Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a duct cap disposed so as to open and close an ice duct formed in the refrigerator, an opening and closing device connected so as to open and close the duct cap, and a damper connected to one of the duct cap and the opening and closing device such that a closing operation of the duct cap is delayed. The opening and closing device allows the duct cap to be manually opened and closed, and the damper is interlocked with the opening and closing device so as to delay a closing operation of the duct cap. With this structure, cost may be reduced and noise and/or vibration minimized, compared with mechanisms with the closing operation of the duct cap delayed using electric driving parts, such as solenoids.

Abstract: A container using a flexible membrane integrated into the throat or egress passageway of a bottle. The membrane forms a portion of the passageway's sidewall. The membrane flexes inward when an external force is applied causing the inner walls of the passageway to frictionally mate together and restrict the flow of a fluid or non-fluid through the passageway and flexes outward when the force is removed allowing the inner walls of the passageway to move away from one another and allow the flow of the fluid through the passageway.

Abstract: A container, or keg, for storing, shipping, and dispensing a bulk quantity of a fluid, for example, beer or like malt beverage, is provided. The container/keg includes a flaccid bag (56) for containing the fluid and a substantially rigid, pressure-tight, plastic vessel (10) within which the bag (56) is contained. The bag (56) has a mouth (58) secured with a locking ring or the like to an opening in the vessel (10) via which the mouth (58) is accessible externally of the vessel (10) for purposes of filling the bag (56) with the fluid and/or dispensing the fluid from the bag (56). Preferably, the shape of the vessel (10) permits it to be efficiently stacked and shipped when in a full or empty condition. Methods for assembling, filling and shipping kegs are also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a membrane fitment designed and sized to be inserted into the orifice defined by a container. Retention structure on the fitment cooperates with complimentary structure on the internal wall of the container orifice to secure the fitment within the orifice such that the combination forms an excellent primary seal. Tamper evidence is offered by the normal requirement for initial membrane removal. Novel designs for the membrane, its associated pull ring, and the frangible removal structure are taught in various embodiments. The novel designs may promote facile initial removal suitable for a child. In addition, the novel designs avoid the potential hazards presented by prior art membranes.

Abstract: A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.

Abstract: A hydration system that includes a flexible reservoir coupled to a self-sealing port assembly, wherein an interior of the flexible reservoir is in fluid communication with the port assembly; a delivery conduit having two ends, wherein a first end of the delivery conduit is coupled to a self-sealing connector assembly and wherein a second end of the delivery conduit is coupled to an end fitting; a user actuable valve removably coupled to the self-sealing connector assembly; and wherein the port assembly is open to allow fluid to flow from the flexible reservoir when the end fitting of the delivery conduit is coupled to the port assembly and the port assembly is closed to prevent fluid from flowing from the flexible reservoir when the end fitting of the delivery conduit is decoupled from the port assembly, such that the reservoir may be disconnected from the delivery conduit without leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dose indicator (A) which is intended for a fluid product dispensing device (B). The inventive indicator consists of at least one rotary counting means (10) which can move in rotation and which comprises indicator means (15), said indicator means indicating the number of doses that have been distributed or that remain to be distributed. Moreover, said at least one counting means is actuated by an actuation member (35) which is in turn actuated by a transmission element (34) that is designed to co-operate with a part (54) of the dispensing device (B) each time the latter is actuated.

Abstract: A doser for dispensing a predetermined dose of material. The doser may include an agitation device, with the material stored in the agitation device, and a dosing block cooperating with the agitation device.

Abstract: A universal collar key used in connection with a container that fits within the housing of a dispenser that has a keyed receiver, the universal collar key including a collar supported on the container, a first flange and a second flange extending radially outward from the collar and spaced axially to define a clearance for receipt of the receiver therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.

Abstract: The inventive multicomponent cartridge (1) for separately storing and for jointly pressing out at least two components of a free-flowing substance comprises at least one cylinder (2) for holding the substance with at least one pressing plunger (4) for pressing out the substance and at least one outlet (5) for the substance. The components of the substance are stored in separate chambers (8, 9) inside the cylinder (2) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder (2). An inner area (12) of a film (7) forms a partition (13) of the cylinder (2) between the chambers (8, 9) of the multicomponent cartridge (1). An outer area (11) of the film (7) is integrally joined to the cylinder. According to the inventive method for producing the inventive multicomponent cartridge (1), the outer area (11) of the film (7) is encapsulated during the injection molding of the cylinder (2) for the multicomponent cartridge (1).

Abstract: A chemical reaction cartridge enabling chemical reaction to be stably and safely carried out therein, and a method of using the same are provided. A chemical reaction cartridge is provided with a substrate, and an elastic member 2 overlaid on the substrate. A recess of a predetermined shape, depressed toward the top surface of the elastic member is formed in the back surface of the elastic member. The recess creates space between the substrate, and the elastic member, thereby making up a well, for holding the main ingredient of the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a well for holding a curing agent for the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a mixing part for mixing the main ingredient with the curing agent, and a discharge path for discharging a mixture. While the chemical reaction cartridge is not in use as yet, the flow paths, and the discharge path are closed, so that the wells are, in effect, in a hermetically sealed condition.

Abstract: A press-out tool for squeezing material out of containers (7) containing single-component or multi-component substances, has a receiving space (12) for the container (7), a piston rod (16) having a first end (17) which can dip into the receiving space (12), a first guide portion (18) and a second guide portion (20) that extends from an end area of the first end (17) of the piston rod (16) to the first guide portion (18) and has a cross-section with a reduced height in comparison with the height of the cross-section of the first guide portion (18), and a displacement mechanism (26) having a driving device (28) and a clamping lever (27) through which the piston rod (16) extends and which is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the piston rod (16).

Abstract: A cap for closing containers includes a dispenser placed in connection with the interior of a container for dispensing a fluid contained in the container, a first sleeve integral with the dispenser and able to be screwed on the neck of the container to make the dispenser integral with the container. The cap further includes a second sleeve coaxial and surrounding the first sleeve and coupling elements active between the first and the second sleeve to couple mechanically the second sleeve to the first sleeve during a rotation of the second sleeve (7) in a first direction and to uncouple the second sleeve from the first sleeve during a rotation of the second sleeve in a second direction, opposite to the first. A covering element encompasses the dispenser and can be uncoupled from the cap coordinating a sequence of operations on the cap.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising at least two annular members (11, 13) and a cog (12), each being mounted rotationally. The housing is suitable for receiving, in use, a container (1) containing a product for dispensation. Each actuation of the apparatus causes the first annular member to incrementally rotate which, after a predetermined number of actuations of the apparatus, causes the cog to rotate, the rotation of the cog causing the second annular member to incrementally rotate.

Abstract: A microdosing device for a liquid medium includes a dosing compartment and an electrically or electronically activatable vibration unit which can cause at least one contact area of the dosing compartment to vibrate for the delivery of a volume of medium. A medium reservoir is connected to the dosing compartment by at least one flow channel. A manually operable conveyance device for conveying medium to the dosing compartment and/or for conveying medium back from the dosing compartment to the medium reservoir is assigned to the at least one flow channel.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and with a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container and has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis, so that the delivery- and closure element can be moved out of, as well as into, the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable dispensing head for a fluid dispenser system adapted to deliver the fluid to a user includes a hollow shank extending on an axis. A shank hub is attached to the hollow shank, and an aperture aligned with the hollow portion of the shank extends through the shank hub. A first fixed body is removably attached to the shank hub, the first fixed body and shank hub each having corresponding first attachment means arrayed in a predetermined pattern. A fluid conveyance path is provided through the hollow shank, first fixed body and shank hub. A second fixed body is provided having a second attachment means arrayed in the same predetermined pattern, the second attachment means corresponding to the first attachment means in the shank hub enabling removable attachment of the second fixed body to the shank hub upon removal of the first fixed body from the shank hub.

Abstract: The invention consists in a dispensing device that can contain a dispensable preparation or product. The device comprises a wearable item including a body adapted and constructed to contain the dispensing product and allow it's dispensing therefrom or filling or refilling. The dispensing device is substantially ring-shaped with a gap in its circumference that is formed or manufactured as such. Also disclosed is refill/storage/display stand enabling the display of at least one dispensing device and/or refilling therefrom.