Abstract: Systems and methods for storing, dispensing, and working with fluids are disclosed. Embodiments include modular systems designed to facilitate pre-assembled shipping and system reconfiguration. Embodiments further include color-coding and shape-coding of various items and labels to reduce confusion and mistakes.

Abstract: A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.

Abstract: Bottom loading water dispensers are disclosed. The water dispensers include a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The interior portion of the cabinet is configured to house a water bottle, in a bottom half of the cabinet. The dispensers also include a set of water dispensing actuator buttons, which include at least one child safety latch. The dispensers further include a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet, which is configured to receive a bottom surface of the water bottle in the upright position. Importantly, the bottle tray is slanted from a front side to a backside of the tray. A front door of the water dispensers also include a drip tray assembly, which is located beneath an external tap and is integrally formed with a top portion of a front door of the cabinet.

Abstract: A cryosurgery device for dispensing a liquid refrigerant from a container having a valve stem extending outwardly therefrom. The device includes an actuator adapted to seat on the valve stem of the container in order to depress the valve stem to release the refrigerant from the container. The actuator includes an inner passageway having opposed ends disposed therein, one of the ends of the passageway being in fluid communication with the valve stem. An applicator tube is mounted to the actuator at the other end of the inner passageway. A cap is disposed on the top of the container. The actuator is movably positioned on the cap and a shield is attached to the cap to completely receiving the applicator tube. Liquid refrigerant can only be dispensed when the actuator is positioned properly and the applicator tube is disposed within the shield means.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser to dispense water or ice, a door handle positioned below the dispenser, and a tray mounted to the door handle in a position to receive at least some water or ice dispensed from the dispenser. The tray coupled to the door handle attached to the door may receive excess or residue water or ice dispensed from the dispenser without deterioration of the exterior appearance of the door.

Abstract: A valve actuator for a valved container containing a pressurized fluid, the actuator comprising a mounting to attach the actuator to the container, and characterized by a post-expansion chamber in communication with the outlet of the actuator in which residual fluid remaining in the outlet after use can expand, and a separate suction chamber in communication with the outlet conduit via a suction opening to suck residual fluid back toward the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.

Abstract: A drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. The trap includes at least one angled engagement surface and at least one angled engagement surface. The angle of the engagement surfaces forces the ice cubes and foreign objects to move to lowest positions of the inlet chamber. The rerouted ice cubes melt and move through the perforations of the trap, thereby entering the outlet chamber and moving to the drip tray outlet. In a second embodiment, the trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing.

Abstract: A receptacle for catching and retaining unwanted liquids dropped by a spigot or nozzle. The receptacle is configured to hang on the spigot of a liquid dispenser such as a coffee urn, a water cooler, and the like. Because of the unique configuration of the opening in the back of the device, the device self levels, has the capability of more secure attachment to the liquid dispenser and prevents any unwanted liquids from escaping through the back opening thereof.

Abstract: A device capable of diverting, redirecting, and collecting fresh water from a faucet to a pet for drinking. The device includes a plurality of elbows and a reservoir with a faceplate or a reservoir connected to the faucet by use of a connection piece. The device includes extensions which allow the user to position the reservoir at a desired height and distance from the faucet. The device further includes a plurality of designs for the reservoir and faceplate that allow for different water flows from which the pet can drink. The chosen reservoir and faceplate can be changed by the user. A method for having multiple reservoirs and faceplates connected to a single faucet allowing multiple pets to drink at a time is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample dispensing display system includes a dispensing assembly having top and front portions, and defining an interior cavity, wherein the top portion of the dispensing assembly defines a product area for holding and displaying products, at least one fluid delivery mechanism being disposed within the interior cavity of the dispensing assembly, wherein the at least one fluid delivery mechanism each has a tubular shaft extending from the front portion of the dispensing assembly with an outlet disposed at the distal end of the tubular shaft, and at least one sample dispenser source for storing a flowable material corresponding to a product displayed in the product area, wherein the sample dispenser source is fluidly connected to a respective fluid delivery mechanism for supplying the flowable material.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser with plural dispensing heads from which different beverages are dispensed. The dispenser has an ice bin from which ice is dispensed. A motor drives an agitator internal to the ice bin. The motor is removably attached to the ice bin by locking pins for easy removal and replacement. Waste ice and beverage is collected in a drip pan. The drip pan is insulated to prevent condensate from collecting around the outer surface of the drip pan. A carbonator is mounted to a front of the dispenser to provide carbonated water. Consequently, the carbonator is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Carbonated or non-carbonated water flows through a common manifold to the individual dispensing heads. By setting a manifold valve member associated with each dispensing head, the type of water supplied to the dispensing head, either carbonated or non-carbonated, is selectively set.

Abstract: A drip catcher, having an adjustable neck, having a hook at the top for engaging a spout pipe of a fluid reservoir, and a basin, containing an absorbent pad and three sided slot on the flattened rear side to accommodate two legs of an alligator clasp in the neck, having a channel between the legs created by cutting three sides of a brace, bendable rearward to support the invention in vertical alignment to the spout, teeth extending from the outside edge of both legs which engage the sides of the slot, so the teeth disengage by squeezing the legs together.

Abstract: This patent discloses a collection system to collect dripped leakage from a toilet discharge flow. The dripped leakage may be from a toilet sealed by a wax ring. The collection system may include a collector, a drain tube, and a catch bottle. The collector may consist of a funnel positioned vertically between a mounting flange and a kick-up. A spout may extend from the funnel at an acute angle to the mounting flange. A wastewater pipe may connect through a center of the kick-up so that a portion of the wastewater pipe resides within a funnel interior of the funnel and a remaining portion resides below the kick-up and outside of the funnel interior.

Abstract: A beverage server assembly and a base for elevating a beverage container. The beverage server assembly includes the base including extensions and a connecting portion defining a nesting area therein. The nesting area defines an opening. A drip tray assembly can be removably retained in the nesting area. The drip tray assembly includes a drip tray with a removable grate. The nesting area is sized in dimension for use with the drip tray assembly or with the grate without the drip tray. The server assembly can be positioned with the faucet extending over a drain to allow liquid to flow from the faucet to the grate, through the opening and to the drain without collection in the drip tray.

Abstract: The holder (3) comprises a grid (7) and a tray below (5) to collect any liquids flowing through said grid. The grid and the tray are mutually constrained magnetically.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supply device applies chemical liquid from a nozzle to a processed object. The nozzle is provided in a moving head, which reciprocates between an applying position and a waiting position and includes an application valve operating so as to take an applying state of applying the liquid from the nozzle and a stopped state of stopping the application. Chemical liquid is pumped from a tank through a filter to a valve chamber of the application valve via a supply tube. The valve chamber is connected to a buffer tank through a circulation tube. The circulation tube is provided with a circulation valve for opening/closing its flow path.

Abstract: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: An ice bucket is provided that includes an ice chamber, a dispensing tube, a base, and a sliding dispenser. The ice chamber has a chamber opening in a bottom wall. The dispensing tube is fixed to the bottom wall in communication with the chamber opening. The base has a base opening and a stabilizing bar. The sliding dispenser has a front lip, a depressed tray section, and a slider opening. The sliding dispenser is positioned through the base opening on the stabilizing bar so that an appendage of the dispensing tube is received in the depressed tray section. The sliding dispenser is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The slider opening, in the retracted position, is blocked by the stabilizing portion. However, the slider opening, in the extended position, is unblocked by the stabilizing portion.

Abstract: A portable draft bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. At least one beverage tap mounted on the panel extends above the open top, with a drip tray below the tap outlet. A cooling coil within the chamber connects the tap inlet to a pressurized beverage container, with chamber ice cooling the coil. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place and the container disconnected, the device is secure and transportable.

Abstract: A retrofit ice making and bagging apparatus and retrofit installation method provide automatic supply of bags of ice into a freezer compartment. The apparatus has an outer housing with a lower end configured for securing on top of an aisle freezer so that openings in the lower end of the housing and upper end of the freezer are aligned to provide a passageway into the freezer compartment. An ice making unit and bag making and filling station are mounted in the housing. Ice is transported from the ice making station into partially formed bags at the bag making and filling station, and a bag is sealed and separated when a sufficient amount of ice is supplied to the bag. The bag making and filling station communicates with the passageway into a storage compartment in the freezer, whereby separated bags of ice fall into the storage compartment on completion.

Abstract: A pump head assembly for a soap container. The pump head including a drip guard member which applies a vacuum to an internal passageway of the pump head assembly following dispensing of soap in order to draw an residual soap out of the internal passageway and thus prevent dripping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drip catcher (1) for a liquid container (10), comprising an at least partially elastic collecting member (2) for collecting droplets (12) during pouring of liquid out of the liquid container (10). The collecting member (2) comprises a core (4) of a number of bundled elastic threads (8) and a jacket (6) of an absorbent material arranged round the core (4). The drip catcher can comprise a collecting member (2) and a label (32) coupled thereto. The label (32) can be releasable and reusable as door hanger (74) and the like. The label and/or the collecting member can be provided with an imprint (40). The material from which the drip catcher is made comprises for instance polymer foam, felt, cardboard and the like.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.

Abstract: A dripless means for a fuel dispensing nozzle begins with a nozzle for dispensing fuel into automobile tanks. Regulations limit drainage of the spout to within ten seconds, met by the present invention that prevents fuel drops from exiting the spout. First, the spout retains fuel drops behind a dam made of a series of fins upon the interior of the spout. Second, the present invention has a bushing with a weir that works in combination with the damming. Third, the nozzle has a vent tube within the spout where a plug constricts its diameter to limit the fuel drawn into the vent tube. With proper use, the present invention retains fuel drops in the spout to meet the regulations.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: Provided is a dispenser in which a wash water discharge opening provided to a drain pan is connected to an external tap water system via a wash water supply path. The wash water supply path is provided with a wash water supply valve for controlling whether or not to supply wash water to the drain pan. Based on delivery information output from a delivery control section for controlling delivery of ice chips, a wash control section in a controller judges whether or not a delivery count of the ice chips has reached a predetermined set count, and, when it is judged that the delivery count has reached the set count, opens the wash water supply valve to perform a wash action.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid dispensing package for a container adapted to contain a liquid that includes a hand operated liquid transport assembly coupled to an actuator, a liquid distribution subsystem in fluid communication with a discharge tube from the liquid transport assembly, wherein downward motion of the actuator, provided by a user, causes liquid to travel through the discharge tube to the actuator top surface, and a liquid draw-back subsystem wherein upward motion of the actuator, provided by a return spring, permits draw-back of liquid from the top surface of the actuator.

Abstract: Device for pumping viscous materials, particularly sealant and grease, without dripping and method of the same are characterized by storing a predetermined portion of the driving energy in form of an angular and/or linear displacement of a torsional spring. This very portion of the stored energy will be released at the end of the operation when the operator let go the trigger, whereby the released energy will drive the final transmission and the end part of the final transmission to move backwards for a predetermined amount of displacement. This backwards movement of the end part of the final transmission causes the volume of viscous material to expand suddenly; this expansion of the volume of viscous material compensates the compression of the viscous material from the dispensing process, which will also draw back the viscous material on its way outward for to work and for to drip.

Abstract: The portable multipurpose food and beverage insulated container and insulated water dispensing alternative consisting of the cooler body, a press fit top lid, a content support assemblage, a cup support assemblage, a nozzle or spigot access door with magnetic closure function and rubber skid strips. The cooler body is a rigid plastic multilayer housing with thermal insulator foam deposited between the general plainer outer shell and inner shell for reducing heat transfer through the cooler body. The press fit lid covers the top of the cooler body. The plastic content support assemblage supports the weight of the unit's contents in one of two possible orientations and collects condensate from the ice pack and or content defrosting. The cup support assemblage seats cups on a level surface and captures spilled water during water dispensing.

Abstract: Provided is a dispenser in which a wash water discharge opening provided to a drain pan is connected to an external tap water system via a wash water supply path. The wash water supply path is provided with a wash water supply valve for controlling whether or not to supply wash water to the drain pan. A wash control section in a controller performs timing separately from control of a generation/delivery control section for performing generation and delivery of ice chips, and also performs a wash action at predetermined time intervals by opening the wash water supply valve.

Abstract: This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dispensing soap. The tools, methods and systems include a draw-back chamber constructed around and in line with the fluid path between a spout assembly for delivering soap to a user and a pump mechanism for supplying the soap. The draw-back chamber contains port openings into the fluid path. When the pump mechanism is actuated to dispense soap, the draw back chamber is collapsed and soap within it is dispensed with the main dose of soap supplied by the pump mechanism. When the pump mechanism is allowed to return to its extended rest state, the draw-back chamber expands, drawing soap into it through the port opening to prevent soap from hanging and dripping at the end of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: A drip catcher, having a length adjustable neck, having hook at the top for engaging a spout pipe of a fluid reservoir, and a basin, containing a removable absorbent pad and three sided slot on the flattened rear side of the basin to accommodate the legs of an alligator clasp in the neck, teeth extending from the outside edge of both legs which engage the sides of the slot, said neck having a channel created by cutting three sides of a brace, bendable rearward to support the invention in vertical alignment to the spout, so the teeth may be disengaged.

Abstract: A storage/dispensing system (9) for a flowable dental substance is described with a solvent-tight, resiliently deformable container (10) for the storage and provision of the flowable dental substance and a dispensing device (1) connected to the container (10) for discharging the flowable dental substance from the container (10), with a cup (2) which has an outlet orifice (3) and a wall (4, 4?) in which a passage orifice (5) is provided for introducing the flowable dental substance from the container (10), wherein the passage orifice (5) has a cross-sectional area of 0.001 to 0.1 mm2 and the outlet orifice (3) has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 to 5 mm2, and wherein the inside of the cup (2) has a cross-section which is constant and/or reduces from the passage orifice (5) to the outlet orifice (3).

Abstract: A laundry product is provided including a liquid concentrated detergent or fabric softening composition held in a dispensing bottle of a type not featuring a through-apertured gripping handle. The bottle includes a body having an open end terminating in a circular neck, first and second plane traversing a length of the bottle body with each bisecting the neck, the first and second planes being orthogonally oriented to one another, the first plane dividing front and rear major faces of the body into asymmetric first and second areas. A shrink sleeve is fitted over the body from a base of the neck down toward the closed end. A removable cap is fittable over the neck.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a beverage includes a dispenser configured to be mounted to a shaft. The shaft is surrounded on a lower portion by a base. The dispenser is arranged having a number of discharge ports mounted in a 360-degree orientation. The discharge port arrangement allows a number of operators to distribute beverage without interfering with each other.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: A bar gun holster assembly for receiving a bar gun. Bar guns are used to dispense beverages, typically soda and/or water therefrom. A holster assembly is a device that provides a place for a user to put the bar gun, nozzle first when it is not being used. Applicant's bar gun includes three components: a mounting plate, a holster portion, and a drain portion. The mounting plate is designed to attach to a support surface, such as the underside of a table or bar. The holster portion includes a cylindrical bar gun nozzle receiving member for receiving the nozzle of a bar gun slideably therein. The drain body is adapted to receive fluids dripping from the end of a nozzle and passing them to a drain line. Applicant's device includes walls that releasably couple the three members one to the other.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: A drip tray is attached to a beverage dispenser below a splash panel of the dispenser by a releasable latching mechanism that permits the drip tray to be removed from and replaced on the dispenser while the splash panel remains in place on the dispenser.

Abstract: A drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. The trap includes at least one angled engagement surface and at least one angled engagement surface. The angle of the engagement surfaces forces the ice cubes and foreign objects to move to lowest positions of the inlet chamber. The rerouted ice cubes melt and move through the perforations of the trap, thereby entering the outlet chamber and moving to the drip tray outlet. In a second embodiment, the trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing.

Abstract: A valve assembly disposed in a nozzle of a fuel-dispensing pump that, when in an open, operative position, freely allows fuel to flow therethrough. In a closed position, fuel is prevented from dripping from the end of the fuel-dispensing nozzle. A first embodiment provides a spherical or flat, spring-loaded one-way sealing element or check valve that is forced away from the dispensing end of the nozzle to allow fuel to flow therefrom. When fuel dispensing is complete, the check valve seals the nozzle. In a second embodiment, apertures in a cap are rotated between an open and a closed orientation to allow or block fuel passage depending upon their angular position. The valve assembly is press fitted into a conventional fuel-dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A device for recycling bar soap by passing the drippings, pieces and slivers of soap in said soap dish into a reservoir to form a reusable liquid. The soap dish is mounted on the top of a reservoir, and is provided with an opening communicating with the reservoir. Water or liquid soap can be placed in the reservoir to combine with the soap drippings, slivers and pieces. A dispensing valve or pump communicates with the liquid in the reservoir to provide a means for the user to access the recycled soap mixture. The opening in the soap dish can be closed by a plug to allow the reservoir alternatively to be used to dispense other liquids such as hand lotion.

Abstract: An in-dispenser leak pan provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any fuel that leaks from fuel-handling components located inside the fuel dispenser above the pan. The pan is secondarily contained by an outer pan or container such that an interstitial space is formed therebetween. If a breach exists in the top part of the pan, the captured leaked fuel will be contained in by the outer pan in the interstitial space. The interstitial space of the pan is drawn under a vacuum level using a vacuum-generating source to monitor for leaks. If a leak is detected, a control system may generate an alarm and/or cause the submersible turbine pump to stop supplying fuel, or cause the dispenser product line shear valves to close, thereby only stopping fuel flow to the individual fuel dispenser containing the leak.

Abstract: A dispenser head (1) for associating with a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, so as to form a fluid dispenser, the head including a connection sleeve (11) for connecting to an outlet (31) of the dispenser member, the sleeve (11) being connected to a fluid dispenser orifice (13, 13?) via an internal channel (12), the head being characterized in that it further includes a fluid collection dish (14) for collecting the fluid at the outlet from the dispenser orifice, the dish defining a bottom (141) that is situated below the dispenser orifice under normal conditions of use of the head, such that the fluid drops by gravity into the dish.

Abstract: Container, in particular, an insulated container with an outlet (8) that can be closed by a cover (9) and having a pouring spout and a drip-catch device which is arranged beneath a pouring spout, wherein the pouring spout (19) is removably disposed above the drip-catch device (26) in outlet (8) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, said device comprising a dispenser opening for the products, which is situated in a recess on the front of the device and a support that can be removed from the recess and has at least one first tray surface for a container that is to be filled from the dispenser opening. The support comprises a base part that is detachably fixed in the recess and a tray part, on which the first tray surface is formed. Said tray part is connected to the base part in such a way that it can be displaced between a first position, in which the first tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a first distance and a second position, in which the tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a second distance that is greater than the first.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly that is capable of dispensing controlled or metered portions of a beverage charged with a gas fits onto a shelf in a conventional household refrigerator. The beverage dispensing assembly includes a sealed disposable container assembly that contains the beverage and a dispensing assembly that cooperates with the container assembly to selectively unseal the container assembly and dispense controlled portions of the beverage from the container assembly.

Abstract: In the method for venting and eliminating liquid material of a dispensing appliance prior to dispensing, the air as well as unusable material are eliminated via a deviating channel and the conditioned material is dispensed via a dispensing channel. The device for implementing the method for eliminating unusable liquid material and for venting a dispensing appliance is provided with a valve assembly for selectively connecting the inlet area of the device with a deviating channel or with an outlet. The deviating channel is connected to a collecting container having venting means. The method and the device according to the invention allow advantageously venting a multicomponent dispensing appliance and leveling the components as well as eliminating incompletely mixed components in the starting phase after the latter have left the mixer elements, thereby ensuring a flawless application. In an advantageous development, a device is provided that avoids the occurrence of an overpressure during dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting lubricant, such as from a vacuum pump, is disclosed. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a cabinet for retaining a vacuum pump and a variable depth basin beneath the cabinet for collecting lubricant from a vacuum pump. In specific implementations the variable depth basin is deepest proximate the front of the cabinet.