Fluid flow connector, fluid pressure mechanism and product tank lid for

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. The position of the moveable end wall (34) is an indication of the state (empty, full) of the bag (1). Also provided is a lid for a product tank including an upper face (301), a lower face (302) and a plurality of sides (300), the sides (300) being concave and the intersection of the sides (300) defining a corner of the lid, each corner being provided with a hook-shaped ring (303) which defines a slot (304) into which studs on the product tank can be received.