Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.

Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.

Abstract: Dispensing systems are disclosed which utilize electronically powered key devices and/or identification codes associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. A first embodiment of the device utilizes a matching code stored in a radio frequency identification tag or bar code associated with a fluid refill container and an identification code associated with the dispenser housing. Matching of the codes by a controller allows for continued use of the dispenser via some type of operational mechanism. Another embodiment employs a key which carries the matching code wherein matching of the codes allows for actuation of a motor actuated pumping device. Yet another embodiment employs a blocking mechanism to prevent use of a dispenser's push bar if a key and dispenser housing do not have matching codes. And yet another embodiment requires the use of a key that has a matching code that matches the dispenser's identification code in order to permit initial access to the dispenser housing.

Abstract: A dome pump spray assembly employing a known structure of a liquid dome pump in association with a uniquely configured spray spout to achieve atomization of liquids such as soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants and the like. The spray spout includes a deflector which is in juxtaposition to a spout spray tip having angled partial depth passages therein that extend to a central tapered outlet orifice, the passages and orifices generating a vortex of cyclonic action that serves to achieve atomization of the liquid as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: A dome pump spray assembly employing a known structure of a liquid dome pump in association with a uniquely configured spray spout to achieve atomization of liquids such as soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants and the like. The spray spout includes a deflector which is in juxtaposition to a spout spray tip having angled partial depth passages therein that extend to a central tapered outlet orifice, the passages and orifices generating a vortex of cyclonic action that serves to achieve atomization of the liquid as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: A dispensing station is mounted to a counter and includes a container that is retained under the counter to hold a volume of no-rinse hand-treatment product. A protective platform is positioned on the top surface of the counter, and a faucet structure has an outlet positioned over the protective platform. A pump communicates with the volume of no-rinse hand-treatment product in the container, and a dispensing conduit extends through the faucet structure, communicating between the pump and the outlet of the faucet structure such that actuation of the pump causes no-rinse hand-treatment product to be dispensed at the outlet and directed toward the protective platform. This dispensing station will encourage the use of no-rinse hand-treatment products by providing a well-defined station, similar to the stations defined by common sinks.

Abstract: A container holder assembly for removably receiving a product dispensing container having a flexible nozzle spout includes a wall-mounting back plate having a longitudinal axis and a container holder for receipt of the dispensing container hingedly attached to the back plate. The container holder has a through central bore for receipt of the dispensing container and the longitudinal axis of that bore is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the back plate so that the container, when inserted, is disposed at an angle with regard to that axis and with regard to any vertical surface supporting the back plate. The product dispensing container is inserted into the container holder in an inverted condition so that the flexible nozzle projects below the container holder whereby, when the container holder is moved toward the back plate, the nozzle will contact a portion of the back plate and be deflected to dispense product.

Abstract: Dispensing systems are disclosed which utilize electronically powered key devices and/or identification codes associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. A first embodiment of the device utilizes a matching code stored in a radio frequency identification tag or bar code associated with a fluid refill container and an identification code associated with the dispenser housing. Matching of the codes by a controller allows for continued use of the dispenser via some type of operational mechanism. Another embodiment employs a key which carries the matching code wherein matching of the codes allows for actuation of a motor actuated pumping device. Yet another embodiment employs a blocking mechanism to prevent use of a dispenser's push bar if a key and dispenser housing do not have matching codes. And yet another embodiment requires the use of a key that has a matching code that matches the dispenser's identification code in order to permit initial access to the dispenser housing.

Abstract: A dip tube assembly for use with a fluid container and a pump attached to the container includes a dip tube support attachable to the pump and disposed in the interior of the container for access to the contents thereof. The dip tube assembly includes a hollow support attachable to the pump and extending downward from a distal end of the pump and opening toward the end of the container to which the pump is attached.

Abstract: A pump including a pump body having a head assembly slidably received therein; a mixing chamber in communication with an air source and a liquid source; wherein the head assembly is movable relative to the pump body to define a pump stroke, wherein the head assembly urges air from the air supply and liquid from the liquid supply into the mixing chamber to form a foam during the pump stroke; wherein the mixing chamber opens externally of the pump body and wherein during a portion of the stroke less than a complete stroke, the mixing chamber receives fluid and air to form a foam and discharge the foam externally of the pump and wherein during the remainder of the stroke, a blowing charge from the air source is urged through the mixing chamber and externally of the pump to evacuate any residual foam in the pump.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly is selectively received in a dispenser so that the dispenser may selectively receive first and second types of cartridge and pump assemblies. The dispenser is configured to receive a cartridge and pump of a first type, and the adapter assembly, when selectively received in the dispenser, adapts the interior of the dispenser to receive a cartridge and pump of a second type.

Abstract: A lock-out mechanism for use with a dispenser having a back plate and a cover hingedly attached thereto for receipt of a refill container with an attached pump. The cover carries a pressure member in the form of a push bar having a pump activating projection which normally activates the pump by engaging a collapsible portion thereof when the push bar is activated and the refill cartridge and pump are properly seated within the dispenser. The push bar also carries an interference rib on the push bar which projects therefrom and engages a non collapsible portion of the pump and prevents the pump activating projection from engaging the collapsible portion of the pump when the pump is misseated in the dispenser.

Abstract: This pump dispenser has a downward tubular support providing a lead-in for a resilient closure. The closure is formed with an upwardly facing inward lead-in chamfer and spaced deep arcuate recesses in the top surface so that the wall between the recesses and the inner diameter is outwardly resilient to permit an attachment flange to stretch the wall outward and permit snap passage of the attachment flange. In this manner the closure is permanently attached to the pump body without the need for welding or separate attaching parts.