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 dispensing system includes at least one source of pressurized air and reservoirs for multiple automobile finish products. A discrete spray gun is provided for each of the products.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may have one or more selected features. The selected features may include, but not limited to, variable sized orifices in the mixing systems, limited access to a user of the apparatus, expandable dispensing conduits, adjustable fluid applicators, and an overhead coupling system for the dispensing conduits.

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 flavor dispensing device having a multiple of flavor stations, each of which provides a customer to select and receive on or more of several flavors for enhancing the flavor of drinks and/or confections, including ice confections. This invention is specifically adapted to be easily transportable and to address the problem of collection of waste fluids.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit 10 for flash cooling beer includes a main body 12 provided with an internal flow path 14 having an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a void 20 in fluid communication therebetween. The void 20 is formed from four cylindrical chambers 22a-22d that are interlinked so as to be in mutual fluid communication with each other. Chambers 22 are formed in a thermal insulating block 26 held within the main body 12. Conduits 30c-30d are disposed within chambers 22a-22d respectively. Each conduit has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The outlet 34 is connected directly to a dispensing tap 36. The heat transfer fluid 45 passes through the fluid flow path 14 and thus flows through and about the conduits 30. Beer enters through inlet 32, passes through the conduit 30 and is dispensed through tap 36. The beer is cooled by virtue of a heat exchange with the fluid 45 flowing through the chambers 22.

Abstract: The portable dispenser has individual supply chambers that communicate with a mixing chamber. Each of the supply chambers has a doser to move fluid compositions from the supply chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a mixer to allow it to form a homogeneous mix of the individual compositions. An applicator is used to output the homogeneous mix.

Abstract: A remote access and control system having two pc's, a first of which receives information concerning a condition to be controlled, a controller for controlling the condition, information concerning the condition being supplied to the second pc, said second pc develops further information for controlling the condition, such further information is supplied to the first pc and this information is applied to the controller to have the controller maintain the desired conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine or champagne. The apparatus provides a housing having a container support for holding wine or champagne bottles, a plurality of removable stoppers for insertion in the bottles, a nitrogen generator for generating a nitrogen rich gas from air, a nitrogen storage tank for storing the generated nitrogen rich gas, a cooling system for cooling certain bottles and dispensers for providing wine or champagne from the bottles to a user. The nitrogen generator draws in ambient air, adsorbs the oxygen from the air and stores nitrogen rich gas in the nitrogen storage tank. The nitrogen storage tank supplies the nitrogen rich gas to the bottles for preserving the wine or champagne. The stoppers include a nitrogen line and a supply line. The nitrogen line communicates nitrogen rich gas into the bottles and the supply line communicates wine or champagne from the bottles to the dispensers.

Abstract: A swivel pump dispenser for dispensing liquid from a selected one of a plurality of liquid compartments arranged side-by-side, includes positive venting to atmosphere of each liquid compartment during dispensing, and the sealing of the liquid compartment vents closed during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining pigment-conducting tubes in a paint mixing machine includes a nozzle having an array of holes to accommodate the pigment-conducting tubes and a pair of lock plates, attachable to the nozzle and each having a like array of apertures, as well as offset screw holes. When the lock plates are attached to the nozzle and the screw holes are aligned, the apertures are offset, causing deformation of the pigment-conducting tubes, which deformation serves to retain the pigment tubes in the nozzle. A paint mixing machine having pigment reservoirs and valves for controlling pigment flow also has a movable mounting plate, upon which the nozzle is mounted, and the nozzle is thereby movable under microprocessor control between a dormant position and a dispensing position, which, in combination with a sight, allows more precise alignment of a paint can under the nozzle dispensing location.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of dry products simply, reliably, accurately and with an appropriate amount of care so that the product being dispensed is not unduly damaged. The present invention includes a plurality of hoppers, and so is capable of dispensing more than one type of product without forcing the user to go through a reloading step.

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering water and/or juice has been invented. The dispenser feeds liquids by gravity and provides for a system flush at the end of each use. The dispenser can, if desired, handle more than one type of juice through a common mixing chamber and spout.

Abstract: A shower head, including a container section partitioned into a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of respective products to be dispensed; a selection section rotatably mounted on the container section for selecting a product to be dispensed via an opening provided in the selection section; a mixing section coupled to the selection section for receiving a selected product from the selection section and mixing the selected product with a water stream; and an internal water spout passing through the container section and the selection section into the mixing section for introducing the stream of water into the mixing section for mixing with the selected product.

Abstract: A cap dispenser for use with a liquid-holding container that separately stores concentrated mixes within one or more compartments. The mixes are selectively released within the outflow of the liquid contained by the liquid-holding container. By rotating the head assembly of the dispenser, the user can select which concentrated mix, if any, is to be released. The head assembly also offers a sealed position that seals the liquid within the container and the concentrated mixes within their respective storage compartments. The concentrated mixes are selectively dispensed into the outflow of the liquid from the container when the liquid is being poured out so that a mixed liquid, or flavored or fortified a drink is produced.

Abstract: A dry mix particulate dispenser includes a container configured to hold a dry mix particulate. The container has a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one side wall. The container includes a dispenser opening formed in the bottom portion and a sloped interior wall within the container is angled in a direction generally toward the opening. A slide track is positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the container receives an elongate slider. The slider including an opening formed therein which can be selectively aligned with the dispenser opening.

Abstract: A disposable aseptic cassette control device, for controlled dispensing and heating of flowable and semi-flowable materials includes a base, having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The base has a container portion, and power receiving mechanism for receiving power from a power source. A plurality of aseptic cassettes are operably mounted and positioned in the base and include a dispensing mechanism for dispensing flowable or semi-flowable material. Controls for turning the heating and dispensing device on and off, and for controlling the temperature and pressure within the plurality of aseptic cassettes are positioned on the base.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes at least one source of pressurized air and reservoirs for multiple automobile finish products. A discrete spray gun is provided for each of the products.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a beverage container is provided including a carbonated beverage container containing a carbonated beverage. A dispenser includes a body assembly screwably mounted on the carbonated beverage container with a dispenser spout extending therefrom. A tube depends from the dispenser into the container and remains in communication with the dispenser spout. Situated within a bore formed in the body assembly is a plunger. Such bore connects the tube and the dispensing spout. The plunger has a spring urging the same into a first orientation for preventing the flow of fluid from the tube to the dispensing spout. Also included is a lever connected to the plunger for urging the plunger into a second orientation for allowing the flow of fluid from the tube to the dispensing spout.

Abstract: A sugar dispensing system including a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposed side walls. The top wall has an opening therein exposing a general storage chamber. The general storage chamber has a closed bottom wall. The closed bottom wall has a plurality of openings disposed therein. The front wall has a recess formed therein upwardly of the bottom wall. A plurality of storage vials are disposed within the housing. The storage vials each have open upper and lower ends. The open upper ends are aligned with the plurality of openings in the closed bottom wall of the general storage chamber. The open lower ends are exposed above the recess in the front wall of the housing. The storage vials include dispensing mechanisms at the open lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A cake and pastry decorating system incorporating a hand-held icing mixing wand having a mixing chamber and a dispensing nozzle. Base icing is supplied to the mixing chamber and one or more colorants are selectively supplied through a flexible hose to the mixing chamber. Icing is dispensed from the mixing chamber through the dispensing nozzle directly on the cake or pastry in patterns determined by the position of the hand-held icing mixing wand and shape of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: The portable dispenser has individual supply chambers that communicate with a mixing chamber. Each of the supply chambers has a doser to move fluid compositions from the supply chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a mixer to allow it to form a homogeneous mix of the individual compositions. An applicator is used to output the homogeneous mix.

Abstract: An automated electrophoretic system is disclosed. The system employs a capillary cartridge having a plurality of capillary tubes. The cartridge has a first array of capillary ends projecting from one side of a plate. The first array of capillary ends are spaced apart in substantially the same manner as the wells of a microtitre tray of standard size. This allows one to simultaneously perform capillary electrophoresis on samples present in each of the wells of the tray. The system includes a stacked, dual carrousel arrangement to eliminate cross-contamination resulting from reuse of the same buffer tray on consecutive executions from electrophoresis. The system also has a gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An automatic mixed drink dispensing apparatus wherein individual ingredients are combined according to pre-programmed recipes to produce a complete mixed drink. A single chip digital computer provides the control means to interact with the user, store recipes and calculate dispensation times. The computer calculates dispensation times based upon the relationship between gravity flow and liquid level in the ingredient containers. The control system is physically isolated from the dispensation means and operates by electromagnetic repulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of a liquid has a container holding a quantity of liquid to be measured and dispensed and a conduit with an inlet end, an outlet end and a measuring section having a known volume. A sensor determines when the measuring section contains liquid. A passage with a first valve is provided for delivering liquid from the container to the conduit inlet end and air under pressure urges liquid from the container to the conduit. A source of air under pressure is connected to the conduit and a second valve controls delivery of air to the conduit from the source. A control connected to the sensor and to the first and second valves sequentially closes the second valve and opens the first valve to cause flow of liquid from the container to the conduit until the sensor determines that the measuring section contains liquid, and then closes the first valve and opens the second valve to admit air to the conduit, thereby expelling a measured quantity of liquid from the outlet end.

Abstract: A device for mixing at least three products includes a first container for the separate packaging of at least a first and second product, a second container for storing a third product, and a coupling configured to couple the first and second containers to allow mixture of the first, second, and third products. The first container includes a first compartment configured to contain the first product and a second compartment configured to contain the second product isolated from the first product. The first container also includes a first open portion closed by a first cover and a second open portion closed by a second cover. The first and second open portions each communicate with the first and second compartments. The second container includes a third compartment configured to contain the third product to be mixed with the first and second products, and a dispensing orifice.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of dry products simply, reliably, accurately and with an appropriate amount of care so that the product being dispensed is not unduly damaged. The present invention includes a plurality of hoppers, and so is capable of dispensing more than one type of product without forcing the user to go through a reloading step.

Abstract: A multistation liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus which substantially reduces the risk of dispensing the wrong product. A color-coded system is employed which color-coordinates the container with a chemical concentrate to the components of the mixing and dispensing apparatus. An eductor is employed to mix the chemical concentrate with a diluting liquid. The mixing and dispensing apparatus is particularly suited for mixing and dispensing cleaning products used in maintaining large institutional buildings, such as stores and offices.

Abstract: In automobile dealerships having a service department and wherein a plurality of flowable products in bulk containers are used, there is an improvement which comprises a storage and dispensing device which has a cabinet with a plurality of shelves thereon, the bulk containers being placed on the shelves, a plurality of dispensing outlets located in a wall of the cabinet, a plurality of individual pumping devices with first conduits extending between each bulk container in respect of one of the pumping devices and second conduits extending between each of the pumping devices and a respective dispensing outlet. The arrangement provides for control of cleaning chemicals and prevents waste thereof.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a container comprises a housing having an open top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the housing is attached or permanently affixed to a container opening. An adjustable opening is disposed at the bottom of the housing may be adjusted to permit one of the contents of the container to pass from the housing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparation of custom blended fuels is disclosed. A bar code on a fuel tank or vehicle, such as an automobile, is scanned by a bar code reader operatively associated with a fuel dispensing means to convey information about a fuel required or desired to a computer controlled customized blender associated with the fuel dispensing means. Multiple fuel components, such as gasoline and replenishable fuel components such as methanol and ethanol may be custom mixed at the point of purchase. Preferably an octane analyzer and other fuel property analyzers, such as RVP analyzers, are associated with individual component or blended gasoline streams.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system includes a dispensing valve and an additive injector assembly linked with the dispensing valve. The additive injector assembly includes an injector unit for introducing additive flavoring to beverage fluid passing through the additive injector assembly from the dispensing valve. Moreover, a nozzle assembly linked with the additive injector assembly is provided by the beverage dispenser system for receiving beverage fluid and additive flavoring from the additive injector assembly. A base beverage with additive flavoring is thus dispensed from the beverage dispenser system via the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A medical item dispensing apparatus includes a dispenser (100) which encloses a plurality of magazines (168). Each magazine holds a plurality of medical items (170) which in the preferred form of the invention are cylindrical containers. Each magazine includes an opening (180). A guide (182) and a front gate member (194) are positioned adjacent to the opening. A back gate member (200) is positioned further inward from the opening than the front gate member. The front gate member and back gate member are moved in coordinated relation so that the front gate member enables a medical item adjacent the opening to pass through the opening while the back gate member moves to prevent the other medical items in the magazine from moving toward the opening. After the dispense of the medical item from the magazine the front gate member moves to block the passage of further medical items through the opening while the back gate member moves to enable medical items to move toward the opening.

Abstract: Two, preferably three or more gasoline (or other fuel) blending components are delivered to a point adjacently point of sale to the motorist and are blended by an apparatus which proportions the flow of individual components in response to signals indicative of the gasoline quality variables, octane, Reid vapor pressure, percent alcohol, etc. (The preferred octane for control purposes is motor octane, but pump octane or research octane or any combination of these three may be utilized.

Abstract: The container has a generally pie-shaped cross section and is adapted to fit on a turntable with a number of other containers of the same shape. To facilitate molding, the container consists of at least two separate molded parts, one including the angular side walls and bottom wall of the container, and the other including the front wall of the container. One molded part includes a portion of the top wall of the container, and the other molded part includes the other portion of the top wall, which preferably is sloping and has a large opening. A second opening in the top, preferably grilled, is provided as a shaker outlet. Mounting structures are provided in each molded part for supporting an internal rotary dispenser mechanism.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprising a dispenser body, the dispenser being operable to dispense a beverage via at least one outlet accessible externally of the dispenser body is described. The at least one outlet may be supported with respect to the dispenser body such that its position relative to the body can be set by a user to select one of at least two different vertical heights at which dispensing is to take place. Alternatively or additionally the dispenser may have two outlets supported with respect to the dispenser body such as to be at different vertical heights so that the user can select the vertical height at which dispensing is to take place by selection of the respective outlet.

Abstract: A soda dispensing assembly is provided including a base having a recess formed therein for receiving a neck of an inverted soda bottle to receive fluid therefrom. A spigot has a top end coupled to a bottom of the recess and a bottom end extending therefrom so as to exit the base and terminate in an open end. Also included is a valve mechanism for selectively allowing fluid to flow from the open end of the spigot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condiment dispensing system for dispensing condiment and the like which includes a gas operated pump for moving condiment(s) from a condiment source to a delivery nozzle through a condiment conduit which includes a draw-back valve to prevent condiment buildup on the delivery nozzle. A gas-operated pump is controlled at the delivery nozzle to effect delivery of the condiment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system transfers fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: A coin operated fragrance dispensing device comprises a casing having a plurality of actuation assemblies for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a user selected fragrance from a plurality of fragrance canisters therein. A lockable front door of the casing presents indicia and selection buttons corresponding to the fragrance canisters therein. The casing includes an adjustable holder adapted to carry variously sized fragrance canisters. A coin inserted through a slot in the front door of the casing falls upon a crank arm and is lodged between flanges thereon. The weight of the coin causes the arm to tilt and thus to pull down upon a pivot arm. As the shaft pivots about an axis established by a shaft which connects the pivot arms of each actuation assembly, push rods extend to move levers into open or unlocked positions. Accordingly, an actuation bar attached to a fragrance selection button is free to slidably engage a pressure responsive valve means of a fragrance canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condiment dispensing system for dispensing condiment and the like which includes a gas operated pump for moving condiment(s) from a condiment source to a delivery nozzle through a condiment conduit which is valveless to thus prevent splatter of the delivered condiment due to entrained gas. A gas-operated pump is controlled at the delivery nozzle to effect delivery of the condiment.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a cold water storage tank with a cooling device to cool the water therein, a hot water storage tank with a heating device to heat the water therein, a first storage chamber for storing a first ingredient in liquid form, a second storage chamber for storing a second ingredient in powder form, a first metering unit associated with the first storage chamber to release a predetermined amount of the first ingredient from the first storage chamber, a second metering unit associated with the second storage chamber to release a predetermined amount of the second ingredient, a first mixing device associated with the first metering unit and the cold and hot storage tanks for mixing the released amount of first ingredient with cold or hot water, a second mixing device associated with the second metering unit and the cold and hot storage tanks for mixing the released amount of second ingredient with cold or hot water, and a control circuit device to control operation of the coolin

Abstract: A device for efficient storage, measuring, and dispensing of several powdered and/or particulate materials holds these materials in a side-by-side array of compartments. Each compartment has a storage chamber and a measuring chamber. Dispensing is prompted by gravity and agitation, for orderly flow of each material through its two chambers as their drain gates are selectively opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the gate under either chamber, a dc eccentric motor acts on that chamber to break up any clumps of material that might impede free flow. Each of the two chambers has its own motor. The storage chamber array is structurally separate from the measuring chamber array, so that the two chambers can vibrate separately, further improving free flow.

Abstract: A dye batching machine which allows the dyes to be dispensed simultaneously within a limited diameter so that containers with a small opening can be employed with a large number of supply canisters.

Abstract: A cereal selector and dispenser comprising a cylindrical receptacle having a cover, a divider for separating the receptacle into three substantially equally sized compartments for containing cereals to be dispensed, and a mounting base for elevating the receptacle above a support surface, each of the compartments having a dispensing opening and a chute located at the bottom of each compartment, and spring biased, hinged flaps for obturating each respective dispensing opening, whereby a receiving bowl may be placed under one of the chutes and a desired quantity of a selected product may be dispensed into the receiving bowl by actuation of the one of the flaps positioned above the receiving bowl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condiment dispensing system for dispensing condiment and the like which includes a gas operated pump for moving condiment(s) from a condiment source to a delivery nozzle through a condiment conduit which includes a draw-back valve to prevent condiment buildup on the delivery nozzle. A gas-operated pump is controlled at the delivery nozzle to effect delivery of the condiment.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a plurality of beverage dispensing valves mounted thereto along a front end thereof Each valve includes an air switch that is pneumatically operable to turn its associated valve on and off. An equal plurality of air actuators are secured to an elongate panel hingedly secured to the dispenser front surface. Each air actuator includes a pressurized chamber and a pliable front surface. Flexible tubes extend between the air switches and the air actuators for communicating pneumatic pressure there between. The air actuators include a graphics layer secured to the front surfaces thereof. In operation, a front surface an air actuator is depressed manually whereby pneumatic pressure created thereby in the pressurized chamber is communicated by the tube thereof to its particular air switch. The air switch then serves to operate a solenoid of the valve with which it is associated, resulting in dispensing of the beverage.

Abstract: A system for mixing and dispensing oxygen sensitive hair dye consists of concentrates in a sealed air-tight system using preferably 3-8 dye concentrates in collapsible bags having an oxygen barrier. The dye concentrates, along with oxygen activating liquids, are sufficient to produce an infinite number of hair dye formulations, thereby avoiding buying and stocking many bottles of specific color dyes. For formulating the dye mixtures, exact charges, i.e., volumes measured to within 1 ml, are raised from the bags and discharged. Each bag is removably connected, in an air-tight seal, to a separate precision lift pump whose piston lift excursion may be selectively set to determine the volume of the dye charge.

Abstract: A beverage server (10) for providing a variety of beverage choices to a user comprises a plurality of dispenser sections (12) connected together. Each of the plurality of dispenser sections (12) include first and second vertical walls (14, 16) and at least one horizontal shelf (18 or 20) connected therebetween. The first wall (14) includes a length, at least one clip (36) extending therefrom and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length on a side opposite the at least one clip (36). The second side (16) has a length, at least one recess (38) extending therethrough and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length, the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the second side wall (16) is positioned to face the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the first side wall (14). The at least one shelf (18 or 20) includes a recess (30 or 32) extending therethrough and is seated within said shelf guides (22 and 24) of both the first and second side walls (14 and 16).

Abstract: A foaming system 10 includes a dual aspirator 13. The dual aspirator 13 has first and second aspirators 80 and 81 to pick up a first and second chemical concentrate. The diluent first chemical mixture is drawn in through the first aspirator 80 and goes through a first diffuser 46 where the first chemical/diluent mixture is further mixed. Similarly, diluent/chemical mixture is drawn by the second aspirator 81 and flows through a second diffuser 47 where it also is mixed. The two diluent/chemical mixtures then combine after exiting the diffusers and the compatible chemicals are then mixed by the flow of the diluent/chemical mixtures. Flushing lines 68 and 71 provide for cleaning of the dual aspirator 13. Further, the diffusers have a ratio of their diameter to length to aid in the prevention of contamination along with the use of two check valves 48 and 49.