Abstract: A tapping apparatus (1), provided with a container (2) and a pressure control device (10) for controlling pressure in an inner space (3) of the container, wherein the pressure control device (10) comprises a compartment (31) with a pressure medium therein and a dispensing opening (30) with a valve mechanism (12), wherein operating means (15) are provided for operation of the valve mechanism by a user, for supplying an amount of pressure medium from the compartment (31) into an inner space (3) of the container.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a fluid dispenser member (10) such as a pump or a valve, and a dispenser head (20) provided with a dispensing orifice, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that said device is provided with dispensing detector means (30, 31) for detecting dispensing of a dose of fluid, said detector means (30, 31) being adapted to deliver a signal for informing the user that a dose of fluid has indeed been dispensed by said pump, said detector means comprising a detector (30) for detecting the fluid going from said dispenser member to said dispenser orifice.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber, a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber, and a dispenser positioned on the door and configured to dispense ice pieces or water through the door when the door is oriented in a closed position. The refrigerator also includes a dispensing button unit configured to control a dispensing start time and a dispensing speed of the ice pieces or water dispensed through the dispenser based on a position of at least a portion of the dispensing button unit that results from movement of the portion of the dispensing button unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a multi-dosing detergent delivery device including a status indicator for providing an external indication of the internal status of the device. The indicator comprises a first element (140) internal to a main housing part (100) of the device and whose position is directly related to the status of the device and a second element (120) external of the main housing. The second element (120) and the first element (140) are linked together by means of magnetic attraction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first element (140) comprises a magnet and the second element (120) comprises a ferro-magnetic sphere, held within a transparent dome (110). The sphere (120) and dome (110) are mounted to the exterior of a main housing of the device and form an isolated sub-housing, whilst the magnet (140) is provided internally.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pourer spout, a use of the pourer spout, a method for measuring liquid outflow from a container, and an inventory system for liquids. The invention aims at solving the problem to keep track of the volume of liquids that has been dispensed from one or several containers. Basically, this problem is solved by providing each container with a pourer spout that determines the volume of the poured fluid. This is achieved by measuring the inflow of air into the container. The invention can e.g. be used for registering the dispensed liquor in a restaurant or a bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: A container unit for the storage and protection of laboratory substances includes a protective housing and a dosage-dispensing unit. To make the dosage-dispensing unit ready for use, the protective housing is removable. As a means to optimize the simplicity and safety of handling the unit and to achieve the required protection for the laboratory substance contained in it, at least one chamber is formed in the protective housing and filled with a treatment agent. The at least one chamber has a passage opening directed towards the interior space, with a chamber closure element allowing the passage opening to be closed gas-tight. The treatment agent inside the chamber can preferably be filled into the chamber and sealed off gas-tight with the chamber closure element already during the process of manufacturing the protective enclosure.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprises a housing, a dispensing hose, a pump operatively connected to the dispensing hose and a source of fuel. A computer is operatively connected to the pump, a power supply is operatively connected to the computer and an auxiliary power supply is operatively connected to the computer. The auxiliary power supply is configured to provide power for a predetermined amount of time if the power supply should fail. A first display has a rear polarizing layer and a front polarizing layer. The first display is mounted in the housing so that the front polarizing layer is viewable by a user. A second display has only a front polarizing layer positioned adjacent to the first display front polarizing layer so that the first display projects an image through the second display. The first display and the second display are operatively connected to the power supply and the computer. The second display is operatively connected to the auxiliary power supply.

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 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: Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.

Abstract: Mass-based dispensing of a powder product includes a system that dispenses a powder product containing an active ingredient from a product container. The system initiates a dispense cycle at a first, higher dispense rate. The system continuously determines, as the powder product is dispensed, the amount or weight of the powder product that has been dispensed. Once a transition criteria has been satisfied, the system adjusts the dispense rate to a second, lower dispense rate. The system dispenses the powder product at the second, lower dispense rate until a requested amount of the powder product has been dispensed.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.

Abstract: A system for selling game tickets for purchase by a game player within a store, the system comprising a point of sale terminal in communication with a game monitor that detects inputted game selection data and determine therefrom the number and type of game tickets to be played. The system further comprises a ticket dispensing system in communication with the game monitor. The game monitor detecting the activation of a predetermined terminal key of the point of sale terminal and dispenses the desired number and type of game tickets from the ticket dispensing system.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: A chemical injection system, comprising: a drive mechanism; a housing removably attached to the drive mechanism; at least one chemical inlet located on the housing; and, a valve spool located within the housing and provided with at least one chemical pass-through port, wherein the drive mechanism rotates the valve spool to align the chemical pass-through port with the chemical inlet.

Abstract: Devices which contain tactile and visually readable identifying indicia to assist the visually handicapped in identifying room numbers and the contents of items such as condiment shakers and liquid containers. The visually readable indicia allow a sighted person to correctly associate the device with the proper item to be identified. The devices take the form of bands which fit around the condiment holders, tags which may be attached to items by tying or adhering, and sleeves which may partially or fully surround the item. The identifying devices for room numbers may be clip-on sleeves for doorknobs or plates which attach to peep-hole tubes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a freshness indicator (9) for a chilled beverage and in particular to a beverage dispensing device (1) with a freshness indicator (9) for a chilled beverage, wherein the beverage dispensing device (1) comprises an outer housing (7), a tapping device (2) for dispensing a beverage, a beverage container (4) being placeable in the outer housing (7) and connectable with the tapping device (2), and the outer housing (7) functioning as a chiller (8), characterized in that the beverage freshness indicator device (9) comprises: a display (10) for indicating the storage temperature, maximum storage period, actual freshness of the beverage, the time left until expiry of the freshness and/or the date of expiry of the freshness, a data input unit (11) for the input of data and/or means (12) for recording replacement of the beverage container (4), at least one temperature sensor (13) for measuring the storage temperature of the beverage, —a temperature controller (14) for adjusting the

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator comprising a preferably cylindrical sealed container (6, 10), the top of which is equipped with a non-detachable impervious spray valve (1, 11). The aforementioned container (6, 10) comprises a fill/refill neck (2, 12), a relief valve (3, 14) which ensures that the service pressure is not exceeded and a valve for insufflating compressed air (4, 15). According to the invention, the amount of product to be sprayed that is contained inside the container (6, 10) is always considerably smaller than the internal volume of the container (6, 10), such that the rest of the volume, excluding that occupied by the product is occupied by compressed air which acts as propellant for spraying.

Abstract: A lubricant storage and dispensing system includes at least one vessel having a mouth with a threaded surface, at least one lid with a threaded surface adapted to sealingly engage the threaded surface of at least one vessel, at least two color-coded cards, each card being a different color than the other cards, and a plurality of color-coded band corresponding in number and respective color to the color-coded cards. A color-coded card can be associated with each of the vessels of the system. The corresponding color-coded band can be placed on the lid sealingly mounted to the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (20) has a double-walled tubular, preferably cylindrical, sensor (22) that is immersed in liquid (23), such as coffee or tea, within an opaque, stainless steel container, or beverage dispenser (25) has a double-walled tubular sensor connected via two conductive paths (24, 26) to two inputs (28, 30), respectively, of a resistance measuring circuit (32) that measures the resistance between the two inputs (28, 30) to produce an electrical, direct current, resistance output signal that varies with changes in the instantaneous resistance between the two inputs (28, 30) The resistance output signal is connected to an input (34) of an electronic controller (40) The electronic controller (40) calculates the depth of the liquid (23) based on the magnitude of the resistance output signal applied to the input (34).

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, and a wall defining an elongated cavity open at the top and extending along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes a face member defining a viewing window. The face member is snap-fitted to the dispenser housing wall. The indicating device further includes an indicator member having a surface visible through the viewing window. The surface includes dosage indicia. The indicator member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An indicator actuator has at least a portion disposed in the cavity. The actuator is adapted to be moved by an actuation of the container, with the actuator adapted to rotate the indicator member upon a predetermined number of actuations of the container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes beverage temperature measurement means for measuring a temperature of beverage stored in a closed beverage container; pressure measurement means disposed in a gas supply conduit supplying gas into the beverage container from a source of pressurized gas for measuring a gas pressure in the beverage container; a pressure regulator valve disposed in the gas supply conduit for regulating a pressure of gas supplied to the beverage container; discharge means for discharging an amount of beverage supplied thereto from a beverage supply conduit connected to the beverage container; wherein the pressure regulator valve is opened and closed in such a manner that the gas pressure in the container becomes a proper pressure calculated in accordance with a temperature of the beverage measured by the temperature measurement means, wherein the beverage dispenser further comprises gas flow measurement means disposed in the gas supply conduit at a downstream of the pressure regulator valve for measu

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity.

Abstract: A fill tube and sensor assembly has a single electronic sensor to detect the level of product in a hopper of an agricultural implement relative to a fill line. The electronic sensor can be positioned at various heights relative to the fill tube to provide variability in the height of the fill line. The sensor provides a full level signal until product is drawn from the fill tube. Once the product is dispensed from the fill tube and into the general interior volume of the hopper, the single sensor provides an empty level signal that can be used to alert an operator of a diminished product supply or control operation of the farm implement.

Abstract: A dispenser of washing agents for a dishwasher has a body with a reservoir configured for containing a total amount of a liquid substance sufficient for performing a number of cycles of operation of the dishwasher. The reservoir has a charging passage that can be engaged by a removable plug, and the dispenser has a system for dosage of the liquid substance contained in the reservoir. The plug is configured for co-operating with an adjustment element belonging to the dosage system when the plug itself is at least partially inserted in the charging passage, particularly in such a way that a movement of rotation manually imparted on the plug will bring about a movement of rotation of the adjustment element.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: A beverage distribution system is offered for the purpose of self-service beverage dispensing, capable of providing customers real-time feedback on beverage consumption levels. The system includes a network of control stations and patron stations which are in constant communication via a wired or wireless network. The system is capable of detecting low beverage levels in beverage containers when or before they occur and can inform wait staff of such events. Furthermore, wait staff is provided with the tools to perform intelligent control of the self-service consumption according to local laws as well as paying visits to patrons at the appropriate time resulting in a very efficient system. A novel valve control scheme is also offered that is energy efficient, that does not generate undesirable heat in the presence of cooled beverages. Also, a generic flow control for beverage distribution is presented.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a delivery mechanism adapted to deliver a substance from a container to a discharge opening in the delivery mechanism when activated by a user. The dispenser also includes a housing attached to the delivery mechanism. The housing includes an indicator that produces a signal visible to the user when the delivery mechanism is activated. The signal is not visible prior to activation of the delivery mechanism. The signal remains integral with the housing after activation of the delivery mechanism. The signal remains visible only for a predetermined amount of time after activation of the delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) includes a container (3) for the storage of a liquid, a gas cartridge receiving portion (5) for holding a gas cartridge (4) so that the contents of the container may be pressurized by gas in a gas cartridge, a dispensing arrangement for dispensing the liquid as a spray. The dispenser includes an activator (13) for moving a gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container, and an inhibitor (17) which inhibits movement of the dispensing arrangement. The activator is associated with the inhibitor so that movement of the inhibitor from the first to second inhibitor positions causes the activator to move the gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device has a tray for holding a liquid at a relatively constant level. A syringe is used for drawing fluid from the tray. A liquid container containing a liquid is positioned upside-down in the tray. Atmospheric pressure on the liquid in the tray and a vacuum inside the liquid container prevents liquid from draining from the container except when the liquid level in the tray drops to a level sufficient to allow air into the liquid container and to allow fluid to flow from the liquid container into the tray. The fluid flows from the liquid container into the tray until the level of liquid in the tray returns to the relatively constant level. The positioning of the syringe for drawing fluid is simplified in that the level of fluid in the tray is maintained at an approximately constant level despite withdrawal of quantities of fluid from the tray.

Abstract: A device having a reservoir that has an opening, a dosing chamber, and a movable conveying tool. The reservoir, the dosing chamber, and the conveying tool are disposed so the dosing chamber can be filled via the opening in the reservoir in a first position of the conveying tool. The opening of the reservoir is closed by means of the surface of the conveying tool in a second position of the conveying tool. The conveying tool can be moved from the first position into the second position via a thermo-sensitive switch that triggers the movement of the conveying tool. The disclosed device is suitable for metering pourable detergents, especially into the interior of washing or cleaning machines.

Abstract: A display system for use in displaying data in respect of usage of a device, the display system including: a detection system capable of detecting events that are indicative of usage of the device; and a display arranged to display data, the display system being arranged to invoke a selected display mode on the display, and being adapted, in response to detection of a given said event, to invoke a selected display mode, the display mode being selectable by the display system from a set of a plurality of different display modes in dependence on an elapsed time between a previous said event and said given event, each of the different display modes identifying a different stage of elapsed time.

Abstract: An aerosol capacity indicator that utilizes a novel and inexpensive display that can be installed in the actuator of an aerosol can to display the amount of product remaining therein. The novel accumulative pressure indicator display is imbedded in the actuator which is attached to the valve of an aerosol can and activated by pressure applied directly by the user in the form of finger contact with the actuator. The total amount of pressure applied to the indicator and transferred to the aerosol valve by means of direct user contact both intermittent and continuous renders a relevant reading equivalent to the amount of product released from the aerosol can without any contact with the actual dispensed material.

Abstract: A device and method is provided which allows a consumer prior to purchase to test a skin lotion or cream product in a retail establishment. The device includes a housing sealed against entry by the consumer and having external walls with at least three panel areas for communicating marketing information. A reservoir within the housing stores the product. A dispensing outlet allows exit from the reservoir of a unit sample of product. A motion sensor on the device detects the consumer's hand near an area of the outlet. A drip tray beneath the outlet collects any wastage of the sample not intercepted by the consumer's hand.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a container that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. A dividing wall is positioned in the container and divides the container into a first section and a second section. A first tube and a second tube are provided. Each of the first and second tubes has a top end and a bottom end. The first tube is fluidly coupled to the first section and the second tube is fluidly coupled to the second section. Each of the bottom ends is positioned adjacent to the bottom wall. A third tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to each of the top ends of the first and second tubes.

Abstract: In one arrangement there is provided a method of charging a fluid vessel (10). The vessel (10) comprises a rigid outer container, an expandable bladder (8) within the outer container in fluid communication with a release valve (9) of the fluid vessel (10). A cavity separates the rigid outer container and the bladder and the method comprises the steps of providing a first fluid (5a) to the cavity, for providing external pressure to the expandable bladder (8), and subsequently providing a second fluid (5) to the bladder (8) prior to use of the fluid vessel (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advertising adjacent to a beverage dispenser to reduce the cost of placing and maintaining a beverage dispenser in a retail outlet. A beverage dispenser, and most preferably a beverage dispenser that is specially equipped to display advertisements for at least one of the beverages being dispensed, is placed in a retail outlet. The advertisements are displayed over a period of time and preferably the amount of beverage dispensed during that time period is tracked and recorded. The amount of beverage dispensed can then be used to calculate an advertising fee to be paid by the beverage producer. The advertising fee is used to offset the purchase or lease price of the beverage dispenser, and is most preferably paid directly to the preferred provider of the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: An automated liquid dispensing system employs a mechanism which moves a container [1230] relative to a fill tube [1240] to fill the container [1230] with the proper amount of liquid [1131] with a designated amount of foam [1137]. The system [1000] also includes a container dispensing unit [1400] which pre-chills containers [1230] then flips them into a drop tube [1510] to be received by a lift [1550]. Lift [1550] raises the container [1230] to a pouring head [1570] and fills the container [1230] as it lowers container [1230] to properly fill the container [1230] and create a desired amount of foam [1137].

Abstract: A method and apparatus for helping to assure cleaner hands using a soap dispenser are disclosed. The method includes marking a hand of a user with a slight indentation on their hand when they activate the dispenser, wherein the indentation lasts during the desired period of hand washing.

Abstract: A monitoring system (100) for monitoring fluid in a fluid supply vessel (22, 24, 26, 28, 108) during operation including dispensing of fluid from the fluid supply vessel. The monitoring system includes (i) one or more sensors (114, 126) for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid supply vessel or the fluid dispensed therefrom, (ii) a data acquisition module (40, 132, 146) operatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive monitoring data therefrom and responsively generate an output correlative to the characteristic monitored by the one or more sensors, and (iii) a processor (50, 150) and display (52, 150) operatively coupled with the data acquisition module and arranged to process the output from the data acquisition module and responsively output a graphical representation of fluid in the fluid supply vessel, billing documents, usage reports, and/or resupply requests.

Abstract: An electronic fluid dispensing apparatus and related method. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses comprising a funnel comprising a receiving mouth open to atmosphere, a sidewall that defines a frustum, and an apex that comprises an end portion (the frustum tapers from the receiving mouth towards the apex), a tube fluidly coupled to the end portion (the tube configured to receive a fluid from the funnel, the combined volume of the funnel and the tube being no greater than 64 fluid ounces), and a device coupled to the tube (the device configured to determine a parameter of a fluid that flows through the funnel and tube).

Abstract: Generally, a material dispenser having reciprocal means which operates to deliver an amount of material from a material delivery conduit and generates timed indicia of elapse of a dispensed material use interval. Specifically, a hand wash dispenser having reciprocal means which operates to deliver an amount of hand wash material and generates timed indicia of elapse of a hand wash interval.

Abstract: A vertical pump-up dispenser contains sensory cues on the actuator top which conveys consumer information, such “as what the product is” or “how to use the product” or “what brand the product is” or what fragrance the product is“. The sensory cue may be one or more colors, shapes, graphics, text, alpha-numeric characters, and/or patterns. The sensory cue may include both a visual cue and a tactile cue.

Abstract: A holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) has individual positions or compartments for dosage units (102, 102?, 202, 302). Each of the dosage units has a supply receptacle (104, 104?, 204, 304) and a dispensing head (103, 103?, 203, 303) that are connected to each other. The holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) is equipped with a means for active user guidance (105, 105?, 210, 305) which, in a process of dispensing measured substance quantities from the different dosage units into a receiving container (411), directs the user in taking out and returning the different dosage units that are seated in the holding rack.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a vapor emitting device having a container, at least one liquid in the container, and a wick. The container has an interior in which the at least one liquid is disposed. The wick has a distal portion disposed in the container interior and a proximal portion. The wick is configured and positioned so as to maintain contact with the at least one liquid and allows the wick to draw the at least one liquid into and through the distal portion toward the proximal portion, thereby making the at least one liquid available for evaporation when the proximal portion is exposed to air. A change in a visible characteristic of the wick occurs upon exhaustion of the at least one liquid from the wick.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a syringe which has a piston and sucks and discharges a liquid; and a storage unit which stores therein a reference driving profile indicating a reference of a driving position and a driving time at starting the piston. The apparatus also includes a position detector which detects an actual driving position of the piston; a timer which measures an actual driving time of the piston; and a driving controller which controls driving of the piston based on the reference driving profile, the driving controller creating an actual driving profile based on the actual driving position and the actual driving time of the piston, and the driving controller comparing the reference driving profile with the actual driving profile to determine based on a result of the comparing whether the dispensing is proper or not.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an device and method for controlling a dispenser for a refrigerator.