Abstract: A water outlet device comprises a water inlet mechanism, a diversion mechanism, and a guide mechanism rotatably connected to the water inlet mechanism. The diversion mechanism is disposed in the water inlet mechanism and penetrates through the axis of the guide mechanism. The water inlet mechanism comprises a water inlet channel. The diversion mechanism comprises a first water outlet channel. The guide mechanism comprises a second water outlet channel and a third water outlet channel. When the guide mechanism moves with respect to the diversion mechanism, the water inlet channel is communicated with the first water outlet channel, the second water outlet channel or the third water outlet channel. The water outlet device can realize switching of multiple water forms to discharge three types of functional water in a limited space and has a small size and rich functions.

Abstract: A tight device including a flange joined to an enclosure to connect interior and exterior of the enclosure via a through opening of the flange, a door moving between closed and open configurations, and a joint integral with the flange and joining the through opening from the door in the closed configuration. To limit risk of pollution when transferring sterile material through the device, a tubular member is mounted on the flange to move between a retracted position, where the tubular member is arranged outside the through opening when the door is in the closed configuration, and a deployed position, where the tubular member is arranged in the through opening so as to cover the joint when the door is in the open configuration. An elastic member drives the tubular member from its retracted to its deployed position when the door is in the open configuration.

Abstract: A device for dispensing body scrub. The device includes a globe-shaped housing having an interior volume that can retain body scrub within a second side thereof. The housing is movable between a deformed and a nondeformed configuration and includes a dividing wall disposed within the interior volume. The dividing wall separates the first side from the second side and is movable therebetween via a spring. The spring is biased towards an expanded configuration such that when the housing is deformed, the spring pushes the dividing wall towards the second side thereby forcing the body scrub through an opening within the housing. A valve is disposed at the opening and allows the body scrub to be dispensed therefrom when the housing is deformed upon force applied towards the second side. The valve is closed when pressure is released from the interior volume causing the housing to return to the non-deformed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a sanitary fitting for coupling a fluid conduit to a flexible container to facilitate sterile transfer therebetween, and methods of making and using such a sanitary fitting, whereby the sanitary fitting includes a first annular member having a first annular member bore extending between first annular member first and second ends, the first annular member second end terminating in a flange radially outwardly extending therefrom, the flange comprising a substantially planar face; a second annular member having a second annular member bore extending between second annular member first and second ends, the second annular member couplable to the first annular member to axially align the first and second annular member bores to provide a first fluid flow passageway; and a valve coupled to the second annular member, the valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through a fluid flow path which includes the first fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A fitment for a sachet includes a body having a slot that extends from a lower surface of the body toward an upper surface of the body. The upper surface caps the slot in a first portion of the body such that fluid flow is prevented through the first portion of the body in a direction from the lower surface toward the upper surface. The slot connects to an opening in the upper surface in a second portion of the body. A flow path exists through the slot and the opening in the second portion of the body in the direction from the lower surface toward the upper surface.

Abstract: A lid and a removable sealing assembly are provided for use in an integrated configuration where the sealing assembly is secured to the lid. The sealing assembly may be separated from the lid in a cleaning configuration that facilitates thorough cleaning of the lid and the sealing assembly. The lid includes a trigger assembly selectively operable to engage with the sealing assembly to unseal a drinking aperture on the lid when the lid and sealing assembly are in the integrated configuration. The sealing assembly includes guide members that are configured to engage with respective guide tracks on the lid in the integrated configuration. A latching portion of the sealing assembly secures the sealing assembly to a support lip of the lid in the integrated configuration.

Abstract: A food dispenser for attaching underneath a cupboard, wherein the dispenser has a bin member having four side walls and a dispensing hatch at a bottom portion thereof, and bin channels formed in top portions of two opposite of the side walls, and a support bracket adapted to be securely attached underneath the cupboard having four side edges, wherein two opposite side edges have support channels adapted to engage respective bin channels of the bin member opposite side walls, such that the bin member can slide on and off the support bracket. The dispensing hatch is pivotally attached to one of the four side walls of the bin member, such that the hatch can be pivotally opened and closed such that food can be extracted from the bin member.

Abstract: A pour spout has a bottle adapter for insertion into a mouth of a bottle. A housing has a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open with the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving beverage from the bottle. A valve carriage is movable within the chamber and has a carriage inlet in fluid communication with a carriage outlet. A resilient first tube provides a first beverage passageway between the housing inlet and the carriage inlet. A resilient second tube provides a second beverage passageway between carriage outlet and the housing outlet. The first or second tube has a valve seat that is engaged and disengaged by a plunger on the valve carriage as the valve carriage moves within the chamber. A valve actuator moves the valve carriage in response to signal from a control circuit that receives a wireless command signal.

Abstract: The beverage dispensing system includes a dispensing faucet defining a flow path, a valve head in the flow path movable between a closed position in sealed contact with a valve seat, and an open position. An actuator is manually movable to operate the faucet, and a biasing element is cooperable with the actuator and valve head such that an initial movement of the actuator will automatically cause sufficient energy to be stored or loaded in the biasing element for moving the valve head to the open position but without doing so. Occurrence of a subsequent predetermined event such as a further movement of the actuator will cause the stored energy to be automatically released to rapidly or nearly instantaneously move the valve head to the open position. As a result, no instruction or skill is required to operate the faucet to uniformly dispense pressurized beverages such as draught beer.

Abstract: A pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle including a bottle adapter for attaching to a bottle to receive a beverage from the bottle, a housing having a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open, the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving the beverage, a valve carriage moveably received within the chamber and having a carriage passage, a resilient first tube providing a first passageway for beverage to flow from the housing inlet to the carriage passage, a resilient second tube providing a second passageway for beverage to flow from the carriage passage to the housing outlet, a valve operatively connected to the valve carriage to control flow of the beverage through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; and a valve actuator for moving the valve carriage within the chamber to operate the valve open or closed.

Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertable into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: A volume metering dispenser comprises a body having a fluid cavity therein. The body further has a body wall, at least a portion of which is transparent or translucent, thereby permitting the operator to see the level of fluid within at least a portion of the fluid cavity. A valve is disposed within the body portion, the valve comprises a seal. The seal is selectively engaged to the body in order to selectively dispense fluid. The volume metering dispenser further comprises a resilient member. The resilient member is elastically deformable and the valve is attached to the resilient member.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus having a button assembly and a container, wherein the button assembly is removable from the container. The button assembly comprises a button housing and a button. The container has a flow control valve stabilizer with a flow control valve extending through the flow control valve stabilizer and into a dispensing opening at the bottom of the container to close the dispensing opening. Pushing the button on top of the dispenser into the button housing will cause the flow control valve to open the dispensing opening to deliver as much of the ingredients in the dispenser as the user desires. Releasing the button will cause the flow control valve to automatically close the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle including a bottle adapter for attaching to a bottle to receive a beverage from the bottle, a housing having a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open, the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving the beverage, a valve carriage moveably received within the chamber and having a carriage passage, a resilient first tube providing a first passageway for beverage to flow from the housing inlet to the carriage passage, a resilient second tube providing a second passageway for beverage to flow from the carriage passage to the housing outlet, a valve operatively connected to the valve carriage to control flow of the beverage through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; and a valve actuator for moving the valve carriage within the chamber to operate the valve open or closed.

Abstract: A pour spout has a bottle adapter for insertion into a mouth of a bottle. A housing has a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open with the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving beverage from the bottle. A valve carriage is movable within the chamber and has a carriage inlet in fluid communication with a carriage outlet. A resilient first tube provides a first beverage passageway between the housing inlet and the carriage inlet. A resilient second tube provides a second beverage passageway between carriage outlet and the housing outlet. The first or second tube has a valve seat that is engaged and disengaged by a plunger on the valve carriage as the valve carriage moves within the chamber. A valve actuator moves the valve carriage in response to signal from a control circuit that receives a wireless command signal.

Abstract: The beverage dispensing system includes a dispensing faucet defining a flow path, a valve head in the flow path movable between a closed position in sealed contact with a valve seat, and an open position. An actuator is manually movable to operate the faucet, and a biasing element is cooperable with the actuator and valve head such that an initial movement of the actuator will automatically cause sufficient energy to be stored or loaded in the biasing element for moving the valve head to the open position but without doing so. Occurrence of a subsequent predetermined event such as a further movement of the actuator will cause the stored energy to be automatically released to rapidly or nearly instantaneously move the valve head to the open position. As a result, no instruction or skill is required to operate the faucet to uniformly dispense pressurized beverages such as draught beer.

Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus having a button assembly and a container, wherein the button assembly is removable from the container. The button assembly comprises a button housing and a button. The container has a flow control valve stabilizer with a flow control valve extending through the flow control valve stabilizer and into a dispensing opening at the bottom of the container to close the dispensing opening. Pushing the button on top of the dispenser into the button housing will cause the flow control valve to open the dispensing opening to deliver as much of the ingredients in the dispenser as the user desires. Releasing the button will cause the flow control valve to automatically close the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A screw-on throat plug assembly for use in a closed loop dispensing system. The throat plug assembly also includes a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.

Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A delivery head and a delivery device having a delivery head, wherein a pivotable actuating element is provided in order to open an outlet valve when the delivery head is actuated. The actuating element is provided with a valve element in order to forcibly open the outlet valve by pivoting the actuating element and/or to move the valve element on a circular path.

Abstract: An edible product is made from a castable mass such as chocolate in a casting device that includes a container for receiving the castable mass and a metering unit. The metering unit has a nozzle block having nozzles facing away from the container and a valve block facing the container. The volume of a metering chamber between the nozzle block and the valve block can be changed by moving the nozzle block relative to the valve block. The casting method comprises steps of a) filling the mass container with the castable mass; b) drawing the mass into the metering chamber by enlarging the metering chamber volume by a first relative motion between the nozzle block and the valve block, and c) discharging the mass from the metering chamber by reducing the metering chamber volume by a second relative motion between the nozzle block and valve block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M), in particular a flowable mass with suspended solid particles. Said casting machine comprises a mass container (2) for receiving the flowable mass and at least one valve (32, 42; 50; 60; 70; 80; 90; 100; 110; 120) that is fluidically connected to the inner area of the mass container. When the pressure changes in the direction of the valve along the valve passage, said valve is in the open state and in the absence of a pressure change in the direction of the valve passage, said valve is in the closed state. The casting machine also comprises pressure generating means (3, 4, 5, 6, 32, 42) for generating a change in the pressure in the direction of the valve passage.

Abstract: A spout adapter system is provided for use with at least two different containers in which each container has a threaded fitment adapted to removably receive a threaded closure cap and in which the two different containers have different thread configurations around the dispensing opening. The system includes a first and second adapter each having two ends and a fluid passageway extending between their ends as well as a dispensing spout having a fluid passageway for dispensing fluid. The spout includes a threaded connector which threadably cooperates with a threaded connector at one end of either of the adapters so that the dispensing spout may be used with either adapter. The first adapter includes a threaded portion at its other end which is configured to cooperate with the threaded fitment of one of the containers while the other adapter has a threaded portion at its other end configured to cooperate with the threaded dispensing opening of the other container.

Abstract: A spout assembly configured to be attached to a mouth of a bottle to facilitate pouring of the contents of the bottle. The spout assembly includes a cap having an upper surface and defining an axial passageway; a spout mounted within the cap and movable between a retracted position, in which the spout is disposed within the axial passageway below the upper surface, and an extended position, in which at least a portion of the spout extends above the upper surface; and a first polarized magnet attached to the cap and a second polarized magnet attached to the spout, wherein the first polarized magnet and second polarized magnet magnetically bias the spout into the extended position.

Abstract: A stopper which engages a neck of a container. The stopper includes a circular bottom section and a head section which rises above the container and encompasses a slide. The rim of the head section has a maximum diameter that does not exceed the external diameter of the opening of the container. The slide can be pushed against the force of a spring device in one direction and, when released, returns to its retracted initial position as a result of the spring force. Opposing sides of the slide each end in circumferential sections. A first one of the circumferential sections forming an outer surface for receiving a first applied force for advancing the slide and causing the second one of the circumferential sections to protrude from the stopper. The second one of the circumferential sections receiving a second different applied force to remove the stopper from the container.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

Abstract: The stopper (2) engages with a ring-shaped neck in a press fit in a container (1) and has a circular bottom section which seals the container opening, and a head section which rises above the container and encompasses a slide (3) that extends through the center of the head section, the rim of the head section having a maximum diameter that does not exceed the external diameter of the container opening. The stopper is characterized in that the slide can be pushed against the force of a spring device in one direction over the rim of the container and, when released, returns to its retracted initial position as a result of the spring resistance. The stopper cannot be removed from the container by small children and is therefore considered childproof.

Abstract: A drip resistant dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed, which provides a dispensing outlet configured to minimize the tendency for residual fluid to collect in and drip from the dispensing outlet while maintaining a simple construction for ease of manufacture. The dispensing outlet face is situated a distance away from the valve body, which tends to prevent, or at least minimize the risk of, contact between potentially contaminating external surfaces with the surfaces of the discharge outlet. Such construction assists in minimizing the retention of fluid on the surfaces of the dispensing outlet, and migration of the fluid to surfaces outside of the dispensing outlet that could tend to promote growth of biological contaminates and/or provide additional surfaces that could pool fluid following a dispensing operation and thereafter drip from the valve.

Abstract: A water-saving switch equipment, which arranged in the outlet of a tap body, includes a button arranged in the button groove of the tap body, and a water-saving piece arranged under the button. The water-saving piece has a piece which is in the chamber of the outlet. The water-saving switch equipment may adjust the water output without switching on or off the tap's spool.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end.

Abstract: A discharge device having a liquid outlet with a hollow interior. The valve system is located inside the hollow interior of the liquid inlet. The valve guide system has a valve guide and a first rib. The valve guide system has a valve guide having a valve guide width. The valve guide width is at less than about 1.15 mm. The first rib has a first rib width having a first rib width. The width of the first rib is less than about 2.5 mm wide.

Abstract: A jet dispenser is provided with a giant magnetostrictive actuator which expands or contracts in response to electric currents. A set of flexural elements is coupled to first and second ends of the giant magnetostrictive actuator and flexes when the giant magnetostrictive actuator expands or contracts. The jet dispenser further comprises a chamber containing fluid and the fluid is dispensable through a nozzle which is in communication with the chamber. A piston coupled to the set of flexural elements is slidably located in the chamber and is actuable by flexion of the flexural elements to apply a force against the fluid for dispensing fluid through the nozzle.

Abstract: A gravity discharge device for liquids, especially concentrated liquid detergents, comprises a valve guide system whose surface area optimizes liquid flow. The discharge is especially useful with concentrated (“2×”) liquid detergents, whose viscosities tend to unacceptably slow their flow rate from home-use containers, especially when the containers progressively empty after multiple uses.

Abstract: A delivering tap (1) is described, for delivering liquids from a container, comprising at least one body (3) made in a single piece and integral with at least one elastic, flexible thrusting pushbutton (17) and at least one flexible sealing lip (25), and at least one valve member (5) with integrated spring inside the body (3), the body (3) comprising at least one head (11) equipped with at least one delivering beak (12) for delivering liquids, the delivering beak (12) communicating with one and only internal chamber (13) of the body (3) into which during the delivery of liquid a lower space for passing liquid (L) and an upper space for passing air (A) are naturally defined.

Abstract: Dispensing cap for bottles, including a lower mounting part fixed onto a neck of bottle, an upper covering part containing the dispensing parts, such as valve and opening members, sealing elements between the cap and the bottle for gas-proof sealing, an outlet for pouring liquid, a tube support for holding the tube of siphon structure. The dispensing cap is characterized by containing an irreversibly removable fixing member (27). The fixing member is used to prevent push-down of the valve while the cap is intact. It thus prevents dispensing liquid from the bottle. After it is torn off from the upper covering part, however, to permit the dispensing of liquid from the bottle, the fixing member can be readily removed from the cap without opening the cap.

Abstract: A cap with a storage space for containing a secondary material includes a storage portion having a storage space and provided with a seal plate formed on a lower end of the storage space, an outer cap foldably formed on the storage portion and coupled to a spouting portion, a spouting member inserted in the spouting portion, and an operational member for breaking the seal plate when the spouting member is in operation.

Abstract: A closing valve for a container for a fluid includes an outer jacket connected or connectable to an opening in the container or forming part of the container. An inner jacket is accommodated inside the outer jacket and has an opening through which the fluid can be fed to or withdrawn from the container. A closing element is positioned inside the inner jacket or between the inner jacket and the outer jacket and movable between at least a first position closing the opening and a second position clearing the opening, wherein at least the closing element is made from a polymer material. The closing element comprises a sealing member and a spring, which urges the closing element into the first position.

Abstract: A tap (1) is disclosed for dispensing liquids from a vessel, composed of: a body (3) made in a single piece comprising: a supporting member (5) from which a liquid dispensing mouth (7) and air entering mouths (9) project; a resilient thrusting member (11) that allows/prevents the dispensing of liquids; and winged abutting means (12); and a valve member (14) contained inside the body (3) and adapted to engage at one end the outlet mouth of the vessel in order to open/close it, and adapted to further engage the resilient member (11) to open and close the liquid dispensing opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a beverage from concentrate. A mixing chamber is included. A water tank and a concentrate container provide water and concentrate. A water conduit is horizontally oriented and is connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity. A concentrate conduit extends from the concentrate container and at an acute angle to the water conduit and then extends generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit. The mixing chamber is connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit. Both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end. Each outlet end is remote from the water tank and the concentrate container. The outlet end of the concentrate conduit is adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a main body (13,24) with a cavity (25) having an aperture (35a) formed through the main body and channels (26) formed radially in the cavity wall. A seal member (18) is shaped to fit within the cavity such that when the seal member moves away from the aperture flow is permitted in the channel toward and through the aperture. The valve is for incorporation with a tap device, particularly for use with a “mini-keg” of beverage.

Abstract: A dispenser of washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dish-washer, comprises a body (2), at least one compartment (6) for containing a washing agent, and a lid (7), which may be tipped over or turned about a first axis of rotation (8) between a position of closing and a respective first position of at least partial opening of the compartment (6), so as to enable delivery of the washing agent. According to the invention, there are envisaged articulation means (4), which are interconnected between the body (2) and the lid (7) and are operative for enabling the latter to turn about a second axis of rotation (5) between said closing position and a respective second position of at least partial opening of the compartment (6) so as to enable charging in the latter of the washing agent to be delivered.

Abstract: A closure and dispensing device intended to be fitted to a container. The device includes a body which can be mounted on the container, with the body including a dispensing aperture in communication with an opening by the container. A lid is stable in the open position, and capable of selectively closing off the dispensing aperture, with the lid being pivotable relative to the body about an axis of a hinge. At least one resiliently deformable strip connects the lid to the body, and the lid includes two ends on an axis perpendicular to the hinge axis. The hinge axis is preferably located relative to the ends so that opening of the lid can occur as a result of pressure exerted on a portion of the lid situated between the hinge axis and the opposite end of the lid. The opposite end of the lid preferably includes a portion which at least partially closes off the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A gravity discharge device for liquids, especially concentrated liquid detergents, comprises a valve guide system whose surface area optimizes liquid flow. The discharge is especially useful with concentrated (“2×”) liquid detergents, whose viscosities tend to unacceptably slow their flow rate from home-use containers, especially when the containers progressively empty after multiple uses.

Abstract: The spigot comprises a conduit that communicates with the interior of the container to which the spigot is attached. The conduit communicates with a valve body that comprises a chamber that includes an opening that is selectably opened and closed by a valve element. The valve element may be movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat formed around the opening. The valve element may be biased to the closed position by a spring such as an elastomeric diaphragm. The elastomeric diaphragm may seal the chamber and be exposed such that depressing the diaphragm moves the valve element from the normally closed position to an open position. The valve body may be disposed such that it extends from the first conduit at an angle. The opening in the valve body communicates with a second conduit that extends from the valve body to receive the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid has a lid and lid actuator to move the lid between open and closed positions. The lid actuator may be connected to the container and movable relative to the opening about a pivot that is below a pivot about which the lid may move between the closed and open positions. The lid actuator may also lock the lid in position, such as in the open or closed position. The lid and lid actuator may also be arranged for movement independent of each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for containing a beverage and a grommet for use with a container, and a method of retaining liquid in a container and preventing reverse flow out of the container. The container is of the type for retaining a quantity of beverage including at least one wall containing a cavity therein, a rim defining a mouth, and a lid extending at least partially over the mouth. A valve port is provided in the lid. A grommet is provided for retention in the valve port including a flange and structures for retaining the grommet in the valve port. The grommet defines an aperture extending therethrough which communicates with the valve port. The beverage is passed through the aperture and valve port for retention in the cavity of the container. A tongue extends from the grommet into the valve port for movably blocking a portion of the valve port.