Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: A faucet includes a body having a main bore including an inlet and an outlet. A bonnet and spout are connected to the body. A stem includes a first portion inserted into the outlet of the main bore and a second portion that projects through the bonnet chamber to a distal end. The first portion of the stem comprises a flow path and the stem is slidably movable relative to the body and bonnet between a first position and a second position. A seal is carried by the stem and is engaged with the stem and sealing face when the stem is located in the first position. The seal is spaced from the sealing face when the said stem is moved to the second position. A handle is operably connected to the distal end of the second portion of the stem. A spring biases the stem to the first position.

Abstract: A one-piece molded polymeric sight gauge shield with internal cylindrical bore and method for making same are disclosed, along with a liquid-containing urn including same. The shield is molded by mating first and second mold portions about first and second spaced-apart cores to define: (i) a first annular void about the first core; and, (ii) a second annular void about the second core. The first and second mold portions respectively comprise first and second stand-up portions that first and second sidewall voids between themselves and the mating mold portion. First and second end portions of a gauge shield member are molded by filling the first and second voids, while the first and second sidewalls of the gauge shield member are molded by filling the first and second sidewall voids. The molding operation is a single-axis straight-pull molding method.

Abstract: A modular air gap device adapted for selective insertion into an associated faucet body and comprises a base, an inlet nipple defining an inlet passage and an outlet nipple defining an outlet passage. The inlet and outlet nipples project outwardly from the base in a first direction. An gap structure is connected to the base and projects outwardly therefrom in a second direction opposite the inlet and outlet nipples. The base and air gap structure are adapted for receipt within an air gap chamber of a faucet body. The air gap structure defines a flow path having a first end in direct fluid communication with the inlet passage of the inlet nipple and a second end spaced from the outlet passage of the outlet nipple so that an air gap is defined between the second end of the flow path and the outlet passage. A faucet including the air gap device defines a vent for venting the air gap chamber.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing faucet includes a mounting fitting that defines a first flow passage and that is adapted for connection to an associated container with the first flow passage in communication with an internal space of the container. The mounting fitting comprises a valve seat. A body is connected to the mounting fitting. The body defines an inlet, an outlet and a second flow passage that fluidically interconnects the inlet and the outlet. A seal member is connected to the body and is selectively movable between a first operative position and second operative position. The seal member sealingly mates with the valve seat to block the first flow passage when the seal member is in the first operative position. An actuator is operably coupled to the seal member for moving the seal member from the first operative position to the second operative position. In this manner, the valve seat is provided in the mounting fitting rather than as a part of the faucet body.

Abstract: A faucet includes a body having an inlet, an inlet passageway connected to the inlet and outlet passageway that intersects the inlet passageway. The outlet passageway terminates at an outlet. A push-button actuator has a biasing portion that is located in the outlet passageway and a button portion that projects outwardly through an opening defined in the body. The button portion is normally biased into a first, extended position by the biasing portion and is selectively manually moveable to a second, operative position. A seal member is provided and is adapted to engage and seal the inlet to the inlet passageway. A stem projects from the seal member and is operably coupled to the button portion of the push-button actuator. The seal member is normally biased into sealing engagement with the inlet the by the biasing portion of the push-button actuator.

Abstract: A bag-in-box container includes a faucet for dispensing liquid from the container upon tipping or other movement of the container. The faucet includes a body defining a bore. A valve seat and valve member are located in the bore. The valve member includes a resilient seal portion normally resiliently biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to inhibit air flow into the bag of the container. The resilient seal portion is selectively deflectable away from the valve seat under fluid pressure to allow flow of liquid from the inlet of the bore to the outlet of the bore when said box is moved to a position where liquid in the bag exerts pressure on the seal portion.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles includes a housing defining a storage portion adapted to receive an associated stack of nested cup-shaped articles. The housing includes an open end that communicates with the storage portion. A cup retainer mounting base is located adjacent the open end of the housing. The mounting base defines an opening that communicates with the open end of the housing. The mounting base also defines a first plurality of mounting openings and a second plurality of mounting openings. A cup retainer is connected to the mounting base and restricts the opening of said mounting base. The cup retainer is movable between at least first and second operative positions wherein the cup retainer restricts the opening of the mounting base more in the first operative position as compared to the second operative position. The cup retainer is defined as separate stud members each including a resilient finger or as an annular band including a plurality of resilient fingers.

Abstract: A bag-in-box container includes a faucet for dispensing liquid from the container upon tipping or other movement of the container. The faucet includes a body defining a bore. A valve seat and valve member are located in the bore. The valve member includes a resilient seal portion normally resiliently biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to inhibit air flow into the bag of the container. The resilient seal portion is selectively deflectable away from the valve seat under fluid pressure to allow flow of liquid from the inlet of the bore to the outlet of the bore when said box is moved to a position where liquid in the bag exerts pressure on the seal portion.

Abstract: A seat cup seal for a valve includes a base portion and a nipple portion projecting outwardly from the base portion. The nipple portion and said base portion define a blind bore about a longitudinal axis that opens in the base portion. The nipple portion defines a transverse end wall at an outermost end relative to the base that is adapted for sealingly engaging an associated valve seat. A flexible shoulder portion interconnects the base portion and the nipple portion so that said nipple portion is selectively movable between a first, relaxed position where the transverse end wall is spaced a first distance from the base and a second, retracted position where the transverse end wall is spaced a second distance from the base, with the second distance being less than the first distance. A plurality of biasing ribs projects outwardly from and extending between the base portion and the nipple portion.

Abstract: A faucet includes a body having an inlet, an inlet passageway connected to the inlet and an outlet passageway that intersects the inlet passageway. The outlet passageway terminates at an outlet. A push-button actuator has a biasing portion that is located in the outlet passageway and a button portion that projects outwardly through an opening defined in the body. The button portion is normally biased into a first, extended position by the biasing portion and is selectively manually movable to a second, operative position. A seal member is provided and is adapted to engage and seal the inlet to the inlet passageway. A stem projects from the seal member and is operably coupled to the button portion of the push-button actuator. The seal member is normally biased into sealing engagement with the inlet the by the biasing portion of the push-button actuator.

Abstract: A seat cup seal for a valve includes a base portion and a nipple portion projecting outwardly from the base portion. The nipple portion and said base portion define a blind bore about a longitudinal axis that opens in the base portion. The nipple portion defines a transverse end wall at an outermost end relative to the base that is adapted for sealingly engaging an associated valve seat. A flexible shoulder portion interconnects the base portion and the nipple portion so that said nipple portion is selectively movable between a first, relaxed position where the transverse end wall is spaced a first distance from the base and a second, retracted position where the transverse end wall is spaced a second distance from the base, with the second distance being less than the first distance. A plurality of biasing ribs projects outwardly from and extending between the base portion and the nipple portion.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: A sight gauge assembly for an urn sight gauge includes an elongated extruded sight gauge shield. The shield has a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped cross section defining the shield to have a sight gauge receiving recess extending along its entire length. The recess is defined by an arcuate inner surface terminated on opposite ends by first and second edges, respectively, so that an open sight gauge viewing region is provided between the edges. A tubular sight gauge is placed in the recess of the extruded sight gauge shield, and the arcuate inner surface of the recess conforms to a portion of a curved outer surface of the tubular sight gauge. An end cap is fixedly secured to a first end of the sight gauge shield and the assembly includes means for operatively connecting it to an associated faucet.

Abstract: A faucet apparatus is provided for dispensing heated liquid from an urn interior. The faucet includes an insulated foamed plastic body made from foamed polypropylene or the like and has a liquid flow bore defined therein. The foamed plastic body has a plurality of gas-filled insulative bubbles dispersed through the walls thereof and is adapted for connection to an urn with the liquid flow bore in fluid communication with an interior portion of said urn. The faucet includes means connected to the body for controlling the flow of liquid through the bore to a liquid outlet of the faucet.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of articles, said device being comprised of an elongated body shaped to contain said plurality of articles in a stacked arrangement, said elongated body having a longitudinal axis with a predominantly vertical orientation, at least one wall of said elongated body including an aperture extending along a substantial portion of a length of said body, said aperture being sized to allow removable of at least one of said articles through said aperture, at least one removable clip being positioned inside said elongated body to provide separation of at least two groups of said articles.

Abstract: A dispensing valve particularly suited for use on the outlet nozzle of a membrane type beverage container comprises a first unitary component formed from a resilient resinous material and having a generally cylindrical main body with opposed axial ends. One of the ends includes an axially open circumferential groove adapted to sealingly receive and be retained on the outer end of the outlet nozzle. A circumferentially continuous seat lies radially inwardly of the groove. An opening extends axially through the body and has one end closed by a cylindrical closed end tubular portion. Assembled in the main body is an integral valve element and dispensing tube component comprising an imperforate valve disk having opposed faces and a diameter at least greater than the maximum diametric extent of the seat. A hollow dispensing tube is joined centrally to one face of the disk and extends axially thereof into the tubular portion of the main body.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable foodstuffs such as chili and the like. The system comprises a food-containing reservoir which is at least partially surrounded by a container filled with warm water or the like in order that the foodstuffs be kept in a warm and servable condition. The food reservoir is fitted with a valve generally of the plug or portion control type so that individual servings may be drawn from the reservoir. The dispenser is also fitted with a vacuum source such that a vacuum may be drawn at the upper levels of the food reservoir. An air inlet is provided into the reservoir preferably through the valve itself so that as the vacuum is being drawn on the reservoir, the valve simultaneously will be cleaned by the air flowing through it even when the valve is in its closed position. This air flow, in turn, agitates the flowable or chunky material so that it remains relatively homogenous and so that the chunky or suspended particles in the foodstuff do not settle to the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: A permanent, reuseable liquid filter comprised of a thin flexible filter material and a support skeleton secured to the outside surface thereof. The skeleton includes a centrally disposed support rim and a plurality of support rib sets spaced around and extending outwardly from the support rim. Each rib set comprises a plurality of separate elongated ribs extending from adjacent the support rim toward the filter material outer edge with the ribs of each set being connected together by a first connecting web. A second connecting web may be advantageously used to connect each support rib set to the support rim. The filter is normally in a generally flat condition and automatically assumes the general shape of a filter basket or other support structure upon installation thereinto. The support rim then generally defines a filter bottom area with the ribs urging the remainder of the filter material toward engagement with the filter basket or support structure side wall area.