Abstract: The invention refers to a spray pump device for spraying a liquid operated by a memory shape element. The spraying device is provided with a memory shape alloy wire with electrical resistivity, that is able to generate heat that increases its temperature so that due to memory shape property, the wire shrinks when current is applied. This shrinking permits the wire to activate a pump that atomizes a volatile substance.

Abstract: A foam chemical dispenser apparatus having a chemical supply device and a dispenser device with housing and foam chemical output. A chemical passageway is provided from the source to the output. In a preferred embodiment, the passageway is at least partially defined by a hose and a chemical conduit formed in the dispenser housing. A heating system is included having a first heater element extending within the hose from a first end positioned closer to the chemical supply device to a second feedthrough supported end positioned closer to the dispenser device, and a second heating element is provided in the dispenser device. A temperature sensor system is included with a first temperature sensor positioned for sensing temperature of chemical in the hose and a second temperature sensor positioned for sensing chemical temperature in the dispenser device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing controlled precise amounts of a hot-melt adhesive. A positive displacement dispenser which is mounted on a programmable motion system is connected to a hot-melt cartridge feed assembly by an inlet block. The dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block contain electric heaters and thermocouples for maintaining the adhesive at a desired elevated temperature. A computer control system regulates the temperature in the dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block and controls a dispensing motor in the dispenser. A preheater heats an adhesive cartridge prior to placement in the feed assembly.

Abstract: A temperature compensating fuel dispenser comprises a fuel-handling compartment, an electronics compartment, a barrier separating said compartments, and at least two fuel lines in the fuel-handling compartment. Each fuel line is provided with a flow meter and a temperature sensor. The fuel dispenser has a compensator device for compensating a flow measured by the flow meters based on a temperature measured by the temperature sensors. A control unit is arranged in the electronics compartment connected to each flow meter by a respective communication line. The means for compensating the measured fuel flow comprises one compensator for each flow meter arranged in the fuel-handling compartment in connection with the respective flow meter. The communication lines are connected between the respective flow meters and the control unit through a common intrinsically safe passage in the barrier. A method for compensating a measured fuel flow for a temperature of the fuel is also disclosed.

Abstract: To supply a consumer (13a, 13b) with liquid carbon dioxide with a desired temperature of more than 0° C. and a desired pressure of more than 30 bar, liquid carbon dioxide is taken from a tank (1) in which it is stored at a temperature below the desired temperature and a pressure below the desired pressure. The pressure of the carbon dioxide is increased (3) and subsequently the carbon dioxide is heated to the desired temperature (14a, 14b).

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process respectively an apparatus for filling a container with articles such as food, in particular meat, and a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles and is characterised by repeating the following steps: (A) a first portion of the articles is conveyed with a conveying means, in particular a conveyor belt, having a conveyor outlet and is discharged into a container at a lower conveying speed such that a first portion accumulates in the container at the first location closer to the conveyor outlet; and (B) thereafter, a second portion of the articles is conveyed by the conveying means and is discharged into a container at a higher conveying speed, such that the second portion accumulates in the container at the second location further away from the conveyor outlet; as well as a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles using said process and said apparatus for filling; as well as the articles processed by said processes respectively said apparatus.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying temperature-controlled water to emergency shower and/or eyewash units (“SS/EWs”). In one embodiment, the water is circulated through a normally closed system containing a heat source such as a heat exchanger, a tank and pipes leading to the SS/EWs. Sensors in the system detect the temperature of the water and controllers regulate the amount of heat supplied to the heat exchanger to keep the temperature of the water in the system within a desired range of temperatures. A timer-controlled drainage subsystem periodically drains some or all of the water in the system. Water drained or supplied to the SS/EWs is made up by a cold water supply that feeds the heat exchanger. The system may use an alarm to signal water out of the desired temperature range, improper drainage, or water leaking from the system or being used by an SS/EW.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive hose assembly comprises a heater circuit wrapped around an external surface portion of the hose assembly, a temperature sensor, and an elongated thermal fuse which is likewise wrapped around an external surface portion of the hose assembly such that successive spiral turns of the thermal fuse are effectively interposed between successive spiral turns of the heater circuit. The thermal fuse may be electrically connected in series with the heater circuit so as to effectively terminate electrical power to the heater circuit as a result of the melting of the thermal fuse, or alternatively, the thermal fuse may be electrically connected in series with the temperature sensor, so as to detect abnormal temperature levels at substantially any location throughout the length of the hose assembly.

Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispense aperture, a hopper, an accumulator assembly, a weighing system, and a flap door. The hopper is positioned in the cabinet and configured to hold food articles. The accumulator assembly is positioned vertically below the first hopper and includes an accumulator bin and a door assembly. The accumulator door is positioned in the cabinet and arranged to receive food articles dispensed from the first hopper. The door assembly is configured to retain the food articles in the accumulator bin and is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. The weighing system is configured to determine an amount of food articles held in the accumulator bin. The flap door is positioned adjacent to the door assembly and is movable between a closed position substantially sealing closed the cabinet dispense aperture, and an open position. The flap door automatically closes upon actuation of the door assembly into the closed position.

Abstract: A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A dosing system for the controlled feeding of liquids comprising: 1) a submersible centrifugal pump for insertion into a body of liquid to be dosed; 2) a riser rising angularly vertically from the centrifugal pump; 3) a receiver box at the terminus of the riser to receive liquid delivered thereto by the centrifugal pump via the riser; 4) a weir plate defining an exit from the receiver box to a delivery spout; 5) a sensor for measuring the depth of liquid in the receiver box; 6) at least one temperature sensor detecting the temperature of liquid within one or more locations within the dosing system; and 7) a control system receiving liquid depth and temperature data from the depth and temperature sensors and controlling the speed and thus the volume of the centrifugal pump as it feeds the riser and receiving box and hence the amount of liquid delivered to the delivery spout.

Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.

Abstract: An improved concentrate/extract cartridge is provided for dispensing a liquid in an accurate and repeatable manner. The cartridge includes an electromagnetically actuated piston connected to a valve. The piston includes an exterior ring supported by a hollow interior web that is configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat. A membrane is located below the web and is in sealing contact with the internal ring when the piston is activated. This allows a precise and repeatable amount of the liquid to be dispensed with each stroke. Dispensers for dispensing the liquid from the cartridge for a number of applications are also provided. The dispensers each include an actuating coil into which the dispensing tube is inserted. A controller is connected to the coil for controlling the actuation of the piston/valve assembly for dispensing the fluid in the cartridge as required for the particular application.

Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device is described that comprises a pressurizable vessel with at least one opening equipped with a pressure-responsive valve that controllably releases vapor in bursts when the vessel is heated through a controlled heating means.

Abstract: A foam chemical dispenser apparatus having a chemical supply device and a dispenser device with housing and foam chemical output. A chemical passageway is provided from the source to the output. In a preferred embodiment, the passageway is at least partially defined by a hose and a chemical conduit formed in the dispenser housing. A heating system is included having a first heater element extending within the hose from a first end positioned closer to the chemical supply device to a second feedthrough supported end positioned closer to the dispenser device, and a second heating element is provided in the dispenser device. A temperature sensor system is included with a first temperature sensor positioned for sensing temperature of chemical in the hose and a second temperature sensor positioned for sensing chemical temperature in the dispenser device.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a dispenser which is capable of heating a liquid to an approximately constant temperature in the same time regardless of an aspiration amount of the liquid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, method and apparatus for controlling the flavor of a beverage produced from a concentrate, based on the conductivity of the beverage being produced. The apparatus includes a conductivity sensor which provides a controller with real time conductivity data from the beverage being served. The controller is capable of comparing the real time conductivity data to a preprogrammed range of conductivity readings and adjusting a variable speed pump to keep the real time conductivity data within the preprogrammed range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing controlled precise amounts of a hot-melt adhesive. A positive displacement dispenser which is mounted on a programmable motion system is connected to a hot-melt cartridge feed assembly by an inlet block. The dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block contain electric heaters and thermocouples for maintaining the adhesive at a desired elevated temperature. A computer control system regulates the temperature in the dispenser, feed assembly, and inlet block and controls a dispensing motor in the dispenser. A preheater heats an adhesive cartridge prior to placement in the feed assembly.

Abstract: In a system and method for ensuring that a liquid ring vacuum pump contains an optimum amount of barrier fluid the pump and a vessel for containing barrier fluid are set at respective levels such that, when the pump is at rest and the level of barrier fluid id at its optimum the level of the fluid in the vessel is at a convenient and pre-selected level with respect to the height of the vessel. In operation of the pump, if the level of the barrier fluid in the vessel departs from the pre-selected level as detected by detecting means, the vessel is automatically charge with barrier fluid from a barrier fluid supply, or barrier fluid is automatically discharged from the vessel, as appropriate. The correct level or quantity of barrier fluid in the pump is thereby maintained.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed which can dispense chemicals, such as insect control ingredients, from an aerosol container. The actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes a burstable barrier and an extrudable (e.g. paste) plug. Upon initial activation, the pressure from inside of the container presses the burstable barrier which in turn presses the paste plug to cause at least a portion of the plug to move to a position where it is visible and provides a cue that a delay period has started. The device can be manually activated, but is designed so that thereafter it does not need to be manually held open. The user has time to leave the room before spraying begins, and does not need to be present in the room before spraying has finished.

Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes separate valves for controlling the flow rate of a diluent and a concentrate. Various concentrates of different viscosities can be used and the selected concentrate is identified. The flow rate of the concentrate is determined based on temperature and pressure and on information related to the identified concentrate. The valves are controlled so that the concentrate and diluent reach target flow rates. The target flow rates satisfy a target ratio of diluent to concentrate. If the actual flow rates cannot reach the target flow rates, then the target flow rates are modified to satisfy the target ratio. The structure of the concentrate valve is designed to accommodate proportional metering of any one of the various concentrates.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows for control of the temperature and quantity of water added to a mixing bowl during the mixing of batters used for muffins, cakes and the like. A reservoir tank with graduations thereon is provided with appropriate water lines for filling the reservoir tank with a desired amount of measured and tempered water. A temperature measuring device is used for measuring the temperature of the water in the reservoir tank. Appropriate valving connected to the reservoir tank permits dispensing of the water at a controlled rate into (1) the mixing bowl, (2) a bypass line if the operator desires to rinse residual ingredients (eggs, oil, molasses etc.) from smaller measuring containers and pour them into the mixing bowl or (3) a waste line. An overflow port system is provided on the reservoir tank to prevent overfilling thereof.

Abstract: A piercing apparatus for piercing a small compressed gas bottle to quickly inflate an expandable sack (1) comprises a small gas bottle (6), a housing (20) carrying in an inner chamber (21) thereof a piercing element (7) having a bit (72) provided with an axial passageway (73) communicating with the sack (1), and a release mechanism (8), being charged by a counteracting spring (89) to push the piercing element (7) against the small bottle (6). The release mechanism comprises a release element, being connected to a flexible transmission (30) of control means (3), as a protuberance (87), and the piercing element (7) is fixed on a front end of a collet chock (70), which is provided with fingers (88) to grip the protuberance (87). The collet chock (70) is slidable between a gripping condition and a releasing condition of the protuberance (87) upon the operation of control means.

Abstract: A system allows for accurate manual application of a fluid material in a linear pattern to a surface from a container holding the fluid. The system may comprise a container holding a fluid, the container having an application end from which fluid is applied to the surface at a volume flow rate that provides a volume/linear distance of the linear pattern. There is a controllable pressure system that causes pressure in the container, wherein application of higher pressure causes increased flow of fluid from the container and reduction of pressure causes reduced flow of fluid from the container. Also present is a speed indicator that provides a signal of the relative speed between the application end and the surface.

Abstract: A cold beverage dispenser for beverages such as iced tea where the supplied water used for the preparation of the beverage is effectively controlled to a desired temperature depending on the beverage to be prepared. A source of water is split into two separate streams. One of the streams is passed through chiller unit. A distribution means controls the quantity of water and the amount of time the water spends in the chiller unit. Temperature detecting means is provided on both branches to control the proportion of the water in the first and second streams. A beverage mixing unit is provided that is connected to a source of premix powder.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser which forms and dispenses a beverage and a processor for monitoring the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser operates under various parameters including a first parameter that is indicative of the quality of the beverage to be dispensed and a second parameter that is indicative as to when routine maintenance is to be scheduled. The processor monitors the various parameters under which the beverage dispenser operates and determines whether the first parameter is outside of a predetermined range. If the first parameter is outside the predetermined range, the processor sends a signal regarding a request for immediate repair service. The second parameter is also monitored and the routine maintenance is scheduled based thereon.

Abstract: A spring biasing element for causing a temperature responsive shifting element mounted on a plunger to shift at a selected temperature, or at a selected time interval, so as to intermittently spray fluid from a dispenser attachable to a container containing a fluid, the dispenser being ringlessly attachable to the container adjacent the cover of the container valve and includes an actuator operative the fluid to be released from the container into the dispenser, and an intermittent dispensing assembly that provides an intermittent fluid output, the intermittent dispensing assembly including a temperature responsive shifting element, the temperature responsive shifting element being shiftable in response to temperature changes in the dispenser and being generally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in the dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic inflator comprising a body for receiving a dissolvable pill, said dissolvable pill including an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one of said surfaces including an undulating configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of dosing pre-set quantities of gas, wherein the addition of known quantities of gas is required. The apparatus is designed to dosify gases in variable quantities, with temperature correction. The apparatus and the method of the present invention is mainly applied on the gasification of containers used to transport foodstuffs, which must be kept at a controlled environment in order to better preserve them.

Abstract: A pill for insertion into a bobbin of a bobbin assembly of an automatic inflator, the pill including a distal surface and a proximal surface, at least one of the surfaces including an undulating configuration.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A spice dispensing device for seasoning food and regulating the proper amounts of spices being used to season the food. The spice dispensing device includes a container including a pair of side members detachably attached to one another; and also includes a funnel being removably disposed in the container for filling the container with selected spices.

Abstract: A dispenser system includes a product source, a cooling unit, an agitator, a dispensing station coupled with the product source, a sensor, and a controller. The cooling unit cools product delivered to the dispensing station from the product source. The agitator is disposed in the cooling unit and circulates cooling fluid contained in the cooling unit. The sensor measures an operating parameter of the dispenser system and outputs a signal representative thereof. The controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a lower speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is operating in a desired stable state. Alternatively, the controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a higher speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is not operating in the desired stable state.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing potato chips. The apparatus has a slicer for the slicing of potatoes, means for conveying sliced potatoes through a heated oil bath and for removal of cooked potato chips from the heated oil bath. The slicer has a knife blade that rotates at the lower end of a hopper for potatoes, the speed of rotation of the knife blade being controlled so that the knife blade is stationary when the temperature of the oil bath is below a predetermined temperature, and the speed of rotation of the knife blade being further controlled so that the speed of rotation increases as the temperature is increased above said predetermined temperature. The slicer preferably has a chute that tapers to an orifice above the slicer blade, with the orifice tapering in the direction of rotation of the slicer blade. The apparatus may also be adapted for use with corn chips or tortilla chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a gas in equilibrium with a liquid stored in a container with the gas. The system includes a sensor to detect an equilibrium condition within the container, and to generate a first signal in response. A source gas connection allows a pressurized source gas to flow to the container, and a source gas control valve controls flow of the source gas to the container. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the first signal, and also to determine when fluid is removed from the container. The controller is further configured to operate the source gas control valve to allow the source gas to flow into the container when the controller determines that fluid has been removed from the container. The controller allows the source gas to flow into the container until an equilibrium pressure is reached which is a function of the first signal.

Abstract: When chemical substances are pipetted in individual microwells of a microwell array (4), problematic evaporation effects arise concerning the solvent with which the microwells are already filled. In order to prevent such undesired evaporation effects, a pipetting device for the automated pipetting of chemical substances having a holder (3), which receives at least one microwell array (4), and a pipetting head (11), which is fitted in such a way that it can be moved, is designed with the pipetting head (11) being fastened, by means of a holding device, to a plate (7) which follows the movements of the pipetting head (11) during the pipetting process. The plate (7) forms above the microwell array (4), in conjunction with a frame (5) tightly enclosing the microwell array (4), a sealed gas space (14) into which the pipetting head (11) protrudes through a matched hole (13) in the plate (7).

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus has a brewing device in which coffee powder is brewed in a brewing process with pressurised hot water. Parameters of the brewing procedure are adjustable with a control unit of the coffee brewing apparatus. The control unit includes an electronic interface via which the information related to the coffee brewing machine can be exchanged in the form of signals, wherein a transportable electronic storage medium may be attached to the interface, and may be connected to an external control unit. The external control unit is a personal computer (PC), and a docking station is provided that may be attached to the personal computer, into which docking station the transportable electronic storage medium may be inserted for the purpose of data exchange.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing unit and method for sensing temperature of an electric valve. In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing unit includes a manifold which has a liquid passageway adapted to connect to a source of heated liquid. An electrically operated dispensing valve is coupled to the manifold. The dispensing valve includes an external surface and a liquid passageway which is in fluid communication with the liquid passageway of the manifold. The dispensing valve is selectively operative to dispense the heated liquid. The liquid dispensing unit further includes a temperature sensing device operatively associated with the dispensing valve. The temperature sensing device has a sensing element contacting the external surface of the dispensing valve to measure the temperature of that external surface and thereby indirectly measure the temperature of the heated liquid within the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A portable liquid heating and dispensing system is provided. A preferred embodiment includes a self-contained dispensing unit and a receiver. The dispensing unit may include a container portion, a dispensing portion, and an electric heat generating portion. The container portion has a main reservoir for holding a supply of the liquid to be dispensed. The dispensing portion has a down tube, a manually operated pump mechanism connected to the down-tube, and an outlet spout connected to the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism has a liquid reservoir. Liquid is drawn through the down tube and into the liquid reservoir and out of the outlet spout. The heat generating portion is positioned at the liquid reservoir, so that liquid pumped out of the main reservoir is heated before being pumped out of the spout. The receiver accepts and provides power to the self-contained dispensing unit.

Abstract: The present invention dispenses hot coffee or other beverage by the cup at a selected temperature, which can be varied from cup-to-cup. The beverage is brewed in a conventional way, and in one embodiment is stored in a conventional holding tank at elevated temperature. The holding tank communicates with two smaller reservoirs. A quantity of beverage is stored in a first reservoir at an elevated temperature, at or above the maximum desired dispensing temperature. A second quantity of beverage is cooled and stored in a second reservoir at a lower temperature, at or below the minimum desired dispensing temperature. When a cup of beverage is to be dispensed, the temperature is selected, and a quantity of beverage is dispensed from each of the reservoirs, proportioned so that the resulting dispensed beverage is at the selected temperature. In another embodiment, the first reservoir is omitted, and beverage from the holding tank provides the elevated temperature beverage for mixing.

Abstract: An inflation device (5) for an inflatable article (such a life jacket), includes a housing (8) for holding a container of pressurised fluid (6), a displacement means (12) including a piercing means (15) displaceable so as to penetrate the container (6) and allow the release of said pressurised fluid, and actuation means (23, 27, 28, 29) having engaging co-operating elements (17, 25) which engage to retain the displacement means (12) in an unactuated configuration. The actuation means (23, 27, 28, 29) release the displacement means (12) both through the presence of water or by manual operation. The co-operating elements (17, 25) are substantially radially arranged. The line along which the displacement means (12) acts may be coaxial with the radii of the co-operating elements (17, 25). One of the co-operating elements (17) is capable of inward radial movement, and the actuation means (27, 28, 29) operates to prevent that co-operating element's (17) radially inward movement.

Abstract: A fluid heating and dispensing device and method of using the device, is provided. The device has a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a pump device, a heating device, and a delivery device. The first reservoir is in thermal communication with the heating device, the second reservoir is in substantial thermal isolation from the heating device, the first reservoir is substantially smaller than the second reservoir and the pump device selectively causes fluid to flow between the reservoirs and to the atmosphere. The device can have a removable supply container for refilling.