Abstract: A chemical dispenser (14) includes a housing (40), a controller (34) disposed in the housing (40) for operating the chemical dispenser (14), at least one module bay (64) in the housing (40) and at least one module (66) selectively coupled to the at least one module bay (64) and operatively coupled to the controller (34) for operation with the chemical dispenser (14). The at least one module (66) may be selected from a plurality of modules each capable of being coupled to the at least one module bay (64) and operating under the control of the controller (34). A low-maintenance piston pump module (90, 240, 340) for use with the chemical dispenser (14) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for detecting an out-of-product condition in a chemical dispensing system. An optical sensor includes a photodetector and a light source configured to generate a beam of light. The light source is positioned such that the beam of light is incident on a supply line. A bubble collector is used to form an air pocket from a plurality of bubbles in the supply line generated by an out-of-product state. The supply line displaces the beam of light in dependence on the refractive index of a medium in the supply line, which is altered by the air pocket. The photodetector is positioned so that it is in the optical path of the displaced beam of light when the refractive index of the of the medium in the supply line is indicative of one of a product-available state or the out-of-product state.

Abstract: A remote activation dispenser for dispensing fluids. An actuating device positioned on a dispensing tube is operably connected to a flexible link that is operably connected to a valve in a dispenser by a rigid link. Upon manipulation of the actuating device, the valve is actuated for passing or cutting off fluids from the dispenser to the dispensing tube.