Abstract: A fluid container, for particular use, for example, as a water dispensing bottle carried on the frame of a bicycle, having a valve system incorporated in the cap for provides single handed operation. The valve system includes a sliding member that opens the valve system when pushed to either extreme position. The sliding member also provides an indirect tactile indication that the valve has reached a central or closed position. The sliding member of the valve system, along with the tactile indications provide a single handed device that does not impede the attention of the bicyclist.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.

Abstract: A discharge monitoring system for a compressed gas cylinder incorporates a seal rupturing pin mounted in a gas passage that is intended to connect to a conventional triggering mechanism for activating the seal rupturing pin connects to the object to be inflated. A chamber divided by a piston into a high pressure side which is directly connected to the gas passage and a lower pressure side on the opposite side of the piston. A flag or indicator associated with the piston is move into a flagging position when a high gas pressure is present in the gas passage and moves the piston to a displaced position. With this system, an initial high pressure formed in the gas passage immediately after the gas cylinder seal is punctured, develops a gas pressure within the chamber sufficient to displace the piston. The piston is fictionally held in its initial position indicating the cylinder is charged or after discharge in its displaced position indicating the cylinder has been discharged.

Abstract: A container for toiletries, personal hygiene products and articles, said container comprising a body formed of a sealable, preferable heat-sealable material for storing said product or article and having a first portion defining a sealed aperture through which aperture said product or article was added to said body; a second portion defining an aperture through which said product is operatively dispensed from said body; an outer surface adjacent said first portion; and identification means associated with said outer surface such that opening of said body at or adjacent said first portion to provide a third aperture and subsequent sealing of said third aperture effects a visual change in said identification means. The containers are so adapted as to enable, through visual inspection, whether the container has been unsealed and refilled with undesirable materials or articles such as drugs or sharp objects by patients, residents or inmates of detention or correctional institutions.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser fills a container with a beverage by controlling beverage flow through a nozzle with a valve. A mechanism reads an indicia printed on the container which identifies a volume for that container. The volume information is sent to a controller which responses by activating the valve to dispense a quantity of beverage that corresponds to the volume indicated by the indicia. Thus the beverage dispenser is able to automatically fill containers of different sizes by reading each containers volume indicating indicia. The indicia also may indicate a unique serial number assigned to each container. In that case, the controller stores data in memory which identify serial numbers of containers into which beverage has been dispensed previously and the dispensing is inhibited if the server attempts to refill one of those containers.

Abstract: A device as provided for the inflation of a container or a floating body of an item of lifesaving equipment with compressed gas. A compressed gas container sealed with the aid of a diaphragm is provided which, within the region of the container neck, possesses an external thread that can be screwed into a receiving aperture in a housing which is provided with a corresponding internal thread. The gas content of the container is released by opening the diaphragm with the aid of an opening striker disposed in the housing, which can be moved against the diaphragm by a hand lever and/or by the force of a spring. An indicating part indicates the screwing-in state of the compressed gas container, i.e., whether the compressed gas container is screwed-in so far into the receiving aperture that reliable operation of the device is guaranteed.

Abstract: A spraying system for providing a pressurized liquid spray for cleaning purposes is mounted on a vehicle for use outdoors. The system includes a liquid storage tank, a spray device for directing a spray of liquid therefrom, and a liquid supply system for pumping liquid from the liquid storage tank and for providing such liquid under pressure to the spray device. A standpipe is located within the liquid storage tank, connected to the tank liquid outlet, having a liquid inlet spaced above the level of the tank liquid outlet by a short distance. As the liquid is drawn from the tank and eventually reaches the level of the standpipe liquid inlet, air will be entrained with the liquid as the liquid then continues to enter the standpipe, causing the spray to sputter or spit as it exits the spray device. This alerts the operator to a low level of liquid in the tank and comprises a warning that use of the spraying system should be discontinued until the liquid storage tank is refilled with liquid.

Abstract: A flow restriction detector for a nozzle assembly of a liquid dispensing machine is capable of detecting a blocked or partially blocked nozzle during the cleaning of the nozzle assembly. During nozzle cleaning, a return plate is attached to the nozzle plate of the nozzle assembly to receive a flow of pressurized fluid from the nozzles. Both the inlet and return fluid lines are provided with pressure sensors, and the return line has a constant back pressure applied to it so that the differential between the inlet and return line pressure sensors is in the range 5-10 psi. The pressure differential is monitored during cleaning and from one cleaning to the next for the purpose of identifying a blocked or partially blocked nozzle. A change of as little as 5% from the pressure differential value established for an unblocked system may indicate a partial blockage of a nozzle.

Abstract: A foam delivery system includes a pump for delivering a pressurized flow of material to a dispenser through a flexible hose. The hose is encased in a flexible, expansible sheath which contains any material which may leak along the hose. The sheath expands in the region of the leak to accommodate the released material and to indicate the presence of the leak. The system also includes a monitor which senses a leak condition and then terminates the pressurized flow of material.

Abstract: A defense device, mounted on a wrist watch and made part of it, has a gas chamber underneath the wrist watch. The chamber, containing pressurized repellant gas, is locked to the watch with an interlocking ring between the watch and the gas chamber. The gas can be released by a user by pushing a trigger end of a pin to actuate the release of the gas at the other end, where a nozzle discharges the gas sideways in a wide spray impinging on an incoming attacker. The invention is formed to blend inconspicuously with the design of the watch, so as to prevent the incoming attacker from knowing of the device. A user of the device may pretend to read the time, while in reality releasing the repellant gas from the side of the hand to the incoming attacker. The interlocking ring has an aperture at the top to accommodate a wrist watch, and an aperture at the bottom to accept a matching gas chamber and lock it into position, ready for firing.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing method and apparatus has a system with new individual dispensing heads connectible one each to a plurality of different liquid bottles, i.e. liquor, and a remote dispensing data receiver and computer that receives data from each head. Each head has structure for being secured to a bottle, a liquid bore and an air vent, and one or more of the following features and functions: an electronic dispensing timer, a stop pour annunciator, a magnetically latched dispensing control valve, an electronic bottle lock a radio transmitter and antenna, an electronic fractional pour annunciator, programmable dispensing control, a micro-processor computer, a data storage, a data I/O structure, and structure and function for uniquely electrically identifying each head and liquid.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic closure for fastening on a container having a lower part with a top surface which forms a pouring opening, and a cap pivotably connected to the lower part by a hinge shaft. A security element is connected to the closure such that, during initial opening of the closure, the security element is transformed from a secured state to a visually recognizable state of use.

Abstract: A container and dispenser for fluids, especially hydraulic and engine oil fluids for aircraft. The container, which is preferably made of a recyclable polymer such as high density polyethylene, is rectangularly parallepipedal, with a crowned top to minimize contamination by water or particulate matter. A pump is mounted on the top of the container, and various filters, check valves, and quick disconnect couplings are provided to further minimize contamination. In use, the container is mounted on a 2-wheeled cart that is especially designed to accommodate it.

Abstract: A monitor for a beverage processing system that can sense a characteristic of the system, compare the characteristic to a threshold value to determine if a component of the system is not operating properly, and transmit the characteristic to a remote site. The monitor includes a controller coupled to a number of sensors that sense various system characteristics such as the water pressure and resistance at various locations of the system. The processor compares the outputs of the sensors with threshold values to determine if the various components are operating properly. The monitor also has a visual display unit which can output the various characteristic values along with processor generated messages that identify a component(s) that is not operating properly or needs preventive maintenance. The monitor transmits data via a modem to a computer located at a remote site. The computer can store and display the characteristics and other processor outputs.

Abstract: A system and method are taught for transferring fluids between a container and an associated apparatus for using the fluid. Interface members (52, 68; 86, 88) on the container (80, 82) cooperate with sensor probe assemblies (54, 70; 90-108) and a controller (56) in the associated apparatus to indicate the status of the container as full or partially full of fresh liquid, emptied of fresh liquid, or full or partially full of effluent liquid. The likelihood of delivering the wrong liquid to the associated apparatus is minimized. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of liquid chemicals to a photographic processor apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, the conventional screw or snap-on type closure is replaced with a dispensing cap which incorporates a volumetric space to thereby permit precisely measured amounts of contents to be poured from the dispensing cap. The cap in this exemplary embodiment is constructed of a transparent plastic material and is provided with volume indicators to assist the user in measuring precisely desired amounts as the contents are transferred from the jar into a volumetric space provided in the dispensing cap.

Abstract: An ink jet pen supply cartridge having a spring biased ink reservoir with a visual indication of remaining ink quantity. The reservoir tends to collapse laterally as the ink supply decreases due to differential pressure exerted thereto. The spring-reservoir is contained in a rigid cartridge and a pair of flexible tape members are cemented or welded, one to each side of the spring-reservoir, and extend generally parallel toward a narrow end surface of the cartridge at which they overlap and can be viewed through a window. The overlapping relationship of the tape members provide ink quantity indicia which change as the spring-reservoir collapse draws them past each other.

Abstract: A method of delivering petroleum and similar products that ensures the accurate delivery of products, in accordance with the instructions on a series of load tickets, from a refinery, storage terminal, or other bulk storage facility to the tanks of a wholesaler, retailer or end-user. The method of delivery includes the use of a probe having digital memory and capable of comparing input signals with stored data. Each use of the probe is recorded, stored in memory, and later downloaded to a computer system to verify the drivers' compliance with the instructions of the series of load tickets.

Abstract: An inflating device, more particularly for life jackets, includes a cartridge filled with pressure gas, which possesses a neck sealed with a diaphragm, and a cutter which, in the event of a release, penetrates with a sharp or pointed bottom portion the membrane on the cartridge. A releasing means, in the event of a release, acts upon the cutter with a force for penetrating the diaphragm. The diaphragm is distinguished by a simplified construction, which in particular permits the employment of a greatly simplified and very inexpensive cutter. It is proposed that the cutter be movably accommodated in a disposable part separated from the releasing means. The disposable part is rigidly connected with the cartridge and, together with the cartridge, can be detachably inserted into the releasing means.

Abstract: Two-part reactive polymeric coatings are prepared and applied from an integral dispensing system. The reactive components are held in two separate containers held together by a coupling. Each container is sealed by a pierceable membrane. A piercing tube is disposed within the coupling. In use, the containers are twisted together to cause the tube within the coupling to pierce each of the membranes. Breakaway tabs protect against inadvertent displacement of the containers and provides a clear indication of whether the tube has pierced the membranes. Differential pressure between the containers causes the components to mix and begin to react; a net positive pressure with respect to the ambient atmosphere permits the mixed components to be applied as a spray. An externally mounted spray feed tube provides great flexibility in application of the paint being sprayed.

Abstract: A post depressurization device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel, having a housing (102) and a piston (130) for temporality sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less then a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel. The piston and the housing cooperating to define a pressure storage cavity (156). The housing including a valve (122) for permitting the fluid within the pressure vessel to enter the pressure cavity and stabilize at a level substantially equal to the pressure level within the pressure vessel and for inhibiting a rapid decrease in the pressure within the pressure cavity immediately subsequent to depressurization of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: In a fluid container comprising a container main body, a first piston member which defines a fluid containing chamber of a variable internal volume in cooperation with associated walls of the container main body, and a content expelling tube for conducting the content of the fluid container to a content outlet, a second piston member is placed inside the content expelling tube so that the second piston member may be moved inside the content expelling tube to take out the content from the content outlet when the first piston member has reached its stroke end and the content inside the fluid containing chamber has been all taken out. Thus, the content expelling tube may be conveniently employed for guiding the movement of the first piston member without reducing the inner capacity of the fluid container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10). The container (11) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of dispensing a solid chemical (11) and a dispensing container (10) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dosing system and method for quickly and accurately indicating the proper volumetric dosage of a topical preparation. The container holding the topical preparation is provided with a pictorial representation of a measurement area which is equivalent to a known amount of the preparation when dispensed from the container to cover an equivalent area. A specialized instruction set is provided on the container which equates the represented area to dosage requirement such as age, weight, and/or effective application rate usually expressed as milliliters of topical preparation per square area of skin surface.

Abstract: A dispenser capsule for liquid or paste products comprising an element slng in a tubular envelope between an open raised position and a closed retracted position, via a maneuvering thruster for respectively disengaging or blocking a flow opening of the product contained in the receptacle on which the capsule is mounted. The capsule comprises a cowl which is adapted to be mounted on the neck of the receptacle and which is affixed to the envelope in which is slidably mounted a piston guided axially by the envelope and by a chimney also affixed to cowl, the chimney communicating by one end with the opening of neck of the receptacle, its other end having an opening which is reduced with respect to that of the neck and in communication with said flow opening when piston is in a raised open position. The piston comprises a top and a lateral wall forming the maneuvering thruster and wherein the envelope is provided with a recessed portion enabling access to the thruster for its activation.

Abstract: An ink jet pen supply cartridge having a spring biased ink bag with a visual indication of remaining ink quantity. The spring-bag reservoir tends to collapse laterally as the ink supply decreases due to differential pressure exerted thereto. The spring-bag is contained in a rigid cartridge and a pair of flexible tape members are cemented or welded, one to each side of the spring-bag, and extend generally parallel toward a narrow end surface of the cartridge at which they overlap and can be viewed through a window. The overlapping relationship of the tape members provide ink quantity indicia which change as the spring-bag collapse draws them past each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for approving or disapproving transactions, particularly fuel dispensing transactions, based upon transaction cards. The invention converts actual invalid transaction card account data into incremental transaction card account data which is representative of the difference between successive entries in the actual invalid transaction card account data. The incremental invalid transaction card account data is downloaded from a central location, and stored at individual fuel vendor locations, thereby minimizing the requirement to communicate with the central location while minimizing memory requirements at the fuel vendor locations. In operation, when a transaction card, for example, a credit or debit card, is presented for a transaction, the incremental invalid transaction card data is resolved into actual invalid transaction card data, and the account number of the presented transaction card is compared with the resolved actual invalid transaction card account data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels from storage tanks and the like, by employing a sensor in an environment proximal to the dispenser. The sensor preferably includes an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, and the waveguide is disposed in the environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide. The sensor further includes a light source for projecting light into a first end of the waveguide, and a detector for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide. The sensor is electrically connected to a controller which terminates the dispensation of fuel in the event that a leak is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A self-contained electronic monitoring unit for attachment to a device, such as a water filter, designed to be used until the occurrence of a predetermined event such as a predetermined number of uses, includes transducer for providing distinct outputs such as different audio output signals. A programmed integrated circuit and use detecting means such as electrical contacts detect each use of the device and monitor when the device is operational, when the end of life event is imminent and has occurred. The integrated circuit is programmed to operate the transducer to produce output signals during each use of the device informing the user that the device is operational, that the predetermined event or end of useful life is imminent and that the useful life has expired. The unit includes a battery for supplying power to the transducer and integrated circuit.

Abstract: A planter monitor system monitors, measures and displays a plurality of planter performance parameters. The system includes a display console, a plurality of row unit modules and a plurality of seed sensors. The system can be used with a wide variety of planters made by different manufacturers and on many different planter types. The system can accurately monitor a wide variety of seed types (e.g. both small and large) and a wide variety of seed planting rates (low and high) and any combination thereof which can occur within the wide scope of seed planting. The system calculates an error rate from a set of data, in graph form, representing experimentally determined actual seed rates versus seed rates as would be measured, thus allowing the operator to optimize seed population and distribution by adjusting the speed of the planter apparatus and/or the seed distribution system.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying the desired concentrate to water ratio of a juice product in a concentrate container inserted into a juice dispenser and for automatically switching the ratio control system to the desired ratio. The system includes a product ratio I.D. member having ratio indicia on the fill plug of the container and a sensor in the dispenser. The sensed information is used by the ratio control system in the dispenser to change the pump motor speed to provide the desired ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for serving beer at proper CO.sub.2 content and proper temperature for best taste, comprises a draft tower for distributing beer at the proper gas content and at the proper temperature. A plurality of beer barrels connected in series are in turn connected to the draft tower by a pipeline. A CO.sub.2 gas cylinder is connected to the barrels for supplying gas at an elevated pressure sufficient to move the beer from the barrels along the pipeline to the tower. A heater is provided for heating the barrel to an elevated temperature above the proper temperature for taste, so that the gas content in the barrel does not rise above the proper gas content under the influence of possibly elevated pressure needed to convey the beer. Near or at the draft tower, the beer is recooled to the proper temperature and thus served at a proper temperature and with the proper gas content.

Abstract: A sealing and dispensing cap for a carbonated drink container permits the container to be inverted with the cap disposed in a closed position to trap carbonating gases, whereupon the cap is disposed in an open position to dispense the carbonated drink. This cap prevents carbonated drink from going "flat" by preventing the escape of carbonating gases during drink dispensation.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided with a mechanism to assure patient compliance with a drug dosage regimen. The control mechanism includes a controller (24), a timer (26), an actuator (28) and a signalling device (30). The controller (24) is programmed or preset with a time and dosage schedule for the drug to be delivered. For example, the controller (24) may be programmed to allow for two puffs from an MDI every eight hours. The actuator (28) operates in conjunction with the timer (26) and prevents the inhalation device from being actuated after the programmed dosage has been administered at the prescribed interval. The actuator (28) could be an electronically controlled valve (58) or pawl (66) arrangement or other suitable mechanism. The signaling device (30) provides an audible, visual or tactile sensation during the time period prescribed for administration of the drug so that the patient is reminded to inhale his or her medicine at the prescribed time intervals.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tube, and method for forming such a tube, has a tube body portion formed from an inner layer of thermoplastic material, a barrier layer, and an outer layer of thermoplastic material. The outer layer does not extend completely about the periphery of the tube body and a strip of thermoplastic material having the same composition as the inner layer, fills each gap in the outer layer to form a smooth surface about the tube. The strip may be transparent or of a color different than the color of the outer layer. In a preferred tube, a first layer of adhesive material is provided between the inner layer and the barrier layer, and a second layer of adhesive material is provided between the barrier layer and the outer layer and strip.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable water treatment device of the type including a vessel with an opened upper end and a replaceable filter cartridge adapted to be contained therein. A lid assembly is adapted to be attached to the opened upper end of the vessel above the replaceable filter cartridge and operable to monitor the number of times the water treatment device is used. The lid assembly includes a housing having a central aperture therethrough communicating with the filter cartridge. A gate member is reciprocally movable between a position closing the aperture in the housing and a position opening the aperture in the housing. In the opened position, water to be treated may be poured into the filter cartridge through the aperture. Indicator means are provided and are movable incrementally in response to movement of the gate member. The indicator means move one increment during a cyclic movement of the gate member from the closed position to the opened position and back to the closed position.

Abstract: A message display boot is provided for a fuel dispensing nozzle. The display boot comprises a flexible plastic boot in close conforming fit over at least the front valve housing of the nozzle. At the top of the boot is a message platform upon which a message placard can be rested. A skirted flexible cover conforming to the contour of the platform has a pattern of scalloped expansion folds, such that the cover is held on the platform by the close conforming fit of the skirt along and under the sides of the platform but can be easily pried off the platform to change the placard. The cover can be optically clear to hold a message placard on the platoform, or it may have a message imprinted on its top surface. A bellows portion at the bottom of the boot provides a conforming fit over nozzles of various height. In a preferred embodiment, the boot, platform and bumper are integrally molded of plastisol vinyl.

Abstract: A pouring spout and carbonation retention apparatus for selectively dispensing a variable or fixed portion of gas-containing liquid from a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing wherein the housing is adapted to be attached to the container. The container houses a liquid, normally a carbonated liquid, such a cola or root beer. A removable vessel is included for maintaining a charge of gas and is mounted within the housing. a spout of the type conventionally used for the dispensing of liquids is integral with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom, and a handle is pivotably attached to the top of the housing to be movable with respect to the housing. A series of channels are located between the vessel, which contains the charge of gas, and the container. Movement of the handle will cause a variable or fixed charge of gas to enter the container for dispersion into the liquid in the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel means for detecting a low level of liquid in a reservoir. One application for the invention is to provide a way to indicate when the level of windshield washer fluid for a vehicle is at a low level. According to one of its broad aspects, the windshield washer fluid noticeable changes color on the windshield, when it is running low in the reservoir; for example, changing from very light blue to an intense red. There are known electrical and mechanical means for indicating the level of a fluid in a reservoir. However, these indicators of fluid level rely on special equipment such as floats and electrical contacts. An advantage of the present invention, is that it can be used with existing windshield washer reservoirs without the need for additional equipment and/or gauges in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A closure and dispensing device for laundry products which permits precise dispensing of small amounts as well as the dispensing of large amounts for large washloads.

Abstract: A tamper-evident end closure for dispensers, including a hermetically sea base, a rotor having a normally occurring unrestrained non-flat shape, and a rotatable connection between the rotor and the base to hold the rotor on the base in a substantially flat condition so it can rotate. The rotatable connection is achieved by employing an annular attachment ring, formed on the rotor snap-fit into an annular groove molded into the base. The annular attachment ring is connected to the rotor by a frangible web, which will break or tear when an attempt is made to separate the rotor from the base. Because the rotor is formed with a normally occurring non-flat shape, tearing or breaking of the frangible web will allow a portion of the rotor, normally held by the attachment ring, to spring or bend toward its natural shape. This unrestrained portion provides striking evidence of the tampering attempt.

Abstract: Automatic dispensing apparatus for accurately dispensing preselected amounts of material. The apparatus includes a paddle wheel assembly having multiple compartments for holding selected amounts of material to be dispensed. The apparatus further includes an agitator assembly to break down the material, and a flexible skimmer element for removing excess material from the compartments before dispensing to ensure precise measurements. The paddle wheel assembly and the agitator assembly are driven by a linear actuator. A shutter shields the dispensing mechanism and the material from external elements. The shutter is automatically activated to open and tightly close in sequence with the dispensing cycle. The apparatus further includes a programmable microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A leak detection device for restricting the flow of liquid fuel through the undergound fuel conduit whenever the leakage exceeds a predetermined rate of flow. The device includes a valve in the conduit that is movable between a first position to permit a first volumetric rate of flow for quickly pressurizing the conduit to a predetermined pressure, and a second position to permit a second volumetric rate of flow is that is much less that the first volumetric rate of flow. The valve includes a seal member which is extendable radially outward of the valve. A valve seat for the valve is provided and has a plurality of slots therein to provide fluid communication between the fuel inlet and outlet of the device. Once the conduit is pressurized to the predetermined pressure, the valve moves from its first position to its second position resulting in the seal member being sealingly aligned with each of the slots thereby preventing the flow of the fuel through each of the slots.

Abstract: A beverage quantity indicator is provided for use with beverage containers of a type which do not include a visual or other type of indication of the quantity of beverage remaining in the container. The indicator is incorporated into a beverage stand and includes a weight scale for weighing beverage containers on the stand, thus providing an indication of the quantity of beverage within the container. A preferred form of beverage stand is also disclosed. The weight scale on the stand includes a hinge-mounted plate on which a beverage container rests. The hinge-mounted plate is movable generally vertically along an arcuate path. A spring on the beverage stand urges the hinge-mounted plate generally upwardly and the amount of flexure of the spring indicates the quantity of beverage in the container on the plate.

Abstract: A non-transparent, fluid product dispenser comprising a structurally rigid outer container and a flexible inner container provided with means for visually indicating the amount of product remaining in the dispenser comprising a mechanical actuator attached between the end of the liner container and an actuatable indicator on the outer container. Operating in proportion to the travel of the end of the inner container, the actuator is connected to at least one pull tab attached to an indicator window in the outer container.

Abstract: A liquid separator of the present invention comprises a first plate member, a second plate member forming a receiving portion between it and the first plate member for receiving a flexible liquid container including liquid separated into the upper liquid layer and the lower liquid layer, and pushing means for pushing the second plate member toward the first plate member, said pushing means automatically pushing the second plate member with gradually decreasing pressure after starting the discharge of the upper liquid layer from the flexible liquid container. Therefore, the upper liquid layer can be discharged from the flexible liquid container without disturbing the boundary between the upper and lower liquid layers in the flexible liquid container. Thus, the upper liquid layer can automatically and efficiently be taken out from the flexible liquid container without mixing with the lower liquid layer and without any complicated and troublesome manipulation.

Abstract: A container closure includes a body for mounting on the container. The body defines two spaced-apart surfaces and a dispensing orifice between the top surfaces. A flow control device, such as a lid or nozzle assembly, is disposed on the body between the two spaced-apart top surfaces for being moved between positions opening and closing the dispensing orifice. A tamper-indicating member is provided over the lid or nozzle assembly. The member has two spaced-apart outer sections which are each attached to one of the body top surfaces. The member also has a middle section extending across and over the lid or nozzle assembly. The middle section is joined on each side with a frangible web to an outer section to inhibit movement of the lid or nozzle assembly from the closed position. The tamper-indicating member also includes a graspable pull tab on the middle section.

Abstract: A solution separating apparatus has a container holding portion, a container pressurizing portion, an interface detecting portion, and a control unit. The interface detecting portion comprises a light emitting apparatus disposed to one side and a light receiving apparatus disposed to another side with a container held by the container holding portion sandwiched therebetween. The light emitting element comprises a plurality (three or more) of light emitting elements disposed in parallel in the substantially moving direction of the interface within the container. Another solution separating apparatus embodiment has a container holding portion, a tube clamper, a container pressurizing portion, a control unit, and a weight measuring portion commonly used by two or more container holding portions. The weight measuring portion selectively measures the quantity of weight change of each container held by the container holding portions.

Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for bulk fluids, and a method associated therewith, is disclosed in which a bulk storage tank operates in association with a second tank of a smaller size, and which retains a fluid to be dispensed in a self-serve operation. Preferably, separate pumps are employed for feeding liquid from the bulk tank to the smaller reservoir, and from the reservoir through a nozzle to a receptacle, on demand. The apparatus of the present invention provides a system for dispensing fluids such as windshield washer at e.g., service stations, which can be used by a customer when it is desired to re-fill a vehicle windshield washer, without the problems associated with filling using larger containers.