Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a hot water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a hot water storage tank. The tank has a tank body, a heater in the tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the hot water storage tank via flow of water into the hot water storage tank. The reduced pressure communicates with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. Refrigeration devices with premises line pressure water distribution systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms with a wireless data transceiver; an occupancy sensor; a temperature sensor; a processor coupled to the wireless data transceiver, the occupancy sensor and the temperature sensor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature.

Abstract: A includes a main body portion defining a waste holding chamber, a vent path extending from the waste holding chamber to atmosphere, and a float member. The float member is coupled to the tank for movement between a first position and a second position. The float member is movable from the first position to the second position in response to an increase in fluid level within the storage chamber. The vent passage remains open for venting the storage chamber when the float member is in the first position and is blocks the vent passage in the second position.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly includes a ventilation passageway providing for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing candle system includes a candle with a top surface. An exposed wick is situated on the top surface of the candle. A base is provided upon which the candle is mounted. A canister containing a non-flammable fluid under pressure is situated within the base. The spray nozzle on the canister is adapted, when actuated by the movement of a linear solenoid arm, to release the pressurized fluid contents of the canister. The released fluid from the canister is directed to the top of the candle by channels in the shell surrounding the candle to extinguish the flame. The solenoid is actuated after a predetermined time elapses, a safety temperature sensor is triggered and/or a tilt sensor is triggered.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system includes a first reservoir having a first outlet through which liquid is delivered. A first delivery outlet is located at the lower portion of the first reservoir and a vent is included at its upper portion. A second reservoir located above the first reservoir and has a second outlet located in its lower portion. A first delivery conduit connects the second outlet to the first reservoir and a second delivery conduit connects the upper portion of the first reservoir with the upper portion of the interior of the second reservoir. A vent valve controls communication through the second delivery conduit. A level sensor senses the level of liquid in the first reservoir and causes the vent valve to open when the liquid falls below a first predetermined level and to close the vent valve when on the level rises above a second (higher) predetermined level.

Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway that permits air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.

Abstract: In a device for automatic spray application of paint through a spray nozzle a unit providing paint is arranged to be connected to the nozzle (2) during the application for providing this with paint, and this unit is formed by a paint container (5) adapted to be arranged close to the spray nozzle. The device has members adapted to receive and hold the container close to the spray nozzle detachably and removably from the device for exchange thereof against such containers when there is a desire of more paint in the container and/or paint change.

Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.

Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.

Abstract: A portable receptacle for extracting and transmitting a hot fluid substance, such as grease and basting juices, in a safe manner. The receptacle includes a housing base for receiving a throw away, collapsible foil basket, and a cover housing pivotally mounted thereto. Incorporated into the cover housing is a bellows member, operable by a hand activated member within a handle, to effect the extracting or transmitting through an elongated, extendable spout in communication with the foil basket.

Abstract: A hand-powered apparatus and method for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid. A predetermined volume of liquid is selected using a control knob on the apparatus and a valve is moved to a fill position. The handle on an attached hand pump is then moved alternately up and down causing fluid to be drawn into a measuring vessel. Further upward movement of the handle is prevented upon the fluid level in the vessel reaching the selected volume. Thereupon, the valve is moved to a dispense position whereby continued pumping of the handle is again possible. The handle is alternately pumped up and down causing the fluid to exit the vessel.

Abstract: An improved actuator probe assembly is provided for a bottled water station of the type having an actuator probe for engaging and opening a valved bottle cap on an inverted water bottle. The probe assembly comprises an inner support funnel and an outer adapter sleeve retained by a probe fitting in assembled relation with a cover plate adapted for mounting onto a station housing in a position over an upwardly open water reservoir. The support funnel extends downwardly through a central opening in the cover plate and defines a cup-shaped receiver structure for receiving and supporting an inverted water bottle, with the probe fitting positioned at a lower end of the support funnel and including the actuator probe. The adapter sleeve is carried about the support funnel and includes an outwardly radiating diaphragm member for closing the top of the reservoir when the cover plate is installed onto the station housing.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system including an air evacuating apparatus is disclosed. The liquid dispensing system includes a dispensing mechanism and an air evacuating apparatus. The air evacuating apparatus includes a primary pump, a reservoir, an inlet in the reservoir operative to introduce liquid into the reservoir, an outlet in the reservoir operative to transport liquid from the reservoir to the primary pump, a level sensor operative to ascertain the level of liquid in the reservoir, an auxiliary pump, and a controller responsive to output from the level sensor to selectively control operation of the auxiliary pump to remove gas from the reservoir. The primary pump is operative to transport a dispensable liquid from a storage container to the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A soda system for soft drink dispensers which includes an auxiliary tank adapted for maintaining a reservoir of cold soda for immediate dispensing, which soda is also recarbonated in the auxiliary tank. A recirculating pump passes soda from a carbonation unit sequentially to various dispensing stations for a return to the circulating pump. Interposed in the soda path is an auxiliary tank from which the dispensing of soda is actually made. The auxiliary tank communicates with a source of pressurized carbon dioxide to maintain a head of that gas therein for purposes of recarbonating the soda while providing the pressure head for dispensing the soda. Shunt lines are provided in communication with soda dispensing lines to assure that even the soda within the dispensing lines is recirculated and refreshed.

Abstract: A flowmeter system for receiving liquids from stationary reservoirs onto tanker vehicles, in particular milk, with a self-priming displacement pump followed by a deaerator with a venting valve mounted above a float and acted on by it, in turn followed by a flowmeter and lastly a check valve, is capable of high flow rates with nevertheless precise quantification with a simple design of the aerator.The invention provides that the inside diameter of the venting valve aperture and the outside of deaerator float obey the following relationd.sup.2 /D.sup.2 =p/cwhered=inside diameter of the venting valve apertureD=outside float diameterp=pressure in bars generated by the displacement pump for pure air conveyancec=78.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing system utilizing individual modular cartridges removably mounted at the dispensing stations of a control console in plug-in fashion. Each cartridge carries one bottle, and has an outlet and valve structure for controlling the discharge of liquid from the bottle to the outlet. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a measuring cup which determines the amount of liquid dispensed, and in some of these embodiments the liquid is pressurized for delivery to and/or from the measuring cup.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pressurizing containers by injecting predetermined amounts of liquified gas into the containers. This device includes an injection unit having a combination float-pressure regulating means which employs the vapor pressure of evaporating liquified gas to its gaseous state from its liquid state to control liquified gas level and gas pressure within the device.