Abstract: A holding device includes a supporter, a gripper, and a first driver. The supporter supports a weight of a workpiece in a first direction. The gripper includes a gripping surface that grips the workpiece in a second direction crossing the first direction. The first driver moves the supporter with respect to the gripper in the second direction. A tilt of the supporter is changeable with respect to the gripping surface along a plane including the first and second directions.

Abstract: A magnetic pouch clamp assembly includes a first and second clamping arms and a magnet assembly. The first clamping arms have respective, opposed first and second clamping surfaces. The second clamp arm is slidably connected to the first clamping arm such that the first and second clamping arms are movable between open and closed positions, with the first and second clamping surfaces being engaged in the closed position. The magnet assembly includes a first magnet having a first polarity carried by the first clamping arm and a second magnet having a second polarity carried by the second clamping arm, the first and second polarities being oriented such that a closing attractive force therebetween holds the first and second clamping surfaces in the closed position. A third magnet can be used to hold the clamping surfaces in the open position or to enhance closing forces.

Abstract: A rotating container dumper includes a bin assembly having at least one opening configured to receive a container, a frame that is configured to receive the bin assembly, and a linkage system that is operably coupled to the frame and the bin assembly. The linkage system is configured to rotate the bin assembly between a home position and a deployed position. In the home position, the bin assembly is disposed within the frame and a first opening of the at least one opening is positioned at a top of the bin assembly. In the deployed position, the bin assembly is disposed outside of the frame and the first opening of the at least one opening is positioned at a bottom of the bin assembly.

Abstract: A method unloads bulk goods from a laterally open large container using an unloading device with a tilting unit and a platform. The tilting unit and the platform have a common rotational axis. Both the bulk goods and the unloading device are prevented from being damaged. The laterally open large container which is filled with a bulk good is positioned on the tilting unit. The platform is flipped up such that the platform closes the opening side of the large container. The tilting unit is tilted together with the large container located thereon and the platform closing the opening side of the large container about the common rotational axis such that the large container is positioned on the container opening side, and the bulk good is deposited on the platform. The tilting unit is then tilted back together with the large container, the bulk good remaining on the platform.

Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes a main body, a placement board that is movably supported by the main body, an extension member that is movably supported by the placement board, a lever that is movably supported by the placement board, and a mechanism that moves the extension member to a contraction position when the lever is located at a protrusion position, and moves the extension member to an expansion position when the lever is located at a pushed position, wherein the lever is away from an abutting portion fixed to the main body when the placement board is located between a storage position and a midway position, and the lever comes into contact with the abutting portion and moves toward the pushed position when the placement board is located between a unfolding position and the midway position and when the placement board moves toward the unfolding position.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a dispenser for rolled paper product includes a first arm and a second arm, with the first arm having an elongate member configured to receive a roll of paper product. A first mounting bracket is configured to rotatingly couple the first arm to a mounting surface. The first arm is configured to cover the first mounting bracket from view. A second mounting bracket is configured to rigidly couple the second arm to the mounting surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of industrial machinery for converting paper and/or for processing strip materials, and relates to a paper mill rewinder for forming reels of paper strip material, in particular, but not exclusively, tissue paper, of conventional or structured type, non-woven, TAD (Through Air Drying), or other similar materials characterized by having a very light weight and low density, with continuous, or non-stop, reel change device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film wrinkle removing roller in which pattern rolls coated with rubber are positioned at both ends of a cylindrical roll made of Teflon, and a porous film comes into contact with the roll and the pattern rolls, such that the film may be prevented from wrinkling and a surface of the film may be prevented from being abraded due to friction between the film and surfaces of the rolls.

Abstract: A document feeder includes a document placement member that has a placement surface, a sucker that has a suction surface on which a part of a document placed on the placement surface is sucked and sucks air from a space formed between the document placement member and the suction surface, a blower that blows air into the space, and a paper feeder that conveys the document in a conveyance direction along the placement surface, wherein the suction surface is inclined relative to the placement surface such that the space is narrower toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic adsorption body capable of exhibiting a high adsorption force, especially with respect to a highly insulative sheet-like object to be adsorbed, such as a cloth, while using an electrical adsorption force. This electrostatic adsorption body, which uses electrostatic force to adsorb an object to be adsorbed, is provided with: a laminate sheet in which a 20-200 ?m-thick insulator, a 1-20 ?m-thick electrode layer, and a 20-200 ?m-thick resin film are sequentially laminated; and a power supply device that applies a voltage to the electrode layer, wherein the resin film at least has a tensile modulus of 1 MPa or more and less than 100 MPa and a volume resistivity of 1×1010-1013 ? cm, the electrode layer is composed of a bipolar electrode including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and an object to be adsorbed is adsorbed using the resin film as an adsorption surface due to an electrostatic adsorption force that is generated by applying a voltage to the electrode layer.

Abstract: A sheet stacker includes a sheet stacking portion, a pair of sheet restrictors, a sheet feeder, and a position detector. A bundle of sheets is stacked on the sheet stacking portion in a stacking direction, and the sheet stacking portion moves in the stacking direction. The pair of sheet restrictors move in a width direction to regulate a position of the bundle of sheets in the width direction. The sheet feeder feeds a top sheet of the bundle of sheets at a sheet feeding position in a sheet feeding direction. The sheet feeding position is disposed at a top of the bundle of sheets in the stacking direction. The position detector is disposed between the pair of sheet restrictors in the width direction and above the sheet feeding position in the stacking direction. The position detector detects a position of the pair of sheet restrictors in the width direction.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a sheet alignment mechanism configured for aligning a sheet in a predetermined reference position; a gripper arrangement configured to grip the aligned sheet at at least two spaced-apart points of the sheet and to release the sheet on a stack; and a holder configured to hold the sheet in position on the stack while the gripper arrangement releases the sheet. The gripper arrangement is movable along a predetermined trajectory for moving the sheet from the reference position to a stacking position.

Abstract: An automatic tape dispensing system comprising a feed system having a plurality of rollers, the rollers driven by a motor for peeling tape from a tape roll and dispensing the tape from the dispensing system. The system further includes a reel for supporting the tape thereon and a track supporting the reel. The track extends from a first upper end to a second lower end, the reel movable from the upper end to the lower end in response to tape being dispensed from the system in order to maintain a desired tension on the tape roll.

Abstract: Provided is a coating film transfer tool having a pivotable transfer head and a tape guide for transfer tape, and capable of satisfactorily transferring a coating film. In some examples, such a coating film transfer tool includes tape guides respectively having lower sides disposed on a first side of a main body where the transfer tape passes before coating film transfer, and upper sides disposed on a second side of the main body where the transfer tape passes after coating film transfer passes. An interval between the upper sides is wider than an interval at a position where an interval between the lower sides is narrowest.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for storing cable, comprising a cable carousel (1) rotatable about a vertical axis (2), and rotating means (30) for rotating (4) the carousel (1) about the vertical axis (2), for allowing winding cable (5) on the carousel (1) and unwinding cable (5) from the carousel (1). The carousel (1) is received in a pool (7), a seal (10) is arranged between an outer side (12) of the carousel (1) and a pool outer wall (9). A closed chamber (13) is defined in the pool (7) below the carousel (1), and pressurized liquid in the closed chamber (13) provides a positive pressure for supporting the carousel (1) and allowing rotation (4) of the carousel (1).

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a reversing roller, a guide member and a rotatable member. The guide member includes a curved portion to curve inside a first surface of the sheet and guides the sheet along the curved portion in contact with a second surface opposite to the first surface of the sheet in a first direction. The rotatable member disposed opposed to a sheet guide surface in the curved portion with a gap and is rotated by contacting with the first surface of the sheet. When the sheet is fed by the reversing roller in a second direction, the rotatable member is rotated by contact of the first surface of the sheet with the rotatable member.

Abstract: A wire winding device includes a lock jig including a pair of tip end portions configured to approach each other or separate from each other. A control portion of the wire winding device is configured to execute: a step of winding a wire onto a winding drum; and a step of making the lock jig sandwich a pulled-out part of the wire, inserting the lock jig into a clip, and opening the tip end portions of the lock jig against biasing force of the clip to open the clip.

Abstract: A handheld hose guide which accommodates hoses of varying diameters and protects a user from debris on the hose when reeling the hose onto a hose reel, including a housing having a pair of housing parts for enclosing the hose, wherein the pair of housing parts when in a closed position form an interior, cylindrically-shaped longitudinal channel, which longitudinal channel generally conforms to a shape of the hose, a hinge attached to each of the pair of housing parts for providing angular movement of each housing relative to the other housing, a locking device attached to the pair of housing parts for securing the hose within the housing during operation of the hose guide, and rollers which are attached to springs that are biased inwardly, in order to accommodate hoses of various diameters and to provide constant compression on the hose during operation of the hose guide.

Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes a conveyance roller to convey a medium, an imaging device to image the medium, a DC motor to drive the conveyance roller, a processor to detect that a front end of the medium reaches between the conveyance roller and the imaging device, set a current limit value of the DC motor to a first limit value until the front end of the medium reaches between the conveyance roller and the imaging device, and change the current limit value to a second limit value larger than the first limit value after the front end of the medium has reached between the conveyance roller and the imaging device, and drive the conveyance roller by rotating the DC motor based on the second limit value when the imaging device performs imaging.

Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes a pick roller feeding a medium, a separation roller placed on a downstream side of the pick roller in a conveying direction of a medium, an arrival detection sensor placed on a downstream side of the separation roller in the conveying direction and detecting arrival of a medium, a lift sensor detecting a lift of a medium between an upstream side of a roller nip of the pick roller and a downstream side of a roller nip of the separation roller, and a processor. The processor determines that a medium is a bound medium when a lift of a medium is detected by the lift sensor in a first predetermined period after detection of a front edge of a medium in a conveying direction by the arrival detection sensor, and executes abnormality processing when a medium is determined to be a bound medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image former that forms an image on a sheet of paper, a detector that detects a physical property of a sheet of paper, a receiver that receives paper identification information used in identification of a sheet of paper designated by a user, and a hardware processor. The hardware processor performs: first judgement of judging whether or not there is a correspondence between the paper identification information received by the receiver and a detection result by the detector, second judgement of judging whether or not there is a correspondence between a detection result by the detector of a first sheet of paper conveyed and a detection result by the detector of a second sheet of paper conveyed; and operation control of the image former based on a first judgement result in the first judgement and a second judgement result in the second judgement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld (i.e. single-handedly held) tool for automatically winding string, line, cordage, yarn, thread, and twine onto a spool. The tool includes a handheld and portable threaded mechanism upon which a spool is mounted. Spools of various lengths can be mounted onto the threaded mechanism using a height-adjustable cap. An internal motor is configured to rotate the threaded mechanism and mounted spool for automatically winding string, et. al. A handle of the tool houses rechargeable batteries that are coupled with the internal motor and a push button disposed on the handle activates the motor for rotating the threaded mechanism. The tool includes a USB charging port for receiving a USB cable for recharging the rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a retractable hose reel system includes a reel configured to rotate about a shaft, a fluid driven motor configured to drive the reel, a fluid connector configured to connect to a fluid source to power the fluid motor, and a fluid line connecting between the fluid connector and the fluid motor to supply fluid from the fluid source to the fluid motor to power the fluid motor. A valve is disposed in the fluid line, configured to move between an open position and a closed position, where in the open position the valve allows fluid flow to the fluid motor and in the closed position the valve prevents fluid flow to the fluid motor.

Abstract: An elevator system control system is provided and includes a sensor system configured to sense elevator car conditions, a safety system signaling element to generate a safety signal indicative of an incident and a control system configured to react to the safety system signal. When the control system receives the safety signal indicating that an incident has occurred that requires engagement of at least one of primary and secondary brakes, the control system controls a deceleration rate during the incident by operating the primary brake, determining whether the deceleration rate is within a target range and adjusting the deceleration rate based on signals from the sensor system.

Abstract: An elevator monitoring system and method includes cabin-based radars monitor doors and passengers within a cabin; waiting zone radars monitor passengers in a waiting zone; a central processor analyzes data from the various monitors and executes an elevator control function to control the elevator system. The door state is determined by detecting reflections from internal angles within the cabin and a door management system manages door operation safely by monitoring a proximal zone around the automatic door, detecting moving objects and obstructions.

Abstract: An elevator landing sill device includes a landing sill provided along a lower edge of a landing opening, and a fixture fixed to a hoistway wall of a building, to which the landing sill is attached. The elevator landing sill device includes a partition member for sealing a gap between the landing sill and the hoistway wall. The partition member includes a center plate, the building-side mount part attached to one end of the center plate, a sill-side mount part attached to the other end of the center plate, a building-side rotating part for rotatably fixing the center plate and the building-side mount part, and the sill-side rotating part for rotatably fixing the center plate and the sill-side mount part. A building-side fastener for fixing the building-side mount part to the building, and a sill-side fastener for fixing the sill-side mount part to the landing sill are further provided.

Abstract: An elevator counterweight assembly (11) includes a counterweight structure (38), at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) mounted on the counterweight structure (38), and a safety actuation mechanism (16) including a connection (17) for a suspension member (18). The safety actuation mechanism (16) is configured to move, relative to the counterweight structure (38), between a normal position, and a safety position. In the safety position the safety actuation mechanism (16) is arranged to actuate the at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) and thereby brake the counterweight structure (38). The counterweight assembly (11) also includes a mechanical actuator (22), configured, when actuated, to apply a force to the safety actuation mechanism (16) and thereby move the safety actuation mechanism (16) from the normal position to the safety position, e.g. for the purposes of a handover test.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus provided with a safety gear is disclosed which is adapted to prevent the turn-on of a brake state detection switch during power outage even while being operated by an electric actuator. This elevator apparatus includes: a safety gear 5 disposed at a car 1; and an electric actuator 3 for operating the safety gear. The elevator apparatus further includes a brake state detection switch 6 for detecting a brake state of the safety gear. The brake state detection switch is operated by a mechanism 8 which operates the safety gear with an operation of the electric actuator. The brake state detection switch is in an off state for a displacement of the mechanism during interruption of power supply. The brake state detection switch is turned on for the displacement of the mechanism during the brake of the safety gear.

Abstract: A tension member for a lifting and/or hoisting system includes a core including a plurality of load carrying fibers arranged in a matrix material, and an outer layer secured to the core including a plurality of outer fibers arranged around a perimeter of the core. The outer layer includes one or more outer fibers arranged off-axis relative to the load carrying fibers of the core. A method of forming a tension member for an elevator system includes arranging a plurality of load carrying fibers along a length of the tension member, retaining the plurality of load carrying fibers in a matrix material to define a core, and enclosing the core in an outer layer including a plurality of outer fibers arranged around a perimeter of the core. The outer layer includes one or more outer fibers arranged off-axis relative to the load carrying fibers of the core.

Abstract: A foldable stairlift includes a rail, a carrier that drives along the rail and a chair supported by the carrier. The chair and carrier define a stairlift unit. The chair includes a base body coupled to the carrier, a foldable seat body coupled to the base body, a foldable leg body coupled to the seat body, a foldable footrest body coupled to the leg body, a back rest body coupled to the base body, and a foldable armrest body coupled to the backrest body. Each of the seat body, leg body, and footrest body have their own respective folding system that controls the folding and unfolding of their respective seat body, leg body, and footrest body. And each folding system is controlled by an assigned motor that operates according to a variable speed profile. A method of controlling the folding and unfolding action of the foldable stairlift includes operating the motors according to one or more speed profiles.

Abstract: For optimizing an anti-sway algorithm for the transport of a load by a hoisting appliance spanning a hoisting area and comprising a trolley, a reeving system and a tool handling the load, a control device is able to: create a first table giving angle offsets of the trolley, depending on physical characteristics of the load and on mechanical parameters related to the trolley, the angle offsets being determined by measurements of inclination angles of the trolley, create a second table giving probabilities of a secondary sway of the load depending on physical characteristics of the load, on mechanical parameters related to the reeving system and on measurements of acceleration and angular position of the tool, and transport the load in the hoisting area by using an anti-sway algorithm taking into account the first table and the second table, wherein anti-sway algorithm takes as inputs dynamic parameters of hoisting appliance comprising the current position of the trolley, the load and the current angle of th

Abstract: Described is a safety system for a self-propelled operating machine (1) comprises a processing unit (3) which includes: a memory module (31) in which a plurality of load diagrams is stored; a limiting module (32) configured for limiting the operational possibilities of actuators of the machine (1), on the basis of a load diagram; a measuring device (41, 42) for acquiring operating parameters relative to various operating conditions of the operating machine (1); and a selection module (33) configured for selecting from the memory module (31) a load diagram on the basis of an operating parameter acquired by the measuring device (41, 42).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and to a method for controlling a crane slewing gear. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic motor for driving the slewing gear and for braking the slewing gear from a rotational movement. The slewing gear is kept stationary via a holding brake. A hydraulic brake circuit for controlling the holding brake, a load sensing device for measuring a load instantaneously taken up by the crane, and an orientation sensing device for measuring an instantaneous orientation of the crane and/or of at least one crane component are furthermore provided. In accordance with the disclosure, a hydraulic limitation circuit is provided by means of which a hydraulic pressure applied to the motor can be limited to a specific limit value. A control unit is furthermore provided that determines a maximum permitted torque and/or a parameter derived therefrom for a current slewing gear movement.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle crane having a lower chassis with boom supports and having an upper chassis with a counterweight in which a live view of the surroundings of the vehicle crane is displayed to the driver. To provide a possibility of operating the vehicle crane that permits safe and simplified manuvering and use, the live view is created at least by way of cameras arranged on the lower chassis, markings indicating the movement ranges of the boom supports and the pivot range of the upper chassis are superimposed to scale on the live view, where the markings are hard-programmed crane-specific overlays and the live view is a crane-specific view that is calibrated with regard to dimensions.

Abstract: A lift system mountable in a nacelle of a wind turbine has a boom having a proximal end mountable in the nacelle and a distal end extending over a hub of a rotor of the wind turbine when the lift system is mounted in the nacelle. The lift system has a frame structure for mounting the proximal end of the boom in the nacelle, a winch mounted to the boom, a fastener situated below the boom and operatively connected to the winch by at least one cable, and a trolley movably mounted to the boom to permit translation of the trolley longitudinally along the boom thereby permitting longitudinal movement of the fastener with respect to the boom.

Abstract: A boom, of a machine, may include a first member; a second member opposite the first member; and a support structure. The support structure may comprise a first support member; a second support member; and a third support member. The first member, the first support member, and the second support member may define a first opening. The second member, the second support member, and the third support member may define a second opening. A first area of the first opening may exceed a second area of the second opening.

Abstract: A self-erecting crane includes a mast supporting a foldable jib having jib elements articulated together, configurable between a transport configuration and a work configuration. The crane also includes a motor-driven folding/unfolding system for performing configuration change operations implementing kinematics of folding and unfolding the jib, and a control/command system connected to the motor-driven folding/unfolding system to drive it. One or several inclinometer(s) are mounted on one or several jib element(s) to measure actual inclinations of the jib element(s) with respect to a reference axis. The control/command system is configured to drive the motor-driven folding/unfolding system according to the actual inclinations of the jib element(s) during the kinematics of folding and unfolding the jib.

Abstract: A double-reeved lifting device includes a lower reeve block secured to a lifting hook and an upper reeve block, wherein the two reeve blocks include reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between a connected configuration and a disconnected configuration. The reversible connection means include a locking mechanism and a complementary locking structure respectively having at least one striker orifice and a bolt slidably movable and supporting a locking finger adapted to rotatably cooperate with the striker orifice, and respective guide elements cooperating together so as to convert a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks into concomitants slidings and rotations of the bolt.

Abstract: A work assist system is provided for an industrial vehicle. The work assist system includes a support structure having a portion including a predefined cross-sectional shape. The work assist system further includes a clamp member having coupling structure for removably coupling the clamp member to the support structure portion, and mounting structure that removably supports a work assist item that is usable by an operator located in an operator compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cap removal device and a thrombelastography device having same are disclosed. The cap removal device comprises a drive part (1), a connection shaft (2), and a cap removal member (3). The connection shaft (2) can move upward when driven by the drive part (1). The cap removal member (3) has an end (31) and the other end (32); the end (31) is pivotally connected to the connection shaft (2), so that when the connection shaft (2) moves upward when driven by the drive part (1), the cap removal member (3) rotates, due to the upward movement, around a pivot point (4) located between the end (31) and the other end (32) of the cap removal member (3), so that the other end (32) of the cap removal member (3) moves downward to contact a cap (5) to be removed, thereby removing the cap (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically filling fluid into containers includes an actuator for raising and lowering a fluid dispensing needle. The needle is supported for vertical sliding movement. A first end of a pivot arm is engaged with a cam rotated by a motor for rocking the pivot arm. The dispensing needle is also engaged with the pivot arm for being raised or lowered thereby as the pivot arm rocks. The cam, which may be circular and eccentric, may be surrounded by a circular bearing and slidingly received within a yoke at the first end of the pivot arm. The needle is coupled to a pump. A first sensor senses that the needle has been moved to its lowered position. A control circuit responsive to the first sensor prevents the pump from pumping fluid to the needle unless the needle is in its lowered position.

Abstract: A dispensing machine has a housing with an interior having a plurality of components. Among others, those components may include a return port accessible from the exterior of the housing and configured to receive containers, a cleaner configured to clean containers received from the return port, and a filler configured to add fluid (e.g., a liquid, such as a beverage) to one or more (clean) containers. In addition, the components also may include a capper configured to cap at least one container, and a dispenser configured to receive at least one capped container filled with fluid. The dispenser is configured to be accessible from the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus and system is disclosed. The beverage apparatus is configurable to add flavors, minerals, vitamins, or other such additives to a source fluid, such as purified water, in response to a user's selection of settings, to provide a customized beverage. Advantageously, the beverage apparatus uses the purified water to cleanse the components that come into contact with the additive as part of the preparation of each beverage and includes this cleansing wash as part of the beverage itself, thus providing a self-cleaning apparatus that does not require a separate drain.

Abstract: A system and method a method may include receiving (i) beverage composition data of a requested beverage, and (ii) a user identifier of a user requesting the beverage. Responsive to receiving an instruction to dispense the requested beverage, the requested beverage may be dispensed. The beverage composition data may be stored in a dispensed beverage data record. A verification as to whether or not the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour may be performed. Responsive to determining that the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour, a counter may be increased. Responsive to determining that the counter value crosses a threshold value, a first message may be communicated to a mobile electronic device of the user, otherwise, a second message may be communicated to the mobile electronic device. The first or second message may be displayed on the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device includes an internal member coupled to a sink and a nozzle. A liquid processing module is installed separately from the dispenser and may include components to generate, for example, a heated liquid, a cooled liquid, or a liquid having a sterilizing agent. Piping coupling the liquid processing module to the nozzle may extend through the internal member, and one or more components may couple the internal member under the sink. One or more valves may be positioned on the piping to direct fluid from the liquid processing module to the nozzle or to discharge fluid.

Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (100) has a beverage processing unit (5), a stationary frame (4) and a beverage directing guide (10) that is mounted to the stationary frame (4) and that is movable relative to the stationary frame (4) from: a dispensing position for directing by the directing guide (10) said beverage (100) to an area (2) for placing a user-recipient; to a non-dispensing position for directing by the directing guide (10) waste liquid (101) to a waste collector (3); and vice versa. The beverage processing unit (5) has a beverage guide (50) and a unit outlet (51) via which liquid is passed from the beverage guide (50) to the directing guide (10) located below the unit outlet (51).

Abstract: A container for dispensing a liquid includes a body and a piercing device. The body includes an interior storage volume, an outlet through the first wall for dispensing the liquid, a first track disposed in a first side wall of the body, and a second track disposed in a second side wall of the body, the second side wall opposite the first side wall. The piercing device can be slidably coupled to the body and includes a first rail configured to slide within the first track, a second rail configured to slide within the second track, and a piercer that includes a piercing end. The piercer can slide from a first position to a second position to pierce the body and create a vent opening.

Abstract: Exemplary sanitary soap refilling systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill refilling system includes a housing, a pump located within the housing, and a bulk storage tank connector. The bulk storage tank connector having a liquid outlet and an air inlet. A liquid inlet conduit is in fluid communication with the pump the liquid outlet. A refill connector is included. The refill connector has a liquid inlet and an air outlet. The refill connector air outlet and the bulk storage tank connector air inlet are in fluid communication with one another. The refill liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the pump.

Abstract: A central fuel management system includes a pre-authorization module arranged to receive carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; match, for each meter under a truck rack, one or more loads associated with the carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; query for each of the one or more loads: a nomination system containing information on book stock; a terminal automated system containing information on physical inventory at two or more terminals; and a third party allocation management system containing information on loading quantity limits. On the basis of the query the pre-authorization module decides whether each load of the one or more loads is authorized prior to its loading. Where authorized, the driver loads at the truck rack.