Abstract: A product dispenser includes a housing having a backplate and a cover that, together, define a reservoir recess, and a refill unit received in the housing, the refill unit including a product reservoir positioned in the reservoir recess and holding product for dispensing, and a pump carried by the product reservoir and actuated to dispense the product. The cover pivots relative to the backplate and is pushed to pivot about a pivot point and actuate the pump. The pivot point is positioned such that the volume of the reservoir recess increases as the pump is actuated to dispense the product. The product reservoir may include a pair of cylindrical recess positioned on a common axis and projecting inwardly toward one another, and the cover may include a pair of inwardly projecting journals that are removably received in the cylindrical recesses, the cylindrical recesses and the journals acting together to form the pivot point of the cover.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser is disclosed having a permanent housing which permits simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly which is cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is configured to couple to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir so that when cycled, the piston element is actuated in sliding movement to dispense a quantity of fluid. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which act to secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component having the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user's hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position.

Abstract: A receiving device in a dosage-dispensing device, which serves to receive any insertion unit that can be inserted in the receiving device, includes a plurality of support arms that are arranged parallel to each other and extend in their lengthwise direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of gravity. At least two support arms are arranged in planes lying above one another relative to the direction of gravity. Each support arm includes at least one support location, so that, when the dosage-dispensing device is in its operating state, the insertion unit can be supported through the support locations against the force of gravity. Each support arm includes at least one protrusion which serves to position the insertion unit in a plane that extends orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The main dimension of the protrusion is directed essentially against the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing cleaning product for hand washing at a faucet comprises a cartridge having an internal reservoir for containing hand wash cleaning product, a nozzle configured in one of a plurality of key shapes, and a dispenser having a receptacle opening adapted to receive and engage the nozzle of the cartridge when the receptacle opening is configured in one of a plurality of key shapes corresponding to the key shape of the nozzle, the dispenser having a fluid communication passage for dispensing fluid for hand washing, whereby only cartridges and dispensers which have matched key shapes will engage each other for operative discharge of the hand wash cleaning product.

Abstract: A hand washing timing system includes a housing with a perimeter wall that has a dispensing aperture extending therethrough. A fluid dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing and dispenses fluid outwardly of the dispensing aperture when actuated. The fluid dispensing assembly includes an actuator. A light emitter is mounted on the housing and emits visible light outwardly away from the housing when turned on. A timing assembly is electrically coupled to the light emitter and turns on the light emitter for a specified amount of time when the timing assembly is actuated. The timing assembly is in communication with the fluid dispensing assembly and is actuated when the fluid dispensing assembly is actuated. A light diffuser is mounted on the housing and covers the light emitter to increase a viewing angle of light emitted by the light emitter to at least 120 degrees with respect to the light emitter.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser having a permanent housing permitting simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is couple to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir so that when cycled, the piston element is actuated in sliding movement to dispense a quantity of fluid. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation. In the coupled orientation, the fingers return to an undeformed configuration securing the piston element to the actuator assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a foaming component for use in association with a foam dispenser. The foaming component includes an air sparging element, a mixing chamber, and an air chamber. The mixing chamber is on one side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the mixing chamber. The air chamber is on the other side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the air chamber. The air chamber has an air inlet. The mixing chamber has a liquid inlet and an outlet, and the outlet is down stream of the inlet. The foaming component also forms part of a new foam dispenser. The foaming component and the foam dispenser are for use in the production of foam with a plurality of particles suspended therein. Another aspect of the invention is a dispenser with a foaming component therein.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a wave guide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for a substance, comprising a housing (1), a reservoir (2), a metering valve (3), and an actuator (4). In known dispensers, the metering valve (3) is positively coupled to the actuator (4) via coupling means when the metering valve is activated for the first time. The invention is characterized in that the coupling means can be activated by inserting a the reservoir (2) into the housing (1) and by the respective relative movement between the housing (1) and the reservoir (2) in the direction of insertion (E) thereby eliminating an idle movement after the insertion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A piston pump assembly in which a piston-forming element to be received in a piston chamber of a piston chamber-forming member carries a removable stop flange member which may be secured to the piston chamber-forming member to provide a retention stop to prevent the piston-forming element from being removed from the piston chamber.

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: A universal collar that attaches to a pump and, in turn, a container used in a dispenser having a keyplate, the universal collar including: a first flange and a second flange, wherein the flanges extend radially outward and are axially spaced from each other for receiving the keyplate therebetween.

Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, it is determined whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system and then a pump actuator is moved to a loading position when the refill container is removed. Another method sets a run timer, starts a pump actuator, determines whether the pump actuator is still dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing system upon lapsing of the run timer and then moves the pump actuator if the pump actuator is still dispensing upon the expiration of the run timer. And another method detects opening of a cover, energizes a motor to move an actuator to a loading position, determines when the actuator is at the loading position and then turns the motor off.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a personal care product includes a housing, a first panel disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of receptacles, and a first key that is sized to be interchangeably received in each of the receptacles. The apparatus further includes a container sized and shaped to be secured in a particular orientation within the housing, and having a surface that faces the panel when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing. A first depression is formed in the container surface to complement with specificity the first key's exterior shape and positioned to pair with the key when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing and the key is received in one of the receptacles.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing holding an assembly, including a liquid reservoir, a pump for dispensing the fluid product, and an outlet nozzle. The pump includes a liquid chamber for containing a dose of the liquid product and a pressurizing device which allows liquid product to be drawn into or expelled from the liquid chamber. The dispenser further includes a shunting chamber including a first aperture allowing flow access to the reservoir, a second aperture allowing flow access to the outlet nozzle, and a third aperture allowing flow access to the liquid chamber. The third aperture is disposed off-axis with respect to the first and second apertures. The shunting chamber further includes a mechanically actuated governing device that has two states, one defining a flow path between the first and third apertures and one defining a flow path between the third and second apertures.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material adapted for engagement and for dispensing fluid from either a replaceable piston pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a piston pump or a replaceable peristaltic pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a deformable tube member.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to the container, wherein actuation of the valve dispenses the fluid. Also included is an apparatus position indicator proximally associated with the container and an object sensor positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens the valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until the object sensor is properly positioned. Once positioned the device may be permanently secured. A control circuit within the apparatus also allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding.

Abstract: A dispenser housing that receives a refill unit including a container and pump associated with the container to pump contents from the container. The dispenser housing includes an actuator carriage moveable between a rest position and an actuated position. The dispenser housing also includes a lockout device moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lockout device is in the open position, the actuator carriage is movable, and, when the lockout device is in the closed position, movement of the actuator carriage is blocked by the lockout device such that the actuator carriage cannot be moved from the rest position to the actuated position.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing and a push bar movable between a rest position and an actuated position. A container is retained in the housing and holds a liquid, and a pump is associated with a liquid. The pump is actuated to dispense a dose of the liquid, when the push bar is moved from its rest position to its actuated position. A dispensing tube includes an inlet associated with the pump, an outlet associated with the push bar, and a bellows portion between the inlet and the outlet. Upon moving the push bar from its rest position to its actuated position, the bellows portion is collapsed from an expanded volume to a compressed volume, and the outlet of the dispensing tube moves with the push bar. Upon return of the push bar from the actuated position to the rest position, the bellows portion expands from the compressed volume to the expanded volume, and draws liquid at the tip of the dispensing tube into the dispensing tube to reduce or eliminate dripping.

Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser, particularly advantageous for low viscosity solutions, such as, alcohol solutions, for dispensing from an upper open end of a reservoir out an outlet at a height above the level of liquid in the reservoir onto a user's hand disposed below the reservoir, advantageously by actuation of an actuator below a lower end of the reservoir.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing and a push bar movable between a rest position and an actuated position. A container is retained in the housing and holds a liquid, and a pump is associated with a liquid. The pump is actuated to dispense a dose of the liquid, when the push bar is moved from its rest position to its actuated position. A dispensing tube includes an inlet associated with the pump, an outlet associated with the push bar, and a bellows portion between the inlet and the outlet. Upon moving the push bar from its rest position to its actuated position, the bellows portion is collapsed from an expanded volume to a compressed volume, and the outlet of the dispensing tube moves with the push bar. Upon return of the push bar from the actuated position to the rest position, the bellows portion expands from the compressed volume to the expanded volume, and draws liquid at the tip of the dispensing tube into the dispensing tube to reduce or eliminate dripping.

Abstract: A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitary dispensing of holy water including a cross-shaped housing having one or more compartments. A front support plate and lower sensor/dispenser plate assembly form an L-shaped support bracket. A refillable contain, a micro pump and a dispenser nozzle are stacked on the support bracket. The support bracket pivots from a closed position, to an outwardly angled open position to facilitate refilling of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a dispenser to render the dispenser water resistant is provided. The dispenser for which it is provided has a housing including a compartment formed therein, an exit port, and a back housing portion including at least one aperture therein. The apparatus comprises a mounting plate configured to be mounted to a vertical surface. The mounting plate includes at least one rotational key extending therefrom. When at least a portion of the back housing portion of the dispenser is positioned against the mounting plate, the key is positioned to extend through the aperture in the back housing portion. The dispenser is releasably coupled against the mounting plate when the key is rotated such that it is not aligned with the aperture through which it extends, thereby holding the housing against the mounting plate. A kit may be provided which includes the mounting plate. A system including the mounting plate and a dispenser may be provided.

Abstract: A refill container is disclosed which utilizes an enclosure with at least one orientational tab and a neck that carries a pump mechanism with a nozzle. The refill container provides a collar with a notch that receives the orientational tab and axially receives the neck. The refill container is axially received by a release mechanism of a dispenser housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispenser, in particular for semi-solid or liquid systems, with a housing to hold a dispenser unit which is formed by a storage container, a metering unit (3) connected therewith via which the substance can be output in defined doses and an activation mechanism (4) which can activate the metering unit (3) to output a dose of substance, where the dispenser unit is held via a reservoir holder (5) in the housing (1). Known dispensers have the disadvantage that the dispenser unit is not held securely against tipping. The invention avoids this in that the storage container (2) is formed with a lower volume area (2?) and an upper volume area (2?) which to form the reservoir holder between its upper and lower end has a constricted shoulder area (9) with an inwardly angled setting surface, where the housing (1) has a corresponding support surface (10) to support the setting surface.

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: A locking dispenser to dispense material from a replaceable refill container maintains a lock assembly having a plurality of spring-biased plungers configured in accordance with a predetermined lock parameter. The refill container carries a collar that includes a plurality of markers configured in accordance with a predetermined key parameter. Thus, when a refill container having a key parameter that is compatible with the lock parameter of the key block is installed at the dispenser, the plungers transition from a locked state to an unlocked state to enable the movement of an actuator, which when depressed by a user, results in the dispensement of material from the refill container.

Abstract: A pump for dispensing soap from a container in a dispenser, the pump including a base, a flexible dome attached to the base defining a chamber therebetween, an inlet and an outlet formed in the base and opening into the chamber, the inlet being in fluid communication with the container, and wherein the dome has a fold line that facilitates collapsing of the dome. The dome may include an inwardly extending flange that selectively closes the inlet.

Abstract: A universal collar key used in connection with a container that fits within the housing of a dispenser that has a keyed receiver, the universal collar key including a collar supported on the container, a first flange and a second flange extending radially outward from the collar and spaced axially to define a clearance for receipt of the receiver therebetween.

Abstract: A simplified arrangement for the translation of movement as, for example, arcuate movement as from a lever into movement which is different as for example, in a linear direction with a slide element preferably comprising a piston in a piston pump. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a bridging element which is disposed intermediate a pivoting lever and a linearly sliding slide element with the bridging member being retained in engagement with camming surfaces having an arcuate portion at a constant distance from the pivot axis of the lever and tangentially merging into a linear portion which is parallel to a longitudinal axis along which the slide element is slidable. The bridging member is slidable relative to the camming surface with the bridging member deforming to assume the shape of the camming surface where the bridge member engages the camming surface.

Abstract: A dispenser including a housing with a backplate, an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate, and a cover pivotally connected to the intermediary member. The intermediary member is pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to a first end of the housing, and the cover is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to a second end of the housing. The dispenser also includes a refill unit including a pump and a product reservoir. The product reservoir is flexible and resilient so that it can be compressed repeatedly.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material by gravity, includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve for opening or restricting a flow between the inlet and outlet and having open and closed positions, and an actuator disposed downstream of the inlet for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions, wherein the actuator is operated by a container to be filled with a material.

Abstract: A infection control station includes: a mounting unit; a cover rotatably attached to the mounting unit, adapted to transition between an open position and a closed position; a pump adapted to dispense the hand sanitizer; a site window to view the hand sanitizer when the cover is in the closed position; an aperture adapted to dispense the towel; and a site window to view the towel when the cover is in the closed position. The station may also include a hinge that pivotally attaches a first side of the cover to the mounting unit; a lock that releasably secures a second side of the cover against the mounting unit; and a shelf that is accessible when the cover is in the open position and is not accessible when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An improved assembly of a foam soap dispenser control valve includes a lower casing, an upper casing and a valve body. In addition, a spring is installed in a protruding tube of the valve body, and a steel ball is disposed at the tip of the spring, and a bushing is sheathed onto the external periphery of the protruding tube for abutting the steel ball tightly against the top of the protruding tube and the internal side of the upper edge of the bushing, and a hollow joint bushing is protruded from the top of the upper casing, and the top of the joint bushing is a closed end, and a soap feeding inlet is disposed on a side of the bottom of the joint bushing, such that the upper casing and the lower casing can be engaged by screws to form the improved assembly of the soap dispenser control valve.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.

Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a movable element of a piston pump to an actuator mechanism with the movable element including a resilient member which prevents radial movement of the movable element relative a catch member of the actuator mechanism from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a first pump to displace a first volume and a second pump to displace a second volume greater than the first volume. The first pump draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to the second pump. The second pump draws in the discharge from the first pump and an additional volume of air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump has the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. The first and second chambers communicate together. In one version, a one-way valve provides flow outwardly only from the first chamber to the second chamber and the first pump discharges while the second pump draws in, and vice versa.

Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.

Abstract: A foam pump having a flexible member for engagement with a dispenser, the pump being part of a refill unit including a product reservoir. The flexible connecting member extends from an extreme end of the pump and is received by an actuating carriage that is movably connected to an actuating mechanism. The flexible connecting member permits insertion of the pump into a dispenser, and may act to dampen actuating forces to reduce foam shearing. The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip that is received through an oval opening in the product dispenser, and the pump may include a locking member to prevent unwanted actuation thereof during insertion of the refill unit into the dispenser.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes: a liquid container defining a liquid-storing space that is adapted to store a liquid therein; a liquid-driving unit defining a liquid passage and having a movable part, the liquid passage having an inlet that is in liquid communication with the liquid-storing space, and an outlet that is disposed outwardly of the liquid container, the movable part being movable between first and second positions for driving an amount of the liquid from the liquid-storing space to pass through the inlet and the outlet; and a part-driving unit including a power-driven gear set, and a rack engaging and driven by the gear set and connected to the movable part for driving movement of the movable part between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A refillable product dispenser includes a housing having a frame and a front cover with open and closed positions relative to the frame, a receptacle associated with the housing, and a pushbutton configured to be at least partially received by the receptacle in one of alternative unlocked and locked orientations. The dispenser further includes a dispensing system with a product container having a spout disposed at a first dispensing angle, a nozzle disposed at a second dispensing angle and a dispensing lever configured to activate the spout when force is applied to the lever.