (70). The shaft (72) includes a fixture engagement assembly (78) on one end (76) thereof for engaging a portion of the fixture (16) and imparting a rotational force thereto. A motor driven gear box (86) imparts the rotational force to another end (74) of the shaft (72 ).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing gases and liquid from containers. The ice punctures the bottom of a container for purposes of exhausting gases and liquid from the container without their escaping into the atmosphere. The device includes an inner cup or cylinder having a top portion with an open end for receiving a container and a bottom portion which may be fastened to a disposal or waste container in a substantially leak-proof manner. A piercing device is mounted in the lower portion of the inner cylinder for puncturing the can bottom placed in the inner cylinder. An outer cylinder having an open end and a closed end fits over the top portion of the inner cylinder in telescoping engagement. A force exerted on the closed end of the outer cylinder urges the bottom of a can in the inner cylinder into engagement with the piercing device in the bottom of the inner cylinder to form an opening in the can bottom, thereby permitting the contents of the can to enter the disposal container.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A device for emptying pressurized liquid-containing aerosol cans. A closed storage drum has an aerosol can-containing chamber held adjacently to it. An aerosol can may be placed in the chamber, the chamber closed and a piercing pin passed through a low point of the aerosol can. The contents pass outwardly from the can and from the chamber into the storage drum. Preferably, a vapor filter is positioned on the drum so that any vapors passing out of the drum are absorbed by the filter. The system can remove 98% of the aerosol can contents. The process of using the device is also described.

Abstract: A cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of hazardous contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A carton pourer attachment for a carton of "gable top" type, which has two conduits, one a breather conduit and a second a pourer conduit that are attached to the top of a common support which has two dependent legs adapted to grip the carton sides during a piercing action; and the pourer conduit has a tongue adapted to push away from a sealing position any tab cut from the top of a carton and also provide an interlocking with a middle lip of the carton to resist removal of the attachment.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and dispensing liquids from so-called "paper bottles".The assembly comprises an open ended tubular body adapted to secure within the open end, a paper bottle. A dispenser spout traverses the closed end of the tubular body and pivots to present a cutting blade to the paper bottle. Liquid seal member prevents leakage from an opened bottle.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders comprises an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A closure for a disposable container is disclosed from which a liquid may be pressure dispensed. The container has a mouth and the closure comprises a closure body cooperable with the container mouth for closing the container mouth. The closure body is sealably secured with respect to the container mouth and a nipple is provided on the inner face of the closure body for operatively securing a dip tube thereto, with the dip tube extending into the liquid within the container. The nipple is centrally located with respect to the mouth.

Abstract: A combined opener, pouring spout and installation device for flexible wall liquid container bags, including apparatus to perforate first one wall and then the opposite wall in the process of installing a pouring spout inner member and including a device serving as an outer member to retentively engage the inner member in a clamping arrangement that seals the bag around the pouring spout opening in its wall. Withdrawal of the carrier member leaves the first opening in the bag wall opposite the pouring spout available as a breathing spout.

Abstract: An oil spout apparatus including an elongated tubular spout having a can piercing blade extended from one end and a butterfly valve positioned interiorly of the spout for movement between a closed position wherein the valve is oriented transversely of the spout to substantially retard oil flow through the spout and an open position wherein the valve is oriented generally perpendicularly to its closed position whereby oil flow through the spout is substantially unimpeded. A handle positioned exteriorly of the spout is connected to the valve for moving it between its closed and open positions and providing a visual indication of the position of the valve. In an alternate embodiment, the spout is provided with a pair of spaced apart inlet end portions which feed a single outlet end. Each inlet end portion is provided with a can piercing blade and butterfly valve so that a pair of oil cans may be independently pierced by and supported on the respective inlet ends of the spout apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid container having easy penetratable wall portions provided in laterally extending hollow lobes or protuberances which communicate with the interior of the container. The container is impaled upon piercing pins positioned in sockets carried in a beverage dispensing device. The lateral protuberances serve as suspension elements for supporting the container and also provide surfaces through which piercing pins supply pressurized gas to the container and remove liquid syrup from the container for mixing with a carbonated liquid.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing liquid from a paper container having the upper wall provided with a fin-shaped projection, comprising a groove portion adapted to be engaged with the fin-shaped projection of the paper container and at least one hollow body formed on one side of the groove portion, said hollow body having a sharp edge portion which is inserted through the paper wall into the container and an open head for withdrawing the liquid housed in the paper container.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system and method is disclosed for automatically mixing precise concentrations of photographic processing chemistry to be used in an X-ray film processor. The system produces a fresh batch of mixed solution whenever a previous batch has been reduced to a predetermined minimum volume. A pair of substantially identically constructed mixing units are provided to produce both developer and fixer solutions for film processing. Each unit has: a chemical supply structure for supplying chemicals from containerized supplied; a storage and mixing tank structure which underlies the chemical supply structure and defines a reservoir for mixing the chemistry with water; a water input valve for selectively introducing water under pressure into the tank structure; control apparatus for conditionally controlling operation of the water valve; and a chemical release assembly which is coupled to and actuated by the water valve.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis handpiece is provided with a supply conduit through which the prophylaxis material is supplied directly to the center of the rotatable flexible cup or applicator. An improved removable cartridge for the prophylaxis material provides ease in handling and maintaining the supply of material. The configuration and mounting of the cup prevent admission of abrasive material to the bearings. A high pressure fluid actuated control system makes possible a quick-shot or small slug supply of the prophylaxis material by operation of a remote foot operated control. All of the functions of motor control, material supply, water flushing and air drying may be performed by the dentist by actuation of a foot control unit or other suitable actuating device.

Abstract: A serving container for liquids or pourable materials contained in cardboard packages comprising a base portion and a sleeve inserted into the base portion and fitted over the package. The sleeve is provided with a lid having tubes of differing diameters extending into the interior of the container for pouring from the container and for venting the container. The sleeve has dimensions smaller than the package for exerting exterior local pressure on the package.

Abstract: A gas humidifier set is provided which includes a solution bottle containing a sterile water solution, a cap seal providing a sterile seal for the solution bottle, a connector assembly for penetrating the seal at the time of use and coupling the solution bottle to a gas supply and a covering cap for covering the connector assembly and maintaining it in sterile condition prior to use. The connector assembly includes gas inlet and outlet members. To use the device, the covering cap is removed and the connector assembly is turned thereby causing piercing of the cap seal and communication between the sterile water solution and the gas inlet and outlet members.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing a liquid packaged in a thermoplastic film pouch into a receptacle therefor.

Abstract: A device for introducing an additive liquid into a tank of a water closet. When the water closet is flushed and the water level in the tank lowers from a first normal level to a second lower level, air is admitted into conduit means. As the water level later rises from the second level toward the first level, the admitted air is forced through the conduit means into a container, containing an additive liquid, where it is compressed. The compressed air forces a portion of the additive liquid through conduit means and into the water in the tank.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system and method is disclosed for automatically mixing precise concentrations of photographic processing chemistry to be used in an X-ray film processor. The system produces a fresh batch of mixed solution whenever a previous batch has been reduced to a predetermined minimum volume. A pair of substantially identically constructed mixing units are provided to produce both developer and fixer solutions for film processing. Each unit has: a chemical supply structure for supplying chemicals from containerized supplied; a storage and mixing tank structure which underlies the chemical supply structure and defines a reservoir for mixing the chemistry with water; a water input valve for selectively introducing water under pressure into the tank structure; control apparatus for conditionally controlling operation of the water valve; and a chemical release assembly which is coupled to and actuated by the water valve.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders comprises an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.