Abstract: An exemplary touch-free soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser includes a housing, a movable cover, a processor, memory, a refill receptacle for receiving a refill container of fluid, and a variable output control card receptacle. The variable output control card receptacle is located proximate the refill receptacle such that when a refill unit is inserted in the refill receptacle, a variable output control card cannot be inserted or removed from the variable output control card receptacle. The dispenser further includes a reader for placing the processor in circuit communication with a variable output control card and in circuit communication with a refill unit data tag. In addition, the dispenser includes a sensor for sensing an object, a variable output control card and a removable and replaceable refill unit. The data tag is secured to the refill unit and the VOC card includes data on the variable output control card for setting the dispenser output volume.

Abstract: An exemplary touch-free soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser includes a housing, a movable cover, a processor, memory, a refill receptacle for receiving a refill container of fluid, and a variable output control card receptacle. The variable output control card receptacle is located proximate the refill receptacle such that when a refill unit is inserted in the refill receptacle, a variable output control card cannot be inserted or removed from the variable output control card receptacle. The dispenser further includes a reader for placing the processor in circuit communication with a variable output control card and in circuit communication with a refill unit data tag. In addition, the dispenser includes a sensor for sensing an object, a variable output control card and a removable and replaceable refill unit. The data tag is secured to the refill unit and the VOC card includes data on the variable output control card for setting the dispenser output volume.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a dispenser having a liquid container for holding a liquid, a liquid pump for moving the liquid from the liquid container to a first outlet, a grit container for holding grit, and an air pump for moving the grit from the container to a second outlet. The dispenser includes an actuator for actuating the liquid pump and the air pump. During operation, the liquid pump dispenses a liquid and the air pump causes air to flow through a first passageway into the grit container causing at least some grit to flow through a second passageway, out of the second outlet and into the liquid.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of top loading and unloading dispensers are disclosed herein. One embodiment, includes a housing having a guide plate located in the housing. The guide plate includes two or more guide members, the two or more guide members have a first portion and a second portion. The first portions of the two or more guide members are closer together then the second portions of the two or more guide members. The dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a first end that engages with one of the two or more guide members. The engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit. When the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands.

Abstract: Exemplary pumps, nozzles and refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a container, a pump and an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle has a lower conical shaped portion that reduces in cross-sectional area in the direction of fluid flow. The conical shaped portion has a helical groove about its inner surface and the helical groove has an end proximate an outlet. Another exemplary refill unit includes a container, a pump and an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle has a lower portion that has a passage. At least a portion of the walls of the passage contain a plurality of partial conical shapes that intersect and the passage has a cross-sectional area that reduces along the fluid flow path. The outlet has a multi-lobed cross-section.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a dispenser having a liquid container for holding a liquid, a liquid pump for moving the liquid from the liquid container to a first outlet, a grit container for holding grit, and an air pump for moving the grit from the container to a second outlet. The dispenser includes an actuator for actuating the liquid pump and the air pump. During operation, the liquid pump dispenses a liquid and the air pump causes air to flow through a first passageway into the grit container causing at least some grit to flow through a second passageway, out of the second outlet and into the liquid.

Abstract: A combination sporting practice assembly includes a stem, a first structure, a second structure, and a basketball hoop. The stem extends between first and second ends. The first and second structures are releasably engaged with the first and second ends of the stem, respectively. The basketball hoop is releasably engaged with at least one of the stem, the first structure, and the second structure. The combination sporting practice assembly is selectively reconfigurable between different configurations.

Abstract: A chair includes a first support structure, a second support structure, a seat and a backrest. The backrest is attached to each of the first and second support structures. The seat is attached to each of the first and second support structures.

Abstract: A medical assist device relocates patients from a first support such as a bed to a second support such as a chair or wheelchair. Upon location of the assist device to a position adjacent such first support, the patient may stand on a rotatable platform of the assist device. Upon actuation of the motor, preferably by a remote controller, the platform is caused to slowly rotate through a desired angular path to position the patient adjacent the second support. A steadying structure is provided for gripping by the patient. Under one embodiment, the steadying structure is designed to be collapsible. Mounted on a frame with the rotatable platform is a seat and wheels for moving a patient across a room or from room to room.

Abstract: A medical assist device relocates patients from a first support such as a bed to a second support such as a chair or wheelchair. Upon location of the assist device to a position adjacent such first support, the patient may stand on a rotatable platform of the assist device. Upon actuation of the motor, preferably by a remote controller, the platform is caused to slowly rotate through a desired angular path to position the patient adjacent the second support. A steadying structure is provided for gripping by the patient. Under one embodiment, the steadying structure is designed to be collapsible.