Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.

Abstract: A combination dispenser and implement holder is disclosed. The combination comprises a plurality of containers, each for retaining a liquid. Each container includes a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall. The top wall of each container preferably includes a dispensing nozzle. Each container is fluidly isolated from each other container by at least one of the side walls so that mixing of the liquids does not occur. A towel rack projects from at least one side wall of at least one container, and preferably a sponge holder projects from the same wall below the towel rack. Drain holes are included in a bottom wall of the sponge holder. In one embodiment of the invention having three containers, the width of the third container is preferably larger than the width of the sponge holder and the towel rack. As such, when viewing the combination from the front, neither the towel rack or the sponge holder are visible.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.

Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.

Abstract: A flow circuit connector provides the capability to change the flow paths of a product valve in a beverage dispenser. The flow circuit connector includes a first member that connects two unconnected flow paths, and a second member that stops the flow of fluid within the flow paths not being utilized. In a first embodiment, the flow circuit connector allows an operator to select between two diluent flow paths representing either a chilled diluent or a chilled and carbonated diluent. Configuration may be accomplished on location, and is not a permanent rerouting. In a second embodiment, the beverage dispenser further includes an ambient flow circuit and additional flow circuit connector components as required to complete or cap any exposed flow circuits. In a third embodiment, the beverage dispenser includes at least two product flow circuits representing the delivery of ambient product or a conditioned product.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a multicomponent composition composed of a mixture of different fluid components includes a first and at least a second fluid component inlet. The device also includes a mixing area located downstream from the fluid component inlets and an outlet extending from the mixing area. Each of the fluid component inlets is adapted to communicate with a source of a different fluid component. The mixing area is adapted to receive a flow of a first and at least second fluid component. Within the mixing area, the flow of the first fluid component is disrupted to allow mixing with the flow of a second fluid component to form a flow of multicomponent composition. The mixing area is further adapted to disrupt the flow of the multicomponent composition before the flow of the multicomponent composition exits through the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for the storage and deposition of a plurality of liquid food components to a mold, said apparatus including: a deposition mechanism for intermittently depositing predetermined quantities of said plurality of liquid food components to said mold, said mechanism having a plurality of individual deposition points; a plurality of liquid food storage vessels, each having an outlet adapted to supply an individual liquid food component to said deposition mechanism; and a plurality of arrayed liquid food supply galleries extending from said liquid food storage vessels to said deposition mechanism, thereby to facilitate flow of said food components to said deposition points; where in said plurality of liquid food storage vessels are each equipped with an elongate outlet, said outlet being adapted to allow said liquid food to flow substantially directly into each supply gallery along that inlet region; and wherein there is provided a means for selectively allowing or preventing flow of the content

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pumping and dispensing are provided in which a peristaltic pump (16, 64) pumps liquid from a package (12), and may be integrated in a dispenser (10). The peristaltic pump (64) is adapted for improved accuracy, cleaning, and maintenance. Also provided are improved tubes (18) for peristaltic pumping that are coupled to self-sealing dispensing valves (92, 104, 110, 120).

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a tower head disposed atop a tower, and at least one beverage syrup flow path having at least one control module disposed within the tower to regulate the flow of a beverage syrup through the flow path, thereby reducing the size requirements for the tower head. The beverage dispenser may further include additional flow paths to add variable products. The beverage dispenser further includes a control board including at least one input and output device disposed on a top of the beverage dispenser, such that an operator may easily interact with the control board to configure the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may be utilized in a master/slave arrangement, wherein a slave beverage dispenser without a control panel is disposed adjacent to and in communication with the control board of the master beverage dispenser, such that the master beverage dispenser conducts all global and configuration operations.

Abstract: An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a plurality of housing members of substantially the same height and depth for housing a plurality of predetermined consumable items therein. A securing mechanism is disposed at predetermined locations on such housing members for releasably securing such housing members to each other. At least one housing member receives and stores a predetermined amount of a predetermined liquid therein. A heating source is operably connected to such at least one housing member for heating such predetermined liquid. A power source is operably connected to such heating source for supplying power thereto. A switch mechanism is disposed intermediate such power source and such heating source for selectively turning such power source on and off. A dispensing mechanism is operably connected to each of such plurality of housing members for dispensing such predetermined consumable items from within such housing members outside of such housing members into predetermined containers.

Abstract: Described is a multiple (2-4)-compartment fluidic individually stable pre-storable composition storage and unstable mixture-forming and delivery container having separate compartments each communicating with a single mixing zone via an externally-located fluidic composition multiple delivery tube system juxtaposed with the outer surfaces of the compartment walls. These containers are well suited for storing and transporting compositions such as a cleaning agent composition, a personal care composition, an aqueous liquid detergent composition and/or a fabric softening composition and then promptly delivering the resulting unstable mixture to the desired location. The container has been advantageously found to deliver unstable mixtures which could include aqueous suspensions of microencapsulated fragrances or other ingredients.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing inverted bottles to a refrigerated dispensing apparatus housing, which system includes a valve body with external locking splines and grooves to secure a bottle to which it is threadedly connected to a socket in the housing having mating splines and grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing system and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products in a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A plural component pumping apparatus including a piston and cylinder for each component to be pumped. Reciprocation of the piston in the cylinder draws the component into the cylinder during an intake stroke of the pumping apparatus and exhausts the material from the cylinder during an exhaust stroke of the pumping apparatus. Intake and exhaust valves are provided into the cylinder. Each of the intake and exhaust valve includes a housing oriented outside the cylinder to facilitate repair or replacement of the valves. A pumping motor on each side of the cylinder is coupled to a support and to the piston to move the support and piston relatively toward each other during the exhaust stroke and relatively away from each other during the intake stroke. A position indicator is coupled to the pumping motor. The pumping motor controls sense the position of the position indicator.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system is provided for automated dispensing of a plurality of liquid reagents into a recreational body of water. The liquid dispensing system includes a cartridge apparatus housing a plurality of liquid reagent containers, each containing a respective liquid reagent. A docking assembly is provided having a dock manifold device, and is releasably coupled to the cartridge apparatus between a first condition and a second condition. In a first condition, the cartridge apparatus can be removably coupled to the docking assembly, while in the second condition, the cartridge apparatus is lockably mounted to the docking assembly in a manner permitting fluid communication from the respective reagent container to respective fluid passages of the manifold device. The dispensing system further includes a dosing engine having a valve manifold device to selectively dispense the liquid reagents into the recreational body of water through a dispensing port.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material includes a cylinder, a piston in and slidable along the cylinder for pressing and thus dispensing flowable material contained in the cylinder, and a shaft extending into the cylinder for sliding the piston. The shaft incorporates a thumb piece for engagement by the thumb of a user to drive the shaft in a forward direction into the cylinder for sliding the piston to dispense flowable material. The thumb piece is slidable along the shaft. A unidirectional clutch between the thumb piece and the shaft is operable in the forward direction to fix the thumb piece to the shaft such that the shaft may be driven forward by the thumb piece and is inoperable in an opposite, rearward, direction to release the thumb piece from the shaft such that the thumb piece can slide rearward along the shaft for operation at another position.

Abstract: A multi-station dispensing apparatus which affords an automatic flow rate for the product to be dispensed. It also provides a single control knob which can select from several different chemical concentrates to be diluted and dispensed. In addition, a bottle can be filled by single-handed operation as well as a bucket without the need to reset the control knob.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a multicomponent composition composed of a mixture of different fluid components includes a first and at least a second fluid component inlet. The device also includes a mixing area located downstream from the fluid component inlets and an outlet extending from the mixing area. Each of the fluid component inlets is adapted to communicate with a source of a different fluid component. The mixing area is adapted to receive a flow of a first and at least second fluid component. Within the mixing area, the flow of the first fluid component is disrupted to allow mixing with the flow of a second fluid component to form a flow of multicomponent composition. The mixing area is further adapted to disrupt the flow of the multicomponent composition before the flow of the multicomponent composition exits through the outlet.

Abstract: A soap dispenser, preferably a sink side counter mounted dispenser, to dispense foamed liquid soap by mixing in an outlet of a soap spout liquid, soap and air preferably provided from a liquid soap pump and a air pump located remote from the faucet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) system. Specifically, a fluid spray bar is coupled to a frame assembly which may be mounted on a CMP system. The fluid spray bar will move along the frame assembly. As the fluid spray bar traverses the length of the frame assembly, a cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the web in order to clean the web between planarization cycles.

Abstract: A soap dispenser, preferably a sink side counter mounted dispenser, to dispense foamed liquid soap by mixing in an outlet of a soap spout liquid, soap and air preferably provided from a liquid soap pump and a air pump located remote from the faucet.

Abstract: A washing aid dispenser for a washing machine comprises at least a compartment, which is adapted to contain washing aids and is provided with a first siphon having a pre-determined suction height and at least a second siphon having a higher suction height than the first siphon. The first and the second siphon are adapted to draw in and convey towards a washing tub of the machine layers of the washing aids mixed with water lying at different heights in the dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A modular hand care system that is customizable and expandable in its design, a method of providing such a system, and a module that may be used in such a system is disclosed. The modular nature of the system allows the consumer to dispense different product, easily configure the selected modules, quickly replace or add individual modules as the consumer desires. Such a system can be used at any location of the consumer's choosing; the system may be mounted on a wall, on a movable cart, or may be installed within a frame system.

Abstract: A foam dispenser for dispensing foam from a first and a second liquid includes a first and a second liquid container for first and second liquids respectively. The dispenser includes a pumping mechanism for pumping the first liquid, second liquid and gas. The dispenser also includes a first foaming mechanism for forming a first foam. It is in flow communication with the first liquid container and a gas inlet and it includes a first mixing zone. A second mixing zone is in flow communication with the second liquid container and the first foaming mechanism wherein the first foam is mixed with the second liquid to form a final foam.

Abstract: A combination dispenser and implement holder is disclosed. The combination comprises a plurality of containers, each for retaining a liquid. Each container includes a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall. The top wall of each container preferably includes a dispensing nozzle. Each container is fluidly isolated from each other container by at least one of the side walls so that mixing of the liquids does not occur. A towel rack projects from at least one side wall of at least one container, and preferably a sponge holder projects from the same wall below the towel rack. Drain holes are included in a bottom wall of the sponge holder. In one embodiment of the invention having three containers, the width of the third container is preferably larger than the width of the sponge holder and the towel rack. As such, when viewing the combination from the front, neither the towel rack or the sponge holder are visible.

Abstract: Concentrated beverages are supplied from corresponding collapsible bags-in-boxes to a fountain dispenser having multiple dispensing valves and through corresponding beverage supply lines each having an air operated pump. A coupler connects each supply line to a spout on the corresponding beverage bag, and each spout and coupler has a normally closed spring-biased valve. Each beverage supply line is cleaned by a cleaning solution confined within a bag-in-a-box and having a spout connected by another coupler to one end portion of a cleaning solution line having a second end portion with an adapter connected to the coupler on the beverage supply line. A manifold has an inlet connected to the first end portion of the cleaning solution line and multiple outlets with shut-off valves connected to second end portions of corresponding cleaning solution lines so that multiple beverage supply lines to a dispenser may be cleaned simultaneously.

Abstract: A water tub including a fluid delivery system utilizes a removeable carrier to provide fluids to the fluid delivery system. In some instances, the carrier is disposable such that depletion of the fluids within the container results in the carrier being thrown away and replaced by an unused carrier. In other instances, the carrier is re-usable and is removed from the fluid delivery system when the fluids within the carrier need to be replenished. In some instances, the carrier can be manually attached and removed from the fluid delivery system without the use of any tools. In some such instances it will include a latching mechanism temporarily coupling the carrier to the fluid delivery system. The carrier may include a plurality of fluid containers, each container containing a fluid used for different types of maintenance of the water tub. The delivery system may utilize a dosing engine.

Abstract: A liquid flow-restriction device has a plurality of flow-restriction passages connected to a common outlet. Each flow-restriction passage has a magnetically operable valve having a valve member movable between an open position and a closed position. The valves are operated by a common actuating element selectively positionable with respect to the valve members to open the valves. The actuating element is a permanent magnet. The device is simple and allows easy selection of a flow rate to a dilution dispenser.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a detergent supply apparatus having a detachable partition member. The detergent supply apparatus includes a casing which defines an outer appearance of the detergent supply apparatus, and a detergent/fabric softener container slidably set in the casing. The detergent/fabric softener container includes a fixed partition member which partitions the detergent/fabric softener container into a detergent chamber and a fabric softener chamber, and the detachable partition member is removably mounted in the detergent chamber, so as to partition the detergent chamber into a secondary detergent storing section and a main detergent storing section. The detergent chamber is entirely used as the main detergent storing section in response to removal of the detachable partition member from the detergent chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerated liquid dispensing system includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment. At least one liquid container such as a water bottle is mounted in a receptacle in the compartment. A valve is mounted to the neck of the bottle for controlling the flow of liquid from the bottle. In one practice of the invention the valve is actuated by a spring plunger mounted to the door of the compartment so that the valve can be actuated without opening the door to dispense water from a valve stem into a cup in a cup holder area below the compartment. In a further practice of the invention the valve is actuated by opening the door and acting directly on the valve. When the door opens a valve extension automatically slides outwardly so that a dispensing opening in the valve extension is disposed against a cup in the cup holder area.

Abstract: As a mobile equipment for supplying fuels, serving also for storing and purchase of other kinds of liquids, like drinking water etc., there is designed a liquid dispensing station provided with dispensing system, pumping equipment and an operation unit having a control unit and card handling system. All the accessories are located in a common housing (1) comprising a frame with a jacket, having at least vertical walls (12) reinforced with at least two longitudinal beams (13) and at least two transversal beams (14). The tank (5) is attached to a bottom part of the frame (10) by way of a pair of holders (15) and a pair of feet (16), both pairs being mutually diagonally arranged. The feet (15) are furnished with system for resilient seat of the tank (5). Within the housing (1), adjacent to the tank (5), there are located module (2) of hydraulics, intake module (3) and module (4) of electronics.

Abstract: A method and system is intended for fine proportioning of fluids injected into a pumping installation, e.g., a liquid chromatography installation, allowing to compensate for non-return valve errors. The system includes a fluid delivery system including vessels for constituents (A, B, X) that communicate with a pumping unit (1–11) by means of a one-way valve (8) that opens upon suction, and a control unit (PC) that adjusts the respective proportions of the various fluids sucked by acting on the opening time of solenoid valves (EV1 to Even) associated with the various vessels. As the opening and closing times of the one-way valve are most often unequal in practice, control unit (PC) is suited to cyclically change the order of the control signals applied to the various solenoid valves during the various successive suction stages of each pumping unit so as to compensate on average for the proportioning inequalities due to each one-way valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flavored beverage. The apparatus comprises a hopper adapted to hold a common base powder and having a hopper outlet, the hopper being operative to dispense the base powder via the hopper outlet in accordance with a powder dispense signal, and a water dispenser having a water outlet, the water dispenser being operative to dispense water via the water outlet in accordance with a water dispense signal. The apparatus further comprises a flavor dispensing unit adapted to store a plurality of supplies of flavoring syrups, the flavor dispensing unit being operative to dispense via at least one flavor dispensing outlet at least one of the flavoring syrups in accordance with a respective one of a plurality of flavor dispense signals. A mixing unit is adapted to receive and admix base powder from the hopper outlet, water from the water outlet, and the at least one of the flavoring syrups from the at least one flavor dispensing outlet to produce the flavored beverage.

Abstract: A bar gun includes a housing assembly with valve seats, separate inlets to those seats and separate outlets from those seats. Valve elements are operatively mounted to the housing to cooperate with the valve seats. Actuators are pivotally mounted relative to the housing assembly to provide two valve actuations per actuator. A bar gun handle is arranged relative to the actuators to improve access to the actuator levers. A low-current electro-luminescent element is arranged behind a light-transmitting cover to improve visibility of labeling on the gun. Actuator bars are pivotally mounted below valve lifters on the actuators. Syrup valve elements and carbonated and noncarbonated water elements are located below the actuator bars to be actuated by the actuator bars to create the appropriate mix. Lost motion is provided between the actuator bars and the syrup valve elements to accommodate differentials in pressures between the waters and the syrups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drink supply canister holder for a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including the drink supply canister holder for holding or maintaining at least one and preferably a plurality of drink supply canisters, and at least one and preferably a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate, of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-chambered dispenser for blending and dispensing a customized liquid product such as a liquid cosmetic foundation. The dispenser includes a device for selecting a customized liquid formula; a plurality of cartridges separately containing pre-mix compositions for the customized liquid product; at least one ink jet head in fluid communication with the cartridges; a central processing unit for processing the customized liquid formula and activating the ink jet head; whereby the ink jet head dispenses the pre-mix compositions in accordance with the customized liquid formula to provide a customized liquid product.

Abstract: A flowable food dispenser for dispensing a flowable food product. The dispenser includes a housing with first and second bays, and a plurality of cassettes that are removably receivable within the bays. Each cassette is configured for receiving a pouch containing the flowable food. First and second thermal exchange units are associated with the first and second bays, respectively, in heat-exchanging association with the cassettes received therein. A temperature-controlled system is connected with the thermal exchange units for controlling them independently to independently heat or cool the cassettes in the bays and the food product that is disposed therein. A least one dispensing mechanism is associated with the first and second bays to selectively dispense the food from the pouches that are in the cassettes.

Abstract: A paint colorant dispenser for dispensing colorants into both large and small containers includes a cabinet for accommodating a plurality of color and canisters in fluid communication with a common dispense outlet. A container shelf unit is disposed in front of the cabinet and below the dispense outlet. The shelf unit includes a horizontal base disposed below the dispense outlet upon which large containers can rest. The shelf unit also includes a pivoting shelf which can pivot upward and provide a horizontal resting surface closer to the dispense outlet for smaller containers. A controller, keyboard and monitor are contained in a second modular cabinet that can be disposed on either side of the first cabinet. An additional modular cabinet can be provided for accommodating additional colorant canisters. A drip containment system is disposed in the modular shelf unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for rapidly and accurately dispensing fluids, in which at least one component is dispensed into the reaction vessel in two or three stages. In this process, the amount of fluid dispensed in the second and third stages is determined on the basis of the mass flow rate calculated in the preceding sub-step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, at least one solenoid for controlling the valve, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf tea brewer and the solenoid is of a quiet-type to minimize noise to a level like that in a real leaf tea brewer during dispensing. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a bilogical sealant and a dispensing system for dispensing the biological sealant are described. The dispensing system comprises a dispenser and a plurality of cartridge for delivering a biological sealant to an application site. The sealant is presented as a multi-component liquid sealant, with each component contained in a cartridge comprising a tubular body closed at one end with a pierceable seal and closed at the other end by a piston element movable axially within the tubular body. The dispenser coprises a plurality of recesses to receive respective cartridges containing the components of the sealant. Each recess includes means to establish a fluid connection with the cartridge placed within the recess. The dispenser further comprises means for engaging the piston elements of the cartridges to move the piston element axially so as to expel the sealant components. Ducting within the dispenser leads the sealant components to a dispensing point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cup dispenser for holding cups adjacent to the dispenser. The cup dispenser is designed for use with a bottle having a liquid dispenser mounted thereon, and includes a saddle and a holder. The saddle includes a top panel including an opening sized to accommodate the liquid dispenser of the bottle, and one or more side panels connected to and extending downwardly from the top panel. When the liquid dispenser is inserted through the opening, the saddle engages the bottle. The holder extends from a side panel and is configured to receive a plurality of vertically stacked cups. There are many advantages associated with the cup dispenser of the present invention. Dispensing liquids such as mouthwashes, fluoride solutions, medications, and refreshments becomes more convenient and more sanitary using the cup dispenser of the present invention.

Abstract: A plural component pumping apparatus including a piston and cylinder for each component to be pumped. Reciprocation of the piston in the cylinder draws the component into the cylinder during an intake stroke of the pumping apparatus and exhausts the material from the cylinder during an exhaust stroke of the pumping apparatus. Intake and exhaust valves are provided into the cylinder. Each of the intake and exhaust valve includes a housing oriented outside the cylinder to facilitate repair or replacement of the valves. A pumping motor on each side of the cylinder is coupled to a support and to the piston to move the support and piston relatively toward each other during the exhaust stroke and relatively away from each other during the intake stroke. A position indicator is coupled to the pumping motor. The pumping motor controls sense the position of the position indicator.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing and dispensing food items and beverages having a vessel and a removable lid. The vessel defines a longitudinal axis and has a first tongue and groove member. The removable lid has a lid aperture for accessing an interior of the vessel, and a complementary mating second tongue and groove member that is rotatable with the lid about the longitudinal axis and relative to the first tongue and groove member of the vessel between a lid secured configuration and a lid releasing configuration. In the lid secured configuration, the tongue and groove members fully engage one another, preventing longitudinal movement of the lid member relative to the vessel. In the lid releasing configuration, the tongue and groove members are configured so as to permit longitudinal movement of the lid member relative to the vessel, and such that the lid member is removable from the vessel.

Abstract: A liquid material dispensing system provides individually metered streams of liquid material to a nozzle or die tip which dispenses the liquid material in a closely spaced arrangement. In one embodiment, the dispensing system utilizes a series of gear pumps to induce the flow of liquid material through individual dispensing modules. An adapter intermediate the modules and the die tip directs the individually controlled streams from a spacing provided by the modules to a close arrangement, such as may be suitable for coating parallel strands of substrate material.

Abstract: A fabric repair coloring device and associated method of using the device to coloring unwanted bleached out spots on fabric. The device comprises a plurality of cartridges, an elongated cylindrical casing, a manifold, a rotating cap, and a conical applicator tip. These elements of the device are interconnected to allow a user to select a desired dye color or to mix a plurality of dyes together prior to precisely applying the mixed dyes onto the unwanted bleached out spots on a piece of fabric. The method comprises the steps of finding, obtaining, pressing, pushing, releasing, twisting, wiping, and withdrawing.

Abstract: A viscous material application apparatus includes a main body having a pressurized chamber which connects through to a discharge port and stores a viscous material, a viscous material supply device for transferring the viscous material to the pressurized chamber, and a discharge pressure regulating device for regulating the discharge pressure of the viscous material when the viscous material inside the pressurized chamber is pressurized and discharged by increasing or decreasing the capacity of the pressurized chamber, the discharge pressure regulating device being provided either inside the pressurized chamber or facing the pressurized chamber.