Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage in a contactless fashion. The beverage dispenser may include a number of adjacent dispensing valves with each of the dispensing valves including a nozzle and a contactless dispensing valve system. The contactless dispensing valve system includes one or more proximity sensors positioned under the nozzle of each of the adjacent dispensing valves.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a sanitary fitting for coupling a fluid conduit to a flexible container to facilitate sterile transfer therebetween, and methods of making and using such a sanitary fitting, whereby the sanitary fitting includes a first annular member having a first annular member bore extending between first annular member first and second ends, the first annular member second end terminating in a flange radially outwardly extending therefrom, the flange comprising a substantially planar face; a second annular member having a second annular member bore extending between second annular member first and second ends, the second annular member couplable to the first annular member to axially align the first and second annular member bores to provide a first fluid flow passageway; and a valve coupled to the second annular member, the valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through a fluid flow path which includes the first fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A capless closure is provided for a tank filler pipe. The capless closure permits a fuel pump nozzle to be inserted into the tank filler pipe without first removing a fuel cap from the outer end of the tank filler pipe.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a body comprising a storage compartment, the storage compartment comprising a first storage compartment, and a second storage compartment, and a partition wall to separate the storage compartment into the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, a first control valve configured to control a flow of water received from an external water supply source, an ice maker configured to generate ice using the water discharged from the first control valve, a second control valve configured control a flow of the water discharged from the first control valve, a dispenser comprising an operating lever configured to supply the water received from the second valve, and an automatic water supply device configured to supply the water received from the second valve to a water container and configured to control the water container to be filled with a predetermined amount of water.

Abstract: A gas analyzer uses continuous sonic signals through a conduit to determine the composition of a gas in the conduit. A transmitting transducer drives sonic signals at a fixed frequency and a second transducer receives the sonic signals. The phase shift between two signals corresponds to the speed of sound through the gas and is related to the composition of the gas. The electronic versions of these signals are processed by lowering, or dividing, the fixed frequency which expands the range of phase shift measurement and allows the determination of an expanded range for the gas composition. In an ozone generation system, the gas analyzer is highly suitable for determining the composition of gases derived from air as a gas of known composition and a calibration point.

Abstract: Methods of securely dispensing a substance to an intended user are provided. In some instances, a method of securely dispensing a substance to an intended user includes moving a valve of a locking cap fixedly secured to a housing containing the substance to an open state that allows the substance to be dispensed from the housing to the intended user; determining that a unique biometric attribute of the intended user is detected; and dispensing the substance from the housing to the intended user in response to determining that the unique biometric attribute of the intended user is detected.

Abstract: To provide a pipe joint that can immediately shut off a hydrogen gas flow path at an initial stage when a plug (nozzle side member) comes out of a socket (filling apparatus side member) to prevent release of outgas.

Abstract: A fuel container having a body defining a volume for receiving fuel. The body has an inlet and optionally a vent. The inlet extends upwards as a spout and has a threaded collar which is closed by a threaded cap. A gas expansion pathway is provided between the inlet and the vent. The spout has a guide for receiving and locating a dog-leg portion of a fuel dispenser nozzle. A restriction in the throat of the spout prevents the fuel dispenser nozzle from being inserted beyond a preselected distance into the container thereby preventing backwash and spillage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body provided to form a storage compartment, a door rotatably mounted on the body, a dispenser provided in the door, an ice maker located in the storage compartment, a dispenser hose provided to be connectable to the dispenser, an ice maker hose provided to be connectable to the ice maker, and a hose guide located inside the door to accommodate the dispenser hose and the ice maker hose.

Abstract: A flow control valve is provided including a valve aperture in a valve body configured to convey fuel from an inlet to an outlet, a valve element configured to close the valve aperture to block flow of the fuel, a valve actuator configured to shift the position of the valve element between a closed position and an open position, and an antifraud circuit. The antifraud circuit is configured to receive a signal to open the flow control valve, determine if the signal is legitimate based on a signal characteristic, cause the flow control valve to shift to the open position in response to determining that the signal is legitimate.

Abstract: A product including a bottle with a mouth; a drink inside the bottle, the drink including a version of an alcoholic drink, where there is no alcohol or there is alcohol at a concentration by volume less than 1.5%; a pourer attached to the mouth and having a flow channel, a check valve, an air-vent channel and a filter, where the flow channel and the check valve allow via the same a flow of the non-alcoholic drink towards outside the product, the air-vent channel allows air to pass inside the bottle, and the filter produces a filtration of the air passing inside the bottle via the air-vent channel, the drink being any of a non-alcoholic drink, an alcohol substitute drink, a low alcohol drink, an alcohol free drink, or a de-alcoholized drink. Also, a method for extending the lifetime of a non-alcoholic drink, related to making the drink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refillable product that includes a container containing two or more first dissolvable solid articles. The solid articles are characterized by a maximum dimension D and a minimum dimension z. The maximum dimension for D ranges from 1 mm to 300 mm and the minimum dimension for z ranges from 0.5 mm to 150 mm. The ratio between D and z ranges from 1:1 to 300:1. The refillable product also includes indicia for a user to put the dissolvable solid articles and a liquid carrier into another container. This product can provide an environment friendly product. For example, by not containing any liquid during transportation, the product can reduce energy consumption during the transportation.

Abstract: A refrigerator water dispenser includes a shelf having a lower surface. A water dispenser tube is disposed adjacent to the shelf for dispensing water into a container. An actuator support is operably coupled to the lower surface of the shelf. A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell, wherein the controller activates a water dispensing sequence to dispense water via the water dispenser tube in response to the signal from the load cell.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance, and controller configured to perform operations of a method for measuring contents in a container are provided. The operations include receiving, from a sensor, one or more signals indicative of a height of contents in a container, and determining a contents volume in the container based at least on the height of contents in the container.

Abstract: A filling head, which includes: A filling head housing for conveying operating fluid in a supply sense from a supply-intake region, which is configured for introducing operating fluid into the filling head, to an outlet port, A venting structure which allows the conveying of gas in a venting sense which is opposite to the supply sense, Where the supply-intake region exhibits a hollow plug-in connector extending along a virtual nozzle path with a plug-in orifice through which an intake space connected fluid-mechanically with the outlet port is accessible, Where an inner nozzle wall bordering the intake space exhibits functional formations projecting into the intake space as part of the venting structure, Where on the external side of the plug-in connectors there is provided an active formation which is configured to interact with an internal thread of a supply device for the latter's positional stabilization at the plug-in connector.

Abstract: An anesthesia vaporizer system having a reservoir fillable with anesthetic agent from a bottle. A fill body defines a cavity that receives the anesthetic agent from the bottle via an inlet. The fill body further defines main and vent ports each communicating between the cavity of the fill body and the reservoir. A fill valve is receivable within the cavity of the fill body and moveable between open and closed positions. The anesthetic agent from the bottle flows through the inlet only when the fill valve is in the open position. A lower seal is receivable within the cavity of the fill body and moveable between open and closed positions by the fill valve. The vent port communicates between the cavity and the fill body only when the lower seal is in the open position. The lower seal is positionable in the open position when the fill valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: To provide a filling apparatus capable of suppressing radial movement of a rod-shaped member (connecting pin) of a nozzle, and preventing damages and deformations (recesses and so on) from generating on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting pin.

Abstract: Some embodiments facilitate remote monitoring of an activity at one or more facilities by a vehicle. Data is received at a communications interface from a remote device that is co-located with the vehicle. The data includes a vehicle identifier and a vehicle location indicator. A zone data record is accessed. The zone data record includes a plurality of zones, each zone having a virtual geographical boundary associated with a physical geographical area including at least one facility. It is determined that the vehicle is located within a zone of the zone data record for a preconfigured period of time based on the vehicle location indicator and the zone data record. Responsive to determining that the vehicle is located within the zone for the preconfigured period, performance of the activity at the one or more facilities by the vehicle is determined.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly is provided including a nozzle member provided with one or more dispensing apertures to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. Closure means are provided on or associated with the nozzle member and movable relative thereto between a closed position, wherein the closure means closes the dispensing apertures and fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing apertures, and an open position, wherein the closure means are moved at least partially clear of the dispensing apertures and fluid can be dispensed through the dispensing apertures in use. Switch means are moveable between an “on” position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member for dispensing through the dispensing apertures in use, and an “off” position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use. The switch means are arranged such that movement of the closure means relative to the nozzle member moves or actuates the switch means between the on and off positions in use.

Abstract: A grease coupler, comprising: an outer sleeve; an inner sleeve; a connection body; a collar; a collar spring; jaws to lock and unlock with a grease nipple; a nozzle; a nozzle spring; a collar ball groove; and an inner ball groove; sleeve locking balls; a nozzle ball groove; and nozzle locking balls.

Abstract: A gas regulator is described. The gas regulator includes a gas inlet having an attachment mechanism for attaching to a gas container, a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas inlet and further in fluid communication with a gas delivery system, a pressure regulator, a pressure sensor and a NFC sensor. A method of entering at least one information item relating to a gas source to a gas delivery system control unit. The method includes the steps of providing a gas source having a NFC tag that includes at least one information item stored in a memory of the NFC tag, attaching a regulator that includes a NFC sensor, wherein the NFC sensor is positioned to read the NFC tag when attached to the gas source, reading the at least one information item via the NFC sensor, and transmitting the at least one information item read by the NFC sensor to a gas delivery system control unit.

Abstract: A backflow valve assembly for preventing gas and backup waste from escaping a floor drain includes a tube that is configured to fluidically couple to a drain line. A pipe is coupled to and axially positioned in the tube. The pipe has upper and lower ends that are closed. At least one gasket is coupled to an inner surface of the pipe and defines upper and lower chambers. Penetrations are positioned through the pipe to allow flow of gasses and liquids into the pipe. First and second balls, which are less dense than water, are positioned in the upper and lower chambers, respectively. The first ball prevents escape of the gasses from the tube. The first ball floats to open the gasket to permit the flow of the liquids to the drain line. The second ball floats to close the gasket to prevent escape of waste from the tube.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of supplying water without opening a door and deteriorating the aesthetic quality of the refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body in which a food storage space is formed, a door to open or close one side of the main body and a water dispensing member having an outlet. The water dispensing member is provided so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions and located at a first position at which the water dispensing member is accommodated in the door or at a second position at which the water dispensing member protrudes forward from the door.

Abstract: A liquid discharging head includes an external cover portion which is connected to a liquid discharging apparatus and which discharges a liquid from a nozzle, in which the external cover portion includes a first gas hole for communicating a first gas flow path which is provided inside the external cover portion with an atmosphere, a second gas hole for carrying a gas between a second gas flow path which is provided inside the external cover portion and the liquid discharging apparatus, and a first liquid hole for carrying the liquid between a liquid flow path which is provided inside the external cover portion and the liquid discharging apparatus, and in which the first gas hole and the second gas hole are disposed separately in the external cover portion.

Abstract: An automated flowable material dispenser for dispensing flowable material from a flowable material container is provided. The dispenser may include a dispenser housing and a motor assembly. The dispenser housing may include a dispensing opening and be configured to receive the flowable material container therein. The motor assembly may be positioned within the dispenser housing and configured to translate with respect to the dispenser housing between a home position and a dispensing position to dispense the flowable material from the flowable material container. The motor assembly may include a motor housing and a motor positioned at least partially within the motor housing.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus adapted to load a feeding set having an upstream side and a downstream side including a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set. A pumping device contacts the feeding set when the feeding set is received by the housing so the pumping device acts on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid to a subject. An ultrasonic sensor is arranged with respect to the pumping device to detect a change in pressure in the downstream side of the feeding set when the feeding set is loaded on the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for coding and identification of biological samples for in vitro fertilization comprises the steps of applying to receptacles intended for unfertilized eggs and sperm, respectively, an identification code characteristic of the patient; placing unfertilized eggs and sperm, respectively, in the receptacles; storing, transporting and admixing the respective samples in receptacles which each carry the same code; and implanting the resulting embryo in the patient. The identification code may based on RFID technology, in which sample vessels (12) are codified by the application of an RFID tag (13).

Abstract: A system for coupling a container storing a treating chemistry to a surface cleaning device capable of dispensing the treating chemistry to a surface to be cleaned includes a cap provided on the container and a receiver provided on the surface cleaning apparatus. The cap and receiver include plunger valve assemblies that are opened when the cap is coupled with the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic identification systems and more particularly but not limited to electronic identification systems to be used with vehicle-refueling systems, the identification system comprises a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) transponder (RFIDT) that may be easily associated with a vehicle at its vehicle fuel-tank-intake-pipe, the transponder having a ferrite-antenna.

Abstract: A gas injection device a placement portion on which a first or second container is placed, an ejection portion which is placed on the placement portion and ejects a purge gas, and a sealing portion protruding from the placement portion so as to surround a periphery of the ejection portion. The ejection portion, with the purge gas being injected into an inlet of the second container, does not come in contact with the inlet. The sealing portion, with the purge gas being injected into an inlet of the FOUP, does not impede the contact between the ejection portion and the inlet.

Abstract: An ammonia generating device is used for the treatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly for motor vehicles. The device includes a tank having a body capable of releasing ammonia by desorption. The device is also provided with a first single connection member comprising an electrical connection to supply the device with electricity and a fluid connection to allow evacuation of the ammonia produced following the desorption reaction.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage compartment, a door, an ice making device, a water tank disposed for supplying water into the ice making device, and an ice bin to receive and store ice pieces made in the ice making device. The ice making device includes an ice making tray having ice making chambers configured to be filled with water for making the ice pieces, and an ejector extending from an upper central portion of the ice making tray in a longitudinal direction of the ice making tray to pass through both ends of the ice making tray. The ejector is configured to be maintained in a fixed state during water supply, ice making, and ice separation processes, and the ice making tray is configured to rotate at an angle of about 360° in one direction with respect to the ejector.

Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that requires data to be dynamically retrieved from a vehicle data bus during the fuel authorization process. This can be implemented using a smart cable that is installed in enrolled vehicles. The smart cable includes a housing suitable for commercial environments, a cable to logically couple the smart cable to the vehicle data bus, a second data link to be used to logically couple the smart cable to a fuel authorization “puck” in a vehicle, and a controller. The puck handles communication with the fuel vendor. The controller automatically implements the functions responding to a query from the puck received over the second data link by dynamically acquiring data from the vehicle data bus using the first data link, and conveying the data to the puck using the second data link.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine includes first and second cameras for capturing first and second images of a receptacle. The beverage preparation machine further includes a control unit configured to determine a receptacle volume based on the first and second images and to determine a beverage volume to be dispensed based on the receptacle volume and the selected filling level or percentage. Regardless of the shape, volume, and/or material of the receptacle, the filling level or percentage for dispensing the beverage can be freely selected via a user interface.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the current invention utilize a container having an interlock that prevents filling the container, dispensing from the container, or both, as well as a detecting mechanism that senses a unique identifier associated with a particular product allowing its use in conjunction with the container.

Abstract: An RFID system includes an antenna of a reader/writer and an antenna of an RFID tag. Transmission and reception of a high-frequency signal of a UHF band is performed between the antenna of the reader/writer and the antenna of the RFID tag that are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. A loop antenna including a loop conductor is used as the antenna of the reader/writer, and coil antennas including a plurality of laminated coil conductors are used as the antenna of an RFID tag. In addition, the conductor width of the loop conductor in the loop antenna is greater than the conductor widths of the coil conductors in the coil antennas.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing, fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispersing system having, a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser water supply system including a dispenser, an ice making apparatus and a splitting valve are provided. The dispenser includes an outlet and is configured to dispense water and ice. The ice making apparatus is configured to provide ice to the dispenser. The splitting valve is configured to dispense water into the outlet of the dispenser and to the ice making apparatus to produce ice, the splitting valve being mounted at the dispenser. A refrigerator having the dispenser water system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for managing beverage sales and inventory, and for enabling customers to pour their own beverages while preventing shrinkage is disclosed. The system enables a user to access a beverage from a beverage dispenser by presenting a beverage-pour tracking device. The beverage dispenser can prevent a user from accessing the beverage without the beverage-pour tracking device. Further, the system can confirm whether the user is permitted to access the beverage dispenser before enabling the user to access the dispenser.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to an automated dispenser including a dispensing portion, a motion sensor, a receiver module, and a control module. The control module initiates motion sensing by the motion sensor in response to receipt of an activation signal from a network server by the receiver module. The dispensing portion dispenses a product in response to the motion sensor sensing an absence, presence or motion of an object.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe with an associated magnetic element is positionable at a carafe receiving area. One of a protrusion and a first recess is associated with the carafe and the other of the protrusion and the first recess is associated with a housing. The housing includes a detector arranged to detect the presence of the magnetic element when the protrusion is inserted into the first recess. Beverage formation of an amount greater than a threshold volume is enabled when the detector detects the magnetic element.

Abstract: An appliance includes a dispenser for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and a consumable. The mixture may be a beverage wherein the diluent is water and the consumable is a flavorant. The dispenser includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The rate at which the consumable is added to the diluent is dependent upon the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The consumable may be provided in a single container, or a user may specify a particular type of consumable from a plurality of containers provided on a rotation carousel.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a refill bottle adapted to repeated receive and dispense liquid such as perfume. The refill bottle comprises a bottle having a bottom portion and an upper portion, an opening provided in the upper portion wherein the opening is adapted to be covered, and a refill mechanism provided in the bottom portion. The liquid is received through the refill mechanism from a regular bottle preferably provided with a spraying mechanism and its dispensed through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a CO2 system that provides carbonation and delivery of beverages to a user is provided together with a control valve for performing this method. The steps include: attaching a hose and pumping liquid carbon dioxide through an inlet fitting housed in a control valve assembly; causing the translation of a valve stem to isolate a gas port and a tank and a user port and directing the liquid carbon dioxide to a liquid port and a tank; and stopping the pumping of the liquid carbon dioxide upon reaching a pre-determined pressure and removing the hose allowing the translation of the valve stem to close the valve assembly from the atmosphere and allowing the liquid to boil to a gas to provide delivery and carbonation to the beverage.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for dispensing a beverage are disclosed. For example, the method receives an indication that a customer desires to dispense a beverage, scans a barcode associated with a beverage container being used by the customer, dispenses the beverage in accordance with information obtained from scanning the barcode and stores one or more dispensing details associated with the dispensing.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing device including a dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen having a user interface being coupled to said dispensing device, wireless communication electronics coupled to said beverage dispensing system and adapted to communicate with a wireless transponder and a controller functionally connected to said at least one dispensing valve, said display screen and said wireless communication electronics.

Abstract: A fluid retention assembly for a vehicle transmission has a valve housing, a first member, a second member, and a biasing member. The valve housing has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and defines a central bore having a sealing portion. The first member is disposed at least partially in the central bore of the valve housing and includes a shaft portion and a sealing portion. The second member defines a plurality of fluid apertures. The second member is attached to the shaft portion of the first member opposite the sealing portion. The biasing member is disposed at least partially in the central bore of the valve housing coaxial with the first member and has a biasing force that biases the sealing portion of the first member against the sealing portion of the valve housing.