Abstract: An apparatus for fueling a fuel-cell-powered device having a profile and a fuel inlet. The apparatus comprises at least one fuel port having an outlet and at least one adaptor associated with the fuel port. The adaptor is configured to receive the fuel-cell-powered device. Means for releasably and sealingly engaging the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device to the outlet of the fuel port are also provided. The outlet of the fuel port is operative to dispense fuel when it is in sealed engagement with the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent to a sump of an anesthetic vaporizer includes a filler assembly rotatable about a pivot point. The filler assembly further includes a sump valve that controls fluid communication between the filler assembly and the sump. An adapter is coupled with the filler spout and includes a sealing surface that forms a seal against fluid communication between the anesthetic bottle and the adapter. The filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter are rotated about the pivot point along the rail. The rotation of the filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter about the pivot point opens the sump valve and the seal between the adapter and the anesthetic bottle.

Abstract: A fluid flow assembly includes a storage container connected to a fluid coupling and retaining cylinder. The connection is secured by a bayonet connection and walls between the bases of the container and cylinder. The storage container has a ball valve assembly disposed at its base, which includes an upper housing, a lower extension, and a ball valve axially disposed therein. The cylinder includes an axial hollow elongate fluid outlet on the base, co-axially aligned with an outlet port of the ball valve assembly of the container. The upper portion of the fluid outlet is a male coupling, which penetrates into the outlet port, when the container is connected to the cylinder, and axially displaces a valve ball from its closed position into an open position, enabling fluid flowing thru the ball valve assembly of the storage container, into the hollow fluid outlet of the cylinder, and downstream of it.

Abstract: A discharge box capable of transporting and then dispensing a high bulk density of solid product with substantially no human intervention. The discharge box includes separable/replaceable components allowing for a low cost, low maintenance, and long-term package and includes a tamper-evidence site window, and desiccant pockets, in a lid portion.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system for footwear that includes a shoe and a shoe ventilation device. The shoe includes a fitting for connecting to a pressurized air or gas source, such as refrigerated air from a refrigeration source, and the shoe ventilation device includes a fitting to connect to the shoe and a user-actuated valve for controlling the flow of air or gas.

Abstract: A filling structure of a painting device includes a combining base and an urging element. The top surface of the combining base has a combining tank, the bottom of which is formed with a through hole for the disposition of an urging element. The bottom of the combining base has a combining part for connecting to a painting device. The urging element has a guiding channel inside. One end of the guiding channel is inside the combining tank, and the other end is inside the painting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as a liquid anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a frame member defining a frame passage extending from a first end of the frame member to a second end of the frame member and a nozzle connected to the frame member. The nozzle can be moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame member, and can define a plug member configured to block the second end of the frame passage when the nozzle is in the first position. The apparatus can further include a biasing member connected to the frame member and the nozzle.

Abstract: A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material by gravity, includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve for opening or restricting a flow between the inlet and outlet and having open and closed positions, and an actuator disposed downstream of the inlet for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions, wherein the actuator is operated by a container to be filled with a material.

Abstract: A touchless dispensing system includes a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and at least one liquid. A detection device is positioned with respect to the dispenser. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser without contacting the container. The detection device is further configured to generate a signal confirming a position of the container with respect to the dispenser. The dispenser is activated to dispense an amount of ice and/or an amount of the at least one liquid into the container in response to the signal generated by the detection device.

Abstract: Air is removed from a bottle by placing the apparatus over the bottle in a manner similar to that of a cork. A switch is activated by placement of the apparatus over the bottle and causes a pump to evacuate air from an interior of the bottle. A pressure sensor senses reduced pressure and shuts off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. An indicator also visually indicates that a vacuum state exists within the bottle. A temperature probe is provided, coupled to a display for visual readout of temperature of liquid within the bottle. A tilt sensor is provided to shut off the pump if the apparatus is tilted excessively. A button is provided which can be depressed to cause air to return into space in the bottle to return the bottle interior back to atmospheric pressure for removal of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a device for selectively opening or closing an anesthetic reservoir, the device having a first component adaptable to a reservoir and a second component adaptable to a vaporizer. The first component may have a base, a nozzle, and a through-hole. The second component may have a support member with a knob for engaging the through-hole of the first component and preventing liquid from flowing from the through-hole. The first and second components may be threaded to engage with each other such that when the components are twisted relative to each other, the knob may move toward or away from the through-hole to prevent or allow liquid flow.

Abstract: An ice guiding apparatus of a dispenser for a refrigerator is disclosed. The ice guiding apparatus of the dispenser for the refrigerator, in the dispenser provided in the refrigerator and outwardly provides ice pieces, comprises: a fixing guider formed at the dispenser; and a moving guider for guiding the ice pieces to be outwardly provided by moving along fixing guider. According to the ice guiding apparatus of the dispenser for the refrigerator, it is capable of preventing interference between an ice discharge opening and an ice container putted at the dispenser and precisely guiding the ice pieces into the ice container.

Abstract: An ice flap device (10) for a refrigerator comprises a flap unit (14) movable between an open position and a closed position, which unit releases a dispenser aperture for dispensing ice in its open position and blocks the dispenser aperture against dispensing ice in its closed position, as well as a motorized drive mechanism for driving the flap unit (14) between its open and closed position. According to the invention the drive mechanism comprises an a.c. motor (12) as well as a first electrical switch (26), which lies in the supply circuit of the a.c. motor and switches depending on the introduction of a receptacle into an ice dispenser compartment of the refrigerator, and by means of which the a.c. motor (12) can be turned on when the receptacle is introduced into the ice dispenser compartment for a movement of the flap unit (14) from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: A glass filler defines a main body having a lower surface. An inlet and outlet are each defined in the lower surface of the main body. An outlet chamber is defined in the main body and contains an outlet valve, which includes an outlet valve housing defining a castellated edge. The outlet valve includes a cylindrical sleeve that defines an inner surface that is crenellated and configured to receive an implement that can be inserted and used by the operator to rotate the cylindrical sleeve in a manner that controls the amount of liquid exiting the outlet of the glass filler.

Abstract: A non-spilling, detachable pouring spout is configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. The spout has a spout body defining a first hollow passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end, wherein this open passageway having a generally tubular hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is received in the spout and seals against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body, preferably the flow of liquid out of the spout and air into the spout as a venting system. The movement of said sleeve may be controlled by movement of an external sheath and may include child-resistant features. The preferred spout may achieve smooth air venting and liquid flow, and minimizes transverse/sideways flow and openings that tend to cause splash and leaks.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a chamber to hold granular or powdered materials, such as candy, and having a dispensing chute with a valve between the chamber and dispensing chute. The valve is biased in a closed position but can be opened by pushing a cam lever. The dispensing apparatus has guide arms to hold a collecting tube so that the collecting tube does not touch the dispensing chute. The guide arms also allow a user to open the valve to cause the candy to flow into the collecting tube by pushing the collecting tube against the cam lever which causes the valve to open.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a body supporting a rotatable nut which receives and mates with a bleeder valve threaded into a hydraulic fluid system such as a caliper wheel brake or a clutch for a motorcycle. The nut is sealed to the system, and the nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to an open position while maintaining the seal between the nut and the fluid system. A passage within the body and the nut provides for evacuating the system and then charging fluid into the system. The nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to its closed position, and the nut is then unclamped and unsealed from the fluid system. In one embodiment, the bleeder valve is gripped to clamp and seal the nut to the fluid system, and in another embodiment, the nut is sealed to the system using a clamping member opposing the nut.

Abstract: A vial has a body defining a chamber for receiving a substance therein; and a valve assembly coupled in fluid communication with the chamber and defining (i) an open position permitting at least one of (a) passage of the substance through the valve assembly and into the chamber for storing the substance in the chamber, and (b) passage of the substance out of the chamber for dispensing the substance therefrom; and (ii) a closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the container. A filling member is connectable in fluid communication with the valve assembly to fill the chamber therethrough.

Abstract: A container insert having at least two primary pieces, wherein one of the pieces includes keying features that may be replaceable with other pieces having different keying features. A related single piece container insert includes multiple keying features formed on the interior and exterior surfaces of the container insert. A related coupling assembly includes a venting system that vents a fluid into the container after a valve in the coupling assembly, which is positioned in the container contents flow path, has been opened.

Abstract: A powder dispenser comprising a powder container having an opening in a lower end thereof, a powder receptacle having a flange, and a flow control assembly having pivotable flow control arms biased against each other, pivotable activation arms biased towards each other, and connecting members for connecting the flow control arms to the activation arms for concomitant movement, wherein the receptacle flange is operable to engage the activation arms to pivot the activation arms away from each other and thereby pivot the flow control arms away from each other so that powder is allowed to flow through the flow control assembly into the receptacle. The dispenser may further comprise an agitator that is operable to agitate the powder in the container when the flow control arms are pivoting towards or away from each other.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system for footwear that includes a shoe and a shoe ventilation device. The shoe includes a fitting for connecting to a pressurized air or gas source, such as refrigerated air from a refrigeration source, and the shoe ventilation device includes a fitting to connect to the shoe and a user-actuated valve for controlling the flow of air or gas.

Abstract: A liquid filtering and dispensing system can be formed as an integral unit and configured for placement within an appliance compartment. The system can have a manifold with a filter connection including inflow and outflow attachments for a filter cartridge, an inlet, at least one outlet forming a dispenser and a valve to control flow through the integral system. The system can include a cooling reservoir fluidly located prior to the dispenser. The system can include a removable carafe and a carafe mount configured such that the carafe can receive liquid from the dispenser. The carafe mount can be configured to supply liquid from the carafe to a remote dispensing assembly such as a refrigerator door dispenser. The carafe mount can be positioned within the refrigerator compartment or within the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A refueling receiver includes an inlet configured to receive a nozzle. A control valve piston is connected to the inlet to allow flow from the inlet to the control valve piston. The control valve piston has an inlet side and an outlet side. An outlet is provided having an outlet fitting and a return fitting. The outlet fitting is connected to the inlet to allow flow from the inlet to the outlet fitting. A sensor is provided having an input connected to the outlet fitting, and an output connected to the return fitting to allow flow from the outlet fitting to said return fitting through the sensor. A pilot valve is in communication with the return fitting to control a pressure differential between the inlet side and the outlet side to move said control valve piston into a first position to allow flow out of the receiver, and a second position to prevent flow from leaving the receiver.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a body supporting a rotatable nut which receives and mates with a bleeder valve threaded into a hydraulic fluid system such as a caliper wheel brake or a clutch for a motorcycle. The nut is sealed to the system, and the nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to an open position while maintaining the seal between the nut and the fluid system. A passage within the body and the nut provides for evacuating the system and then charging fluid into the system. The nut is rotated to move the bleeder valve to its closed position, and the nut is then unclamped and unsealed from the fluid system. In one embodiment, the bleeder valve is gripped to clamp and seal the nut to the fluid system, and in another embodiment, the nut is sealed to the system using a clamping member opposing the nut.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to increase security when connecting a connective coupling (10) used for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for filling motor vehicle fuel tanks, provided with a sliding sleeve (18) in order to lock connecting profile sections, especially collets (15). According to the invention, a data interface, especially a data transmitter (60), is arranged on the sliding sleeve (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector that provides secure and convenient connection to a product container. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing fluid flow connection to a container opening of a container comprises a connector including a proximal end, a distal end, a flow passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and at least one side opening extending from an external surface of the connector to the flow passageway, the side opening being disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The connector is configured to be inserted into the container opening and to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The side opening is blocked by an internal surface of the container opening in the closed position. The side opening is at least partially open to an interior of the container to permit fluid flow between the interior of the container and the flow passageway of the connector in the open position.

Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.

Abstract: A discharge valve for a container (1) containing a flowable medium, having a movable valve part (10) which, in a rest position, keeps an outlet closed, has at least two open positions with different outlet cross sections.

Abstract: A spout for an associated container for dispensing a substance into the container. The spout may include a cap, a capsule that can be filled and sealed with a sealing layer, and a nozzle that can be screwed onto the container and carries a piercing device protruding therein such that the sealing layer of the capsule is pierced by the piercing device upon the turning of the cap.

Abstract: A touchless dispensing system includes a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and at least one liquid. A detection device is positioned with respect to the dispenser. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser without contacting the container. The detection device is further configured to generate a signal confirming a position of the container with respect to the dispenser. The dispenser is activated to dispense an amount of ice and/or an amount of the at least one liquid into the container in response to the signal generated by the detection device.

Abstract: A dispenser delivers a pourable material onto the outside of a receiving vessel, for example, a flavorant like granular salt or sugar onto the rim of a beer bottle or margarita glass, or a glue, sealant, or lubricant onto the external threads of a chemical bottle. An external casing containing the pourable material has an opening at the bottom that is normally sealed by a retractable encloser held in place by a closer spring inside the casing. To dispense pourable material, the bottom of the encloser is pressed against the rim of the receiving vessel, lifting the encloser from its normally-closed position and opening an annular path through which the material is released onto the outside of the rim, but not into the interior, of the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A filling device for an anesthetic evaporator has filling of an anesthetic evaporator is possible. To accomplish the object, an additional vent hole (36), which is opened immediately after the filling in order for excess anesthetic volume to be able to flow out of the filling device into the anesthetic tank (15) of the anesthetic evaporator (2), is provided within the filling device above a fluid channel (14), via which both the gas and liquid exchange takes place during the filling.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a door of a refrigerator includes a tray of flap construction which is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the tray is received within a cavity of the dispenser assembly to present a support surface for a container such as a water glass. The tray is pivotable into a second position outside of the dispenser assembly so that an area normally underneath the tray is open to provide a second support surface for supporting larger containers than is possible with the tray in its first position. The now exposed bottom of the flap provides a third support surface outside of the cavity. The dispenser assembly can be used for dispensing water, ice, combinations thereof and may include lighting and other features.

Abstract: The interaction between a filling valve (28) on the filling device and an adapter valve on a bottle adapter has improved anesthetics filling features including radially inwardly directed bars (26), which engage (pass into) corresponding slots on the outlet pipe of the bottle adapter. The bars engaged in the slots actuate the adapter valve. The bars are provided on the inner wall of a filler neck (22).

Abstract: A valve, system and method for the delivery of gases or liquids is shown where the delivery persons can fill the system without having to enter the building and the system can continue to deliver gas to the user. There is no interruption of service while the system is being filled.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of chemical substance applicators in a facility includes establishing a supply of chemical substance applicators, the applicators being configured to contain the chemical substance and to enable the chemical substance to be applied at various locations within the facility, the chemical substance applicators having data indicators identifying data about the chemical substance applicators. One or more reading mechanisms are positioned at one or more locations within the facility, the reading mechanism being capable of reading data from the data indicators on the chemical substance applicators. A plurality of the chemical substance applicators is introduced into the facility, the chemical substance applicators having the data indicators. The movement of chemical substance applicators within the facility is controlled by monitoring data from the chemical substance applicators using the reading mechanism.

Abstract: A gas mask liquid delivery system including a gas mask having a liquid inlet port. A liquid control adapter having a body with a first end with an outlet opening formed therein, a second end with an inlet opening formed therein, and an interior chamber formed within the body. An inlet chamber extends from the inlet opening to the interior chamber and an outlet chamber extends from the outlet opening to the interior chamber. The inlet and outlet openings, inlet, interior, and outlet chambers, define a flow path when placed in open communication with each other to permit liquid to flow through the flow path. A stopper controls the flow of the liquid through the flow path. The outlet opening connects the adapter to the liquid inlet port. A flow tube connects a liquid source to a connector, wherein the inlet opening of the adapter is connected to the connector.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.

Abstract: A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.

Abstract: A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel supply adapted to be connected to a host device, such as an electronic device powered by a fuel cell. The fuel supply comprises a front face and at least one functional element, wherein the at least one functional element is positioned relative to a datum defined on the front face. The front face is positioned opposite to a corresponding face on the host device, and the datum matches a matching datum on the host device and the at least one functional element is connected to corresponding connection on the host device. An adapter is also provided.

Abstract: A developer supply container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes a container body for containing a developer; a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the developer from the container body; shutter means for unsealing and sealing the discharge opening; wherein the shutter means has a first shutter member and a second shutter member resealably provided at a position facing to the discharge opening.

Abstract: An expansion tank (1) which is intended to be connected to a pipe system which is filled or is to be filled with liquid, comprises a substantially closed tank (2) having at least a first connection opening (6) for connection to a liquid pipe, a second connection opening for connection to a source of pressurized gas (14), and an element (8) which can move inside the tank and is designed to move with the interface (11) between liquid (9) and gas (10) in the tank. The tank is provided, at the location of the second connection opening, with a valve assembly (7) which can open and close the second connection opening and can be actuated by the movable element (8) in the tank.

Abstract: A container, a method for dispensing a fluid contained in the container and a valve are disclosed. The container includes a valve that permits the contents of the container to be dispensed and re-sealed after use. In some embodiments, the valve automatically opens when a suitable connector is attached to the container and automatically closes when the connector is removed from the container. The container can also optionally include a pressure relief system and provisions to prevent backflow into the container. The container is also designed to be backward compatible with existing hardware and connectors.