Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and probes used to dispense flowable materials from a packaged source, such as a bag in box container. The probes are adapted to engage with one or more dispensing components, for example, spouts, faucets, caps, bags, boxes, or other dispensing components. The disclosure also provides methods of using the probe, including connecting the probe to one or more dispensing components, for example flip caps, and methods of dispensing the packaged flowable material.

Abstract: A reusable pour spout system that may be attached to different container types to dispense different substances, including course and fine granular materials and liquids. A port component has a proximal tubular end and a flange that is larger than the tubular end. The flange further includes a hole-cutting structure adapted to pierce the wall of a container, with a cutting edge adapted to form a hole in the container when the port component is rotated by a user after piercing. This positions the flange within the container with the tubular end exposed to receive a nut that traps the wall of the container between the nut and the flange. A cap is provided to seal off the port. The tubular end of the port component, the nut, and the cap may all be threaded. Different structures to enhance cutting and sealing are disclosed along with preferred method steps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover for a container for receiving enteral nutrition solutions, having a thread which can be brought into engagement with a mating thread of a container for receiving an enteral nutrition solution in order to cover an opening in the container for receiving the enteral nutrition solution, and having a connection piece for the connection of a hose line. An opening device having a first part connected to the cover in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner and having a second part which is permanently connected to the first part is arranged on an inner side of the cover. In a starting state of the opening device, the second part of the opening device is fixed to the first part of the opening device by a fixing element and, in an opening state of the device, is movable relative to the first part of the opening device.

Abstract: A food product valve for a container of a food product dispensing machine includes a body and a resiliently flexible member. The body defines a flow passage extending along a centerline, and includes a circumferentially continuous face for sealing contact with the container and an end portion that defines a seat. The resiliently flexible member is sealably disposed in the seat and includes a self-sealing piercing constructed and arranged to open for communication with the flow passage upon a force directed in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dispensing a liquid from within a flexible package. The apparatus includes a fitment and a piercing member. The fitment is secured to a wall of the flexible package and has a passageway extending through it and a screw-thread section. The piercing member has a passageway extending through it, a piercing tip, and a screw-thread section. The piercing member is configured for insertion in the passageway of the fitment, with the screw-thread sections engaging each other to cause the piercing tip to penetrate the package, whereupon the liquid within the package can flow into and through the piercing member.

Abstract: A tool and method for puncturing a lid of a vacuum sealed bottle to release the vacuum and allow easy opening. A point extends down from the tool, and force may be exerted against the tool by the palm or thumb of a user causing the point to penetrate the lid. The point preferably extends between 3/16 inches and 1/16 inches down from the handle, and more preferably about 3/16 inches. In some embodiments the tool is mushroom shaped having a wider round or oval upper portion for grasping and a narrower lower portion centered under the upper portion of the handle, the point extending down from the lower portion.

Abstract: A ribbed spike for use with dispensing a fluid, such a water, from a bag. The spike includes a plurality of ribs or undulations on its outer surface which can improve connection strength to a bag of fluid. Systems and methods for using such a spike in the dispensing of fluid in a variety of situations are also provided.

Abstract: A device (1) is proposed which consists of a pouring nozzle (2) with a cylindrical circumferential wall (20) and with an internal thread (21) and a terminal flange (22), into which an adapter (3) can be screwed. The adapter (3) has an inlet end (30) with an external thread (32) and an outlet end (31) with a conical tube attachment (35). At least one combined perforating and cutting tooth (34) is formed integrally on its lower edge in the screwing-on direction. In order to achieve as high a sealing force as possible between the tubular bag (4) and the adapter (3), a special seal is proposed. To this end, the cylindrical circumferential wall (20) above the terminal flange (22) is guided into a double-walled region. The outer region forms an obliquely outwardly directed conical supporting-wall region (24) and the inner double-walled region (23) is formed by a likewise slightly conically designed but inwardly directed sealing skirt (25).

Abstract: A container made of silicone resin is sufficiently compactable in a collapsed state. The container includes a tubular barrel portion, a bottom portion having a flat surface, a mouth portion having an opening, and a lid portion sealing the opening of the mouth portion, with at least the barrel portion and the bottom portion formed by molding. One end of a binder is attached to the mouth portion and can hold the rolled-up barrel portion and the bottom portion.

Abstract: A tip arrangement for a bottle used for dispensing viscous liquid, such as drops of medicine, is provided. Embodiments include a tip insert having an insert body and a piercing point at a lower end of the insert body, for piercing a top surface of the bottle and for retaining the tip insert on the top surface of the bottle after piercing. A passage extends from a distal end of the piercing point, through the insert body, to an opposing upper surface of the insert body. A dispensing tip at the insert body upper surface communicates with the passage for precisely forming drops of the liquid from the bottle.

Abstract: A package, a fitment and method for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The package includes a hollow body formed of a flexible material and a fitment secured thereto. The fitment includes an outer gland and a plunger and overlies a frangible penetration zone in the hollow body of the package. The outer gland includes a passageway extending through it. The plunger has a cylindrical wall defining a hollow interior and a free end disposed within the passageway of the gland. The plunger is arranged to be moved along the passageway, so that its free end penetrates through the penetration zone into the interior of the package to provide an exit port for the material. The free end of the plunger also serves to hold portions of the walls of the package away from the exit port to prevent blockage thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and distributing sauce is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mixing-pump device coupled a linear arm for distributing sauce over a rotating turntable. The turntable may include an improved gripping device for coupling to a pan. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce vat which couples to the mixing-pump device. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce cassette which couples to the mixing-pump device.

Abstract: Assemblies in accordance with the invention can lead to an exceptionally easy to use, safe, and convenient system and method of applying a fixed dosage of chemicals to which a user might wish to avoid contact, such as parasiticides. In the present invention, a fluid, such as a pesticide or parasiticide, glue, solvent, lubricant, medicament and the like is loaded into a fluid reservoir and the reservoir sealed. The reservoir can be attached to a cap-applicator structure which is in an inactive configuration. In the inactive configuration, a piercing tip remains poised over the reservoir in an inactive configuration without forming an opening in the reservoir. The cap-applicator can have a sharp intsernal piercing tip capable of piercing the reservoir when the assembly is converted into an active configuration. This will allow the user to dispense the liquid out of the reservoir through the applicator.

Abstract: A tip arrangement for a bottle used for dispensing viscous liquid, such as drops of medicine, is provided. Embodiments include a tip insert having an insert body and a piercing point at a lower end of the insert body, for piercing a top surface of the bottle and for retaining the tip insert on the top surface of the bottle after piercing. A passage extends from a distal end of the piercing point, through the insert body, to an opposing upper surface of the insert body. A dispensing tip at the insert body upper surface communicates with the passage for precisely forming drops of the liquid from the bottle.

Abstract: A bag for placing in a cylindrical or barrel-shaped container includes front and rear panels (11, 12) between which side panels (13, 14) folded double are positioned. The base of the bag runs to a point along edges (17, 18). When the bag is unfolded this is able to come into contact with the inside wall of a cylindrical or barrel-shaped container having a round base and neck without significant stresses. As a result high material stresses are avoided and the barrier properties of the bag are retained. The front and rear panels (11, 12) can be joined to one another by breakable fastening lips (22, 23).

Abstract: The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices are avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pierce fitting or member for penetrating a container to access the interior of the container. The pierce fitting is configured to cut a flap through the surface of the container. In one embodiment, a device for penetrating a container to access an interior of the container comprises a pierce member including an external surface and an internal surface forming a hollow interior extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a slanted surface with a pierce leading edge on a first side between the external surface and the internal surface. The external surface expands outwardly in a region proximal of the distal end in a direction toward the proximal end except on a second side opposite from the first side.

Abstract: The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle or the like. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices is avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.

Abstract: A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include forming, in an injection molding machine, an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member. The upper member has a fluid channel defined therethrough; and forms, in an injection molding machine, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough. The base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The method can further include forming, in an injection molding machine, a stem member designed and dimensioned to be disposed in part within the base fluid channel. The stem member has an actuation portion extending through a spring element. The stem member has a top portion having a lower surface.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-sealing dispensing tap for use on flexible packages. The tap includes a piercing end configured for piercing the wall of a flexible container, and a flexible member that rides along the tap as it is inserted into the container and expands once installed so as to prevent its withdrawal from the container. A clamping device is provided on the outside of the container which draws the flexible member against the interior wall of the container so as to provide a barrier preventing product within the container, bacteria, or oxygen from inadvertently passing between the interior and exterior of the container.

Abstract: A plastic film fluid storage bag and dispensing spike assembly and method wherein the spike punctures the film and forms a fluid tight seal with the film surrounding a hole formed by the puncture. The film has no separate port structure for dispensing its contents. The spike may include a bulbous body with a sharpened tip at one end, an enlarged central portion, and a reduced diameter portion at its opposite end, adjacent a radially extending skirt. When seated, a seal is created around the smaller diameter portion of the body and against the skirt. The spike may alternatively include a cylindrical body with a slightly rounded point at one end and a radially extending skirt intermediate its ends. Finally, the cylindrical body spike may be used without a skirt. In all cases, a fluid passage extends through the body.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a container for holding a liquid, a tap, a device for simultaneously puncturing the container and securing the tap to the container and a device for regulating the dispersement of the liquid from the container. Also provided is a method of irrigation comprising the steps of attaching at least a portion of a spike to a tap thus forming a tap and spike assembly, puncturing a container for holding a liquid with the tap and spike assembly and simultaneously securing the tap to the container wherein the spike automatically dislodges from the tap and falls into the container, and dispersing the liquid from the container to a desired irrigation area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package having a flexible wall and containing liquid products. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the package and a coupling therefor. A perforation means (6) for making a hole in the flexible wall (3) is provided not to make a hole in said wall when an inner and an outer coupling device (4, 5) are interconnected but make a hole (7) in the flexible wall (3) after said interconnection of the inner and outer coupling devices (4, 5).

Abstract: A rigid container for liquids having an integrated dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser adapted to be received within an opening formed in the bottom of the container. The dispenser has a body which includes first and second flanges extending away from the body. These flanges define an annular outer recess therebetween which is adapted to receive a portion of said container wall. The dispenser body is supported within the container bottom opening such that the outer flange abuts an outer surface of the container wall and the inner flange abuts an inner surface of the wall. The dispenser also includes a thin, breakable membrane which extends across a recess formed in an inner portion of the dispenser body. The breakable membrane initially seals the container opening when the dispenser is positioned in the container wall. The breakable membrane is broken when a dispensing key is inserted within the dispenser inner recess. The breakable membrane may include a ring located adjacent its outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: In a water bottle of the type for inverted insertion to a water cooler, the water bottle having a bottle body, a bottle neck terminating in a bottle opening, a cap assembly overlying and sealing the opening, an improvement to the cap assembly is disclosed. The cap body attaches the cap body to the water bottle at the neck overlying the opening. Two portions of the cap are present. A first cap portion includes a membrane attached to the cap body and sealing the bottle opening. A second cap portion has an exposed exterior top overlying the bottle opening and includes an interior surface exposed to the bottle opening. This second cap portion at the interior surface exposed to the bottle opening is moveable to a first short interval towards the membrane and to a second long interval away from the first cap portion at the membrane.

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 no drip pour spout including a tapering tubular spout having a lid piercing member affixed to a larger end thereof using a perforated interface member wherein the interface member has a liquid collection lip arranged to gather liquid which ordinarily would drip from the container. The liquid collection lip is drained by a liquid recovery conduit which is connected to the smaller end of the tapering tubular spout. Liquid which would ordinarily drip from the container is forceably removed from the liquid collection lip by slight suction created by liquid flow through the tapering tubular spout and by gravity. An alternate embodiment includes a provision for use with threaded cover bottle type liquid containers.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container is provided with an overcap and a metamorphic spike carried therein for piercing a membrane on the container. The metamorphic spike is hollow and provides a liner that defines a controlled dispensing passageway. The spike pierces the membrane and is retained within the membrane after the overcap is removed so as to provide a controlled dispensing orifice for the container. The overcap can be reapplied to the container to seal the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A tube device for emptying powdery substance from a container in which an air connection pipe is arranged. The air exit opening of the air connection pipe is located coaxially to the tube in the direction of the interior of the tube. The opening of the tube is cut open on a slant to form an angle of less than 90.degree. with the horizontal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A sealing member inside the bag and a withdrawing member outside the bag can be interplugged and cooperate by complimentary conical sealing surfaces to dispense flowable material from the bag. A retaining member is attached to the outer side of the bag wall and clamps a portion of the bag wall between the retaining member and the sealing member to allow a plastic deformation of that portion by the withdrawing member until it ruptures.

Abstract: A disposable spray dispensing assembly for liquid materials includes a container comprising an aerosol can, and a spray head initially detached from the container. A cap closes an opening of the can and has a coined cover portion which may be ruptured by impact force to present a hole for reception of a dip tube of the spray head. A resilient, deflectable leg has a groove which locks with the cap when the dip tube is inserted into the container, and thereby provides a non-releasable coupling to secure the spray head to the container in captive fashion.

Abstract: A disposable spray dispensing assembly for liquid materials includes a container comprising an aerosol can, and a spray head initially detached from the container. A cap closes an opening of the can and has a coined cover portion which may be ruptured by impact force to present a hole for reception of a dip tube of the spray head. A resilient, deflectable leg has a groove which locks with the cap when the dip tube is inserted into the container, and thereby provides a non-releasable coupling to secure the spray head to the container in captive fashion.

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: Opening-closing device for a bag of flexible synthetic material obtained from a material in the form of a film, of the type comprising a threaded drum which is attached to a wall of the said bag and interacts with a stopper capable of being screwed onto the said drum and comprising teeth making it possible to cut out the wall in the region of the central orifice of the drum to permit the opening of the said bag, characterized in that it comprises a means which is integral with the drum (2) and/or the stopper (1) and makes it possible to protect the opposite wall of the bag against the teeth (5) of the said stopper.According to an alternative form, the shoulder (7) of the drum (2) comprises a substantially cylindrical collar (8) dimensioned in such a way that the ends of the teeth cannot exceed its edge (9).

Abstract: A tap for aseptic packages of the type which contain solutions and, in particular, solutions for medical applications. The type has a body, a packaging penetrating tip extending from the body, a liquid passageway extending from the tip and through the body for dispensing liquid from the package and a fluid passageway extending from the tip and through the body for admitting make-up air to the package interior. A cylindrical member of resilient material is positioned between the tap body and its penetrating tip and is insertable through the package wall in trailing relation to the tip. The resilient member is selectively compressed along its cylindrical axis to expand within the package and engage the wall to seal the orifice formed by the tip on penetration of the package wall and to secure the tap to the package.

Abstract: There is proposed a volumetric control device acting on a liquid, a gas or an emulsion and comprising a rotary body arranged within a housing having openings. The rotary body is axially displaceable. The regulation of the volume results on one hand from the rotation speed of the body respectively of that of the housing and on the other hand from the axial displacement of the rotary body. Within a given time, according to the rotation speed, a different quantity will be metered and according to the axial position a different opening volume is used for the metering.

Abstract: An infusion pump has a removable reservoir including a piston and drive member. The drive member is an internally threaded elongated portion of the piston. A motor rotates a short drive screw, which engages the threads of the drive member to displace the piston in the reservoir. In one embodiment the piston is attached to the drive member by a severable central stem which breaks away to allow engagement with the drive screw. With the stem severed, the piston cannot be retracted, or the reservoir refilled. Other safety features are shown for locking the displaced piston in the reservoir. A digital metering system has a safety circuit to prevent dangerous failure modes of the rotation sensor and motor drive systems.

Abstract: A dispenser and method for using the dispenser to transport pourable materials. A dispenser is imbedded into a container wall and manipulated so as to seal the dispenser to the container. Pourable material may then be transported through the container wall via the dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid supply system has a plastics bag reservoir into which the other parts of the system may be packed. The other parts of the system include a flow pipe, a connector to connect the pipe to a wall of the reservoir and fluid supply outlet drip-valves. The connector may be in two or three parts and may be arranged to puncture a hole in the reservoir wall and grip the wall as the parts of the connector are interengaged. Each drip-valve is adjustable to vary the amount of fluid supplied from the reservoir to a grow-bag.

Abstract: A molded plastic container comprises an outer container having a first end wall portion. A tubular member extends from end to end through the interior of the container. The end wall portion defines a first annular area of weakness, the tubular member communicating with the end wall adjacent the first annular area of weakness. The user may apply longitudinal pressure on the end of the tubular member opposite to the end wall to rupture the first annular area and to permit the tubular member to slidingly advance out of the container interior through the ruptured area of the end wall, to serve as a pouring spout.

Abstract: A dispenser for penetrating a container and dispensing flowable material from the container comprising an elongated penetrator having a puncturing end portion and an inner end portion remote from the puncturing end portion, a cap and a neck for attaching the penetrator to the cap. The dispenser has ramp surfaces projecting laterally outwardly of the penetrator and generally facing the cap. A passage extends through the dispenser.

Abstract: A filling-dispensing closure for a bag-like container including a neck member and a closure member telescopically related thereto, the closure member having a frangible diaphragm adapted to be ruptured by a dispensing tap.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for a bulk container of the type having a rigid outer box with a sealable flexible plastic inner bag. The dispenser includes a tubular sleeve having a flange that is heat-sealed to the outer surface of the plastic bag and a tubular turncock having a pointed inner end for piercing the bag of fluid. Extending from the tubular surface of the turncock barrel are keys that engage keyways in the bore of the tubular sleeve that both restrict longitudinal movement of the turncock to prevent removal or bag-piercing during storage and shipping and also, after the turncock is fully inserted to pierce the bag, restricts rotational movement of the turncock to prevent accidental removal and possible leakage. A second embodiment of the invention replaces the turncock with a conduit having the keys and the pointed tip, but with a tube fitting at the opposite end for dispensing the fluid at a remote valve or pump.