Abstract: An appliance has a casing and a dispenser. The dispenser includes a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid and is movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member is located within the casing and a second position in which the dispensing member projects from the casing. The dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser is able to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance to allow the dispenser to move and allowing the drive mechanisms to be correspondingly smaller.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a needle sheet formed as a unitary piece for dispensing liquid crystal material contained within a liquid crystal container through a nozzle by selectively contacting a needle. The needle sheet includes a needle contacting portion for contacting the needle and a coupling portion for coupling the liquid crystal container to the nozzle. Therefore liquid crystal material is prevented from remaining within the needle sheet and the needle sheet can be easily cleaned.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.

Abstract: A combination dispense and recirculation valve assembly is disclosed for viscous fluids. The assembly easily moves between a dispense and a recirculation position. Therefore, a pump linked to the canister of fluid being dispensed can be run continuously, intermittently or on demand. After the dispense, the actuator moves the valve stem downward to block any further dispense and the pump recirculates fluid upward past an upper valve element and upper valve seat into a recirculation outlet and back into the canister. In the closed position, the valve chamber is sealed to prevent air from causing any remaining colorant to dry. When a dispense is desired, the actuator simply raises the valve stem upward so the upper valve element engages the upper valve seat thereby preventing fluid from being recycled and directing all fluid downward past the lower valve element and out through the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step includes moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

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

Abstract: A disposable pump for a collapsible reservoir has an upper chamber, a lower chamber and a seal base in between. The upper and lower chambers have flexible sections or bellows that expand or contract the chambers, and the seal base has a rigid rod that selectively forms a seal on an opening in the seal base between the upper and lower chambers. One of the two chambers has a nozzle and the other chamber has a top cap that leads in many embodiments to a collapsible bag reservoir. In at least one embodiment a solenoid overcomes the biasing force of a compression spring and lifts the seal base off the rigid rod. This opens the seal and assisting pushing out potentially very viscous liquids into the chamber that includes the nozzle and the liquid ultimately dispenses from the pump through the nozzle.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, which includes a dispenser body adapted to dispense the heated liquid, a solenoid valve, and a pneumatic section including a housing coupled between the solenoid valve and dispenser body. The pneumatic housing is formed from a thermally insulating material which may include a thermoplastic polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a fluoroplastic polymer to reduce heat transfer from the dispenser body through the pneumatic housing thereby thermally insulating the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supply device applies chemical liquid from a nozzle to a processed object. The nozzle is provided in a moving head, which reciprocates between an applying position and a waiting position and includes an application valve operating so as to take an applying state of applying the liquid from the nozzle and a stopped state of stopping the application. Chemical liquid is pumped from a tank through a filter to a valve chamber of the application valve via a supply tube. The valve chamber is connected to a buffer tank through a circulation tube. The circulation tube is provided with a circulation valve for opening/closing its flow path.

Abstract: A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.

Abstract: An assembly (1) for preparing mineral water in situ, including a container (2) filled with a mineral concentrate (4) and a dosing device (6) connected to the holder for dispensing the concentrate from the container in a dosed manner, the dosing device being provided with a housing (15) including an inlet (16), an outlet (18), a liquid flow path (20), a pump (22), and a magnetizable or magnetic operating element (24). The operating element is being included in the housing for carrying out a predetermined movement relative to the housing with the aid of a changing magnetic field and the operating element is mechanically connected to the pump for driving the pump when the operating element carries out the predetermined movement. The operating element is manufactured, from corrosion resistant steel, or the operating element is provided with a corrosion resistant coating such as gold, silver or Teflon or the operating element is manufactured, from a magnetizable and/or magnetic ceramic material.

Abstract: A new and improved hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a new and improved solenoid control valve assembly and a new and improved adhesive control module assembly. The solenoid control valve assembly is mounted directly upon the adhesive control module assembly by quick-connect fittings, and control air flow paths are defined within the solenoid control valve assembly and within the adhesive control module assembly so as to effectively comprise substantially short, linear fluid flow paths which will thereby minimize the lengths of the control air flow paths and therefore, in turn, minimize the cycling response time of the nozzle dispensing valve member of the adhesive control module assembly.

Abstract: An automatic touch-free dispenser provides dose dispensing of a product from a pressurized can by sensing or detecting the presence of a user's hands, and an actuator assembly which tilts the nozzle on the can in response to such detection, to thereby dispense product from the can. The can may hold a healthcare product, such as a sanitizer, food product, or any other fluid product pressurized in a can. The actuator assembly includes a DC motor which drives a cam, which in turn pushes an actuator lever into the nozzle for a certain dispensing time. The number of doses, detection range, and motor speed, can be adjusted.

Abstract: A valve device of an application device for applying fluid to a substrate comprises a valve body, a valve housing with inner chamber and valve seat, a supply fluid chamber, an electromagnetic valve actuating device with valve piston and an adjusting piston. The valve nozzle is detachably mounted on the nozzle side of the valve device. The valve device has a nozzle plate which closes the valve body at the bottom on the nozzle side, with mounting opening for the valve piston. The valve housing is designed in the form of a nozzle orifice which is a closure member that can be fitted on the mounting opening from below and removed. The valve nozzle forms part of the valve housing. The valve piston is exposed through the mounting opening of the nozzle plate for removal and fitting when the closure member is removed. The valve device is provided with at least one rectilinear fluid duct that connects the supply fluid chamber to the valve seat.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device comprises a housing adapted to receive a container therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The actuator arm includes a dispensing bore therein. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The actuator arm is adapted to engage and actuate a nozzle of the container in the first position and allow a fluid disposed in an interior of the container to be dispensed through the nozzle and the dispensing bore of the actuator arm.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, which includes a dispenser body adapted to dispense the heated liquid, a solenoid valve, and a pneumatic section including a housing coupled between the solenoid valve and dispenser body. The pneumatic housing is formed from a thermally insulating material which may include a thermoplastic polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a fluoroplastic polymer to reduce heat transfer from the dispenser body through the pneumatic housing thereby thermally insulating the solenoid valve.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step comprises moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a housing having a material chamber in fluid communication with a material inlet port and a nozzle. The dispensing device also includes a valve in fluid communication with the material chamber and the nozzle. The valve includes a tip, a stem, and a seat. The stem is configured to move relative to the seat to control the flow of material exiting the housing through the nozzle. The tip is fixedly attached to the stem at a second distal. The tip includes a rounded head and a neck, the tip being fixedly attached to the stem by inserting the neck into a bore disposed within the stem.

Abstract: A device for removing condensation from an ice duct of an ice dispenser for a refrigerator. The device may include a flap, which is arranged to seal an output opening of the ice dispenser and a controller for the flap, which is designed to move the flap between a closed position, in which the inner side of the flap contacts the edge of the outlet opening and a dispensing position in which the flap is withdrawn from the edge of the outlet opening to permit the dispensing of ice cubes. Further, the controller is designed to open the flap after expiry of a first time period, during which the flap is not moved by the action of a user or by the controller and to close the flap after expiry of a second time period.

Abstract: A valve device of an application device for applying fluid to a substrate comprises a valve body, a valve housing with inner chamber and valve seat, a supply fluid chamber, an electromagnetic valve actuating device with valve piston and an adjusting piston. The valve nozzle is detachably mounted on the nozzle side of the valve device. The valve device has a nozzle plate which closes the valve body at the bottom on the nozzle side, with mounting opening for the valve piston. The valve housing is designed in the form of a nozzle orifice which is a closure member that can be fitted on the mounting opening from below and removed. The valve nozzle forms part of the valve housing. The valve piston is exposed through the mounting opening of the nozzle plate for removal and fitting when the closure member is removed. The valve device is provided with at least one rectilinear fluid duct that connects the supply fluid chamber to the valve seat.

Abstract: Described is an automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing toothpaste. The dispensing apparatus comprises a housing having a front portion with a hole therethrough. The housing is capable of holding a tube of toothpaste. A sensor is attached with the housing. A spring is connectable with the housing for compressing the container of the viscous substance. A dispenser head is attached with the housing for attaching with the container of the viscous substance. Additionally, a motor is connected with the sensor and the dispenser head. Thus, a user can activate the sensor by placing an object proximate the sensor to activate the motor so that the motor rotates the dispenser head. In operation, the spring compresses the tube of toothpaste such that the toothpaste is pressed out of the container and through the dispenser head and the hole in the front portion of the housing to be dispensed upon a toothbrush.

Abstract: Dispensers with replaceable actuators and related methods. A representative dispenser includes a sealed fluid chamber with a fluid inlet and a valve seat, a valve member configured to be reciprocally moveable relative to the valve seat, and an actuator interface. The dispenser includes first and second actuators configured to be coupled with the actuator interface for reciprocally moving the valve member. The first actuator is configured to operate by a different motive force than the second actuator. The first actuator can be removed and replaced with the second actuator. The methods involve the ability to replace the first actuator with a second actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator includes a main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a dispenser having an accommodation portion positioned at a front side of the refrigerator and configured to provide ice through the accommodation portion without opening a door of the refrigerator. The refrigerator further includes a chute having an outlet, coupled to the dispenser, and configured to transfer ice stored in an ice container to the dispenser. In addition, the refrigerator includes an opening and closing member positioned at the outlet of the chute and configured to open or close the outlet of the chute in response to a driving signal, wherein the opening and closing member and the outlet of the chute have a circular shape.

Abstract: A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (1), comprising a body (2), within which a needle (3) moves, which can rest with sealing against a seat (23), fixed to the body (2). The needle (3) is magnetically coupled to an actuator body (5), across a closed and a magnetic chamber (4) provided with several magnets (52) between which magnetic bodies (53) are interspersed. The needle (3) has no magnets and is provided with ribs (36) made from a magnetic material. According to the invention, an improved magnetic coupling may be achieved, whereby the thickness and the relative separation of the ribs (36) are largely equal to the thickness (e53) and the relative separation (l52) of the magnetic bodies (53).

Abstract: The device (1) can be used in particular for the pivotable door of a dishwasher and comprises, in a structure or body (2) a first dispenser device (5, 6) for a washing agent, and a second dispenser device (4) for rinse agent, an electrically controlled actuator device (20, 21) connected to the first dispenser device (5, 6) in such a way that when the door is closed, a first excitation of the actuator device (20, 21) causes substantially only washing agent to be dispensed, and connected to the second dispenser device (4) by means of a transmission mechanism (22, 23) which includes a pivotable interconnecting element (23). The interconnecting element (23) is able to make the mechanism (22, 23) inoperative when the door of the dishwasher is opened, and to make it operative after a first excitation of the actuator device (20, 21) after the door has been closed. One end (23a) of this interconnecting element (23) is pivoted directly onto a movable control member (18) of the second dispenser device (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve comprising a thimble (3), with an opening (3.1) at one end thereof and a plunger (4) arranged inside the thimble (3) and provided with a stopper (4.1) capable of stopping said opening (3.1). The ratio between the diameter (Do) of the passage surface (So) and the depth (P) of said opening is by far higher than 1, and the stopper is capable, in the stopping position, of coming flush with the outer surface (9) of the thimble in the vicinity of said opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser. The dispenser includes an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor for reducing energy consumption over traditional solenoid activated doors.

Abstract: The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted.

Abstract: An ice flap device (10) for a refrigerator comprises a flap unit (14) movable between an open position and a closed position, which unit releases a dispenser aperture for dispensing ice in its open position and blocks the dispenser aperture against dispensing ice in its closed position, as well as a motorized drive mechanism for driving the flap unit (14) between its open and closed position. According to the invention the drive mechanism comprises an a.c. motor (12) as well as a first electrical switch (26), which lies in the supply circuit of the a.c. motor and switches depending on the introduction of a receptacle into an ice dispenser compartment of the refrigerator, and by means of which the a.c. motor (12) can be turned on when the receptacle is introduced into the ice dispenser compartment for a movement of the flap unit (14) from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: A dispenser includes an actuating section having a first moveable member and a hydraulic section coupled with the actuating section and having a second moveable member. The hydraulic section is adapted to dispense a liquid from an outlet therein and the actuating section is adapted to control dispensing of the liquid. An actuator assembly operatively couples the first moveable member with the second moveable such that the first moveable member is operative to move the second moveable member between open and closed positions for respectively starting and stopping flow of liquid from the outlet. The actuator assembly may include a pivoting lever arm having a first end operatively coupled with the first moveable member, a second end operatively coupled with the second moveable member and defining a fixed pivot point therebetween.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube connected to the hollow body. A piston is slideably contained by the dispensing tube. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. The port defines a flow passage through the dispensing tube. The valve stem is connected to the piston at a first end of the valve stem, and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A beverage dispenser having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent are also provided.

Abstract: A viscous medium feeder, which has an inlet, an outlet, a tubular portion, a rotatable cylindrical shaft arranged in and extending coaxially with the tubular portion, and a drive motor connected to the shaft. The tubular portion has an internal thread, which is connected, at one end thereof, to the inlet, and, at the other end thereof, to the outlet. Further, the tubular portion is elastic, and the shaft abuts the inner wall portions of the tubular portion.

Abstract: An applicator for dry particulate matter has an operating module body having a handle and trigger. The applicator lacks a back-pack and particulate matter is instead stored in a flexible tube. A flow path in the body is partially blocked and fully opened by a battery operated reciprocating gate valve that can be operated by the trigger on the body's handle. The tube is long enough to pass around a user's neck when the operating module is held by a hand of the user's extended arm, so that the free end can be manipulated by the user's other hand. A microprocessor in the body is adapted to regulate the operation of the gate valve to adjust the quantity of particulate matter dispensed according to user inputs.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where each chamber includes an inlet port configured to receive a flowable material and an outlet port configured to dispense the flowable material. The system also includes a first displacement rod slidably disposed in the first chamber. The system also includes a second displacement rod slidably disposed in the second chamber, wherein the first displacement rod is rigidly connected to the second displacement rod.

Abstract: A timing element for a lubricant supply system is capable of using pneumatics for the time of delivery of lubricant for a preset duration. In one example, the timing element has a cavity having an entrance and an exit, a first piston and a second piston. The first piston and the second piston are disposed in the cavity. The first piston is coupled to the second piston in such that compressed air in the entrance of the cavity is capable of moving the second piston and closing the exit. A pneumatic timing element may be incorporated into a dosing unit that is capable of supplying an amount of lubricant in a mist to a plunger bushing of a machine tool without. The duration of the dosing may be controlled solely by pneumatics and may prevent excess pooling of lubricant in bore holes by shutting off lubricant delivery at a preset time.

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 dispensing module for dispensing liquid includes a dispensing body having an inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel therebetween having a valve seat. A needle having a valve element is mounted to the body and reciprocates therein between an open position, in which the valve element is disengaged from the valve seat thereby allowing liquid flow, and a closed position, in which the valve element is engaged with the valve seat thereby preventing liquid flow. A needle guide is mounted to the dispenser body and includes a passage for receiving a portion of the needle. A flexible seal includes a first end coupled to the needle guide and a second end coupled to the needle and moving therewith. An actuator is operatively coupled to the needle and moves the needle between the open and closed positions. The seal includes a central portion with an interior cavity that stretches and compresses as the needle reciprocates.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid, said pouring device comprising: a) a housing; b) a passage for the liquid within the housing; c) an electrical operated opening/closing mechanism for opening or closing the passage in order to dosing of a predetermined or registerable amount of liquid, characterized in that the passage comprising a silicone tube, and the opening/closing mechanism is to block the silicone tube by squeezing the silicone tube in order to close the passage. The silicone tube inside the spout is the only path for the liquid to go through from the bottle, meanwhile the rest components are protected from liquid. This guaranties a quick and controlled flow of the liquid and avoids any air bubbles to influence the pour precision.

Abstract: A spool valve and valve seat assembly disposed in the control module of a hot melt adhesive dispensing system is uniquely structured so as to effectively prevent fluid communication or “cross-talk” between a first dispensing outlet port and a second recirculation port, during those periods when the control module is effectively reciprocally cycling the spool valve between its oppositely disposed extreme conditions for alternatively permitting the hot melt adhesive material to be dispensed from the first outlet port or for re-routing the hot melt adhesive material through the recirculation passage so as to prevent the hot melt adhesive from being improperly dispensed as a result of being undesirably routed to the recirculation passage.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a peristaltic precision metering device, system and method of using the same. Disclosed is a metering device which includes a metering element that can engage with a compressible material line, wherein the metering device can place a selectable peristaltic effect upon the material in the line. Also disclosed is a metering system comprised of a metering device similar to above and a control system attached to the metering element and a robotic positioning system also attached to the metering device. Finally disclosed is a method of precision material dispensing comprised of providing a metering element and base, positioning a compressible material line between the metering element and base, moving one of the base, metering element, material line, or combination thereof, thereby causing a peristaltic effect upon material in the line, and dispensing a precise unit of material from the device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a drive unit adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem. A flexible tube having a discharge end is fixedly held with respect to the container. The flexible tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with the tilt-activated valve stem.

Abstract: A pouring stopper to be mounted on a bottle has an inlet gasket, an outlet gasket and an air admission valve. The mentioned gaskets are controlled by a magnetizable rod, which, together with a coil, is incorporated in an area, such as a liquid chamber, in the pouring stopper. Another housing contains a battery and electronics. With the pouring stopper according to the invention, a very compact pouring stopper is achieved, which may be used both handheld and in a bottle holder. Further, it is possible to dose on the basis of a volume or on the basis of a time interval. Finally, it is possible to monitor the pouring from the pouring stopper closely, if its electronics are provided with a transmitter and a receiver which are capable of communicating wirelessly with a PC. This provides the possibility of having full control of the pouring operations, in particular if the pouring stopper is sealed to the bottle.