Abstract: A standalone pedal sprayer is an apparatus that dispenses a solution. The apparatus serves as a free-standing dispenser that facilitates the retrieval of a solution such as hand sanitizer, alcohol, and the like. The apparatus includes a sprayer housing, a foot pump, a supply tubing, and a nozzle. The sprayer housing is vertically oriented and positions the nozzle within hands-reach of a user. The sprayer housing also serves as a reservoir for a solution and is refillable. The foot pump dispenses the solution within the sprayer housing and out of the nozzle. The apparatus further includes a pedal shield that protects a rubber cap of the foot pump from being damaged. In order to provide access into the sprayer housing for refill, the sprayer housing further includes a refill cover and a cam lock. The cam lock prevents any unauthorized solutions or materials from entering into the sprayer housing.

Abstract: A liquid level transducer includes a mounting head for connection to the wall of a tank and a housing extending into the tank from the mounting head. A float rod is pivotally connected to the housing and a float is connected to the float rod for pivotal movement upon a change of liquid level in the tank. A proximal end of the float rod is connected to an actuator portion and constrained for pivotal movement about two parallel axes so that the actuator portion moves in a linear direction with respect to the housing. The interior of the housing includes a sensor assembly responsive to the linear movement of the actuator portion to thereby determine the level of liquid within the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power shutdown apparatus for preventing overheating of a hot beverage machine, comprising a tubular section protruding upward from a bottom of a water tank of the beverage machine and penetrating in top-down manner, a floating pipe inside the tubular section, a magnet within the floating pipe, a limiter attached to an upper opening of the tubular section without covering the tubular section to allow water to be poured in; a sensor at the bottom portion of the tank and adjacent to a sinking portion of the floating pipe; and wherein the floating pipe inside the tubular section sinks correspondingly with a lower water level of the water in the tank to drive the magnet inside the floating pipe to activate the sensor on one side thereof such that power of the heating device of the tank is shut down to prevent overheating of the machine.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (1) defining a neck (11) and a bottom wall (12) provided with a filling valve (13, 15); a dispenser member (5), such as a pump, that is mounted on the reservoir (1) so as to take the fluid, the dispenser member (5) including a body (51) and an actuator rod (56) that is movable downwards and upwards along an axis X; a pusher (6, 7) that is mounted on the actuator rod (56) of the dispenser member (5) in such a manner as to turn about the axis X of the rod (56); a vent passage that puts the reservoir (1) into communication with the outside; closure means (3) for selectively closing the vent passage; and control means (4) for urging the closure means (3) into a closed condition, in which they close the vent passage, from an open condition, in which they do not close the vent passage; the dispenser being characterized in that the control means (4) are secured to the pusher (6, 7) or moved by the pusher.

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 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 material transfer system for storing, transferring and dispensing viscous material, such as fluids and liquids, includes a material containment vessel with an upper region incorporating a motive force and a bottom region with a material ingress and egress opening. A diconical or other shaped force transfer device is located in the material containment area. The force transfer device is an energy transducer when the material containment is filled with highly viscous materials, such as adhesives, sealants, mastics or lubricating greases. The force transfer device serves as an integral part of a level indicator for both viscous fluids and lower viscosity liquids. The viscous material itself forms a seal between the interface region of the force transfer device and the inside wall of the fluid vessel. Vertical stabilizing elements may extend outward from the force transfer device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (1) that is transparent, at least locally; and a guide tube (21) that extends in the reservoir (1); the dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises a gauge ring (19) that is engaged freely around the guide tube (21) and that floats in the fluid in such a manner as to indicate visually the fluid level in the reservoir.

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: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including a moistening fluid level indicator. The mailing machine includes a mail piece transport including a mail piece flap opening and moistening assembly, a moistening fluid container operatively connected to the moistening assembly for providing moistening fluid to the moistening assembly, and a fluid level indicator arm operatively connected to the moistening fluid container, wherein the fluid level indicator arm has an indicator surface adjacent to an indicator window for indicating the presence of the moistening fluid level container and for indicating an amount of moistening fluid in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the level of particulate material in a container and providing a human perceivable signal when the material reaches a predetermined reduced level as it is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A floating dispenser is provided for dispensing a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical into ambient water. The dispenser includes a bucket having top and bottom ends, a top wall covering the top end, an opening for admitting ambient water into the bucket interior, and a floatation ring that keeps only the top end above water such that the interior is water filled when the dispenser floats. A basket is disposed in the interior of the bucket for carrying a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical, such as calcium hypochlorite. The basket is buoyant and movable vertically toward the top wall of the bucket. The dispenser includes a refill indicator that indicates when most of a full load of said chemical has dissolved. The refill indicator includes a pair of tabs that are connected to the basket and slidably mounted in slots in the top wall.

Abstract: A material transfer system for storing, transferring and dispensing viscous material, such as fluids and liquids, includes a material containment vessel with an upper region incorporating a motive force and a bottom region with a material ingress and egress opening. A diconical or other shaped force transfer device is located in the material containment area. The force transfer device is an energy transducer when the material containment is filled with highly viscous materials, such as adhesives, sealants, mastics or lubricating greases. The force transfer device serves as an integral part of a level indicator for both viscous fluids and lower viscosity liquids. The viscous material itself forms a seal between the interface region of the force transfer device and the inside wall of the fluid vessel. Vertical stabilizing elements may extend outward from the force transfer device.

Abstract: An airpot or dispenser liquid level float, provided for vertically shifting upon the air tubes of an airpot or other dispenser, the float incorporate a pivotally mounted indicator, for viewing through a view window of the dispenser, for furnishing and indication as to the level and amount of liquid remaining within the dispenser, during its usage and application.

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

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated carafe has a stainless steel body, with a stainless steel outer sidewall closed off, in part, by a cap. The cap has an eccentric opening and a reservoir affixed to the rim. The eccentric opening of the cap forms an off centre mouth that leads into the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: An airpot or dispenser liquid level float, provided for vertically shifting upon the air tubes of an airpot or other dispenser, the float incorporate a pivotally mounted indicator, for viewing through a view window of the dispenser, for furnishing and indication as to the level and amount of liquid remaining within the dispenser, during its usage and application.

Abstract: A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing arrangement for a tank may include a float having a disc-like shape and a sensor that detects a position of the float relative to the tank. The float may have an overall height/total displacement ratio of 0.5 or less. The float may have a range of motion relative to the tank so that at least a portion of the float may move below a portion of a bottom wall of the tank and/or below an outlet for the tank.

Abstract: An inexpensive, readily visible indicator for liquid levels in a vacuum bottle that includes a coating of reflective material to minimize radiation heat transfer from the interior of the vacuum bottle to the exterior of the assembly. The vacuum bottle assembly includes a container receiving the vacuum bottle and a transparent or translucent window is located in the side wall of the container and in alignment with an interruption in the reflective coating. An indicator is located within the vacuum bottle and is aligned with both the windows and the interruption so as to be visible therethrough to provide an indication of the level of the liquid contained within the inner liner of the vacuum bottle.

Abstract: A smart water filling device comprising: a vessel, having an outlet and a space extended outwardly from one side of the vessel; a tube, one side coupled to the outlet; a float device, having a housing and a float, wherein the float is disposed inside the housing and the housing has at least one opening and one side of the housing is connected to the other side of the tube; a control device, having a housing and a control circuit, wherein the housing is positioned beside the housing of the float device and the control circuit is disposed therein; and a warning device, disposed inside the space and coupled to the control circuit; whereby while the water being filled into the vessel, the control circuit can detect the position of the float and determine the water level inside the float device, and alarm to the user by way of using the warning device.

Abstract: A device used with fluid canisters comprising a transparent body allowing the viewing of movement within the body having a minor and major cavity with a float indicator and float seat within the minor cavity. An inhaler top and bottom fits each end of the body forming an airtight chamber within the major and minor cavity above the float, the top having a seat to accept a canister and a nozzle aperture to accept a nozzle of the canister oriented to release fluid from the canister into the major cavity. An inlet through the minor cavity below the seat maintains pressure equal to pressure outside of the body within the minor cavity. Inhalation through a mouthpiece and one way valve reduces pressure within the major and minor cavity above the float drawing fluid through the one way valve creating a pressure difference across the float causing it to move.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for foamable liquids which has been improved with regard to the aspects of hygiene and reliability. According to the method, in addition to the pneumatic and hydraulic parts of the dispenser having a configuration which is to a great extent isolated from the external atmosphere, said dispenser has an air chamber (82) which subjects a nozzle/expansion body (74) first to an excess pressure and then to a negative pressure during the return stroke (HB) of an air piston (42) via a lateral bore (89). As a result, the outlet (80) is first cleared and any remaining foam in the nozzle/expansion body (74) is subsequently removed by suction and coagulated into soap solution. During the next working stroke, this minimal quantity of soap-solution is foamed again and expelled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor for detecting leaks in a liquid hydrocarbon dispenser, said sensor comprising a sealed plate arranged at the dispenser base and provided with a collecting container for receiving said liquid hydrocarbons collected by said sealed plate and coming from leaks in the dispenser, said collecting container comprising a sensor at the level of said hydrocarbons, capable of stopping the operation of the dispenser when the hydrocarbon level sensed reaches a predetermined level (N). The invention is useful for protecting the environment against hydrocarbon pollution.

Abstract: An apparatus for is disclosed for detecting low liquid level in a bottom-draining container (12), the apparatus including a spout (14, 48) extended outwardly from the container, the spout having a central bore (18) through which liquid can drain from a bottom of the container; at least one guide member (26, 56, 62) positioned in the spout; at least one float (38) mounted for movement in the spout along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container; a source (42) for directing a beam of radiation into the spout along a path intersected by the float when a liquid drains to a preselected level within the spout; and a device (44, 46) for detecting when the float intersects the beam. The guide member may be omitted in one embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device coupled to a fluid container. The device contains a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is capable of dispensing fluid into the fluid container. The device also contains an alarm to warn a user that the container is substantially empty.

Abstract: A valve assembly and a bottom-draining container having the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprising a first body member, a guide member supported by the first body member so that the guide member will extend upward into the container, and a float mounted for movement along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container, the float having a mating surface for engaging a second mating surface on the valve assembly when the float is in the unsensed position, the mating surface of the float having a configuration for minimizing sticking of the float with respect to the valve assembly.

Abstract: Described herein is an alarm system for use with a `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which is used to collect effluent from a processing apparatus (20). The alarm system comprises a chamber (50) located between the processing apparatus (20) and the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which includes a level sensor (52) which indicates that the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) has been overfilled by a predetermined amount and is ready for changing.

Abstract: An apparatus for is disclosed for detecting low liquid level in a bottom-draining container (12), the apparatus including a spout (14, 48) extended outwardly from the container, the spout having a central bore (18) through which liquid can drain from a bottom of the container; at least one guide member (26, 56, 62) positioned in the spout; at least one float (38) mounted for movement in the spout along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container; a source (42) for directing a beam of radiation into the spout along a path intersected by the float when a liquid drains to a preselected level within the spout; and a device (44, 46) for detecting when the float intersects the beam. The guide member may be omitted in one embodiment.

Abstract: A system for storing, circulating and dispensing a liquid compound is disclosed. The system comprises a vessel having an open top end and a closed bottom end, with the compound being disposed within the vessel. A movable ceiling member is positioned within the vessel, with the movable ceiling member forming a first chamber and a second chamber within the vessel, and wherein the compound is located within the first chamber and the second chamber is exposed to the atmosphere. A lifting member is provided for lifting the movable ceiling member from the vessel is also included. The system may further comprise a circulation conduit operatively attached to the movable ceiling, a drain conduit operatively associated with the bottom end of the vessel, and a pump member adapted for pumping the compound from the first chamber to the circulation conduit so that the compound is circulated within the vessel. A method of storing, circulating and dispensing a fluid compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: A postmix juice dispenser for use with a disposable juice concentrate package that includes an integral progressive cavity pump and a mixing nozzle. The dispenser can read a product I.D. label on the package to automatically change ratios as packages are switched and a low liquid level indicator in the package to both warn the operator and to then provide automatic shut-off. A controller adjusts the pump motor speed in response to signals from a water flow meter to provide excellent control of ratio, even as water pressure changes. An easy lift-out refrigeration deck is located over an ice-water bath tank capable of holding 27 pounds of ice.

Abstract: A disposable and recyclable juice concentrate package for a postmix juice dispenser includes a package housing connected to an integral mixing nozzle. The package housing includes a concentrate container housing sealed to a pump housing. A progressive cavity pump is located in the pump housing for feeding a continuous stream of concentrate to the nozzle for intimately and violently agitating and mixing the water and concentrate and dispensing the beverage. The package also includes a low level indicator and a product identification label.

Abstract: A portable holding and mixing tank system for at least two dissimilar liquids includes a tank having an interior space and a dividing wall which establishes at least two fluid-isolated holding compartments within the tank interior space for respectively holding a respective one of the dissimilar liquids. A manifold assembly defines respective channels for the dissimilar liquids and for pressurizing fluid supplied from a source thereof. The liquid and pressurizing fluid channels are fluid-connected to each of the holding compartments. A pressurizing supply conduit fluid-connects the source of pressurizing fluid to pressurizing fluid channel, while liquid supply risers respectively fluid connect the dissimilar liquids contained in each of the holding compartments to the liquid channel defined by the manifold assembly. A liquid discharge port fluid-connects the liquid channel defined by the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A bottle for storing and dispensing maple syrup and like fluids comprising, in combination a one piece container having a generally circular horizontal bottom wall and upstanding side walls of an uneven contour horizontally, vertically, axially and circumferentially, the upper end of the container having a large major opening entirely overlying the bottom wall in an annual configuration and a small minor opening with an annular configuration partially overlying the base portion with an angled tubular extent coupling the minor opening with the main portion of the container; a large cap with a circular top and downwardly extending side walls positionable over the major opening; a small cap with a circular cover and downwardly extending side walls positionable over the minor opening; a cord of a flexible material coupling the major cap and the minor cap; a level indicator formed of a pulley in an upper region of the side wall having a cord with a float at one end within the container and a weight at the other en

Abstract: An automatic liquid soap supply device is formed of: a plurality of sub-units each having a use detection circuit for detecting the use of a liquid soap supply tap and a pump driving circuit connected with the use detection circuit, pumps each disposed to each of the sub-units, connected to each of the pump driving circuits for supplying a liquid soap to each of the supply taps and a main unit having a single power source circuit connected with each of the use detection circuits.

Abstract: A dispenser wherein a predetermined amount of a dispensing material within a syringe barrel is dispensed from a nozzle thereof by sliding axially a plunger to a prescribed distance toward the nozzle, the plunger being housed in an axially displaceable manner within the syringe barrel, a magnet is fitted to the plunger, and a magnetic proximity sensor detects an axially displacement position of the magnet within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: A disposable liquid dispensing module in the form of a hollow plastic container for holding liquid, such as a cleaning solution or soap, has at least one liquid level sensing probe permanently mounted in it. The module is made to be inserted into a lavage machine or similar apparatus and includes a connector to which a connection plug having a liquid withdrawal pipe and connectors to the liquid level sensing probe is attached. The pipe is connected to an elongated flexible tube and the connectors for the liquid level sensing probe are connected to flexible wires, so that the plug including these components may be attached to the container outside the lavage machine in which it is used. When the level of liquid falls below a predetermined threshold, a signal is provided to the apparatus indicating that replacement of the container is to be made. The entire module then is withdrawn and the plug to the apparatus is disconnected.

Abstract: A writing instrument with ink quantity or level detecting function which has an ink tube containing ink, and a float so arranged in intimate contact with the rear end surface of the ink in the ink tube as to be driven in contact with the rear end surface of the ink upon decrease of the ink in the ink tube. Further, a magnetic sensor is further provided externally at the writing instrument, while the float is formed of magnetic material. Thus, lack of the ink in the ink tube of this writing instrument can be readily detected.

Abstract: In a computer controlled automatic plotting device, an ink level detector is provided in a plotter pen cartridge. An ink-following object is provided in the plotter pin cartridge and is supported by the writing fluid. The ink-following object carries a magnet. As the ink-following object traverses down the inside of the plotter pen cartridge, the position of the magnet triggers a sensor at a predetermined level. The sensor then effects a visual or audible signal to alert an operator that the cartridge is running out of writing fluid. Alternatively, the sensor activates a control system to shut down the plotting device to permit replacement of the plotter pen cartridge with one having a new ink supply.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: A combined dispensing head and gauge for indicating the quantity of material in a container is disclosed. The combined dispensing head and gauge is comprised of a one-piece dispensing head which includes a dispensing head conduit, fiducial marks adjacent to the dispensing head conduit for indicating the quantity of material present in the container, a sealing flange for sealing the dispensing head with respect to the container, and a chamber for receiving a movable indicator. The combined dispensing head and gauge is further comprised of a level responsive device such as a float responsive to the level of material in the container, and a movable indicator pointer received by the chamber adjacent to the fiducial marks for indicating the quantity of material present in the container. The indicator pointer is controlled by the float and is pivotally supported thereon. A material supply conduit is connected to the dispensing head conduit for conveying material in the container to the dispensing head conduit.

Abstract: An improved liquid-supply reservoir in a liquid-using machine such as a copier is described. The improved reservoir is provided with a pipe and a liquid-level sensing device as one unit, which unit is detachably secured in an opening at the top of the reservoir. A flexible conduit, which has one end associated with the liquid-using machine, can be passed through the reservoir opening such that the other end is close to the base of the reservoir whereby liquid is conducted from the reservoir to the machine or the reverse. Freely slideable floats for sensing a minimum and/or a maximum liquid-level in the reservoir are secured in a recess on the outside of the pipe.

Abstract: New and unexpected control is achieved over the ratio of food ice mix/air directed from a food ice mix container to a freezer chamber. A one-way float valve is disposed within the channel between the food mix container and the freezer chamber. Float valve apparatus is operative within the food mix container capable of automatically adjusting the size of a food mix port or aperture extending in fluid communication with the freezer chamber so that as the level of food mix in the food mix container becomes lower, the size of the food mix port becomes larger to maintain a constant flow rate of food ice mix from the food mix container into the freezer chamber. Level indicating apparatus is operatively associated with the float including a vertically movable elongated member extending above a cover on the food mix container such that when the level of the food ice mix drops, the elongated level indicator similarly drops.

Abstract: The soap solution dispenser contains a reservoir into which opens an outlet or outflow opening of a container. In the reservoir there is present a float body or float which is pivotably mounted and provided with at least one indicator flag. Conjointly with the drop of the liquid level in the soap solution reservoir the float body also descends, which causes a displacement of the indicator flag. During the lowering of the surface of the soap solution the indicator flag moves along a viewing window formed in a cover or covering hood. There is thus signalled or indicated that the content of the soap solution in the reservoir is quite small or nearly consumed, so that the container now should be exchanged. One resulting advantage of the invention is that the indicator flag moves externally of the soap solution, so that the indicator flag cannot become stuck or bind, and thus, always remains readily visible.

Abstract: A display apparatus which will numerically indicate the quantity of fluids removed from any tank or tanks by accepting the output from a unit inserted in each tank which varies in resistance from minimum to maximum as the tank moves from a full to an empty condition respectively. The apparatus applies a constant current to the variable resistance and develops a current which changes from minimum to maximum as the tank is emptied. An amplifier accepts the variable current along with a comparison current and converts the differential current to an output current. The current is subsequently applied to an adjusting companion fixed voltage. The display reads the different voltage, and displays the difference, which represents the level or final quantity remaining in the tank. The circuit can also indicate the level of each of several tanks with adjustment in the calibration of the system for each tank.

Abstract: An insulated air pot for hot water and the like has a hinged circular cap on the top of which there are arcuate indicators showing the volume and temperature of the liquid in the pot. The volume indicator comprises an indicator hand coupled with the upper end of a twisted strip which slides in a slot in a float member so that it is rotated as the float member rises or falls. The temperature indicator comprises a thermometer of arcuate shape having a bulb in the upper end of a heat conducting conduit. A ball valve at the top of a discharge pipe closes the pipe except when liquid is being discharged and thereby conserves heat.