Abstract: A powder dispenser module (54) includes a housing (150) that defines a conduit connecting a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a feed wand (160) to move powder through the conduit from the powder inlet to the powder outlet, the feed wand (200) including a lower feed element (230) coupled to a first drive shaft and an upper feed element (220) coupled to a second drive shaft, a first actuator coupled to the first drive shaft to rotate the lower feed element (230), and a second actuator coupled to the second drive shaft to rotate the upper feed element (220). In other embodiments, the feed wand (200) includes a shaft having a fluidizing element and an actuator produces oscillatory movement of the feed wand during dispensing of powder. Dispenser module arrays include one or a few rows of dispenser modules.

Abstract: A dispensing urn assembly (10, 10?) with a hollow body (12) with an interior surface for containing beverage (14) and a manually operable faucet (16) for selectively dispensing beverage (14) from the bottom of hollow body with an electronic status display assembly (50) controlled by a microcomputer (62) in response to a temperature probe (44), a level probe (42) and a timer reset switch (46) to provide graphic displays (64,68, 72), numerical displays (66,70, 74) of the temperature, quantity and time elapsed or remaining since the brewing of the beverage and light indication displays (55,57, 59) when preselected values are achieved.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing and reporting system for bar keepers is proposed, having a liquid level sensor in wireless communication with a remote computer having software algorithms for calculating and reporting volume. The sensor is substantially in the form of a liquor bottle spout, and includes a means for measuring the height of the liquid in a bottle, sensing inversion of the spout, and sending the data wirelessly to a receiver. The receiver is associated with the computer, and transmits the data to the computer which calculates liquor volumes based on the changing height of the liquid in a bottle from pre-pour to post-pour status. The software extrapolates this information to produce a variety of real-time beverage consumption reports, including error reports caused by over pours, under pours, and skimming.

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

Abstract: A device for intermittently ejecting a fixed quantity of a mixed gas, to which a liquid is added, to a target object. A device comprises a gas supply means (2) to which a carbon-dioxide-gas container (B) is mounted, a chemical liquid supply means (3) to which a chemical liquid container (M) is mounted, an ejection means (5) for mixing a supplied high-pressure gas and a supplied liquid together and ejecting the mixed gas, and an operation means (1). The device is adapted such that the high-pressure gas and the liquid are introduced into the ejection means (5) by operation of the operation means (1) and the mixed gas containing the liquid is obtained from the ejection means (5).

Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: For use in dispensing a material that has a limited period of utility, a novel device comprises a first part (1) containing the material and a second part (2), wherein the first and second parts have mutual engagement means (6,7) and can be disengaged to allow the material to be dispensed, wherein the device includes, located within the device, control means that can be activated to initiate a time-controlled period of use and that, at the end of that period, causes the first and second parts to be permanently engaged.

Abstract: A product dispenser including a frame configured to support a plurality of products and flag element connected to the frame, the flag element being moveable relative to the frame from a first, un-deployed configuration when the flag element is engaged with at least one of the products, to a second, deployed configuration when the flag element is not engaged with the products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and distributing a high-purity pressurized liquefied gas at a rate which is higher than or equal to 1 kg/h, said device having: a container comprising a liquefied phase of said gas in its lower part, and a gaseous phase of said gas in its upper part, a system for bleeding the gaseous phase of said gas, and a heating system used to maintain a constant pressure of the gas at the moment of use. The invention is characterized in that the heating system involves the circulation of a hot fluid in a circuit built into the surface of the container.

Abstract: A container that includes a cavity for storing a dispensable substance, such as a food or beverage ingredient, and a device for measuring one or more characteristics of the dispensable substance and for transmitting such characteristic(s) outside the cavity. The device includes a transmitter arranged for wireless communication of a signal representative of the measured characteristic(s) outside the cavity, and in particular, a sound or electromagnetic wave signal or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular natural gas compressor system or compressing natural gas so that it can be used to refuel motor vehicles. This system permits easy assembly and disassembly of compressor stations, as each individual compressor unit is shaped so that it will fit on a base structure. Specifically, the modular system is comprised of a prefabricated, mass produced base skid having at least one allowed space of standardized dimensions and at least one natural gas compressor unit, the base of which is shaped to fit in a allowed space of the base skid. Additional compressed natural gas compressor units or booster units, the bases of which are also shaped to fit in the allowed spaces of the base skid, may be added to increase the efficiency or functionality of the system. Liquefied natural gas dispenser units may also be designed to have bases that fit in the allowed spaces of the base skid, and can be added to the base skid to create a CNG compressor/LNG dispenser hybrid system.

Abstract: A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.

Abstract: Device for dosing liquid detergents or rinsing agents in dishwashers and/or washing machines. The device includes at least one chamber for storing the detergents or rinsing agents and a replaceable unit. At least two units of quantity are stored in the respective chamber, one unit of quantity representing the quantity of detergent or rinsing agent required for one washing cycle and stored in the respective chamber. In order to be able to easily recycle the replaceable unit of the dosing device, a control unit is provided for emptying the rest of detergent or rinsing agent from at least one chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic foam soap dispenser used for single soap reservoir which is pressed from top to down. The automatic foam soap dispenser includes a covering housing opened downwardly for accommodating a pressing-typed soap reservoir, a control circuit board, a motor, and a sensor. The soap reservoir has a pressing head at the top thereof, the pressing head is communicated with a connecting head, and the connecting head has an extension pipe to communicate with a foam nozzle, which is mounted at the bottom of the covering housing. Moreover, an extension fixing board is extended inside the covering housing for mounting a transmission gear set, which is driven by the motor to turn, and a swinging pressing board, wherein the transmission gear set has a cam, and a first end of the swinging pressing board is pivotally connected to the cam and the transmission gear set, and a second end of the swinging pressing board is leaned on the pressing head or the connecting head.

Abstract: A self-service checkout system which continues operation when cash transaction options are not available. The self-service checkout system includes a cash dispenser, a display for displaying payment options, an input device for recording selection of payment options, including cash and non-cash transaction options, and a processor for disabling the cash transaction options when an amount of cash in the cash dispenser falls below a predetermined limit, but for otherwise continuing operation by allowing the non-cash transaction options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calculating and displaying the cumulated degradation of taste in coffee or tea based on monitored temperature history are disclosed. The degradation of taste display apparatus includes an immersible or wall-mounted temperature sensor and a means for calculating TBDS (total burn damage score) based on formulae configured for predicting changes in flavor substances. Based on the same method of calculating taste loss during a thermal exposure, a heating method and improved apparatus for heating coffee or tea in a serving vessel is also disclosed. The heating method uses induction heating together with a timer or temperature control and is configured for desktop, table, or car uses.

Abstract: A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and/or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system which includes a server, a sensing system coupled to the server for detecting a quantity of beverage retained in the server, a display coupled to the sensing system, and a count-up timer coupled to the system. The display may provide indicia as to the time and/or freshness of the beverage in the server. A method for sensing and displaying a quantity of beverage in a beverage server which can also include a freshness indicator. A resettable timer is incorporated which cannot be reset until at least the sensing system has been physically or operatively uncoupled from the server. The resetting may also require the sensing system to detect an empty server upon recoupling the sensing system with the server. Further, the resetting may also require monitoring a refill function for refill occurring within a predetermined rate parameter or time.

Abstract: A volume-based, rather than time-based, system for dispensing fluid incorporates a microprocessor-based controller, software, pump, and positive displacement flow meter. The volume being pumped and the time it takes to pump that volume is calculated and tracked by the software, giving a flow rate. This rate is then tracked by the software for any changes. Any conditional changes that occur, affecting this rate, are tracked, and if the rate becomes too excessive outside of the normal rate established at initial calibration, then an alarm or other indication is provided to the operator.

Abstract: A container for fluid products, in particular perfumes, deodorants, creams and the like, comprising: a holding body (2) for containing a fluid (6), preferably a perfume, deodorant or the like; a dispensing member (3) associated with said holding body (2) and having a duct (4) for drawing said fluid (6) and a dispensing head (5) to deliver the fluid drawn by said duct (4), said dispensing head (5) being at least partly inserted in said holding body (2). The container (1) further comprises a transponder device (8) mounted on said dispensing head (5) internally of said holding body (2).

Abstract: A dispenser assembly is provided for dispensing disinfectant to a user upon the detection of a signal. The dispenser assembly includes a main housing defining a cavity and a container disposed within the cavity and releasably secured to the main housing. The container contains a fluid therewithin. An electronics unit is coupled to the main housing and includes a sensor for detecting the signal. The electronics unit includes a controller for producing a reminder alert in response to the detection of the signal to remind the user to activate the dispenser assembly to dispense fluid from the container.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid or semiliquid food products, comprising: a holding vat (2) for a liquid base product; a treatment circuit (10) for said liquid base product, to obtain a liquid or semiliquid food product; dispensing means (30) to dispense said food product; one or more actuators (40) acting on said base product, food product and/or parts of said machine (1); one or more sensors (50) for detecting one or more operating parameters (P) of said machine (1). The machine (1) further comprises an interfacing unit (70) preferably provided with a control card operatively associated with at least one of said one or more sensors (50) to receive a respective one of said one or more operating parameters (P) and transmit it to a remote processing unit (80).

Abstract: A liquid container, which is operable to supply a liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus, includes: a liquid containing portion capable of containing the liquid; and a liquid supply portion one end of which is connected to the liquid containing portion and the other end of which includes an opening which opens outwardly, the liquid supply portion that allows the liquid to flow from the liquid containing portion to the ejecting apparatus, the liquid supply portion that includes a liquid detecting portion which is operable to detect an amount of the liquid in the liquid container and which includes; a liquid detection chamber that contains the liquid supplied from the liquid containing portion; and a sensor that is disposed in the liquid detection chamber and that outputs a detection signal which is used to detect the amount of the liquid in the liquid container.

Abstract: A hand hygiene behavior management system capable of monitoring and recording information generated by the operation of dispensers as a method of assessing behavior of a group as an indication of overall hygiene performance. The system generally includes a plurality of wireless communication devices with a first number of the wireless communication devices being disposed within or adjacent dispensers and operatively configured for sensing, monitoring and reporting information about the status and operation of the dispensers. A hierarchal communication network for access to a central host database; a data processor and hygiene management application software operatively configured to create hygiene management reports based upon the monitored dispenser data and a method to provide user interface.

Abstract: A manual gas inflator incorporating a cylinder status indication mechanism that is independent from the cylinder piercer. Prior to detonation, an indicator post abuts a sensor protrusion which positions a green surface of the indicator within the inflator window to indicate that the attached cartridge is ready for use. The jerking of a lanyard assembly causes the piercer to break the cylinder seal to allow gas to escape out of the cylinder and into a manifold secured to the inflator and also causes the indicator post to break the sensor protrusion from the cylinder. As the protrusion is broken, a second red surface of the indicator is viewable through the inflator window to indicate that the cylinder has been used and unavailable for inflation purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container having a top, a side wall and a bottom, comprising a sleeve which can be inserted into the top in a sealing manner and into which a rising pipe opens via an inflow opening, a piston which is movable in the sleeve and can be moved between a closed position, in which the inflow opening is closed off by the piston, and an opened position, in which the inflow opening is connected to an outlet opening via a cavity of the piston. The outlet opening opens into an outlet channel of an extension arm which protrudes laterally from the sleeve and the output of which is coupled to a dispensing valve which can be activated by means of an actuating member in order to allow, in the opened position, liquid to be dispensed.

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: A CO2-based beverage dispensing system includes a CO2 monitoring unit operative to emit a warning upon detecting excessive consumption of CO2 gas. The CO2 monitoring unit includes a gas input port, a gas output port, a CO2 monitor, an alarm, and in one embodiment a shut-off valve. The CO2 monitor may measure CO2 gas flow rate or pressure, and indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured CO2 gas flow rate is above a predetermined flow rate or the measured CO2 gas pressure is below a predetermined pressure level. The CO2 monitor may include chronological functionality, and only indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured quantity trips a threshold for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a material delivery system, wherein the delivery system is adapted to dispense a flowable material. Also included is a cover adapted to at least partially cover the material delivery system, and a messaging system adapted to play a message upon activation thereof.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: In a counter mechanism of a feeding device, in each discrete feeding operation, an amount corresponding to single delivery unit of stored material is ejected and providing a simple construction and permitting the remaining amount of stored material in the device invisible from outside to be known by counting the number of delivered units of stored material. A counter mechanism of this invention comprises a fixed member (10) fixed to the body and having cam lobes formed in circumferential direction, a gear (20) having a count number display that can be monitored from the outside, a rotating member (40) being restricted to rotate either to a position in the rotating direction to allow feeding of a single delivery unit and a position to preventing feeding of the stored material, a ring member (30) which can rotates in interlock with the rotating motion of the rotating member and comprises a resiliently deformable cam follower having a jaw formed at a predetermined position in circumferential direction.

Abstract: An airpot beverage dispenser (10) having a composite dispense tube (40) with an exterior outlet (44) adjacent a top of a hollow body (20) and an interior inlet (110) located adjacent a bottom (16) for passing beverage (36) from adjacent the bottom (16) to the outlet when the interior of the hollow body (20) is pressurized has a brew-through assembly with a cover body (24) for substantially closing the open top (18) except for a centrally located brew-through passageway (95) substantially smaller than the open top (18) and extending between an upwardly facing exterior brew-through inlet (30) and an interior outlet (102) that passes through a central passageway extending through a double-walled bellows (74) or extends past a plurality of bellows (FIG. 16, 114) that are laterally spaced from the passageway has an electronic display (48) for indicating a plurality of levels of the beverage (36) within the hollow body and a resistive (FIGS. 11-14) or capacitive (FIG.

Abstract: A touch-free dispenser includes a dispenser controller coupled to a memory unit, which includes a database of previously-stored vein patterns. A vein-pattern sensor maintained by the dispenser images the unique vein pattern of a user's hand without contact. The imaged vein pattern is subsequently compared with stored vein patterns, such that if there is a match, the dispenser proceeds to dispense material, such as soap, from a refill container. Alternatively, if there is no match between the imaged vein pattern and the stored vein patterns, the dispenser enters a learn mode to allow the imaged vein pattern to be added to the database. Data associated with the use of the dispenser is also collected during its operation, which is stored and associated with the imaged vein patterns for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A device, such as a heat meter for measurements of hot tap water energy usage, separated from building heating energy usage, in a district heating substation. The device is connected only to sensors attached to the supply pipe and return pipe of the district heating substation. A device, such as a heat meter, has a detector to detect a deviation in the total power (P) usage in the district heating substation which deviation depends on the use of warm tap water.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: A detachable cover (100) for a dispenser actuation control (205) of a dispenser (200) is provided. The detachable cover (100) can be removably coupled to the dispenser actuation control (205) so as to provide a sanitary dispenser actuation control surface to a user. The detachable cover (100) can include a face (102) and one or more sidewalls (104). The detachable cover (100) can be disposable, or alternatively can be reusable in that it can be washed and sanitized. The detachable cover (100) can have a first use indicator (701) coupled thereto to indicate to a user that the dispenser actuation control surface is clean and ready for use.

Abstract: A user programmable dispenser is disclosed for dispensing and mixing soap, shampoo or other liquids from a container to a mixer to be mixed with water flowing to a shower spray nozzle. A touch screen LCD display connected to a programmable controller is used by the user to first program the amount of time that the soap, shampoo or other liquids is to flow through a valve and be mixed with the water flowing from the shower spray nozzle, then is used to temporarily interrupt and recommence the flow of liquid, and is also used to display the amount of time remaining for the flow of the soap, shampoo or other liquids from the container of the time initially programmed by the user for the flow of liquid from the container to the mixer.

Abstract: The invention concerns detergent dosing devices and particularly a device for metering detergent doses within a dishwashing machine. A detergent dosing device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a lid assembly (20) and a base assembly (10). The base assembly (10) is arranged to receive an array of “n” detergent doses and the device is arranged to perform “n” washing cycles prior to replacement of said array. The device provides improvements over the prior art in that it includes provision for counting means in the form of a counting ring (26) for providing a visual indication to a user of a number of washing cycles performed or remaining and further has an end of life indication means (22) for indicating, independently of said counting means, that “n” cycles have been carried out and that said array requires replacement.

Abstract: A dose-indicator device for using with a dispenser device for dispensing fluid or powder, in particular a pharmaceutical, so as to indicate the number of doses that have been emitted or that remain to be emitted from the dispenser device, the indicator device comprising a first rotary disk (10) and a second rotary disk (20) that is preferably opaque, said first disk (10) including indicator numbers and/or symbols (11) that are disposed in peripheral manner about the axis of rotation (X) of said first rotary disk (10) around at least two concentric circles, and said second disk (20) including at least one viewing window (21).

Abstract: A system to allow employers to monitor employee handwashing or hand sanitization compliance in a facility with a plurality of touchless dispensers for metering a cleanser, disinfectant or lotion on the hands of a user. A detector associated with each dispenser triggers operation of the dispensing mechanism and sends a signal to a local controller which date and time stamps the dispensing act. The controller sends a report to a central computer which identifies the dispenser and the date and time of each dispensing act. The reports from the several dispensers is stored in a database for management review. On receipt of a signal from the detector, the controller may also trigger operation of a preferably touchless input device to identify the user. Data collected by the input device is relayed to the central computer through the controller. The central computer is programmed with an algorithm for matching the data collected by the input device with data previously collected and identified with the user.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device (1; 1?) including actuator means (3; 3?) that can be actuated so as cause fluid to be dispensed, the device being characterized in that it is provided with time-indicator means (6; 6?) that are suitable for providing a visual indication that is representative of the passage of a period of time following initialization.

Abstract: A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising: an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to a cartridge received in the delivery head; a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage; a barcode reader having a barcode reader window through which signals may be transmitted; wherein the inlet, the outlet and the barcode reader window are arranged in a line with the outlet being intermediate the inlet and the barcode reader window.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a fluid, especially for delivering colourants or the like to a premixer stage of plastics forming equipment, for example an injection moulder of extruder is described. The apparatus includes a fluid supply means (4, 200) connected to a reservoir (8, 208) which is arranged to concertina between minimum and maximum volume conditions. The reservoir (208) is connected via pipeline (24) and peristaltic pump (26) to a delivery means which is arranged to deliver the fluid to a desired location. When the fluid supply means (200) is empty, the level of fluid in the reservoir (208) will fall below the level of a capacitance sensor (32) which will sense the presence of air and cause a signal to be output to alert an operator to change fluid supply means (4). The fluid supply means may be changed before the reservoir is empty of fluid and, accordingly, the process may be operated continuously, even during the replacement of a reservoir (4).

Abstract: An ice-making device that includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part for opening and closing the duct. An ice conveying part conveys the ice dispensed through the duct. A driving speed of the ice conveying part increases for a previously set initial driving time when the dispensing of the ice starts, and the ice conveying part is driven at a previously set target speed when the initial driving time elapses.

Abstract: An ice-making device includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part opening and closing the duct. A sensor part senses whether the duct-covering part closes the duct and a control part controls the duct-covering part to open the duct when the sensor part senses that the duct-covering part fails to close the duct and the duct-covering part has been attempting to close the duct for at least a preset period of time.

Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: A method of storing beer kegs and dispensing beer in a commercial bar or restaurant, a method of storing beverage barrels in a commercial bar or restaurant, and an apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An apparatus including a chamber having a chamber opening, a plunger which is movable within the chamber so as to change a chamber volume, which is defined by the plunger and a chamber wall and which adjoins the chamber opening, includes a measurer for measuring a pressure within the chamber or for measuring a force F, F being the force which acts upon the plunger so as to change the chamber volume.

Abstract: A device for tamper protecting and authenticating a liquid product distributor including a container with a cylindrical neck with a seal engaged therein, further including an indicator element with a collar which is elastically inwardly collapsible and whose largest diameter is greater that the neck internal diameter and which is removably disposed on the lower part of the seal and is trapped in the container after a forced penetration through the neck. The indicator element includes a sleeve in which the lower part of the seal is radially clamped.