Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a vial-loading mechanism for a system that prepares and delivers one or more IV drugs to a patient. The vial-loading mechanism is used to load a vial onto a cassette spike and includes a vertical support member located adjacent to the spike. A holding assembly holds at least one vial. The holding assembly is mounted to the support member so as to be positionable between an upper position for loading a vial and a lower position for piercing the vial with a spike. The holding assembly has an arcuate-shaped holding member for holding the vial. A catch is provided with an engagement unit for securing the holding assembly in the lower position. This arrangement provides an easy way to add, retain, and remove vials from the system and protects the clinicians that do this from contacting the spikes and hurting themselves.

Abstract: An assembly (1) for packaging and dispensing a product includes a reservoir (20) containing a product, and an external casing (2) on which is mounted a pump. The external casing (2) being capable of receiving said reservoir (20) through an opening (4) made in the bottom of the casing. The casing (2) includes a fastener portion for interacting with a corresponding fastener portion of the reservoir so as to effect reversible fastening of the reservoir (20) in the external casing (2) and to maintain the communication of the pump (16) with the reservoir through an opening of the reservoir. According to the invention, the external casing (2) has, in the vicinity of its bottom, at least one cutout (33) capable of assisting the removal of the reservoir (20), in particular for the purpose of replacing the reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for use with a disposable liquid supply container includes valve means for regulating the flow of liquid from the dispenser, support means for holding the container in a loaded position generally elevated above the valve means, a tapping stem for communicating the interior of the container with the valve means absent any liquid storage reservoir other than the container, means for holding the stem in a fixed position for piercing and sealingly engaging the container, and means for controlling the temperature of the liquid stored in the container when the container is in the loaded position. The stem includes a generally elongated body having a piercing end, a discharge end and sealing means for sealingly engaging the container. The stem body includes a passage extending therethrough in communication with the valve means having an intake passage and a discharge passage alligned generally along separate parallel axes and dimensioned to intersect each other.

Abstract: A lawn chemical distribution system that includes a housing with a protective cover and with an interior that includes numerous canister receiving cavities with canister piercing elements located at the bottom of each cavity which pierces the bottom of a chemical canister inserted therein. The canisters are secured together with a resilient harness that allows all the canisters to be replaced in the receiving cavities in a single motion and also allows a user to replace a single canister if desired. The multiple canisters contain either fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or combinations thereof and may be activated by in line valves located within the system to add any of the chemicals contained within the canisters, in a metered amount, to an irrigation system that conveniently distributes the chemicals on a lawn or garden.

Abstract: A device for emptying a film tube 15 containing a pasty substance comprises a cap structure 11 including a transverse wall 12 supporting the front of the tube, a cylindrical flange 13 formed on the wall for receiving the front end of the tube, and a dispensing pipe 17. The pipe 17 extends from a recess 16 formed in the wall 12 and having an at least partially circular-cylindrical shape, with a spike 18 being integrally formed at the center of the recess and extending parallel to the axis of the tube. The tip 19 of the spike is retracted from the plane of the wall 12. When dispensing pressure is exerted on the tube 15, the portion of the tube film overlying the recess 16 will bulge into the recess, until its central part is scratched by the tip 19 of the spike and thus caused to burst. The content of the tube can then flow into the recess 16 surrounding the spike 18 and out through the pipe 17.

Abstract: A brick type container, particularly adapted for aseptic packaging of product such as potable liquids, is formed having optimum dimensions and location of a pour spout fitment thereon. The dimensions of the pour spout components are chosen for optimum performance. The top of the container carries a dispensing opening covered by a severable or frangible extrusion coating or other type of membrane. The fitment is applied to the container by applying it while the container is encased in a pocket on a conveyor, the pocket sides being rigid. The fitment includes a hollow cutter having cutting teeth on its lower periphery, the cutter also functioning as part of a pour spout. The toothed end of the cutter severs the membrane to permit dispensing of product from the carton.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fitment for insertion into the neck of a container for liquid concentrate that can be opened by insertion of the container into a reservoir. The fitment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising an exterior mating surface that can sealingly engage the container and an internal web within the cylindrical body closing the fitment having a fracture zone permitting opening the fitment. The web also comprises a hinged fracture zone defined by a straight hinge portion and a partially circular recess in the web.

Abstract: A dispenser device for facilitating the gravity pouring of liquids from a necked container having an impervious sealing sheet over its opening, into a receptacle chamber, such as typically utilized on conventional containers for internal combustion engine lubricants, the device comprising a lower section having a centered, upwardly projecting wedge shaped protrusion terminating in a point adapted to pierce the sealing sheet when the container opening is passed onto the point, and an upper section formed so as to be seatably engaged on and within an opening to the chamber through which the liquid is to be poured, while maintaining the point in a somewhat centered position with respect to the opening and within the chamber.

Abstract: A pump spray dispenser is provided with a squeezable container normally biased to an expanded condition and defining a gas discharge opening. A housing is connected to the container. In one embodiment of the dispenser, a mixing chamber is defined in a housing and communicates with the container. A cartridge holder is defined by the housing for receiving a cartridge that contains a fluid product and that has an openable seal. A fluid product transfer passage establishes communication between the mixing chamber and cartridge when the seal is opened. A spray dispensing orifice is defined in the housing for discharging a spray mixture of the fluid product and gas from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A device for puncturing aerosol cans has an enclosure having an aerosol can receiving cavity therein, an aerosol can cradle, for supporting aerosol cans, mounted within the aerosol can receiving cavity, and an aerosol can puncturing mechanism mounted within the aerosol can receiving cavity. The aerosol can cradle and the aerosol can puncturing mechanism are mounted in sliding cooperation wherein a selectively rotatable cam member is selectively rotatable by rotation of a handle, rotatably mounted to the enclosure, in a first direction of rotation. Rotation of the handle in the first direction slidingly engages the aerosol cans held in the aerosol can cradle in puncturing engagement with the puncturing pins on the aerosol can puncturing mechanism. Rotation of the handle in a second direction, removes the puncturing mechanism from puncturing engagement from the cans.

Abstract: A new heat wrap for carbon dioxide tanks for improving performance of a paint ball gun by increasing length of use of a carbon dioxide tank. The inventive device includes a blanket having a generally rectangular configuration. The blanket has an inner surface and an outer surface. The blanket wraps around a carbon dioxide tank. A heating element is disposed interiorly of the blanket and being disposed around a substantial area of the blanket. The heating element has a power source. A cylindrical cap is secured to an upper short edge of the blanket. The cylindrical cap has an open upper end and an open lower end with a flow channel therebetween. The open lower end is dimensioned for coupling with an upper end of the carbon dioxide tank. A pressure switch is disposed within the cylindrical cap. The pressure switch is in communication with the heating element whereby a reduced pressure of carbon dioxide will activate the heating element to provide heat and increase the pressure of the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for separately storing and facilitating the mixture of separate components of a two-part composition. The dispenser includes a first container having a chamber for retaining one of the components and a second container having a chamber for retaining the other of the components and for mixing the components together to form the resultant two-part composition. A receptacle sleeve is provided and is mounted on the second container. The receptacle sleeve is adapted to secure the two containers together during periods of storage and transportation as well as to facilitate mixture of the components. The receptacle sleeve further serves to protect the user from exposure to the unmixed components as well as providing a drip-free spout in dispensing the composition. A method is further provided for alternately storing the separate components and admixing them together in one of the containers.

Abstract: A pressurization and regulating device uses a CO.sub.2 cartridge for pressurizing a fluid container such as the fuel tank of a gasoline lantern or stove, a garden or lawn sprayer, and the like. The device includes an elongated body having an open end for receiving the cartridge and a cap for forcing the cartridge toward the body. The other end of the body is provided with a fluid outlet opening. An outlet cap is mounted on the second end of the body. A piston is reciprocably mounted in the outlet opening of the body, and a seal on the piston is engageable with a valve seat in the outlet opening for closing the outlet opening. A spring in the outlet cap biases the piston away from the valve seat. An eccentric shaft is rotatably mounted in the outlet cap and engages the piston. The eccentric shaft is rotatable between a first position in which the seal engages the valve seat and a second position in which the spring moves the seal away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A disconnectable flow connector for connecting a fluid-containing flexible bag (1) to a fluid supply line (100) is sufficiently airtight so as to allow dispensing of fluids, especially adhesives, which are highly reactive on contact with even the least quantity of air. The bag (1) has a spout (2, 3) with a pierceable membrane (5). A valve (10) has a tapering end which can pierce and then seal the membrane, an aperture (13) at the tip, and a valve plunger (14) operable so as to be retractable from the aperture (13) to an open (fluid flow) position independently of the piercing action. A fluid pressure mechanism is provided for driving fluid from the flexible bag (1) through the flow connector to the fluid supply line (100). The mechanism consists of a housing (30,31,32,33) for containing the bag (1) and a housing end wall (34) which is moveable along the length of the housing. The bag (1) has no tendency to collapse or fold in on itself.

Abstract: A tapping stem is used with a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from a disposable liquid container. The stem has a generally elongated body including a piercing end, a discharge end and a peripheral flange affixed to the discharge end. The piercing end has a generally cylindrical portion and an adjacent tapered portion terminating in a sharp tip for piercing the wall of the container. The stem body includes an intake passage and a discharge passage aligned along generally separate, parallel axes and dimensioned to intersect each other. The intake passage forms a channel in the piercing end, which channel extends substantially to the tip.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method of dispensing utilize a container housing a concentrated product which is filled with a diluent to form a use dilution, then is subsequently installed into a dispenser having means for automatically opening the container to give the dispenser access to the use dilution. The container includes a cap disposed thereon with a pierceable member that permits access to the interior cavity of the container when pierced. The cap is removable to permit the container to be filled with diluent prior to installation in the dispenser.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid soap or other liquid from either a bag-in-box liquid container or from a bottle of liquid includes a housing. A dispenser actuator is movably mounted on the housing. A first module is provided for insertion into the interior of the housing, the first module including a bottle support and a liquid pump for pumping liquid from the bottle. A second module can also be inserted into the housing interior, the second module including a bag-in-box container support. The modules are selectively alternatively mountable within the housing interior and each of the modules is cooperable with the dispenser actuator when in the housing interior to dispense liquid from the housing interior to a location exterior of the housing responsive to movement of the dispenser actuator relative to the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for separately storing and facilitating the mixture of separate components of a two-part composition. The dispenser includes a first container having a chamber for retaining one of the components and a second container having a chamber for retaining the other of the components and for mixing the components together to form the resultant two-part composition. A receptacle sleeve is provided and is mounted on the second container. The receptacle sleeve is adapted to secure the two containers together during periods of storage and transportation as well as to facilitate mixture of the components. The receptacle sleeve further serves to protect the user from exposure to the unmixed components as well as providing a drip-free spout in dispensing the composition. A method is further provided for alternately storing the separate components and admixing them together in one of the containers.

Abstract: A device for removing fluid from a flexible tube includes a container having an opening and a sharp cannula located inside the container. The cannula is positioned to puncture the flexible tube when it is inserted through the opening, so that fluid in the tube flows through the cannula and collects at the bottom of the container. A diluent may be added to the container through the same opening. The cannula is affixed to the wall of the container by passing the cannula through a dimple formed in that wall. A spout formed in the container allows fluid to be dispensed from the container. When dispensing fluid from the container, the opening is preferably sealed with a finger, and the size of the spout determines the rate at which fluid flows out of the spout.

Abstract: A dispensing system of the present invention includes a chute assembly and a rectangular container for dispensing of particulate material in the container. The chute assembly includes door and latch mechanisms which are opened to receive the rectangular container. Insertion of the rectangular container into the chute assembly automatically engages the latch mechanism, allowing the doors to open, which then engages a cutting subassembly of the chute assembly to open the container and expose the particulate contents for dispensing. The container includes an outer cardboard container, a cardboard insert having a wedge-shaped circumference at one end thereof, and a plasticized or foil liner. The container includes means for partially exposing the liner prior to insertion of the container into the chute assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a container including an open-ended shell with an interiorly-disposed absorbent pad, both having a radial aperture. A sleeve, in registration with the aperture, slidingly and sealingly receives a tap assembly. The tap assembly includes a tubular tap with a radially extending pin and a split collar having a slot for receiving the pin. The shell closely receives a container, then the user urges the tap through the sleeve toward the container and pierces the container. Flowable material in the container flows out of the tap. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a drain by opening a container within a dispenser and dispensing drain cleaner from the container, through an outlet of the dispenser, and into the drain. The dispenser may have an upwardly extending pin for opening the container. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a cutter for opening an angled end of the container. In another alternative, the container may include a plug and a cooperating stem for opening the bottom of the container.

Abstract: This invention discloses a cleaning assembly comprising a wet tissue, a liquid impermeable packet containing the wet tissue and a dry liquid absorbent tissue mounted onto the liquid impermeable packet.

Abstract: A device for draining an engine's oil filter before removal of the filter from the engine, in order to minimize oil spillage from the filter during its removal from the engine. This device includes a hollow shaft having a closed end and an open end, a piercing point attached to the shaft at the open end, a flexible polymeric boot attached to the shaft adjacent to and enshrouding the piercing point, and a polymeric covering enveloping the shaft between the closed end and the portion where the flexible polymeric boot is attached.

Abstract: An ink refill adapter to be used for refilling a used ink cartridge with ink from a separate ink container. The ink refill adapter includes a support plate and a conduit extending through the support plate. When the ink refill adapter is placed on the used cartridge, the ink container and the ink cartridge are brought into full engagement via the adapter so that the ink in the ink container flows down by gravity into the conduit and further into the cartridge. The ink refill adapter is designed so as to form an air escape between the adapter and the cartridge so as to let the air inside the cartridge go out smoothly as the ink flows in and is further provided with a safety cap that has an ink absorbing material.

Abstract: A foil piercing and clearing nozzle for piercing a frangible foil seal of a container and clearing the pierced seal from a flow path of the container. The inventive device includes a cylindrical main body positionable over a neck of a container. A piercing assembly is mounted within the cylindrical main body and is positioned to pierce a frangible foil seal extending across the neck of the container. A clearing assembly is concentrically mounted within the cylindrical main body and operates to clear the pierced frangible seal from a path of fluid exiting the container through the neck thereof.

Abstract: A device for pumping controlled amounts of flowable materials having a wide range of viscosities, such as condiments for food, from a bag having flexible walls. The device is comprised of a container to hold the flexible bag, a piston to drive a controlled motion mechanism to compress the bag, a sealing mechanism to seal the bag to constrain flow through a wide range of nozzles, a cutting device to pierce the bag when a seal has been obtained, an exit nozzle(s) to discharge the fluid and to maintain the temperature of the exit nozzle(s). Multiple connections may be made to multiple dispensing points. Dispensing of exact quantities of the flowable material is accomplished by controlling the position of the piston by a stepping servomechanism to displace an exact volume of the flowable material at the exit nozzle. Nozzle temperature is equalized to that of the material in the container by provision of air passages through the nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge storage case is used in connection with a plunger valve liquid dispenser to provide simplified and accurate control of liquid dispensing from a commercially available liquid cartridge, along with reduced downtime. The storage case includes a lower body section to which a commercially available liquid cartridge threadably mounts. Threading of the cartridge to the lower body section pierces a bottom membrane of the cartridge to allow liquid from the cartridge to flow into an internal passage in the lower body section. The internal passage communicates with a passageway of the dispenser through which liquid flow is controlled, via the plunger valve, for dispensing out of a nozzle at one end thereof. Pressurized air supplied from an external source to the inside of the case causes a cartridge wall opposite the pierced membrane to move toward the pierced membrane, thereby forcing liquid under pressure from the cartridge and into the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser of flowable materials from a pouch is disclosed. The pouch has an ear (55) at each of the ends of a transverse seal (53) located at one end of the pouch (57). The dispenser comprises i) a cylindrical container (33) having sides and an open top having a rim, the container being adapted to contain the pouch, and ii) a lid (35) attachable to the rim such that the lid is adapted to trap the ears of the pouch between the lid and the rim and to keep said end of the pouch taut between the ears when the lid is attached to the rim. The lid is also being adapted to allow a spout (41) to pierce the pouch at the taut portion.

Abstract: Two-part reactive polymeric coatings are prepared and applied from an integral dispensing system. The reactive components are held in two separate containers held together by a coupling. Each container is sealed by a pierceable membrane. A piercing tube is disposed within the coupling. In use, the containers are twisted together to cause the tube within the coupling to pierce each of the membranes. Breakaway tabs protect against inadvertent displacement of the containers and provides a clear indication of whether the tube has pierced the membranes. Differential pressure between the containers causes the components to mix and begin to react; a net positive pressure with respect to the ambient atmosphere permits the mixed components to be applied as a spray. An externally mounted spray feed tube provides great flexibility in application of the paint being sprayed.

Abstract: Device and method for dosing a liquid product from a tubular container are provided. The container includes a plurality of doses of the liquid product and a plate for pinching the container together locally such that it is divided into a plurality of separate liquid chambers containing a desired dose.

Abstract: A coupling including a plug attached to a sealed container and having an opening, and a socket having a cutter section for breaking a thin film for sealing the opening when the plug is connected to the socket. The plug has an engagement groove formed in an outer periphery of a plug cylinder, and the socket includes a socket outer cylinder having a lock engageable with the engaging groove, and a socket inner cylinder which is engaged with a smaller-diameter portion of the outer cylinder and is axially movable within the socket outer cylinder. Stoppers are provided within an annular space defined between the socket inner cylinder and the socket outer cylinder. The stopper restricts forward movement of the socket inner cylinder in the state in which the socket is separated from the plug, and the stopper fixes the lock in the state in which the socket is connected to the plug.

Abstract: A cap composed of a snap-on, tamper-evident closure differing from others of this general type is formed with a central sleeve. The bottom of the sleeve is closed off by a removable plug. The exterior of the closure is formed with a bead. The water dispenser is provided with an adapter consisting of an open-bottom outer sleeve into which the neck of the container with the closure in place thereon fits. Centrally disposed in the outer sleeve is a dispenser tube. When the container is inverted its neck is inserted in the outer tube. As the neck and cap are lowered, the dispenser tube enters the cap sleeve and attaches to the plug. Continued lowering of the container causes the plug to slide out of the tube so that liquid in the container flows out through the dispenser tube into the dispenser. When the container is lifted, the plug (which has been attached to the dispenser tube) is pulled back into its original sealed position. The plug and cup are at all times discrete.

Abstract: A device for removing from a container a fluid contained therein comprises a needle-shaped member with a distal end that is suitable for piercing a septum that seals the container. The needle-shaped member is in connection with a discharge member for discharging the fluid removed from the container. At a proximal portion of the needle-shaped member, which portion is designed to be inserted into the container, at least one opening that is in open connection with the discharge member is provided.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended for dispensing liquid from an inverted container having a neck through which the liquid is discharged, and includes a housing 31 provided with a mounting arrangement 32 for receiving and supporting the inverted container. A feed tube 34 is arranged to project into the neck of said liquid container to conduct liquid to a reservoir, and cover flaps 62 and 63 are biassed together by tension springs 69 and 70 to cover the feed tube 34 upon removal of the liquid container. The feed tube may alternatively be covered by a resilient diaphragm.

Abstract: An accessory effective to pierce the seal closing the mouth of a bottle when the bottle, filled with a pourable material, is applied in inverted position to a well of a dispenser, with a shoulder of the bottle engaging a rim of the well to support the bottle in inverted position in the well. The accessory is placed in the well of a dispenser and includes a collar placeable against the rim of the well before the bottle is inserted in inverted position into the well. A piercing member is carried by the collar for piercing the bottle seal when the bottle is placed in inverted position into the collar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a supported apical piercing spike oriented and stabilized in supported relation on a support adapted to be positioned within a container. The container has a hollow interior defined between a distal end and a contiguous side wall extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end which opens into the interior. The support means is positionable adjacent the distal end with the apical piercing spike extending within the interior, away from the distal end and towards the above mentioned opening. In use, a frangible container of goods that is introduced into the interior of the container through the opening is impaled on the piercing spike, thereby permitting the contents thereof to be released form the frangible packaging into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A holder for a liquid containing package such as an aseptic juice package including a housing that receives the aseptic juice package in secure relation therein, the housing having an internal projection fixed therein that is received in an opening as formed in the juice package when the package is inserted into the housing, the projection having a passage formed therein that communicates with a feed member that is mounted on the housing, the liquid in the package being directed through the passage in the projection and outwardly of the feed member through a feed passage as formed therein when the holder is tipped by the user during the use thereof.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the transfer of fluid from a bag into a fluid reservoir. The device includes a generally upstanding container dimensioned to receive the fluid bag. The container has an open top and fluidly communicates with the interior of a reservoir. A bag support extends across the container in a non-fluidly sealed manner. A cutter is connected by a linkage to a lid of the device to move with the lid as the lid is closed and cut the bag.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a carbonated beverage dispenser and to a method of dispensing carbonated beverage. The dispenser comprises a canister having a side wall, a bottom wall and an open end with a removable lid for closing the open end during operation. A dispensing tube having a puncturing end is provided in the bottom of the canister for puncturing a beverage container loaded into the canister. The dispensing tube is connected to a flow control valve for controlling dispensing of beverage from the container. Low pressure beverage containers such as plastic or glass bottles and aluminum cans can be used in the dispenser by shaking the canister and container of beverage therein to agitate the carbonated beverage and release dissolved carbon dioxide gas prior to dispensing a serving in order to eventually dispense the entire contents of the beverage container.

Abstract: A carbonated dispensing apparatus is provided to include a housing to mount a beverage container therewithin, with the housing including a piercing tube for projecting directly through a lid of a carbonated beverage container that is mounted in an inverted orientation relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid or slurried products, in particular detergents and rinse aids for industrial cleaning processes, typically but not exclusively dishwashing machines. Replaceable containers are fitted directly to a receptacle on the operative part of the machine and the liquid product is easily dispensed from the container into the machine without spillage or soilage of user's hands. The apparatus is characterized by self-sealing around a hollow penetrating device that can be inserted when in use, at the lowermost portion.

Abstract: A bottled water plastic cap opener and flow controller assembly includes a three-part unit forming a hollow housing which has a generally circular cross section and is slightly tapered from end to end. The larger end of the housing is open and has a diameter sufficient to receive the end of a five-gallon water bottle provided with a plastic "tear-away" cap. The smaller end of the housing is closed except for a central opening. A transverse partition extends across the housing about half way between the two ends thereof, and is provided with a large central opening, and at least one additional smaller drainage opening. A piercing member is mounted on the central partition enclosing the central opening and extends upwardly toward the larger open end of the housing but not beyond its edge, to pierce a hole in the plastic cap when the assembly is firmly pushed down on the top of one of the five gallon water bottles.

Abstract: A washing liquid jet device for an automobile window glass is disclosed, which comprises a first pumping unit for pumping a liquid in a first vessel, a second pumping unit for pumping a liquid in a second vessel, and a joining chamber having a first flow path and a second flow path. A unidirectional valve is provided at each of the joining chamber inlets of the flow paths such that it permits flow of liquid into the chamber but blocks the flow of liquid out of the chamber. A discharge side flow path of the first pumping unit is connected to the first flow path of the joining chamber, the discharge side flow path of the second pumping unit is connected to the second flow path of the joining chamber, and the outlet of the joining chamber is connected to one end of a feed-out duct, the other end of which is connected to a jet nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for continuous delivery of a liquid from individual liquid holding containers to a common discharge outlet. A bulk package is adapted to removably store a plurality of sealed liquid containers in predetermined positions within the package. The top surface of the package defines a plurality of openings for exposing the tops of the individual containers stored within the package. A removable lid includes a plurality of sharp discharge outlets or hollow spikes corresponding in number and disposed in alignment with the openings defined on the top surface of the package. The sharp discharge outlets extend from the lower surface of the lid, and are employed to puncture the openings in the individual containers stored within the package. The lid itself defines a hollow chamber providing a reservoir for receiving the flow of liquid from the individual containers.

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 beverage dispensing apparatus for obtaining a beverage from a normally-sealed beverage dispensing package carrying a locating projection for cooperation with an aqueous medium injector. The package is typically a sachet having, as the locating projection, a nozzle sealed in one edge seam. The sachet is loaded into the open door of the machine with the sachet at least partially-supported on the door by cooperation of its nozzle with a sachet support member. The door is closed and the sachet is transferred to a water-introduction station where a hollow injector and the nozzle are moved into engagement. Water is introduced into the sachet from reservoir, mixes with the contents of the sachet and leaves through an opening made in the base of the sachet to be collected in a container. The spent sachet is then discarded to a waste sachet disposal area.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprised of a removable storage container incorporating an expandable bag which can be opened to the atmosphere to allow withdrawal of beverage from the container through a dispensing and cooling assembly with minimal exposure to air.

Abstract: A device for administering medicaments to patients comprises a housing containing a cylindrical chamber. A support is arranged inside the chamber to support a carrier, such as a blister pack. The blister pack has a plurality of containers or blisters arranged in a circle. When a blister pack is located on the support its blisters are located in holes in the support member. A plunger is arranged to enter the chamber through a hole to engage and open a blister registered with it. When the blister is opened, medicament can be withdrawn by a patient inhaling through a mouthpiece. An external member is provided to rotate the support member to register the blister with the plunger in turn. Air can conveniently enter the chamber through a hole in a cover which is removable to permit blister packs to be loaded into the chamber onto the support member.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing system is disclosed which comprises a syrup dispenser provided with a rupturable membrane which seals the discharge end thereof and a vent with a vent cap on the opposite end thereof. An opening device is provided comprising a cylindrical piercing knife and a socket for receiving the membrane seal end of the syrup container. Due to the unique structure of the opening device, the rupturable membrane is effectively pierced and displaced upon insertion thereof into the socket, thus providing unobstructed continuous flow of the syrup from the container into an associated valve body.