Abstract: A modular fitting for use with a commercially-available fluid or pneumatic switch, such as solenoid valves. The modular fittings disclosed can be aggregated to form a resulting modular fitting assembly according to the number of fluid circuits desired. The modular fittings include one or more coupling features that provide the ability to couple adjacent modular fittings.

Abstract: A sanitary collection device for a beverage dispenser that provides an improved and larger collection area as compared to a cylindrical holster; and separation between the dispensing nozzle of the beverage dispenser and collection surfaces of the sanitary collection device such that the dispensing nozzle is prevented from contacting a possibly contaminated surface of the sanitary collection device. The present invention also provides for easy cleaning of the sanitary collection device and its drip cup, since the drip cup can be easily removed without the use of tools to facilitate cleaning and/or replacement.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a lid from a stack of lids each having a lid periphery includes a load platform having a main floor on which to place a stack of lids, the main floor sloping downward from an apex in a rearward direction, the load platform having a forward slope inclined downward from the apex in a forward direction. A parallelogram mechanism is mounted to move in a linear direction forward to a dispense position and rearward to a home position. A hinge is coupled to the parallelogram mechanism and has a handle with a distal end oriented upward and forward to contact an inner surface of a lid periphery of a bottommost lid of the stack of lids when the parallelogram mechanism moves forward from the home position toward the dispense position.

Abstract: A component system kit for assembling a dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The kit includes one or more inlet fittings, the inlet fittings configured to deliver a fluid from a fluid source; a pump body configured to connect with the one or more inlet fittings; an outlet elbow configured to connect with the pump body; and one or more outlet fittings configured to connect with the outlet elbow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a nonremovable tube fitting or member for insertion into a container to access the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the fitting includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body is partially insertable from the distal end through the opening of the container. The hollow body includes a proximal cap near the proximal end. The proximal cap is larger in size than the opening of the container. The hollow body includes a hole extending from the proximal end in a direction toward the distal end for receiving the tube through the hole. A capture member is coupled with the hollow body. The capture member is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position. The capture member in the contracted position has a lateral dimension sufficiently small to be inserted through the opening of the container. The capture member moves to the expanded position upon insertion into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more robust article dispensing apparatus that is relatively simple in construction and usage for dispensing articles in a clean and protective environment. More specifically, the apparatus accepts, separates, and dispenses articles from a nested stack of articles such as beverage cup lids one at a time.

Abstract: A rigid body has at least one hole formed therein for receiving a piece of lumber of rectangular cross-section. The hole is rectangular in cross-section to form two long sides and two short sides of the hole, with a longitudinal axis extending through the hole. Three ribs are provided which project into the hole and extend parallel with the axis of the hole. A first rib is formed at the midpoint of one of the long sides of the hole; and a second rib is formed at the midpoint of the other one of the long sides of the hole. A third rib is formed at the midpoint of one of the short sides of the hole. An opening is formed through the one short side of the hole. When the piece of lumber is disposed within the hole in the body, a fastener such as a screw extends through the opening and into the piece of lumber to fasten the body to the piece of lumber.

Abstract: A water disinfection device is provided having a base fora stabilized support. The base forms a support collar having an annular retaining ring held by a retaining arm, and which holds a durable container of a volume not to exceed 2 liters. A disinfection module provides an ultraviolet disinfection source such that the distance between the surface of the disinfection module and the interior of the durable container is less than 7.5 centimeters at any point except the opening.

Abstract: A frame supports a fixed seat portion, and a common portion is pivoted on the frame for movement between a seat back position and a table top position. A locking device for retaining the common portion in the table top position has a manually operated end with an outer surface which is flush with the adjacent surface of a support when the device is in locked position to visibly indicate that the assembly is locked in position to serve as a table. When the locking device is unlocked, the outer surface of the manually operated end is spaced from the adjacent surface. The locking device includes wedging members adapted to be wedged between a support fixed to the common portion and the upper end of a frame member. When the locking device is in locked position, resilient arms bias projections thereon into a recess in the upper of the frame member to retain the device in position to serve as a table.

Abstract: Three plant support discs supported by a housing and are rotated so that the intermediate disc is rotated in one direction and the other two discs on either side thereof are rotated in opposite directions so that portions of plants on adjacent discs which overlap one another move in the same direction to cause such portions to gently mesh with one another and avoid damage. A solar cell array provides electrical power for driving an electric motor which in turn drives the discs through a drive train. The discs have projections which pass through slots in gears of the drive train to provide a slidable drive connection between the discs and the gears, while the lower ends of the projections support the discs on a support surface of the housing, thereby minimizing the loading on the gears.