Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump-type toothpaste composition which can be provided by being comprised in a pump-type container, and particularly, relates to a pump-type toothpaste composition with improved feeling of use when brushing teeth. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a pump toothpaste composition having improved tailing and dry-hardening property. The pump-type toothpaste composition of the present disclosure may comprise a hydrocolloid.

Abstract: A switch system for controlling dispensing from a dispensing system. A frame is coupleable to the dispensing system and has a front and back. A lever extends between a pivot and pressing ends and is pivotally coupled to the frame, being pivotable between dispensing and non-dispensing positions. A resilient member between the lever and the back of the frame extends between an anchor and a contact region. The anchor region is coupled to the frame and the contact region is closer than the anchor region to the lever. A roller is pivotally coupled to the contact region. The resilient member biases the lever towards the non-dispensing position via the roller. An electronic switch is between the lever and the back of the frame. The electronic switch is actuated to cause dispensing when the lever is pivoted into the dispensing position.

Abstract: An ice dispenser assembly for an ice maker is provided. The ice dispenser assembly includes a dispenser housing defining at least one side wall having a dispenser and an opening in fluid communication with the ice maker. The ice dispenser assembly also includes an ice door covering the opening. The ice door is rotatable between an open position permitting ice from the ice maker to be received through the dispenser and a closed position restricting cooled air from escaping from the ice maker. The ice dispenser assembly also includes rotatable arm coupled to the ice door for rotating the ice door between the open position and the closed position. The rotatable arm extends across the opening between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a cam. The ice dispenser assembly further includes a first torsion spring engaging the cam in the open position and the closed position, wherein a torque of the first torsion spring against the cam is greater in the closed position than the open position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump-type toothpaste composition capable of being provided as contained in a pumping type container, and to a pump-type toothpaste composition improving the spreading property to a tooth as the toothpaste composition discharged to a toothbrush penetrates into the toothbrush and having an effect of ultimately delivering a medicinal ingredient continuously for a long time in the oral cavity. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a pump-type toothpaste composition with excellent commercial value, which can ensure discharge stability without hardening and accordingly, can be used in a pump-type container equipped with a dispenser pump (dip pump), which has a remarkable problem of hardening in the discharge port due to free movement of external air because of properties of the container, and thus can ensure even the convenient use.

Abstract: Automatic toothpaste dispensing device for due tooth care comprises device holder, which can be divided into a control box, and a toothpaste rack. There are installed a camera, display and a control panel respectively in central, upper and lower part of the said control box. Said toothpaste rack with several toothpaste drums fixed thereon is located to the right side of the control box. Said toothpaste drums include housings, and in the middle of the inner wall of the housings are mounted fixing brackets. On the fixing brackets are installed toothpaste extrusion pumps, above them are toothpaste entrances, and below them toothpaste exits. Below the fixing brackets are installed toothbrush hangers, and on the bottom of inner cavity of the toothbrush hangers squeezing buttons are fixed. The present invention analyzes the teeth images, estimates teeth conditions, and subsequently obtains an appropriate tooth care plan with the processor.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a housing with a cover coupled to the housing for movement between a closed position and an open position and a lifting member coupled to the housing between the housing and the cover whereby movement of the lifting member as guided by the housing moves the cover between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A dispenser (5) for dispensing of at least one of ice or liquid and for mounting into a household cooling appliance (1), comprising: an output niche (6), at least one of an ice passage (7) or liquid outlet (8), a switch (9), which activates an output of at least one of ice or liquid out of the dispenser (5), wherein the switch (9) comprises a protrusion (10), a separate actuation paddle (11) which is attached to the protrusion (10), wherein the actuation paddle (11) projects into the output niche (6) in order to be pressed by an object held into the output niche (6), and a releasable and self-locking connection (12) wherein the actuation paddle (11) and the protrusion (10) are connected by said releasable and self-locking connection (12), wherein the releasable and self-locking connection (12) is a click-stop connection (13). A household cooling appliance (1) comprising a dispenser (5) for dispensing of at least one of ice or liquid (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting fluids from containers, with a first holding device suitable for holding a first region of the container, with a second holding device suitable for holding a second region of the container, and with a movement device which generates a relative movement of one holding device relative to the other holding device, in order thus to evacuate the container arranged at least in portions between these holding devices by its compression. At least one holding device is formed multi-piece with at least two components moveable relative to each other.

Abstract: A pinch valve for a liquid-dispensing unit or machine has a pinch valve body to which is pivotally secured a closure in a clamshell arrangement. The valve body and the closure define a passageway that can hold a liquid-dispensing tube when the pinch valve is in a closed configuration. The axis about which the closure pivots is perpendicular to the passageway.

Abstract: A drinking water supply device configured to discharge water based on a pressure of water supplied from a water supply source is provided. The drinking water supply device may include at least one discharge flow path that allows water supplied from the water supply source to flow therein, a discharge valve provided in the at least one discharge flow path, at least one cock provided in an end of the at least one discharge valve, the discharge valve including a sensor that generates a discharge signal to open the at least one discharge valve, a lever coupled to the at least one cock and operated by pushing and pulling, and a controller that controls the at least one discharge valve and the sensor. The discharge signal may be generated in the sensor when a switch of the sensor is pressed by a predetermined region of the lever.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a single lever switch for a user to control dispensing both water and ice. A water/ice dispenser includes a main body, an ice discharge port disposed on one side of the main body, an ice guide coupled to the outlet of the ice discharge port, a water discharge port disposed on the other side of the main body, and an integral lever. The integral lever is coupled pivotally to the ice guide through its middle portion. One end of the integral lever serves as a water discharge button for a user to request dispensing water and the other end of the integral lever serves as an ice discharge button for a user to request dispensing ice.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for an appliance includes an operable paddle having a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached to a dispenser wall between outward and inward positions. An actuator has a switch positioned proximate a pivot defined by a first end of an actuator lever. A second end of the actuator lever is positioned proximate the lower portion of the operable paddle, wherein operation of the operable paddle to the inward position engages the lower portion of the operable paddle with the bottom portion of the actuator lever and operates the actuator lever from an idle state to a use state. Movement of the bottom portion of the actuator lever operates the switch from a deactivated state to an activated state, wherein the activated state of the switch activates the at least one of the ice dispenser and the water dispenser.

Abstract: An ice making system for a refrigerator, comprises: a base member; an icemaker mounted to a front surface of the base member for making ice pieces; a driving unit mounted to a rear surface of the base member such that a motor shaft thereof is in a horizontal state; an ice bank horizontally inserted into the base member in a detachable manner, for storing the ice pieces made by the icemaker; a detachable mounting unit for detachably mounting the ice bank to the base member; and an ice crusher assembly provided at the ice bank so as to be connected to or separated from the driving unit, for crushing the ice pieces. Since the ice bank has only to be horizontally pushed into the base member for coupling, or horizontally pulled out of the base member for separation, processes for coupling or separating the ice bank to/from the base member are facilitated. This prevents the ice pieces stored in the ice bank from being discharged out of the ice bank.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly configured to dispense liquids or solids from an appliance. In one embodiment, the dispenser assembly includes a tray, a plunger located above the tray, and a discharge opening. The plunger has a front surface and is moveable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position. The discharge opening is concealed behind the plunger and free of the path of the plunger from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing flowable solid materials, wherein the apparatus includes a container for holding dispensable material, a dispensing assembly, a lever locking assembly, and a receptacle. In operation, a receptacle is inserted into a receptacle receiving area. The receptacle engages a pivotable release arm to unlock a latch plate. The receptacle also engages a pivotable latch arm to slide the latch plate to unblock a lever slot, thereby allowing a lever to be urged downward by a user. As the lever is urged downward, a piston advances through an angularly disposed piston shaft to push dispensable material from a piston shaft upper portion into a spiral chute wherein the material gravity flows down the chute and into the receptacle in the receptacle receiving area. The apparatus may include a receptacle locking assembly to lock the receptacle within the receptacle receiving area while material is being dispensed.

Abstract: A bottom fill, fluid dispensing system is provided having a dispenser capable of being mounted to a countertop and a container. The container may be placed onto the dispenser and the dispenser may be moved to a first position, to allow the dispenser to fill the container with a fluid. The container may be filled through a one way valve in the container wall. Once the container is filled to a desired level, the dispenser may be moved to a second position and the container may be removed from the dispenser without the fluid leaking from the one way valve in the container wall.

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 refrigerator is provided to prevent sustaining of injuries by users, and which is capable of being hygienically used. The refrigerator prevents users sustaining injuries from inadvertently bumping into a dispenser or a tray when passing by the refrigerator.

Abstract: A concentrate dispensing system for dispensing a fluid for dilution, comprises a bracket (1) and a bottle (2). The bracket (1) is arranged to releasably hold the bottle (2). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a first receptacle type, which is freestanding, when the bottle (2) is in a freehand mode and is not held in the bracket (1). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a second receptacle type (3), which is received and guided by the bracket (1), when the bottle (2) is in a bracket mode and is held in the bracket (1).

Abstract: A manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the sidewall and a distal end coupled to a push plate. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a spring-biased seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and slidably coupled the sidewall by a pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall.

Abstract: A package for flaked and/or granular, consumable material includes a container having a bottom surface and sidewalls that transition through a funnel shape to a dispenser chute terminating in a container opening. A rotating dispenser wheel disposed in the dispenser chute includes a plurality of fillable compartments, and the wheel has a fill position, wherein one of the compartments is filled with contents contained in the enclosure, and a dispense position wherein the contents are released through the package opening following a predetermined rotation of the dispenser wheel. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser wheel has four quadrants defined by panels extending outwardly from a central hub. Two opposing quadrants may define fillable compartments, whereas the other two quadrants may define non-fillable compartments. The dispenser wheel is contained within a holder disposed in the dispenser chute.

Abstract: An automatic home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing, and heating of infant formula bottles provides a reservoir on top that holds an amount of powdered formula. Connection to a household water supply provides a flow of water to an internal water heating reservoir. A central front opening is provided in which the infant bottle is placed. A digital display and a plurality of programming buttons are arranged upon a front panel to allow the user to select operating parameters. Once programmed, internal electronic controls perform dispensing and mixing of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratio and dispensing of mixed formula into the proper sized bottle. The mixture is also kept warm at the proper temperature by a hot plate. An indicator light then illuminates to communicate to a user that the bottle is ready to be removed and the mixture consumed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device for a filler neck situated on a container, in particular for a container situated on a rail or road vehicle, which may be supplied to a loading station for loading with powdered or granular bulk goods. At least one filler neck (3), which is provided with a through opening and connected to the container interior (6), and a pivot device (30), which comprises two pivot arms (31, 61) mounted thereon, are situated on the container (5), using which two closure elements (35, 60) situated thereon are pivotable in relation thereto around a shared axis (Z) for the exterior and interior closing or opening of the through opening. At least one seal, which is provided with a pressure chamber oriented around the circumference, for example, and which may be impinged with pressure in the closed position and relieved of pressure to pivot the closure elements, is situated on the closure elements (35, 60) and/or on the filler neck (3).

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 refrigerator includes refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, an ice and water dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing ice and water through the door, the ice and water dispenser including a multifunction dispensing actuation pad having a plurality of actuation points and wherein ice or water is dispensed upon selectively applying a pressure to one of the plurality of actuation points on the dispensing actuation pad. A method of operating a refrigerator includes the steps of providing a refrigerator and selectively applying pressure to at least one of a plurality of actuation points on a dispensing actuation pad of the refrigerator to select an ice and water dispenser function.

Abstract: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a faucet having a faucet body, a inlet and an outlet, and a faucet actuating portion. The faucet actuating portion includes a substantially flat body defining a lever portion aperture formed therein. The faucet body is at least partially interposed within the lever portion aperture. The actuating portion is selectively rotated about an axis for connecting the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet such that fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet will flow through the lever portion aperture.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.

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 water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a new constructive solution of a refrigerating cell, or in any case for the thermal treatment of drinks contained in not rigid pockets or packages and with standardized capacity, to be gradually dispensed, with control at a relative distance of the tap, without thermal dispersion or dispersion of the drink. It is the main feature of the invention to provide for the carrying out of a refrigerating, or thermal treatment, cell (1), which is provided with opening (12), for the insertion and replacement of the standardized packages (C1), said cell opening (12) being equipped with a connector thereof (34) having the edge intended to contact the outlet mouth (R3) of a tap (R) provided with a collar (20) which is self centering and able to be accommodated in a fork (31) of a jacket (30), which is fastened to the opening (12) and allows the application of a leverage which is adapted to activate the fins (R2) of the tap (R) without causing oscillations and movements thereof.

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 refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a sloped dispensing cavity that extends upward and rearward from the refrigerator door. The dispenser design allows for more efficient use of storage space on the door behind 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 manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally connected to the sidewall and a distal end with an elongated slot disposed therebetween. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and the sidewall by a first pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall and through the elongated slot of the arm. The brackets also coupled to the sidewall by a second pin that extends through the lateral slot of the sidewall and laterally between the first pin and the manifold.

Abstract: A laundry soap dispensing apparatus includes a housing that has a back wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The front wall has a cup opening therein positioned adjacent to the bottom wall and configured for receiving a cup. A trough is mounted within the housing and has a pour opening therein directed toward the bottom wall and a cup extended through the cup opening. Soap poured into the housing is directed into the trough and toward the pour opening. A measuring assembly is mounted in the housing and is in fluid communication with the pour opening. The measuring assembly is configured to dispense one of a plurality of selectable amounts of laundry soap into the cup. Laundry soap positioned within the trough may be poured into the cup by actuating the measuring assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, said device comprising a dispenser opening for the products, which is situated in a recess on the front of the device and a support that can be removed from the recess and has at least one first tray surface for a container that is to be filled from the dispenser opening. The support comprises a base part that is detachably fixed in the recess and a tray part, on which the first tray surface is formed. Said tray part is connected to the base part in such a way that it can be displaced between a first position, in which the first tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a first distance and a second position, in which the tray surface lies opposite the dispenser opening at a second distance that is greater than the first.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching apparatus of a dispenser for a refrigerator. The switching apparatus of the present invention comprises a switch 31 for providing a signal to control discharge of an object from the dispenser 23 provided on a refrigerator door 22 and a switch actuating portion 32 for switching on or off the switch 31. Further, the switch actuating portion 32 is elastically deformed and at least one end of the switch actuating portion is moved in a direction perpendicularly to a driving force to switch on the switch 31 when the driving force is applied thereto to discharge the object, and the switch actuating portion 32 is restored to switch off the switch 31 when the driving force is removed.

Abstract: A soda dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is positioned generally adjacent to the bottom wall and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. An upper edge of the peripheral wall defines an opening into the housing. A concave saddle is positioned in the housing adjacent to the opening. The saddle has an open bottom side. The saddle has a size and shape adapted for receiving a soda bottle so that a threaded opening of the bottle extends through the open bottom side. A spout assembly is removably attached to the threaded opening and is selectively opened or closed. An actuator is mounted in the housing that selectively opens the spout assembly so that fluid flows outwardly of the threaded opening.

Abstract: An ice harvesting prevention mechanism, including an actuator, is provided for an ice maker. The ice maker is arranged to make, harvest and dispense ice to an ice bucket located in an ice receiving position. An ice harvesting prevention device is arranged to prevent dispensing of ice in a first position of the actuator and to permit dispensing of ice in a second position of the actuator. The ice bucket itself, or a movable button carried on the ice bucket, may engage the actuator, when the ice bucket is placed in the ice receiving position, to move the actuator from the first position to the second position. The button may be moved to an “off” position to prevent engagement with the actuator, thereby preventing dispensing of ice when the ice bucket is in the ice receiving position.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a duct cap disposed so as to open and close an ice duct formed in the refrigerator, an opening and closing device connected so as to open and close the duct cap, and a damper connected to one of the duct cap and the opening and closing device such that a closing operation of the duct cap is delayed. The opening and closing device allows the duct cap to be manually opened and closed, and the damper is interlocked with the opening and closing device so as to delay a closing operation of the duct cap. With this structure, cost may be reduced and noise and/or vibration minimized, compared with mechanisms with the closing operation of the duct cap delayed using electric driving parts, such as solenoids.

Abstract: A refrigerator and duct cap assembly therefor having a damper that delays closing of a duct cap is disclosed herein. The refrigerator and duct cap assembly therefor include a duct cap, an opening and closing device, a connecting rod, a packing holder, a packing, and a cylinder. The duct cap opens and closes an ice duct of the refrigerator, and the opening and closing device opens and closes the duct cap. The connecting rod is connected to one of the duct cap and the opening and closing device. The packing holder is connected to the connecting rod. The packing is disposed in the packing holder. The cylinder may include at least one slot formed at a predetermined portion of a periphery of the cylinder and the packing makes a reciprocating motion within the cylinder while generating a frictional force.

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: A beverage dispenser for filling a container preferably has a nozzle through which the beverage is discharged and a pivoting lever located underneath the nozzle that detects the placement of a container so as to regulate the actuation of the dispenser. A conductive probe is in line with the discharged beverage stream, the lever also being conductive. A signal generator generates a varying-over-time signal that is applied to the probe or lever. As a result of beverage overflowing the container, the beverage stream establishes a conductive path between the probe and lever. The signal through this conductive path is compared to the signal produced by the signal generator. If the signals are substantially identical for a select period of time, the dispensing system is considered to be in an overflow state, and beverage dispensing is terminated.

Abstract: A product transfer device is provided that includes telescoping tubular arm sections that collectively define a fluid passageway and are arranged so that a terminal arm section has the smallest diameter, while the diameters of the succeeding arm sections are increasingly larger. Piston seals in adjacent arm sections cooperate to define a chamber. A product transfer valve and isolation valve control the flow of product through the product transfer device. Pressurization of the passageway extends the arm sections and an actuator device opens the product transfer valve when the transfer arm contacts a container bottom. Pressurization of the chamber causes retraction of the arm sections so that the exterior of each arm section is wiped clean by the piston seal of the arm section into which that arm section is retracted. Retraction of the arm sections also operates a securing device that automatically shuts the product transfer valve.

Abstract: An ice dispensing chute mechanism is characterized by an ice chute adapted for attachment at an upper ice inlet end to an ice retaining bin at an ice outlet from the bin. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and has a lower end for being contacted and moved by a receptacle into which ice is to be dispensed from a lower ice discharge end of the chute and an upper end for contacting and moving a linkage mechanism upon rotation of the actuating arm by the receptacle. The linkage mechanism is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and is coupled to an ice gate that is linearly moved by the linkage mechanism between open and closed positions that establish and interrupt communication between the upper inlet to the chute and the ice outlet opening from the bin.