PROCESSES

The specification discloses a closed system for cleaning, pressure testing, and drying fire extinguisher containers. The system comprises two tanks for holding trichloroethane and flow lines and a valve control system for flowing the liquid from one tank into the container to be cleaned, pressure tested,...     

A machine for filling bodies having elongated cavities such as culture medium paddles has a ring for supporting a plurality of bodies, means to continuously rotate the ring, filling means to deliver a liquid culture medium to a cavity on one side of the body, means to turn the body over to expose a second...     

In successive aligned groups, flower pots are gravity filled with earth in slight excess, the top compacted and leveled and a conical hole drilled in each to receive a plant, each successive operation being simultaneously carried out for the several pots in each group. To carry out this method a machine...     

A method and means is provided, which permits the transfer of fluids between separate detached containers, in a manner which preserves the sterility of the fluids during and after their transfer.

An activity metering apparatus for metering predetermined activities of radioactive gas from a supply ampul to dose vials. The apparatus includes a shielded ampul housing, a fine metering valve communicating with the ampul housing chamber, a shielded vial housing and a hypodermic needle communicating...     

A method of deploying a floating bag for observing marine life in a natural but controlled environment. The water level in the bag is slightly higher than the level of the water in the bag to maintain turgidity and stabilize the deployed bag. Also, the bag can easily be filled with water, substantially...     

A filling machine which in its original construction includes a first number of filling units and which is adapted to be converted into a filling machine with a second number of filling units greater than the first number; to that end the actuating drives of two filling units on the same side of the...     

Antibiotic liquids of different concentrations are dispensed to wells of a multi-well tray through an array of nozzles connected to an array of perstaltic pumps operated to supply predetermined quantities of the liquids in co-ordination with upward movement of a support for the multi-well tray from a...     

A multiplicity of vials containing the same vaccine or medicament are connected together in series and a pressure source is connected to the first vial to apply above ambient pressure to it and to the remaining vials, the last vial in the series being used by medical personnel to fill syringes.

Fluid is transferred from a reservoir to a tank by means of a pump which pumps fluid through a conduit communicating with the tank and separably coupled to the reservoir. Operation of the pump is governed by a control mechanism that is operable to enable and disable operation of the pump. The control...     

A charge forming and depositing machine part particularly for sticky semi-liquid material including a rocking valve having sharp edges disposed between a supply hopper and a charge-measuring expansible chamber, a charge receiving cylinder having a port communicating with the chamber and controlled by...     

An apparatus for wiping the tip of a sample dispensing tube. The apparatus includes means such as a pair of arms for locating the tip portion of a dip tube and for guiding the tube for movement between a first operative position in which the tube aspirates a charge of liquid from a sample container and...     

A toxic liquid is transferred from a closed shipping container to a dispensing tank without contamination of the operator or the ambient environment by placing the container in a sealed chamber and forcing a container puncturing probe through the interior of the chamber and entirely through the closed...     

A device for filling test containers with drops of fluid under test with the containers arranged in rows and columns while permitting automatic movement of the drop discharge device to preselected coordinate positions. The center to center distance between adjacent containers may vary from row to row....     

Corrosive chemicals are contained in metallic vessels, the inside portion of which is coated with a homogeneous, porous polymer containing inorganic filler. The particle size, shape and distribution provides a controlled porosity which allows entrapped permeants from the corrosive chemical to escape,...     

An apparatus and method are described which facilitates the filling of mushroom beds with compost and the covering of a composted and spawned mushroom bed with casing soil. A hopper means adapted to be affixed temporarily to one end of a mushroom bed is provided with means for delivering compost and...     

An apparatus has means for containing a level of flowable hardenable material therein, and means is selectively operable for carrying a predetermined amount of the hardenable material from the level thereof in the containing means to a preselected position beyond the level of the remaining hardenable...     

Method for sterilizing soft contact lenses and the like using methoxymethane while the lenses are in a liquid-wetted state. Methoxymethane on the water-wet surface for a sufficient time kills the microorganisms (bacteria, molds and yeasts) that invade and are entrapped in the pores and irregular surfaces...     

A vapor-recovery system in which a coaxial vapor-recovery fuel dispensing nozzle cooperates with portions of the vehicle fuel receiving and storage system to prevent the escape of vapors into the atmosphere during refueling. The fuel-dispensing nozzle comprises a rigid, tubular vapor-recovery member...     

A diaphragm valve housing has a flexible diaphragm positioned to permit access of at least two of three channels passing within said valve housing to one side of said diaphragm, through channel ports, to allow fluid flow between the channels. A control vent opens to a second side of said diaphragm to...     

The combination of an automated hematology analyzer (21) with an input device (20) enabling closed transfer of blood to said analyzer to a sealed specimen container having a perforable closure, and the input device itself.

The device comprises a flexible, expandable hose which has a coupling at one end for mating with the toner hopper of either of a photocopy machine or a computer print-out machine, the other end of the hose having a coupling for mating with the neck of the toner canister so that toner may be loaded from...     

The present invention is concerned with manufacturing board from a fluid evolutive product, such as a plaster and water mixture. The process comprises pouring upon a conveyor a fluid evolutive product, such as a plaster and water mixture, contained in storage above the conveyor, through a transverse,...     

An automatic tumble dumper for automatically removing the electrolyte from lead-acid storage batteries and particularly batteries intended for automotive use is disclosed. The device comprises carrier means adapted to transport the batteries through the system. Once the batteries are inside the unit,...     

An improved dispenser for cosmetic stick solids such as deodorants constructed to be filled in either normal or inverted position. This dispenser is cylindrical having walls of substantially uniform diameter, an open top, and substantially closed bottom. The dispenser is constructed so that the dispensing...     

A method of applying an insecticide, the insecticide containing a mixture of powdered boric acid, denatonium benzoate or sucrose octa-acetate, magnesium stearate, silica gel or triacalcium phosphate and a non-white powdered pigment.

A sealant nozzle for applying sealant to the countersink surface of a drilled countersunk hole, the nozzle configuration including a circumferential groove on a conical surface for depositing the sealant in a confined region within the countersink, and a pilot portion for insertion into a bore associated...     

A container filling system and method is disclosed which includes a filling valve which receives a product through an inlet port in the side of a vertically movable cylinder having a vertically moving plunger therein that opens and closes the port. While the port is open and product is metered into the...     

An electrolytic battery which has become inoperative due to corrosion shorting the plates of the battery is inverted to remove all of the battery acid. The battery is then disposed over an apparatus comprising a plurality of jets which dispense a cleaning solution into the individual battery cells for...     

A hand-held pulverizer has a grinding section and a flat, detachable collecting plate into which pulverized material falls as it is ground. The pulverized material may be transferred from the collecting plate to a relatively small jar by attaching the broad end of a funnel-like device to the collecting...     

An arrangement for sampling a liquid by a closed procedure which includes penetrating the closure (34) of a container (33) of liquid by a needle (62) having a bore (68), a solid point (63), and a radial passage (66) near the point of communication with the bore, the needle including a space (67) extending...     

A bottled particulate detergent is of certain particle sizes, bulk density and flowability and is contained in a necked bottle in which the neck opening is sufficiently small as to allow ready sealing with screw caps conventionally employed to close bottles while also allowing pouring from the bottle...     

Apparatus for applying a radiant beam against an opaque diaphragm (18) to melt an aperture in the diaphragm (18). Bracket means (12) are provided for positioning the diaphragm (18) at a predetermined position, along with a source of the radiant beam (20) and electric circuit means (21) for activating...     

In a foam dispensing head for discharging foam in a low pressure system there is provided at least first and second orifice rods rotatably insertable within receiving bores cooperative respectively with adjacent first and second mix component infeed ports, each rod having a plurality of predetermined...     

A high-speed rotary filling machine, for filling containers with carbonated beverages or other flowable substances, has a turret (38) mounted on a horizontal axis (31). The containers (30) are carried in radially-extending positions around the circumference of the turret, open ends facing inwards, and...     

A method and apparatus for dispensing plastic material from an extruder into a container; "plastic material" being a material sufficiently viscous to enable dispensation by severing, for example ice-cream, grease, margine or the like. The plastic material is extruded through an extruder opening having...     

An apparatus for increasing the solids to fluids ratio of a slurry is constructed from a chamber which has a substantially circular cross section with a high pressure slurry inlet mounted through said chamber wall with the axis of the inlet normal to a diameter of the chamber. A high pressure slurry...     

A portioning machine and a method for filling containers with food material is disclosed. The machine is particularly useful for meat products which are packed in plastic containers having a lip or edge, and prevents the food particles remaining on this lip and hence interfering with the sealing of the...     

A food product fill pump apparatus and method are disclosed which greatly facilitate accurate and efficient sequential filling of containers with food product which is flowable in nature. The fill pump is adapted for use with associated packaging machinery for placing predetermined quantities of food...     

Apparatus for selectively mixing two components such as a powder and a liquid in a quick and efficient manner. The apparatus includes a compressible chamber with a liquid component therein, the compressible chamber including gas-trapping and reservoir compartments in open communication. Included is an...     

The invention presented herein demonstrates an apparatus and method whereby selected containers can be filled with a precise amount of a desired liquid in rapid fashion. The displacement rod of the liquid reservoir is adjusted to insure that the container is charged with the exact amount of liquid required.

The present invention provides an economical quick and accurate method and apparatus for transferring and monitoring a preselected amount of fluid from a fluid source container to a receiving container. The method and apparatus monitors the flow rate of the fluid to be transferred by measuring the weight...     

Apparatus and method are disclosed for purging a vehicle tank compartment to permit access for repair, or maintenance without environmental pollution or hazard to workmen entering the tank. In accordance with the invention an elongated cylindrical storage tank is tilted about its horizontal axis, to...     

A coupler adaptor is provided for use in operative association with a container and a valve. The container houses relatively high pressurized carbon dioxide gas for use in carbonating a beverage. The valve is actuated in order to release the gas to an interface passage formed in the coupler adaptor....     

An oil change aid device having a concave collection receptacle formed from a thin circular plastic sheet which is attached to and supported by a heavier plastic strip bent into a cylinder. A slot in the cylinder provides a hand hold to permit readily holding the device in one hand. This device is held...     

Sterile urine specimen collection is achieved by collecting the initial or forestream portion of a void in a chamber and then directing the midstream overflow into a specimen container in which the chamber is partially disposed. Overflow from the specimen container is drained to ambient or to an overflow...     

A method and apparatus for providing a compound (22) in each of the cell spaces of a multicell battery case (10). The compound comprises a bituminous material delivered to a plurality of the cell spaces concurrently through a plurality of nozzles (25) of a dispensing head (24). The battery case (10)...     

Apparatus is described which is adapted for draining fluid from containers and into a collection vessel. The containers to be drained, and the collection vessel, are supported and retained by the apparatus.

Vehicular tires, mounted on wheel rims, are more safely inflated in rugged box enclosing entire tire-and-wheel-rim assembly, using inflating line that penetrates through wall of box, with pressure gauge visible from outside of box. Interlocks can be provided to help assure that box must be closed before...     

A self-cleaning system and method for dispersing aggregates in a fluid medium is provided. The system is comprised of first and second members operatively associated to form an internal chamber and having an inlet to the chamber for admitting the fluid to be treated. At least one of the members is biased...     

An apparatus for automatically weighing out articles of a type having an apparent specific gravity which is not constant includes means for weighing out the articles into a batch having a target weight, means for filling a constant volume with the weighed out batch of articles, a pressure sensor for...     

Two different type toners are packaged in a cartridge having reversible parts. Reversal of the parts, as the two different toners are packaged, insures use of the correct toner in the correct one of two different electrophotographic reproduction devices.

An adhesive filler apparatus is disclosed comprising an injector and a support portion, the injector comprising a pressure buffer tube made of elastic material and a check valve adjacent one end of the pressure buffer tube, the support portion comprising a base member and a projection. The adhesive filler...     

The invention comprises a turret type container-filling machine in which the containers are advanced to and from filling position by a continuous belt and in which the containers are metered into filling position by a pair of parallel screws shaped to engage and hold the container while the filling spout...     

An item is placed into a relatively close fitting pliant bag by first turning the bag inside out over a horizontal ring mounted over a work surface on at least one upright support leg. Desirably, at least half of the peripheral extent of the ring is unsupported to facilitate pulling the bag over the...     

An apparatus and a method is presented for filling containers with liquids whereby one operator can quickly fill a number of containers uniformly in a fast and efficient manner. An adjustable electronic counter in communication with a programmable controller determines the amount of liquid which is directed...     

A self-service beverage dispenser which includes a cabinet, a plurality of dispensing heads mounted in upper portion of the cabinet and a support for bottles to receive the beverages that are dispensed from the dispensing heads. The support for the bottles includes a trough carried by the cabinet beneath...     

A narrow, modular automatic beverage dispensing assembly to be attached to an existing ice dispensing beverage dispenser, to provide automatic beverage dispensing capability. The modular assembly includes two separate subassemblies; the first subassembly includes an automatic cup dropper, and the second...     

A hydraulic control apparatus, more particularly for operating a motor vehicle clutch release mechanism, comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of separate modular units which are separately filled...     

Disclosed are method and apparatus for determining and assuring correct fill weight of containers. In one embodiment electro-optical weigh cells are employed in conjunction with weigh dump receptacles. A second embodiment discloses addition of a second container weighing operation with addition of optional...     

An improved nozzle apparatus and method for automatic engagement with a bottom inlet. The apparatus is characterized by a frame and an upwardly-facing nozzle member carried by the frame and horizontally movable thereon into a position of vertical alignment with the inlet. In preferred embodiments, a...     

This invention relates to methods for discharging particulate solids, especially hazardous or toxic materials and contaminants of the atmosphere, from bulk shipping containers, such as bulk-bags, at controlled discharge rates, in an environmentally acceptable manner which eliminates exposure of the environment...     

A waterbed filling unit has an outer sleeve which can be inserted into a waterbed filler neck and also coupled to a water supply or drain. An inner sleeve may be pressed into the outer sleeve to create watertight seals between the water supply or drain and the filler neck.

An improved below-ground apparatus and method for fueling a vehicle through an inlet on a exposed tank bottom. The apparatus is characterized by a frame carrying an upwardly-facing nozzle, a lift to move the frame and the nozzle from a fully-retracted to an intermediate position and from the intermediate...     

An implantable medication infusion device (10) includes a pump (34) that provides medication at below atmospheric pressure from a reservoir (32) to a catheter (12) in response to a controller (44). The infusion device (10) includes a septum fitting (14) having a septum (66) and a poppet (84) that is...     

Method of inflating tires wherein the tires are inflated to a bead seat pressure and thereafter the pressure is reduced without deflating the tires through the valve.

Drum filling apparatus and method enabling liquid to be introduced into a container automatically. The apparatus includes a filling lance and a mechanism for gradually raising the filling lance to ensure that only a relatively small portion of the lance remains submerged in the liquid. The apparatus...     

A recording instrument comprises a recording device for recording with an ink, an ink storage container and an ink supplying system for supplying ink from the ink storage container to the recording device characterized in that the ink supplying system has a liquid contacting surface comprising at least...     

A restrictor adapted to replace missing restrictors of fill pipes of automobile fuel tanks. A containment ring with a reduced center opening (large enough for unleaded fuel nozzles and too small for leaded fuel nozzles) and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fill pipe. A spring...     

Apparatus and method for filling a container with a liquid. Apparatus includes a filling lance for introducing liquid into a container and a bung engaging tool assembly for removing the bung cap from the container prior to filling operations and for replacing the bung cap into the container after filling...     

A system for loading predetermined amounts of flowable bulk materials, such as a coal, from a storage area into a conveyance such as a railroad car includes a conveyor for transporting material from the storage area. The conveyor is driven by an adjustable speed drive system while a belt scale provides...     

A system for plugging a conduit wherein a container containing a foaming agent and having a pull tab and opening is placed within the conduit interior with the pull tab positioned between a barrier element and the conduit so that pulling of the tab extrudes the container's contents within the conduit.

A filling and weighing system and method for particulate matter in which the particulate matter in powder form is electrically charged and electrically directed to a container on a weight-frequency sensitive balance. The frequency shift of the balance is a measure of the weight of the powder in the container...     

Wet pulverulent materials are loaded into shipping containers around generally vertical, elongated spacers which create elongated cavities, and thereafter unloaded by showering a solvent through the cavities.

An automatic overfill prevention system for gravity filling of an underground liquid storage tank from a tank truck fill line provides a venturi in the fill line creating a partial vacuum which is vented from the liquid storage tank through a vent line until the liquid in the storage tank rises to a...     

A device for controllably retaining liquid in and releasing liquid from a squeeze deflectable hollow container having a tubular neck defining a rim, about a mouth defined by the neck, incorporates a seal strip bonded to the rim about the mouth to extend over the mouth and block discharge of liquid from...     

A storage tank system for storing fluids in an environmentally safe container which includes a rigid external primary tank having a flexible protective secondary inner tank positioned within the tank and drawn, by negative pressure, into contact with the internal walls of the rigid external tank. A continuous...     

A system for preventing the accidental addition of automotive diesel fuel to the fuel tank of a gasoline fuelled vehicle at retail filling stations. The vapor pressure in the tank to be filled is measured by sensors and the difference in vapor pressure between gasoline and diesel fuels is used to give...     

A system for automatically filling a bubbler, or other vapor delivery system from a reservoir, is disclosed in which the conduit system is purged and pressurized with inert gas, using a unique refill reservoir, level sensing and valving system.

A vehicle automatic fueling assembly having an automatic teller-type control command center which is energized by insertion of money or credit card by the vehicle driver from within the vehicle to select and pay for the amount of fuel desired. A computer control assembly is provided in operative command...     

An oil nozzle allows for oil to be poured into an engine without the spillage and waste commonly accompanying oil pouring from conventional threaded containers. By use of the tightening member a threaded oil container is attached to the oil nozzle in its closed position and positioned on top of an oil...     

A method for pressurizing an aqueous liquid and delivering the liquid into a serving vessel while undergoing a pressure reduction wherein a large but not excessive head is formed on the liquid in the vessel by use of pressurizing gas consisting essentially of from 32 to 70 volume percent carbon dioxide...     

A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the...     

A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the cell by...     

An intake system comprising a conduit with a valve means which permits only passage of air in one direction overcomes liquid solidification problems associated with transporting liquid sulfur so long as the length of the conduit is sufficient that the free end within the container is below the surface...     

Method and apparatus for automatically pipetting reagents which avoid contamination of the reagents. The reagents are withdrawn from a reagent bottle via a pipette tip which is unique to a particular reagent. The pipette tip is moved to a cuvette where the reagent is dispensed and then returned to rest...     

A carbon dioxide fill manifold which is designed to provide an end-user with an uninterrupted supply of carbon dioxide gas, while at the same time eliminating the necessity of transporting individual, conventional pressurized bottles to be refilled. The carbon dioxide fill manifold includes a fill line...     

A dosing apparatus for packaging containers comprises a dosing device including a housing, a wall within the housing and reciprocable to draw in and expel a substance through an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of the housing, a rotary stepping motor which drives the wall, and a screw device which...     

A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the...     

An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying...     

A system for administering acid to a clogged drain, and the method of using the system. The system includes a coupling to which a container of the acid can be threadedly secured. The coupling includes a piercing nipple, which penetrates a seal on the acid bottle. The nipple is hollow, and the acid passes...     

An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying...     

An automatic weight sorter used with a rotary container filling machine for sorting filled containers by weight. The filling machine has a rotary platform with a plurality of filling stations in which the containers, such as bottles, are supported for filling liquid product dispensed through a filling...     

A sterilizing method is provided for use with a container filling machine having components defining passages through which a fluid product flows. In one method aspect, sterilizing steam is passed through the components unitl the components have been sterilized. As the system cools and the steam condenses,...     

A method of dispensing at a tap an effervescent liquid from a keg-like supply comprises the steps of generally continuously monitoring the weight of the supply and generating an output corresponding thereto, collecting at the tap the liquid that overflows from a vessel into which it is being dispensed,...     

A safety gas and liquid containment unit is provided with sealing for retaining the hazardous gas therein until treated. The containment unit can be placed on a transport carrier and rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position thereon. The gas cylinder may be brought to the containment...     

An automatic beverage dispensing system for use with a plurality of remote point of sale units with order entry keyboards, each having selector buttons for different flavors and cup sizes, the dispenser including an automatic cup dropper, an automatic ice dispenser, a transverse conveyor system for conveying...     

A device for accurately transferring fluids from a plurality of source containers to a receiving container including a removable transfer set providing fluid communication between the source containers and the receiving container, means for measuring a quantity of transferred fluid, a monitor that determines...     

Apparatus for aseptically transferring material between enclosures. Apparatus for transferring the material includes a fluid receiver assembly (12) comprising an adapter (24), and a fitting (93) mounted in the adapter (24). The fitting has a plurality of needle guide channels (86) leading from the outside...     

A system for forming a barrier in a passageway wherein at least one container having a permeable outer wall and containing a particulate hydrophilic material is brought into engagement with liquid, positioned in the passageway, and subjected to pressure to force some of the moistened particulate hydrophilic...