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

Abstract: An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives.

Abstract: A refill unit includes a container for holding a liquid and a pump. The pump includes a housing that has one or more liquid inlets. In addition, the housing includes one or more liquid outlets. At least a portion of the liquid outlet(s) is made of a resilient material. A liquid chamber having a first volume and a second volume is located at least partially within the housing. A valve body having a protruding member and a valve seat is located within the housing. The protruding member acts as a one-way valve allowing fluid to flow from the container into the liquid chamber and preventing fluid from flowing out of the liquid chamber into the container. In addition, the liquid outlet contacts the valve seat to seal the outlet and flexes away from the valve seat to allow liquid under pressure to exit the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.

Abstract: A pump for use in an inverted dispenser is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the liquid pump includes a fluid chamber that has a top portion when in the inverted position and at least one side wall located below the top portion. A liquid intake port extends through the at least one side wall and allows fluid to flow into the fluid chamber. The pump also includes a check valve to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port that is located in the at least one side wall. Actuation of the liquid pump in a first direction causes fluid to enter the fluid chamber through the fluid intake port and actuation of the liquid pump in a second direction causes liquid to exit the fluid chamber trough the fluid chamber outlet and out of a dispensing outlet. In one embodiment, the check valve is an elastomeric valve.

Abstract: A method and a system of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system comprising a sealable pressure chamber for receiving a collapsible keg containing a beverage and a dispensing valve, comprises: providing a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid, positioning the first cartridge in the pressure chamber and pressurizing the pressure chamber, opening the dispensing valve and dispensing the cleaning fluid from the dispensing valve, and causing the cleaning fluid to flow from the first cartridge through the dispensing line and being dispensed from the dispensing valve, disconnecting the first cartridge after the emptying of the cleaning fluid from the first cartridge, and removing the first cartridge, providing a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, positioning the second cartridge in the pressure chamber and pressurizing the pressure chamber, and repeating the steps (iii)-(v) while using the second cartridge instead of the first cartridge.

Abstract: An enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system includes a housing with a base member and a cover member that is movably connected with the base member. The base member and cover member define an interior chamber for receiving a bottle. An actuator is movably connected with the housing and arranged to rotate the bottle within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal touch free dispenser for dispensing selective amounts of product from varying sized hand pump product containers. There is a touch free sensor on the front of the dispenser and in electrical communication with the drive assembly of the dispenser. An extendable ram pad extends from the drive assembly that is adjustable according to the amount of product a user wishes to be dispensed. With the product container placed within the dispenser, the unit is adjusted such that the pump on the container is in contact with the dispenser ram. When an object is placed within the viewing range of the touch free sensor, a signal is sent to the drive assembly and the dispenser ram is extended thereby depressing the pump head and dispensing the product onto the object.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container securing mechanism configured to secure a container in a fully engaged position suitable for dispensing a substance held within the container and further configured to release the container from the fully engaged position upon the actuation of a container release actuator. The system can further include a container stop mechanism configured to stop the container in a disengaged position upon release of the container from the container securing mechanism, the disengaged position being between the fully engaged position and a position in which the container is fully released from the system. The system can include a movable multiple use hammer assembly that functions to automatically release the container from the system under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.

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: An additive dispensing system for a refrigerator that includes a reservoir configured to contain an additive and an additive outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir. The additive dispensing system is configured to be connected to a refrigerator and is operable to selectively dispense an amount of additive to water dispensed from the refrigerator. The additive dispensing system may be connected to a water filtration system of the refrigerator such that the additive dispensing system may dispense the amount of additive into filtered water dispensed from the refrigerator.

Abstract: An automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a shower enclosure with a liquid cleanser dispenses the cleanser using a pumping system and rotatable spray head. The sprayer has a showerhead mountable housing with an adjustable hanger. There is a portion of the housing for supporting a bottle of cleanser in an inverted fashion. The bottle is vented through a piercing post. A single motor both drives the pump and rotates the spray head.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: A personal hydration system includes a control valve assembly including a valve body provided with a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port provided with a delivery hose for dispensing at least fluid from the hydration bladder. The control valve assembly further includes a non-collapsible reservoir which holds an additive and is directly mounted via a rigid connection to the second inlet port of the valve body. A supply hose is connected between the hydration bladder and the first inlet port of the valve body. A valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve body to establish at least either a single flow condition of the liquid or a mixed flow condition of the liquid and the additive. In the mixed flow condition, the liquid from the hydration bladder freely flows through the valve core and is admitted into and circulated through the reservoir to produce a mixture of liquid and additive deliverable to the outlet port.

Abstract: A system for dispensing sprayable material such as paint and other liquefied products. The system includes a dispenser designed to accept a flexible, crushable, container filled with sprayable material and having a valve and spray tip at one end. The container is placed into a slot in the dispenser with the valve on the container secured in the housing of the dispenser. In operation, a plunger that runs lengthwise within the housing of the dispenser exerts force on the bottom of the container crushing it as it is emptied and forcing the sprayable material out through the valve and spray tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a base station for a liquid dispensing apparatus. The base station includes a driver and a container support having a dispensing device, which includes a liquid duct leading from the container to an outlet. The device further includes a connector connected to the driver and detachably connectable to the dispensing device. In an embodiment, the container support is a holder, and the connector is movable towards the holder to connect to the dispensing device and away from the holder after disconnecting from the dispensing device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bottle (20) with a tamper-proof cap (21) with an outlet in the cap for dispensing the liquid from the bottle. The bottle is designed, in particular, for use in an inverted configuration, namely with the outlet lowermost in normal use, in a device for dispensing liquid soap or the like.

Abstract: Refill assemblies are described herein that include: a bottle defining an internal reservoir and an opening which communicates with the reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled with the bottle, the refill cartridge including: a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein, a refill pouch having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein or a combination thereof; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body that facilitates the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir into the reservoir of the bottle.

Abstract: A mixing and dispensing apparatus having first and second containers. The first container has a main body portion which retains a first substance. A separate compartment is located in the first container and an internal passageway is formed between the main body portion and the compartment. The second container is configured to retain a second substance, and is compressible. The second container has a top end and a closed spout, wherein the closed spout is located in the compartment with the spout extending through the internal passageway into the main body portion of said first container. A release mechanism is formed by a plunger extending within the second container. The plunger has a first end in communication with the top end of the second container, and a second end aligned with the closed spout. The second end opens the closed spout when the second container is compressed to release the second substance into the main body portion of the first container.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container includes a dispenser housing having a support block defining a longitudinal axis and an indicator housing disposed at least partially around the support block. An actuator includes a central, cylindrical hub portion adapted to be engaged by the container and centered about the longitudinal axis. The actuator is moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the indicator housing and includes a resilient arm. A drive gear is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to successive engagements by the resilient arm. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to the rotation of the drive gear. The indicator includes dosage indicia. A dispensing system and indicating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable medium has a container with an outlet on the bottom. A pump is connected to the outlet. A replaceable reservoir is placed on top of the receptacle. The container is removably disposed within the dispenser base and includes a valve inside the outlet. The valve closes the outlet when the container is removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a fluid to a location includes a mechanism for supplying fluid connected to a reservoir. The reservoir has a variable volume and includes an outlet via which fluid may be delivered to the location.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing material from a container having an opening secured by a cap through which material from the container is dispensed. The dispensing system comprises a dispenser defining a receptacle shaped to receive the container and a retainer releasably engagable with the cap, wherein the retainer is engagable with the cap via a releasable and resiliently deformable connection providing resistance against withdrawal of the container from the receptacle. In some embodiments, an aperture defined in the retainer is shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of the cap. In some embodiments, a portion of the retainer is resiliently deformable, and at least partially defines the resiliently deformable connection. In some embodiments, the portion of the retainer is a protrusion extending in a direction toward the receptacle. In some embodiments, the releasable and resiliently deformable connection provides a snap fit engagement between the retainer and the cap.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a locking mechanism to prevent actuation of the system absent an authorized product refill unit. More specifically, the dispensing system includes a housing and an actuator slidably secured within the housing and including at least one locking post extending therefrom. The actuator is adapted to actuate a pump to cause dispensing of a product. A release ring is rotatably secured within the housing and includes at least one locking post extending therefrom and aligned with the locking post of the actuator. The release ring also includes at least one ramped surface. The locking posts of the actuator and release ring engage one another in a locked position to prevent actuation of the dispensing system, and the release ring is adapted to be rotated to an unlocked position upon insertion of an authorized refill unit.

Abstract: Liquid dispenser systems, pumps for use in liquid dispenser systems, and disposable/replaceable liquid container units for use in liquid dispenser systems are disclosed. A refill unit for refilling a liquid dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of liquid and a pump connected to the container. The pump comprises a fitment portion configured for attachment to a liquid container, and a pump portion which comprises an upper valve member and a lower valve member disposed along a common longitudinal axis, such that the fitment portion and the pump portion are formed as one integral piece.

Abstract: A cartridge system for dispensing substances into a washing machine is disclosed. One or more preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers contained in a washing machine. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The cartridge system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces.

Abstract: A sprayer system has a tank for containing water, a cartridge for containing a dispersible substance, and a sprayer for being in fluid communication with the tank and the cartridge. The sprayer includes a housing with a receptacle for removably receiving the cartridge. A pump is mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with a first passageway carried by the housing. The pump draws the water from the tank into the first passageway while the sprayer is in fluid communication with the tank. A second passageway is carried by the housing and in fluid communication with both the receptacle and the first passageway for supplying the dispersible substance from the cartridge to the first passageway and, thereby, forming the dispersion in response to operation of the pump while the receptacle is in receipt of the cartridge and the sprayer is in fluid communication with the tank.

Abstract: A system for dispensing substances into a washing machine is disclosed. A plurality of preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces.

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

Abstract: A replenishable liquid soap dispensing apparatus includes a liquid soap container, a soap dispensing device and a support rack. The liquid soap container includes a holding portion, a bottle opening on the holding portion and at least one lean portion on the holding portion. The soap dispensing device has a soap intake tube connecting to the liquid soap container to draw liquid soap, a soap discharge tube connecting to the soap intake tube to discharge the liquid soap and a pressurizing means to increase the pressure in the soap intake tube and soap discharge tube to send the liquid soap from the soap intake tube towards the soap discharge tube. The support rack includes a first support portion to hold the soap dispensing device and a second support portion corresponding to and coupling with the lean portion to hold the liquid soap container.

Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a whipped-cream dispenser type cooking apparatus (400) includes multiple parts and in particular a fluid tank (320), a head (310), an endpiece (304), and at least one gas charger (302). The apparatus comprises a storage holder (100) with a base in which there are defined at least one concave housing (102) suitable for taking said endpiece, and said fluid tank, these two elements being open to the air, a stop (106) for positioning said head, also open to the air, and at least one cell (204) suitable for housing a gas charger. The storage holder of the invention allows said parts to be stored tidily in an aerobic environment unfavorable to the proliferation of bacteria.

Abstract: A detergent container cradle including a seating surface for supporting a detergent container having an outlet for discharging detergent therefrom, and sidewalls provided at opposite edges of the seating surface to apply pressure to an outside circumferential surface of the detergent container having no outlet provided thereto.

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

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a housing and a deformable member that define a metering chamber that is configured to receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir. The deformable member is deformed from a rest position to an eject position and the deformation causes the volume of the metering chamber to change which results in a change in fluid pressure within the metering chamber. An increase in the fluid pressure within metering chamber causes a predetermined volume of fluid within the metering chamber to be ejected and a decrease in the fluid pressure within the metering chamber causes fluid to be drawn into the metering chamber from the reservoir.

Abstract: A self defense spray device comprising a spray unit having a spray canister with an irritant spray, a nozzle operable to release the irritant spray, and a first connector attached to the spray canister. The device further includes a holder having a second connector adapted to releasably engage the first connector to releasably connect the spray unit to the holder, and a safety mechanism that prevents the nozzle from releasing the spray when the spray unit is connected to the holder, thus disarming the device. Once the spray unit is removed from the holder, the safety no longer blocks the nozzle thus arming the device.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system is provided for automated dispensing of a plurality of liquid reagents into a recreational body of water. The liquid dispensing system includes a cartridge apparatus housing a plurality of liquid reagent containers, each containing a respective liquid reagent. A docking assembly is provided having a dock manifold device, and is releasably coupled to the cartridge apparatus between a first condition and a second condition. In a first condition, the cartridge apparatus can be removably coupled to the docking assembly, while in the second condition, the cartridge apparatus is lockably mounted to the docking assembly in a manner permitting fluid communication from the respective reagent container to respective fluid passages of the manifold device. The dispensing system further includes a dosing engine having a valve manifold device to selectively dispense the liquid reagents into the recreational body of water through a dispensing port.

Abstract: A material dispensing assembly (100) and method of operation is disclosed for converting a portable cartridge dispensing tool to a bag-type dispensing tool. The assembly comprises a single piece piston (110) for advancing material though a material housing (104), the single piece piston (110) includes a substantially square-shaped receptacle (140). The assembly further comprises a square shaped drive rack (112) for attaching to the piston (110) at the substantially square-shaped receptacle (140) at a connection end (128). The drive rack (112) further comprises a plurality of teeth (142) located thereon. The assembly (100) further has a support (127) with a substantially square profile for receiving and supporting the drive rack (112) during operation such that the construct of the drive rack and piston (110) are prevented from rotating during operation.

Abstract: An applicator is provided with a volume for receiving one or more disposable or refillable container containing a hair treatment composition. The applicator is provided with opposed arms that are configured such that, when the arms are brought towards each other, the hair treatment composition is dispensed.

Abstract: A sprayer and a releasable bottle are provided. The sprayer includes a main housing having a pump and a nozzle coupled in a material flow path. The housing further includes a bottle receptacle and a bottle adapter, which is fluidically coupled to the material flow path and has a lower, sealing surface and a lower fitting. An adapter spring applies a downward displacement force to the bottle adapter. The bottle is insertable into the bottle receptacle through an opening in the receptacle and has a top, which engages the lower sealing surface when inserted fully into the receptacle. The bottle includes a tube adapter that mates with the lower fitting and is coupled to a tube carried within the bottle. A latch retains the bottle in the receptacle in a latched state and releases the bottle from the receptacle in a released state.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge carrying a piston pump with a movable piston element to be coupled on insertion with an actuator plate of the housing. A ramp mechanism is provided on the actuator plate to engage the piston element and during insertion of the cartridge into the housing move the piston element to a position relative the actuator plate which facilitates proper coupling including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.

Abstract: The dispenser has a body (1), with a mouthpiece cover (2). Opening of the cover urges a junction member (3) towards a source (4) of a medicament to be released as a dose by pressing a spout (5) of the source inwards of the source. The source is supported by a cap (11) clipped to the end of a source-enclosing barrel (12) with intern al splines (10). The barrel is welded (15) to the main to part (16) of the body at a position determined by the extension of the source towards the distal end (17) of the barrel when the cover is open, the welding position being determined by a plug (18) simulating the cap and its bush.

Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.

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

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for fluid, in particular pasty, substances such as toothpaste, liquid soap, mustard, etc., comprises a pump which has a filling nozzle which forms a suction opening of the pump in order to pump the pasty substance out of a container. An adapter has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for connecting a neck or an opening of the container to the filling nozzle of the pump. The outlet opening can be connected to the suction opening. The apparatus includes a two-part adapter housing where the upper part can be substituted for using different sized and shaped containers. The connection between the suction opening of the pump and the outlet opening of the adapter is designed to be releasable. The filling nozzle is formed coaxially to the adapter.

Abstract: A dispenser with an optical keying system includes a housing that is configured to carry a removable refill container that contains an amount of material, such as soap, for example. The removable refill container includes microscopic indicia that is visually-imperceptible to a human, which includes an authorization code, as well as a reference code that identifies various attributes associated with the refill container, such as its size, material type, and date of manufacture. Finally, the dispenser includes an optical sensor that is configured to read the authorization code defined by the microscopic or visually-imperceptible indicia to determine whether the refill container is authorized for use with the dispenser.

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