Abstract: A method and apparatus to brew coffee with cold water and automatically dispense it into a container after a specified brew time. Water and a packet of coffee grounds are introduced to a brew chamber to produce a coffee extract after a specified time and then delivered to a removable receiving container. The packet is compressed to release the maximum amount of extract from the packet. Extract can be diluted with additional water into the removable receiving container to create the beverage. The receiving container is filled and sealed for freshness.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus describing a convenience beverage vending machine and its operation are described. An embedded computer interface allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks. Drinks are dispensed in a container. The beverages may be made from hot water, cold water or carbonated water that is mixed with various flavors of syrup, sweeteners and nutritional supplements. Identification may be presented and the computer recognizes the consumer and pulls up that consumer's account to determine funds available and previous drink selections and mixtures. The machine may incorporate an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.

Abstract: A sanitary touch-free automatic condiment dispensing apparatus and method of use. The automatic sanitary touch-free condiment dispensing apparatus includes a two-stage detection process for detecting and automatically dispensing a pre-determined amount of a condiment/sauce (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayo, food sauces, desert sauces, syrups, salad dressing, etc.) or another fluid (e.g., soap, shampoo, etc.). without accidental or wasteful dispensing.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to an aspect includes: a freezing compartment; a freezing compartment door; an ice bin mounted on the rear of the freezing compartment door and storing ice; and an operating unit mounted on the rear of the freezing compartment door and operates to discharge the ice from the ice bin.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling device, possibly a refrigerator, comprising a dispenser for distribution of ice and/or water having a housing, which is disposed on an outer wall of the cooling device and has an opening on a front face thereof for a fixing element to fix position of the housing on the outer wall; a front cover disposed on the housing as covering the front face of the housing; and that the front cover comprises an opening corresponding with the opening of the housing and providing access to the fixing element; and a cover for covering the opening of the front cover.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber, a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber, and a dispenser positioned on the door and configured to dispense ice pieces or water through the door when the door is oriented in a closed position. The refrigerator also includes a dispensing button unit configured to control a dispensing start time and a dispensing speed of the ice pieces or water dispensed through the dispenser based on a position of at least a portion of the dispensing button unit that results from movement of the portion of the dispensing button unit.

Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a nozzle adaptor configured to fit over an outlet of an inflation nozzle. A nozzle receipt is provided by the balloon inflator housing to selectively receive the nozzle adaptor and a switch is provided at the nozzle receipt. The nozzle adaptor is adapted to trigger the switch when received at the nozzle receipt. The switch controls the power supplied to the motor, such that different motor operating parameters are realized when the switch is triggered and when the switch is not triggered. In a particular embodiment, the nozzle adaptor includes vent channels that exhaust a portion of the air to the atmosphere when a balloon is fitted over the alternate outlet.

Abstract: A system for measuring an ingredient in a container of a beverage dispenser includes a scale having a base with the container supported on the base. The ingredient has a recipe weight equal to a weight of a total amount of the ingredient that will be dispensed into the container and an in-flight weight that is equal to a weight of the ingredient that has left the dispenser but is not yet supported within the container so that it is detected by the scale. A dispenser controller subtracts the in-flight weight parameter from the recipe weight to calculate a target weight of ingredient within the beverage container, thereby controlling the activation or deactivation of the ingredient dispenser(s).

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided. The dispenser may include a cover which opens or shuts an opening of a duct that guides contents from an interior of the refrigerator to the dispenser for discharge. An actuator transmits an externally applied force to the cover to cause the cover to move and selectively open and shut the opening. A regulator controls action of the actuator to adjust movement of the cover.

Abstract: Described is an automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing toothpaste. The dispensing apparatus comprises a housing having a front portion with a hole therethrough. The housing is capable of holding a tube of toothpaste. A sensor is attached with the housing. A spring is connectable with the housing for compressing the container of the viscous substance. A dispenser head is attached with the housing for attaching with the container of the viscous substance. Additionally, a motor is connected with the sensor and the dispenser head. Thus, a user can activate the sensor by placing an object proximate the sensor to activate the motor so that the motor rotates the dispenser head. In operation, the spring compresses the tube of toothpaste such that the toothpaste is pressed out of the container and through the dispenser head and the hole in the front portion of the housing to be dispensed upon a toothbrush.

Abstract: An ice-making device includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part opening and closing the duct. When an operation load applied to the duct-covering part while the duct-covering part closes the duct is greater than a preset normal load, the duct-covering part operates to open the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection system for injecting material into a receiving vessel, said injection system comprising: (i) an injection chamber provided with means to connect to the receiving vessel, and (ii) an injection capsule, adapted to fit within the injection chamber, and comprising a reservoir for the material and a valve, said injection system being adapted so that opening of the valve causes material contained within the reservoir to be injected into the receiving vessel by action of a pressure differential between the injection chamber and the receiving vessel. The present invention also relates to a method of injecting material into a receiving vessel using said injection system.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (2) fox delivering fluid or liquid to a container (e.g. a bottle) (1), has a container holding device (3, 3?) and fluid delivery means (30) delivering fluid to a dispensing outlet (18), under control of an actuation member (20) which causes the fluid delivery means to deliver fluid in response to movement of the actuation member from its start position. A dispensing lock (43) has a first position in which it blocks movement of the actuation member (20) from its start position, and a second position in which it permits movement of the actuation member. A release member (5) that releases the dispensing lock includes a movable release member which is moved by the container, during its insertion into the refill position, so as to release the dispensing lock by bringing the dispensing lock to said second position, thus enabling fluid to be delivered.

Abstract: A method for compacting a surface of a wooden workpiece (1), wherein the addition of a foreign material is to be avoided, is characterized in that the surface (17) of the wooden workpiece (1)—while preventing the entry of oxygen—is heated in at least partial areas by supplying energy to the surface (17) and under pressure until a thermoplastic adhesive substance (3) coming from the wooden workpiece (1) is formed, whereupon the surface (17) and a volume area beneath the surface (17) are compacted under application of pressure while being cooled.

Abstract: A refillable drink container system is provided which comprises a drink dispensing unit with a filling tap located within a cavity and a refillable drink container having an opening for the passage of liquid therethrough, at least a portion of the container is adapted to enter the cavity and engage with the dispensing unit such that the opening in the container is positioned near the filling tap to allow liquid to be dispensed from the filling tap into the drink container and the engagement between the dispensing unit and the container prevents contact between the opening of the container and the filling tap.

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 filling apparatus includes at least one source container that contains a substance and a reading mechanism capable of reading data from a data indicator on a receiving container wherein the data indicator identifies data about the receiving container. The apparatus also includes a controller that is connected to the reading mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine when a dispensing condition is satisfied. The apparatus also has a dispenser for discharging the substance into the receiving container in response to a signal from the controller. The dispensing condition can be a match between data from the data indicator and the data stored for access by the controller. The source container can also have a data indicator. The dispensing condition is then satisfied when the data from the source container data indicator matches the data from the receiving container data indicator.

Abstract: In embodiments a beverage dispenser includes a beverage cabinet, a mechanically operable, gravity-fed piston valve that can be controllably opened and closed to dispense beverage in a generally downward direction, a valve actuator supported on the cabinet below the valve and coupled to the valve and a beverage flow path to direct beverage from the valve to a receptacle.

Abstract: A fill station for filling various sizes of containers from a liquid dispensing system includes a first stationary platform and second rotatable platform positioned above the first platform. The second platform is hinged to move between a horizontal loading position and a stowed position to provide access to the first platform. A third platform may be positioned above the second platform, wherein the third platform is hinged at an opposite end from the second platform to move between a horizontal load position and a stowed position. Sensors may be used to detect whether a container is positioned on one of the platforms and to detect the positions of the different rotatable platforms.

Abstract: A universal boat accessory rack that provides a first support, a second support, a cross-bar connecting the first support to the second support, and a plurality of fasteners, which connect the first support and second support to a boat hull. More specifically, the first support, the second support and the cross-bar are all adjustable in length. Therefore, the boat accessory rack has an adjustable height, width and depth. In addition, the fasteners are capable of being attached in a vertical, horizontal or angular position with respect to the boat hull. In this manner, a boat owner may quickly and easily install the boat accessory rack on boats embodying a number of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a refrigerator includes an ice reservoir mounted inside the refrigerator, an ice supplier disposed within the ice reservoir, a cavity mounted in a refrigerator door, an ice supply tube communicating the ice reservoir with the cavity, a damper door for opening and closing the ice supply tube, and an elastic member biasing the damper door toward the ice supply tube closing position. A mounting lever pivotally fixed on the cavity, a damper door opening lever extending from an extreme end of the mounting lever to one side of the damper door, a switch operating lever extending from the extreme end of the mounting lever, and a switch operated by a pivotal movement of the switch operating lever are provided. A retardation means for retarding the return of the damper door to the closed position for a predetermined time after pieces of ice are dispensed out of the cavity and the switch is turned OFF is also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing outlet includes a first illumination source having a first field of illumination, a second illumination source having a second field of illumination, at least one optical sensor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the at least one optical sensor to initiate dispensing of a material through the dispensing outlet when the at least one optical sensor senses a portion of a receiving member positioned within the first field of illumination and the second field of illumination. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single illumination source, a plurality of optical sensors, and a control circuit. Here, dispensing can be initiated when a portion of the receiving member is within the fields of view of the plurality of optical sensors.

Abstract: The device includes a pair of passages (4--4') meeting at a top neck (5) communicating with and coupled laterally to the outlet of the mill (1). The junction between the passages (4--4') has a hinged trapdoor (7) which in a stable position seals one of the passages whilst holding the other one open.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a dilute liquid concentrate with a diluent to form a dilute use solution for dispensing into a bottle. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes an aspirator 60 and a controller 50. The controller 50 includes an activation switch that is operable by being depressed in a first direction. A slide actuator 80 is mounted relative to the controller for movement in a second direction. The dispensing apparatus 10 also includes a lock-out member 100 to prevent the inadvertent use of an incorrect bottle while dispensing the use solution.

Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus having a cabinet providing a filter holding compartment, a front mounted alcove with a paddle switch having a stepped outer surface to allow activation by small and large diameter containers, and an electrical interlock switch for avoiding inadvertent dispensing of hot water. The cabinet can house a reverse osmosis purifying system or a cartridge filtering system. The cabinet can hold a mechanical refrigeration system including a forced convection condensing coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dosing and dispensing solid substances such as ice, which device is provided with at least one storage chamber, at least one discharge opening, at least one movable feed element which is arranged between the storage chamber and the discharge opening and has at least one receiving space, and a structure for dosing the quantity of solid substance to be dispensed through the discharge opening. A solid substance, such as ice, can hereby be dosed and dispensed quickly and hygienically. A suitable choice of the volume of the storage chamber in relation to the adjusted quantity of solid substance for dispensing ensures an uninterrupted operation of the device.

Abstract: Carbonated beverages are dispensed by an apparatus that includes a tank mounted for holding the beverage at atmospheric pressure. An inlet tube is provided to supply beverage beneath the surface of the beverage already in said tank. An nozzle projects from said tank for a length at least as great as the depth of a serving container into which beverage will be dispensed. A valve member movably located in an outlet of the nozzle and has a conical shape. The valve member is moved by an actuator between a closed position in which the outlet of the nozzle is sealed against beverage flow, and an open position in which beverage can flow from the nozzle. The conical shape of said valve member disperses the beverage in a 360 degree pattern around the outlet to reduce beverage foaming. A shell encloses the tank and forms a cavity therebetween through which chilled air circulates to maintain the beverage in the tank at a desired serving temperature.

Abstract: An improved dental hygene center utilizing push button toothpaste dispenser and incorporating a cooperating floss dispenser, automatic paste dispersal on the brush, mouthwash access, counter for replacement of toothpaste and message center.

Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.

Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided for dispensing and monitoring output and consumption of fluids in the microgravity conditions of outer space. The dispensing system conveniently dispenses a plurality of fluid from distinct output ports into a corresponding suitable receptacle. Each consumer is identified at a point of delivery of the fluid and fluid dispensing and/or consumption is monitored and displayed according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided which includes a housing for retaining a quantity of a dispensing liquid. A base tray in association with a lower face of the housing defines a chamber for installation of a sensor and a valve controller. The valve controller which is responsive to the sensor includes a cylinder for transferring liquid from the housing to an external part of the housing. The cylinder is formed with a plurality of horizontal panels as well as a branch sleeve functionally connected to the sensor and a vertically located hollow sleeve-like movable plug having a circumferential flange on a central face with a downwardly extending protrusion formed on a lower portion within the cylinder. The movable plug is connectable to a rubber plug having a vent.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing, a dispenser head with an electrically conductive combination cup actuator lever and beverage level probe, a control circuit connected to the probe and to a start switch actuatable by the probe and to a solenoid for a beverage valve, and a drip tray and cup rest wherein the cup rest is tilted rearward toward the actuator lever to hold a cup against the lever and keep the back of the cup rim against the lever. An improved actuator lever has a dielectric journal, an electrically conductive thin wall metal tube cantilevered probe extending down from a single fastener securing a control lead and the probe to the journal piece and the conductive probe is spaced from and is below the level of the valve body and lever fulcrum. A conductive plastic flow control is mounted in the valve body and a second control lead is connected to the electrically conductive flow control for providing a potential signal in the beverage.

Abstract: An improved beverage dispenser for filling any one receptacle taken from a predetermined group of different sized cups or a significantly large pitcher, the dispenser has manual start and automatic shut off of dispensing utilizing an electrically conductive combination activator and beverage probe lever, has an improved receptacle rest for dependable support of all of the cups or the pitcher, and the rest has a rearwardly inclined tilted upper receptacle support surface to tilt the receptacle toward the lever. The improved receptacle rest has a nose extending up and out beyond a dispenser drip tray for support of the pitcher, and a backstop to prevent the pitcher from damaging or disabling the automatic shut off and the dispenser. A method of dispensing, a retrofit kit, and method of retrofitting a cup dispenser into a dipenser for cups and/or pitchers with automatic dispensing shut off are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing is initially stopped before the liquid level reaches the top of the container to allow for dissipation of foam on the top of a carbonated beverage and dispensing is reinitiated to top off the level of beverage adjacent the top of the container. The disclosed system also utilizes the ultrasonic transducer to measure the level of ice within the container prior to dispensing and precludes dispensing of the beverage if the level of ice exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An ice dispenser control wherein a plurality of solenoids are selectively operated by switches engaged by cups of different sizes placed in a dispensing space of the ice dispenser. The solenoids cause a delivery passage of the ice maker to be closed at a selected level thereof by a divider while concurrently a closure normally closing the delivery end of the delivery passage is removed therefrom so as to permit ice bodies in the passage between the delivery end and the actuated divider to be dispensed to the cup in the dispensing space. The control causes an agitator in the ice storage bin to be operated for a preselected period of time each time ice is delivered from the delivery passage. Additionally, the control is arranged to cause agitation of the ice in the ice storage bin whenever no dispensing of ice is effected for a preselected long period of time, thereby to prevent conglomeration of the ice bodies in the storage bin.

Abstract: A dispenser for automatically dispensing into receptacles of variable dimensions, a very accurate volume of liquid stored in bulk form in at least one tank. The dispenser has several dispensing units each having a mobile spout that can be automatically returned to a rest position, a volume measuring container placed between a filling and an emptying electrovalve. A switch opens the emptying valve when it is manoeuvered by a customer. The dispensing unit also supplies a ticket indicating the volume and/or the price of the dispensed liquid.

Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus adapted for dispensing a predetermined amount of one or more condiments or other fluids onto a sandwich or the like. The dispenser includes a stand supporting a nozzle which is connected in flow communication by conduits to at least one source of condiment. A valving arrangement and associated controllers are operatively connected to the conduits between the nozzle and the source of the condiment for selectively allowing a predetermined quantity of condiment to be dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: An electronic controller for solenoid valve actuated beverage dispensers which allows the operator to automatically dispense properly filled cups of various sizes. Slideably mounted electronic probe is lifted by the lip of the cup positioned under the dispenser spout. Actuation of a switch energizes the solenoid valves starting the dispensing cycle. When the cup is filled to the level of the probe, the solenoid valves are de-energized. Early de-energization of the solenoid valves by bubbles is avoided by adjusting a time delay-off knob so that the proper level will be attained for each class of beverage. Too much or too little ice in the glass will not affect the level. Digital counters record the number of drinks served by size or price.

Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.

Abstract: A portable ice dispenser for dispensing cubed or crushed ice from a receptacle into a container, such as a glass or the like, automatically when the glass is placed under a discharge chute on the front of the ice dispenser. The ice dispenser includes a thermally insulated cylindrical ice receptacle which includes a discharge opening in a front wall. The cylindrical receptacle is rotatably mounted about a generally horizontal concentric axis by a frame and includes a drive train for rotating the receptacle about the horizontal axis. An on-off switch is provided below the discharge opening in the receptacle for engagement by a glass placed under the opening which contacts and closes the switch to start the receptacle rotating. A plurality of internal, inwardly radially directed, fins are provided within the receptacle to agitate and carry the ice particles therewith.

Abstract: A juice dispensing apparatus, particularly a household tabletop juicer or juice centrifuge, has a juice outflow conduit. A glass or other container is placed below the outlet of the conduit when it is to be filled and is removed therefrom when it is sufficiently filled. The outlet of the juice outflow conduit is automatically opened and closed in response to the generation of opening and closing command signals, respectively. The presence of a container below the outlet of the juice outflow conduit is detected without physically contacting the container. An opening command signal is generated in response to the detection of the placement of a container below the outlet of the juice outflow conduit. A closing command signal is generated in response to the detection of the removal of a container from below the outlet of the juice outflow conduit.

Abstract: An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing is initially stopped before the liquid level reaches the top of the container to allow for dissipation of foam on the top of a carbonated beverage and dispensing is reinitiated to top off the level of beverage adjacent the top of the container. The disclosed system also utilizes the ultrasonic transducer to measure the level of ice within the container prior to dispensing and precludes dispensing of the beverage if the level of ice exceeds a predetermined limit.