Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A foam soap generator is provided for implementation with various types of foam soap delivery systems. The foam soap generator includes converging air and liquid soap passages at a mixing chamber, where a prefoam is generated for ultimate extrusion through a porous passage member. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid soap is drawn into an entrainment zone by high velocity air passing through the air passageway and into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.

Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems, pumps and refill units are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a foam pump connected to the container. The pump incorporates a simple and inexpensive valve arrangement to move liquid through the pump and to create the foam. For example, a liquid foam pump may include a housing and a valve stem that moves in two directions. The valve stem has an inlet liquid pathway and an outlet liquid pathway to convey liquid to a mixing. In addition, a moveable valve body is movable by the valve stem in a first direction to move the valve body to the first position to open a liquid inlet pathway, and moveable in a second direction to move the valve body to the second position to open the outlet liquid pathway.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.

Abstract: A shut-off system for a dispenser includes a pinch member that moves relative to a guide and which is normally biased against a flexible outlet tube that is disposed therebetween. The flexible outlet tube that carries material, such as soap, supplied from a pump to an outlet nozzle. The pump and the pinch member are in operative engagement with an actuator, such that when the actuator is not engaged, the pinch member closes the outlet tube to prevent residual material retained in the outlet tube from flowing or drooling out of the outlet nozzle. Correspondingly, when the actuator is engaged, the pump is compressed, and the pinch member is moved away from the outlet tube, allowing the material to be pumped through the outlet tube and dispensed from the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: Dispensing systems and refill units are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a liquid reservoir and a rotary liquid pump having a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The rotary liquid pump includes a housing, wherein at least a portion of the housing is resilient and a rotor that has one or more apexes. During operation, the one or more apexes contact the resilient portion of the housing and deflect the resilient portion of the housing resulting in the movement of a liquid. A mixing chamber having a liquid inlet and an air inlet is also provided. The liquid pump outlet is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber liquid inlet and the air inlet if in fluid communication with an air pump. An outlet nozzle is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber outlet for dispensing foam formed by mixing the liquid and air together.

Abstract: A dispensing tube assembly includes a first component delivery tube surrounded by a second component delivery tube. The first component delivery tube provides an axial passage, and an annular passage is defined between the first component delivery tube and the second component delivery tube. A component travelling through the axial passage is diverted to enter the surrounding annular passage and mix with a second component traveling in that annular passage. The premixture formed by this mixture of components is then diverted from the annular passage into a post mix chamber and ultimately dispensed as a foam. A foam media may be employed to homogenous the premixture and create a high quality foam. The dispensing tube assembly is advantageously employed in a dispenser wherein soap and air are advanced through coaxial tubes to be mixed and create a foamed soap product.

Abstract: A foam soap generator is provided for implementation with various types of foam soap delivery systems. The foam soap generator includes converging air and liquid soap passages at a mixing chamber, where a prefoam is generated for ultimate extrusion through a porous passage member. In one embodiment of the invention, the soap and air are delivered through coaxial tubes, with the soap being introduced axially into the mixing chamber and the air being introduced radially angularly. In another embodiment, the liquid soap is drawn into an entrainment zone by high velocity air passing through the air passageway and into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing tube assembly includes a first component delivery tube surrounded by a second component delivery tube. The first component delivery tube provides an axial passage, and an annular passage is defined between the first component delivery tube and the second component delivery tube. A component travelling through the axial passage is diverted to enter the surrounding annular passage and mix with a second component traveling in that annular passage. The premixture formed by this mixture of components is then diverted from the annular passage into a post mix chamber and ultimately dispensed as a foam. A foam media may be employed to homogenous the premixture and create a high quality foam. The dispensing tube assembly is advantageously employed in a dispenser wherein soap and air are advanced through coaxial tubes to be mixed and create a foamed soap product.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser includes a blow molded housing defining a cavity within the entire interior thereof. A centralized walled aperture is provided to receive an appropriate dispensing pump, the pump being configured to extend outwardly in a usable position and to lock in an inwardly position where the dispensing nozzle of the pump does not extend beyond the sidewalls of the dispenser itself. A fill and relief valve is provided to accommodate rapid filling of the dispenser during a manufacturing process, and to accommodate breathing of the container during the dispensing operation such that the unvented pump does not result in any distortion of the dispenser as the liquid therein is depleted.

Abstract: An inlet valve is partially coated with a protective coating to resist corrosion and gas impingement when used in an internal combustion engine. The inlet valve has a hard cladding that is shaped to function as a valve seat. The hard cladding forms an interface with the valve head body, which is typically made of a softer metallic material than the hard cladding. The protective coating is bonded to the inlet valve and covers the cladding-body interface. The protective coating is resistant to corrosion, wear from gas impingement, and can withstand the high temperatures reached in internal combustion engines. Internal engines incorporating the valves are more durable and less susceptible to catastrophic valve failure. A method for making the inlet valves generally includes masking a portion of the valve stem and the valve seat, applying a protective coating to cladding-body interface, and curing the protective coating or otherwise bonding the protective coating to the inlet valve.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to an engine valve and curing the coating using infrared radiation includes a spraying device, an infrared oven, and a movable track. A plurality of engine valves is transported through the system on the movable track. The spraying device applies a protective coating composition on a portion of the engine valves. The coating composition has a high emissivity value that allows the coating to be rapidly and efficiently cured as the coated engine valves travel through the infrared oven.

Abstract: A foam soap generator and pump is provided for receipt by a liquid soap container in a foam soap dispenser. The foam soap generator and pump comprise an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder, integral with each other, and in parallel arrangement. Each receives a respective air and liquid piston, again of integral construction. The pistons are provided with arms having passages therethrough that ultimately bring the liquid and air together under pressure for the generation of foam and extrude of the same through an appropriate screen or open cell foam disk.