Abstract: A merchandise access system for a retail merchandise display is provided. The system includes a product support structure, a door and a brake. The product support structure defines a product storage area. The product storage area is formed between a front end and rear end of the product support structure. The door is transitionable between an open orientation in which selected product of the plurality of product can be removed from the product storage area and a closed orientation in which the plurality of product cannot be removed from the product storage area. The brake transitions between a braking position that prevents unselected product of the plurality of product from being moved towards the front end due to a biasing force and a release position in which the unselected product can move towards the front end due to the biasing force.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A vaping liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold vaping liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense vaping liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of vaping liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing vaping liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A packaging machine hopper is provided for holding a stack of packaging articles with each article in a generally horizontal orientation. The hopper comprises a support for holding at least part of the stack at an angle to vertical.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing containers. The dispensing system includes a storage chamber configured to hold the containers available for dispensing. A release device is coupled to the storage chamber to release the containers therefrom. An input device is configured to receive an order to dispense specific containers from the containers stored within the storage chamber, where the specific containers include at least two individual containers having different shapes. A tray receives the specific containers released from the storage, where the specific containers when released form a nested stack on the tray, and where the nested stack has a stacked height. A control system is operative coupled to the input device and the release device, where the control system determines a sequence for dispensing the specific containers from the order so as to minimize the stacked height of the nested stack on the tray.

Abstract: A hand includes a plurality of first gripping members which move relative to each other, a first drive unit configured to move the plurality of first gripping members in a first opening and closing direction to bring the plurality of first gripping members close to each other or separate them from each other, a plurality of second gripping members which move relative to each other independently from the plurality of first gripping members, a second drive unit configured to move the plurality of second gripping members in a second opening and closing direction to bring the plurality of second gripping members close to each other or separate them from each other, and a third drive unit configured to move the plurality of first gripping members relative to the plurality of second gripping members in a third direction intersecting the first and second opening and closing directions.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for separating a cone sleeve (4) from a nested stack of cone sleeves (1) the apparatus comprising a chamber (2) having an upper (7) and a lower (8) surface connected by a wall or walls (6), the upper surface (7) having an upper circular opening (3) and the lower surface (8) having a lower circular opening (5) characterized in that the upper circular opening (3) has a circumference of from 100-135% of the maximum circumference of the cone sleeve (4), the lower circular opening (5) has a circumference of from 95-99.5% of the maximum circumference of the cone sleeve (4), and the chamber (2) has inlets (9) connectable to a pressurized gas supply.

Abstract: A part feeding apparatus includes a guide, a separator, and a lift mechanism. The guide is to guide stacked parts stacked in a height direction along a height of the part feeding apparatus. The separator is configured to pick up a bottommost part located at a bottom of the stacked parts in the height direction. The lift mechanism is configured to lift the stacked parts except for at least the bottommost part.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a tote dispenser that removes the bottom tote from as stack of totes which is then ejected by a conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the tote dispenser includes a first pair of support members which support all but the bottom tote in the stack, while a second pair of support members applies a force that removes the bottom tote from the stack. The first and second pairs of support members can be disengaged so that the stack of totes can be realigned relative to the support members so that the next tote at the bottom of the stack can be removed.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of cup dispensers that can accommodate a variety of different cup sizes, cup shapes, and/or cup materials without the need for manual adjustment. In some embodiments, the cup dispenser can automatically adjust the applied pressure via fingers/blocks on one or more contact points on a cup among an inserted sleeve of cups. In some embodiments, sets of blocks can be placed at varying depths. In some embodiments, one set of blocks can hold the cup currently being dispensed while another set of blocks can hold the next cup in the sleeve in place, for example.

Abstract: Provided are an article advancing device and an article arrangement shelf, wherein the article advancing device has a flexible sheet on which articles can be arranged at a condition where the sheet is extended, a roller to which one end of the sheet is fixed and which winds the sheet in the reverse extension direction, a drive means which rotates the roller in the winding direction of the sheet, and a wall member with which the articles in the first row of the articles arranged on the sheet come into contact. When the articles are arranged on the sheet, the article advancing device stops the winding operation of the sheet by the drive means by the contact of the articles in the first row with the wall member. The article advancing device has a simple article advancing function which employs a horizontally extending shelf basically having no incline and which does not require energy, such as electric power, and can be used regardless of the packaging state of the articles.

Abstract: The cup storage device includes a tube having opposing dispensing and terminal ends and inner and outer surfaces that define an inner volume. The inner volume receives cups stacked upon each other and stores them. The cup storage device includes a plurality of resilient cup restraining members disposed on the inner surface of the tube at the dispensing end. The cup restraining members extend from a mounting end proximate the inner surface of the tube to a contact end. A guide structure is positioned on the inner surface of the tube. The guide structure defines a recess. The contact ends of the plurality of cup restraining members are disposed within the recess.

Abstract: Dispenser for at least one component of a cup system, in particular a paint cup system. The dispenser includes at least one receiving body for receiving the component and an arrangement for releasing the component, with the dispenser including at least one fastening element for releasable attachment of the dispenser to a holding device.

Abstract: An automatic frozen food product vending machine includes a first freezer barrel configured to produce a first frozen food product, a first spigot fluidly connected to the first freezer barrel, the first spigot for dispensing the first frozen food product, a second freezer barrel configured to produce a second frozen food product, a second spigot fluidly connected to the second freezer barrel, the second spigot for dispensing the second frozen food product, a third spigot fluidly connected to both the first freezer barrel and the second freezer barrel, the third spigot for dispensing a mixture of the first and second frozen food products, and a movable platform for supporting a container to receive frozen food product, the movable container movable among a home position, a first fill position below the first spigot, a second fill position below the second spigot, and a third fill position below the third spigot.

Abstract: A lid dispenser for dispensing a first lid from a plurality of lids includes a housing having an opening therein through which the plurality of lids are dispensed, a door pivotally mounted and positioned frontwardly of the housing, and a claw assembly wherein the claw assembly is coupled to and movable relative to the door. The claw assembly includes a first claw including a first body portion and a first claw surface extending from the body portion, a second claw including a second body portion and a second claw surface extending from the body portion, and a depth stop plate that connects the first claw to the second claw, the depth stop plate including a depth stop spaced apart from the first claw surface and the second claw surface, wherein the depth stop plate defines and maintains the distance between the first claw and the second claw.

Abstract: A traveler has a platform which moves vertically within a carriage. By depressing one of three keys, the platform is depressed against a spring to the depth of one, two or three lids to be dispensed from a stack. With the desired key depressed, the entire carriage moves downwardly within a housing which has cams mounted to its side walls which displace spring mounted side separators which extend inwardly to separate the remainder of the stack of lids from the selected lids. The extended separators urge the selected lids past protruding pagers which support the remainder stack and prevent it from being dispensed. Once past the pagers, the selected lids are presented for one-handed removal by a user at a housing outlet. Constant force springs mounted between the carriage and the housing return the carriage to its initial position once pressure on the selected key is released.

Abstract: A separating tool for separating out objects one by one from a stack of objects includes a support base, an assembly plate positioned on the support base, a vertical sliding assembly slidably positioned on the assembly plate, and two opposing clamping members connected to the vertical sliding assembly. Each clamping member includes an engaging plate, a connecting shaft fixed to the engaging plate, and a cam base positioned on the support base. The cam base defines a cam slot, and the connecting shaft slides in the cam slot. A distance from a top end of the cam slot to the engaging plate is less than that from a bottom end of the cam slot to the engaging plate, such that the engaging plates of the two clamping members move together when the engaging plates are moved upwards with the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A lid dispenser receives a stack of drink cup lids within a housing tube, such that the frontmost lids extend through a front element opening and are retained by multiple pager assemblies, each of which has a frontwardly extending pager body post. The inside of the pager body has an engaging wall with an inclined surface directed radially inwardly. Flippers are pivoted to the posts and have wings which extend towards the front element, and have interior surfaces which are inclined radially outwardly. The flippers are biased radially inwardly, but are displaceable by a pressure applied axially towards the interior cavity. When adjusted so the pager body posts project radially over the front element opening, each pager body post inside wall is positioned to engage lids which extend from the front element opening, and direct them towards engagement with the pager flippers.

Abstract: A traveler has a platform which moves vertically within a carriage. By depressing one of three keys, the platform is depressed against a spring to the depth of one, two or three lids to be dispensed from a stack. With the desired key depressed, the entire carriage moves downwardly within a housing which has cams mounted to its side walls which displace spring mounted side separators which extend inwardly to separate the remainder of the stack of lids from the selected lids. The extended separators urge the selected lids past protruding pagers which support the remainder stack and prevent it from being dispensed. Once past the pagers, the selected lids are presented for one-handed removal by a user at a housing outlet. Constant force springs mounted between the carriage and the housing return the carriage to its initial position once pressure on the selected key is released.

Abstract: A frozen treat dispenser (11) dispenses a snow cone and/or a slushy, and has at least an ice storage bin (14) for storing ice (10), a cup de-nesting mechanism (49) to separate a cup from a stack having a plurality of cups, an ice grinder (21) to grind ice from the ice storage bin to produce snow (82), a flavor dispenser (25), a cup transport mechanism (23) to move the cup to a first position (40A) whereby the ice grinder can at least partially fill the cup with the snow and to a second position (40B) whereby the flavor dispenser can dispense at least one flavor onto the snow in the cup, and a processor (152) to control the operation of at least one of the cup de-nesting mechanism, the ice grinder, the flavor dispenser, or the indexer.

Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a storage member for accommodating stacked probe covers and a retaining unit with a pair of supporting arms for holding or releasing one of the stacked probe covers. A slide connects the retaining unit. A linking rod with a protrusion portion and a recess portion connects the slidable access member. The linking rod is moved upwardly or downwardly and the protrusion portion or the recess portion is moved to a position corresponding to the slide such that a force is applied to push or pull the supporting arms to release or hold the one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A medication delivering device includes a delivering unit and a negative pressure unit. The delivering unit includes a cylinder, a retractable part and a tip element. The cylinder has a first opening and a second opening. The retractable part connects the cylinder with the tip element. The tip element has a first end, a second end and a channel. The first end passes through the first opening and is received within the cylinder. The second end is located at an outlet of a pill container. The channel penetrates from the first end to the second end to link with the interior of the cylinder. The negative pressure unit connects to the second opening for providing negative pressure to the interior of the cylinder and the channel of the tip element, so that the tip element sucks up a pill on the outlet of the pill container.

Abstract: An automatic card dispenser is disclosed, which comprising: a base provided with a standby area, an output area, and a first track and second track parallel to each other; said standby area and output area are respectively provided on each end of the first track and second track, and each side of the dispensed card are respectively put in the first track and second track, and the first track is capable of separating from the standby area and output area; a vertical lifting unit connected to the base with a card box and a vertical driver; a horizontal pushing unit connected to the base for putting the card to contact card pressing wheel provided in the output area along the second track; and a recycling unit connected to the base and provided below the first track.

Abstract: A package includes an article group formed of cylindrical articles disposed on their sides in a side-by-side parallel fashion, and a carton disposed around the group. The carton includes a top wall, opposed side walls, end walls and an article dispenser. The side walls are disposed alongside the ends of the articles while one end wall is disposed adjacent to the side wall of an endmost article. The dispenser is formed from the end and top walls and includes at least one retaining panel to hold all the articles in the carton until removed by the user.

Abstract: A refrigerator is shown having a dosing unit for dispensing ice pieces one by one from an icemaker.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating nested foam cups, includes a support for guiding a stack of nested foam cups in a first direction to a mandrel for printing thereon; a first annular opening in the support for supplying an annular supply of pressurized air to a position between a forwardmost foam cup and a next adjacent nested foam cup such that the pressurized air travels in a second direction having a component opposite to the first direction and such that the pressurized air travels in a cavity between the forwardmost cup and the nested adjacent cup to separate the forwardmost cup from the next adjacent cup; and second openings in the support downstream of the first annular opening for supplying pressurized air to the separated forwardmost cup in order to further advance the forwardmost cup toward the mandrel.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: A tray holding apparatus includes a holding section, a separation section, a lifting/lowering section, and a control section. The holding section holds a stack of trays. The separation section separates the lowermost tray from the stack. The lifting/lowering section moves upward or downward between a predetermined place below the stack and this stack, thereby undergoing a first movement in which the separated tray is moved to the predetermined position and a second movement in which the tray in the predetermined place is moved to the stack. The control section controls the operations of the separation section and the lifting/lowering section.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus providing theft deterrence includes a product support defining a pathway for supporting a plurality of products in at least one column, and a dispenser mounted to an accessible portion of the product support for selectively presenting an associated lead product in the at least one column for removal from the product support. The dispenser is moveable between a first position blocking access to the product support, and a second position permitting access to the associated lead product in the at least one column while restricting access to any remaining associated products in the at least one column. The dispenser, when moved from the first position to the second position, is configured to move the associated lead product in a direction away from the product support.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing a central stationary lid retaining rod suspended from a lid cabinet upon which a stacked plurality of lids are retained through a central bore, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate engaging a rotating threaded shaft, the threaded shaft moving the press plate against the uppermost lid on the retaining rod pressing the stacked plurality of lids down along the retaining rod in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the retaining rod onto the top of a beverage cup positioned below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: Device for selection of capsules containing a food product from a, stack of capsules contained in a container, comprising a body (10) which delimits a passage (20) through which the capsules pass by gravity; first stop means (30, 31, 32, 33) for selectively retaining and releasing said first capsule (90); actuating means (8) for actuating said stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) between a stop position and a release position. The first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) are distributed about the circumference of the passage (20) and are able to move by turning transversely, and simultaneously, towards the inside of the passage to a stop position in order to form several support points distributed under the capsule (90).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial.

Abstract: An automatic card dispenser is disclosed, which comprising: a base provided with a standby area, an output area, and a first track and second track parallel to each other; said standby area and output area are respectively provided on each end of the first track and second track, and each side of the dispensed card are respectively put in the first track and second track, and the first track is capable of separating from the standby area and output area; a vertical lifting unit connected to the base with a card box and a vertical driver; a horizontal pushing unit connected to the base for putting the card to contact card pressing wheel provided in the output area along the second track; and a recycling unit connected to the base and provided below the first track.

Abstract: Semi-automatic dispenser for disposable cups, comprising a semi-automatic dispensing mechanism (1-50), defined by a box (2-51) having in its upper section a tubular drawer (4-43) for the accommodation of several common disposable cups (C), arranged as a stack with their mouths facing downwards, and further, each cup is expected to be dispensed in a bottom drawer (6-62).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial.

Abstract: An assembly structured to restrict contamination of individuals from association with the heads of stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes. Different embodiments include the dispensing of cleaning fluid or the delivery of protective barriers onto predetermined portions of the stethoscope heads, while passing along the path of travel. A dispenser assembly and a cooperatively disposed activating assembly are manually operated by moveable, driving engagement with the head portion passing through the housing. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by a head passing along the path of travel. Differently structured dispenser assemblies function to either deliver the cleaning fluid or individually dispense the barriers onto different heads, so as to either facilitate the cleaning or protective covering of exposed surfaces of the stethoscope heads, dependent on the embodiment utilized.

Abstract: The current invention is a lid dispensing device and method of use comprising a base unit, a lid holder operatively connected to the base unit, a blade operatively mounted to the base unit which moves between a first position and a second position, a docking ring secured to the base unit to accept a cartridge of stacked lids, the blade supporting a stack of lids by engaging a first lid in the stack of lids while the blade is in the first position, and the blade allowing the first lid to fall through an aperture in the blade away from the stack of lids, and still support the remaining stack of lids as the blade moves to the second position. The lid cartridge may be capped.

Abstract: A glove dispensing system includes glove bearing sheets and a glove opening mechanism. In use, the glove dispensing system opens a cuff end of the gloves carried by the glove bearing sheets and presents the open gloves to a user. As such, the glove dispensing system provides the user with a substantially sterile glove in a manner that allows the user to easily don the gloves while limiting a risk of the user contaminating an exterior surface of the glove by touching with his hands or other body parts. In one arrangement, the gloves are integrally formed as part of the glove bearing sheets, such as by a heat-sealing process. The gloves can include coupling mechanism that secures the gloves to the glove bearing sheets and that allows ease of removal of the gloves from the glove bearing sheets after being donned by the user by a user.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing device for stacked articles has a sliding panel, a main frame mounted on the sliding panel, two holders respectively mounted on the main frame and two clip assemblies respectively mounted on the holders. When the sliding panel slides toward one direction, the two holders slide toward each other and the two clip assemblies slide toward reverse directions. Therefore, one stacked articles falls on the holders. Afterwards, when the sliding panel slides toward another direction, the two holders slide toward reverse directions and the two clip assemblies slide toward each other to hold the other stacked articles. Consequently, the stacked article that falls on the holders further falls on and dispenses users with the stacked article.

Abstract: The current invention is a lid dispensing device and method of use comprising a base unit, a lid holder operatively connected to the base unit, a blade operatively mounted to the base which moves between a first position and a second position, a tab secured to the blade to aid in separating lids, the blade supporting a stack of lids by engaging a first lid in the stack of lids while the blade is in the first position, and the blade allowing the first lid to fall through an aperture in the blade away from the stack of lids, and still support the remaining stack of lids as the blade moves to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more robust article dispensing apparatus that is relatively simple in construction and usage for dispensing articles in a clean and protective environment. More specifically, the apparatus accepts, separates, and dispenses articles from a nested stack of articles such as beverage cup lids one at a time.

Abstract: A medicine feeder is composed of: a cassette (2) for housing medicines D in an array; a biasing member (6) for biasing the medicines D in the cassette (2) toward one end side; and a discharge member (16) disposed on one end portion of the cassette (2) for holding a medicine D in a holding recess portion (18) and discharging the medicines D one at a time by rotating the discharge member. This makes it possible to ensure the discharge of a prescribed quantity of medicines based on prescription data.

Abstract: A cup dispenser for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the dispenser including a reciprocating separator defining an oblong opening for supporting the stack of cups, a portion of the opening having a diameter smaller than the rims, a wedge on each side of the separator adapted and configured for insertion between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate the bottom-most cup from the second-to-bottom-most cup, until the bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion of the opening, and a stop member for engaging the stack during separation. The cup dispenser may further include a released cup holder and/or an adapter for changing the diameter of the opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reliable, simple, economical and ergonomic dispensing machine requiring little maintenance, for example of bottled mineral water sold in pack or carboy, enabling a novel dispensing circuit to be set up which combines the practical aspect for the consumer by being closer to his residence with the ecological aspect for centralized recycling of empty packs, while promoting sales for water producers.

Abstract: The current invention is a lid dispensing device and method of use comprising a base unit, a lid holder operatively connected to the base unit, a blade operatively mounted to the base which moves between a first position and a second position, the blade supporting a stack of lids by engaging a first lid in the stack of lids while the blade is in the first position, and the blade allowing the first lid to fall through an aperture in the blade away from the stack of lids, and still support the remaining stack of lids as the blade moves to the second position.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles comprises a body defining a storage region for receiving an associated stack of cups or other cup-shaped articles. The body comprises an open end that communicates with the storage region. A resilient diaphragm restricts the open end of the body. A clamp member is releasably secured adjacent the open end of the body and retains the diaphragm relative to the open end of the body. A mounting flange projects outwardly away from the body. The clamp member and mounting flange comprise mating structures that releasably secure said clamp member to the mounting flange.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser operates a cup holder to advance a cup holding portion holding a cup in which a beverage is filled from an inside of a cup port to an outside thereof to locate it above a cup mount, lower the cup holding portion from a above position by a predetermined distance to place the cup on the cup mount in process of lowering, and retreat the cup holding portion from a lowered position to the inside of the cup port to leave the cup on the cup mount.