Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.

Abstract: A grip accessory, especially for a writing instrucment such as for a convention pencil or pen, a cosmetics pencil or applicator, a medical instrument, or the like. The device has a core with a bore made from a material that slides relatively easily over the instrument, an aperture in the core, and an elastomeric sheath with protrusions that extend through the aperture and into the bore. The protrusions provide resistance to the sliding fo the instrument through the bore when the instrument's outer surface engages the protrusions, thereby keeping the grip accessory in place but allowing the accessory to be place on and removed from the elongate instrument.

Abstract: Method for producing parcels consisting of sheet metal pieces, wherein the sheet metal pieces are arranged next to each other and assembled with each other into a parcel. Basically, bent sheet metal piece segments of a circumferential length that corresponds to an angle &agr;=360°/n are created through a stamping process, with n corresponding to a positive integer and being larger or equal to two, with n of these sheet metal piece segments being arranged in one plane to a sheet metal piece. The sheet metal pieces that have been arranged next to each other are connected with at least one fastener and/or welded together.

Abstract: Device for automatically closing the plungers of the plunger-type dispensing taps of machines for dispensing ice cream, crushed ice drinks or the like. At the end of each plunger is a push rod pushed into permanent contact with the end of the plunger by a spring, this spring being loaded by the raising of the plunger by hand, so that when the lever is released, this spring, acting through the push rod, automatically pushes the plunger down to block the dispensing of the dispensed product.

Abstract: A new beverage dispensing system for permitting an uninterrupted flow of a beverage when a beverage container is low on, or runs out of, a beverage. The inventive device includes first and second beverage containers and a dispenser connected to the containers. A system of valves control the flow of beverages from the containers to the dispenser, and manually actuated switches are used to control the valves. A float type of sensor is situated inside each of the beverage containers for sensing the amount of beverage remaining within the containers, and the sensors actuate a signal system for signaling when the amount of beverage remaining within the container reaches a predetermined level. The system is configured such that the beverage in the first container is initially dispensed from the dispenser. When the sensor within the first container senses that the beverage is almost gone, the signal system is actuated thus indicating this low, or empty, condition.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a first container (12) for containing a component C and a cavity (30) for receiving a separate cartridge (60). A first piston (34) is received in the container (12) and a second piston (78) is received in the cartridge (60). A blade (48) extends between the piston (34) and piston (78) for slicing the separate cartridge (60) as the pistons move so that the component C and a second component C1 in the separate cartridge (60) are expelled from the dispenser. A valve arrangement (100) can be coupled to an outlet (18) for the dispenser in order to dispense the components C and C1 and a flexible sleeve (50) may be arranged in the container (12) between a sidewall of the container (12) and the piston (34) for sealing any space between the piston (34) and the sidewall of the container (12).

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: A hot beverage dispensing machine is disclosed for dispensing a beverage from a concentrate. The dispensing machine includes a beverage concentrate container disposed in an inverted orientation within a refrigerated compartment. A first valve is associated with the container, the first valve permitting the flow of the concentrate from the container when the container is located within the refrigerated compartment in an inverted position. A receptacle having a receptacle output removably receives the inverted container. A first electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of the concentrate via the receptacle output to a mixer wherein the concentrate is mixed with hot water from a hot water tank. A second electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of hot water from the water tank to the mixer. A dispenser spout is disposed in fluid communication with the mixer with the spout being disposed remote from the hot water inlet.