Abstract: A bifurcated stem foam pump for use in foam dispensers. An air compressor portion of the bifurcated pump is attached to and maintained as a portion of the dispenser housing. A portion of the pump for transferring liquid and including a portion for generating foam is sealingly attached to and provided as a portion of a replaceable liquid-containing cartridge in the foam dispenser. The two portions mate and form a completed pump assembly operative for generating foam from the liquid of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the dispenser housing and the two pump portions are mated. The air compressor portion includes a collar having an air piston reciprocatingly received therein. The collar is attached to the dispenser housing. A collar receiving a hollow stem pump is attached to the liquid cartridge. Actuation of the air piston correspondingly actuates the stem pump such that air and liquid are forced together in the stem pump and through a foam generating member.

Abstract: A bifurcated stem foam pump for use in foam dispensers. An air compressor portion of the bifurcated pump is attached to and maintained as a portion of the dispenser housing. A portion of the pump for transferring liquid and including a portion for generating foam is attached to and provided as a portion of a replaceable liquid-containing cartridge in the foam dispenser. The two portions mate and form a completed pump assembly operative for generating foam from the liquid of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the dispenser housing and the two pump portions are mated. The air compressor portion includes a collar having an air piston reciprocatingly received therein. The collar is attached to the dispenser housing. A collar receiving a hollow stem pump is attached to the liquid cartridge. Actuation of the air piston correspondingly actuates the stem pump such that air and liquid are forced together in the stem pump and through a foam generating member.

Abstract: A bifurcated foam pump assembly for use in foam dispensers. A liquid dispensing portion of the foam pump assembly is attached to and disposable/replaceable with a liquid cartridge for the dispenser. The air compressor or air pump portion of the foam pump assembly comprises a portion of the dispenser itself and is attached to the dispenser housing. Upon replacement of a cartridge, the two portions mate and are operative as a foam pump generator. The liquid portion of the foam pump is received within a liquid chamber by gravity, and is subsequently driven from that chamber by air from the air compressor, which drives both the air and liquid through a foam generating member, such as a sponge or mesh. This foam generating member is a part of the liquid portion of the pump, and is replaced with the cartridge.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: A gear pump for mixing first and second components includes an inlet port, a premix chamber, and a second component valve. The premix chamber has a first end communicating with the inlet port, and a second end communicating with a source of the first component, thus providing a fluid path to carry the first component through the inlet port upon operation of the gear pump. The second component valve regulates fluid communication between a source of the second component and the premix chamber. Upon operation of the gear pump, the first component is drawn from its source into the premix chamber, the second component is drawn from its source, through the second component valve, and into the premix chamber, and a premix of the first and second components is fed from the premix chamber through said inlet port.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly for preferred use in CPAP treatment. The mask assembly comprises a central body, a face cushion, a forehead support and a gas inlet. The gas inlet is rotatably connected to the central body, and the forehead support is pivotally connected to the central body. A method of using such a mask is also provided.

Abstract: A dip tube assembly for use with a fluid container and a pump attached to the container includes a dip tube support attachable to the pump and disposed in the interior of the container for access to the contents thereof. The dip tube assembly includes a hollow support attachable to the pump and extending downward from a distal end of the pump and opening toward the end of the container to which the pump is attached.

Abstract: A nasal mask of the type for delivering gas for example to ease or assist the breathing process includes a shell and a cushion connected with the shell. The shell has a side wall and a retaining ring disposed inside the side wall. The side wall and the retaining ring define a gap extending around the shell. The cushion has a side wall with an outer peripheral edge portion including a tongue extending around the cushion. The tongue of the cushion is received in the gap in the shell to secure the cushion to the shell. Various straps assemblies and forehead adjusters for nasal masks are also shown.