Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to open and discharge the contents of a packet or sachet. In some embodiments, a portable dispensing device includes a housing, an opening mechanism, and a discharging mechanism. In some configurations, the device includes a rotatable axle, a rotatable cap disposed at an end of the housing, and a roller element (coupled to the axle) that is configured to rotate with manual rotation of the rotatable cap, and a slot in the housing that permits at least a portion of the packet to advance through, wherein the slot and housing assists with pressing opposing packet walls together to discharge the contents of the packet. In some configurations, the opening mechanism also includes another housing slot where a corner of the packet may be fed and a knife element disposed to facilitate removal of the corner to thereby open the packet.

Abstract: Apparatus, including an enclosure, a fluid-tight bag located within the enclosure, and a fluid-tight valve connected to the fluid-tight bag. The apparatus also has a tube, having a first end connected to the fluid-tight bag via the fluid-tight valve, and a second end connected to a balloon within a breast implant fitted to an implantee. The apparatus further includes a spindle, located within the enclosure, connected to the fluid-tight bag, and configured to rotate under control of the implantee so as to roll the fluid-tight bag onto the spindle or to unroll the fluid-tight bag from the spindle, and thus transfer a fluid, contained in the balloon, the tube, and the fluid-tight bag, therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is characterized in that a cassette (10) of a dosing device (1) is, for the first time, provided with a press roller (30) in order to be able to empty a tubular bag (20), which is held in the cassette (10) in an exchangeable manner, with a smallest possible residual amount.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes an enclosure having at least one wall that defines an interior of the enclosure. The wall defines an aperture. The product dispenser includes a dispensing assembly within which a product is contained and from which the product is dispensed. The dispensing assembly is supported within the interior of the enclosure such that the dispensing assembly dispenses the product through the aperture. The product dispenser includes a barrier guard extending around a perimeter of the aperture between the wall and the dispensing assembly to inhibit accessibility to the interior of the enclosure between the barrier guard and the wall.

Abstract: An individual frozen drink dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to support a blender cup, a dispensing chamber disposed above the blender cup and configured to support a frozen beverage container containing frozen ingredients suitable for preparing a frozen drink, at least one dispensing mechanism configured to move from a pre-dispense position to a dispense position in which the dispensing mechanism drives the frozen ingredients from the frozen beverage container into the blender cup, and a drive mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to drive the movement of the dispensing mechanism from the pre-dispense position to the dispense position. A method of preparing a frozen drink is further disclosed.

Abstract: Automated methods and apparatus for washing surgical swabs to extract viable red blood cells from said swabs. One method comprises contacting at least one swab retaining viable red blood cells with saline-based wash solution in a receptacle under sterile conditions; and effecting the automated compression and/or agitation of the receptacle containing the swab(s), saline-based wash solution and red blood cells to facilitate extraction of viable red blood cells from the swabs into the saline-based wash solution.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for the foodstuff supply sector has a dimensionally rigid housing (1) with viscous contents, wherein the fluid dispenser is designed to receive tubular bags which have a dispensing device (7) that is fitted or can be fitted on the tubular bag (2) itself and that permits metered dispensing of the contents. Moreover, the tubular bag (2) can be inserted and secured in a predetermined position in the fluid dispenser, and an auxiliary device is present with which the viscous contents located in the tubular bag can be continuously pushed in the direction of the dispensing device (7) on the tubular bag, by mechanical application of pressure to the tubular bag (2) in the position of use of the fluid dispenser. To secure the tubular bag (2) in the housing (1), a clamping device is present.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a conduit clamping device with a closing mechanism for closing and opening passage of fluid or air in a flexible conduit is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable arm or disk that is connected to a manipulation arm or a knob; a conduit in form of a tube, that is laid flat against an abutment or protrusion; and a guide structure that constrains the movable arm or disk between the guide structure and the tube and being designed such that movement of the arm or disk will control the compression of the tube.

Abstract: A pill crushing device pulverizes pills and then transfers the pulverized pills out of the device with minimal transfer loss and spillage. The device includes a storage portion and a pill chamber. The pill chamber forms a threaded connection with the storage portion that enables detachment. The storage portion stores the pill and operates the crushing mechanism. The pill is pulverized in the pill chamber. The pill chamber is disposed beneath the storage portion. A first spoon retains the pill and carries the pulverized pill out of the chamber along a longitudinal opening of the pill chamber. An optional second spoon detachably attaches to the first spoon to carry supplemental compositions to the pulverized pill.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve a sterile catheter-dressing system that allows for integrated injection of fluids, e.g., a saline flush, during the process of catheter insertion and sterile dressing placement. Such methods and devices can be used as a fully integrated catheter insertion system, or to convert existing catheter insertion devices and methods into integrated flush and sterile sealing catheter-dressing systems. Such methods and devices can greatly simplify the catheter insertion process, and can allow the reproducible placement of a fully sterile and flushed vascular catheter, as well as the placement of a durably sterile circumferentially sealing and securing dressing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for delivery of a therapeutic fluid to the body of a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a dispensing unit having a driving mechanism and a pumping mechanism for pumping the fluid to the body of the patient and a collapsible reservoir fillable with the therapeutic fluid for delivery thereof to the body of the patient.

Abstract: A dispenser machine for storing and dispensing viscous foods and beverages and provides for the efficient and safe dispensation of a viscous food or beverage product that is contained in a flexible product container and which does not come into direct contact with the dispenser equipment. The dispenser includes an evacuation system which includes a weighted roller or slidable weight in contact with one or more sides of the product container and which operates by force of gravity to pressure and direct the food or beverage product contained in the container toward and out of the bag or container tube spout. A pump unit, which is configurable to provide for the dispensation of both food and beverage products with different viscosities by the addition or removal of one or pump pins, draws product from the container as desired and the pump unit pins operate to pinch and prevent the flow of product from the container tube spout after the pump is shut off.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage, either having a refrigeration unit to chill the beverage or a removable pitcher that may be put in a refrigerator. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. A dispensing mechanism puts pressure on the cartridge or the pouch to break the pressure rupturable seal or diaphragm to discharge the concentrate into a mixing structure. The mixing structure also receives chilled liquid from the refrigeration unit or the pitcher, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator comprises a body defining a handle, the body being arranged to receive the cosmetic product, a rotatable applicator element attached to a distal end of the body, the applicator element extending transversely relative to the body and being located proximate the cosmetic product, and a driving arrangement to rotate the applicator element, thereby loading the cosmetic product for subsequent application. In an embodiment, the body is elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis, with the applicator element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. In an embodiment, the cosmetic applicator comprises an actuating arrangement to allow a user to selectively control the position of the cosmetic product with respect to the applicator element, thereby allowing a controlled quantity of cosmetic product to be loaded onto the applicator element.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing serving portions of topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a first compartment portion and a second compartment portion hingedly connected to the first compartment portion. One of the compartment portions includes a backing surface and a bag holding member operable to releasably attach a product bag to the compartment portion adjacent the backing surface. The other compartment portion includes a squeeze member, for example a cylindrical roller, mounted for travel in upward and downward directions. The squeeze member is arranged to contact the product bag when the second compartment portion is closed relative to the first compartment portion. The dispenser also comprises an actuating lever mechanically connected to the squeeze member, for example by a one-way advancing mechanism, wherein the actuating lever is operable by a user to advance the squeeze member in the downward direction to dispense product. The dispenser facilitates cleaning and product replacement.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing serving portions of topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a first compartment portion and a second compartment portion hingedly connected to the first compartment portion. One of the compartment portions includes a backing surface and a bag holding member operable to releasably attach a product bag to the compartment portion adjacent the backing surface. The other compartment portion includes a squeeze member, for example a cylindrical roller, mounted for travel in upward and downward directions. The squeeze member is arranged to contact the product bag when the second compartment portion is closed relative to the first compartment portion. The dispenser also comprises an actuating lever mechanically connected to the squeeze member, for example by a one-way advancing mechanism, wherein the actuating lever is operable by a user to advance the squeeze member in the downward direction to dispense product. The dispenser facilitates cleaning and product replacement.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage, either having a refrigeration unit to chill the beverage or a removable pitcher that may be put in a refrigerator. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. A dispensing mechanism puts pressure on the cartridge or the pouch to break the pressure rupturable seal or diaphragm to discharge the concentrate into a mixing structure. The mixing structure also receives chilled liquid from the refrigeration unit or the pitcher, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Abstract: The invention features a hand held device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hand held device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel, and a flexible barrier that rests between the peristaltic pump and the supply channel preventing direct contact of the supply channel by the peristaltic pump. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a portable hand sanitation solution dispenser that may include a dispenser portion, a solution reservoir and an attachment assembly. The dispenser portion may include a housing, a hand roller having a cam portion, an electronic module and a pump assembly. The cam portion is moved for activating and deactivating the pump assembly. The reservoir may be configured as a replaceable cartridge with an opening through which the pump dip tube extends into the solution reservoir. The hand roller may be disposed at the bottom end of the dispenser so that all the dispensed solution is on the hand of the user after swiping the hand roller.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing serving portions of topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a front product compartment and a rear drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a pastry bag containing topping such that the bag is suspended against the partition, and a vertically displaceable roller is provided in the product compartment to roll down along the partition to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing tip of the bag that extends through an opening in the housing to direct product onto a waiting beverage. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a pawl drive mechanism located in the drive compartment and coupled to the roller by a mounting bracket extending through travel slots in the partition. The pawl drive mechanism is actuated by an operating lever pivotally mounted on the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flowable product from a product package through a dispensing outlet at or above a preset elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an auxiliary device for injecting material between the jaws of a surgical stapler. The auxiliary device includes a nozzle assembly having a discharge port and a compression assembly having at least one compression roller for forcing material out of the discharge port. The disclosed compression rollers may be formed of an incompressible or compressible material. The auxiliary device also includes a drive mechanism for moving the compression assembly within a nozzle body of the nozzle assembly. There is also disclosed a rupturable capsule for retaining material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A chemical reaction cartridge enabling chemical reaction to be stably and safely carried out therein, and a method of using the same are provided. A chemical reaction cartridge is provided with a substrate, and an elastic member 2 overlaid on the substrate. A recess of a predetermined shape, depressed toward the top surface of the elastic member is formed in the back surface of the elastic member. The recess creates space between the substrate, and the elastic member, thereby making up a well, for holding the main ingredient of the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a well for holding a curing agent for the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a mixing part for mixing the main ingredient with the curing agent, and a discharge path for discharging a mixture. While the chemical reaction cartridge is not in use as yet, the flow paths, and the discharge path are closed, so that the wells are, in effect, in a hermetically sealed condition.

Abstract: The Electronic toothpaste dispenser extracts all of toothpaste with one pass. The tube of tooth paste is installed between the roller and angular plate with nozzle downward. The tooth brush is push forward onto a button at the bottom of the ETPD turning on a motor that slides a spring roller downward by mechanical gear belt or shaft on the toothpaste tube. The angular press plate increases tension on the spring roller and pressure on the plate squeezing entire tooth paste from top to bottom with one pass. Removing toothbrush depresses button to stop motor when desired amount of tooth paste is dispensed and acts as a valve to seal paste outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing squeezable tubes therein includes a plurality of vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold one squeezable tube. A plurality of moveable front members are adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to retain an upper portion of the tube in position. An open top allows easy tube insertion or removal while a lower shelf retains the bottom of each tube. A bottom strip ensures that each tube will remain in position. According to a first modification, the interior sidewalls are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between them. Modified moveable front members include a variable width to accommodate the variable spacing between the adjustable interior sidewalls. According to a second modification, each tube is retained by a pair of curved side members that narrow toward the bottom of each compartment. An apparatus to secure a tube in an inverted position and to dispense a substance from a bottom opening is described.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a peristaltic precision metering device, system and method of using the same. Disclosed is a metering device which includes a metering element that can engage with a compressible material line, wherein the metering device can place a selectable peristaltic effect upon the material in the line. Also disclosed is a metering system comprised of a metering device similar to above and a control system attached to the metering element and a robotic positioning system also attached to the metering device. Finally disclosed is a method of precision material dispensing comprised of providing a metering element and base, positioning a compressible material line between the metering element and base, moving one of the base, metering element, material line, or combination thereof, thereby causing a peristaltic effect upon material in the line, and dispensing a precise unit of material from the device.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing portions of chilled topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a drawer that includes a product compartment and an adjacent drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a bag containing topping, and houses a vertically displaceable pressure member, such as a roller, to roll down along one side of the bag opposite a pressure surface on the other side of the bag to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing valve assembly to direct product into a waiting container. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a motor-driven carriage assembly in the drive compartment that may be actuated by a push button on the housing. The dispensing valve assembly holds a pressure-actuated valve that closes automatically to cleanly cut off a dispensed ribbon of topping and is configured to impart a decorative appearance to the dispensed ribbon.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing serving portions of topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a front product compartment and a rear drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a pastry bag containing topping such that the bag is suspended against the partition, and a vertically displaceable roller is provided in the product compartment to roll down along the partition to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing tip of the bag that extends through an opening in the housing to direct product onto a waiting beverage. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a pawl drive mechanism located in the drive compartment and coupled to the roller by a mounting bracket extending through travel slots in the partition. The pawl drive mechanism is actuated by an operating lever pivotally mounted on the housing.

Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing the contents of a collapsible tube, such as a toothpaste tube. The apparatus includes a housing having side walls, an end wall with an opening therein, and a cover pivotally attached to the housing to provided access to a cavity within the housing. A squeezing device is slidably received in the cavity and includes a threaded surface the cover and a pair of opposing surface that define a though-slot that increases in width toward the housing end wall. A threaded rod is rotatably mounted to the cover and engages the threaded surface of the squeezing device when the cover is closed and disengages the threaded surface when the cover is opened. By rotating the rod, the squeezing device can be caused to move along the rod toward and away from the end wall of the housing.

Abstract: The invention describes a dispenser (1) for automatically dispensing semi-fluid media, in particular toothpaste, from a tube with a mouthpiece, comprising a housing (2) with an orifice (3) and having at least one portion measuring unit (4) for the tube in the interior, a switch (6), a motor (20), a drive mechanism (5) and a control unit (7), whereby a brush is positioned in the orifice (3) in order to charge it with semi-fluid medium. In order to transport the brush automatically from the orifice (3) in the direction of the mouthpiece of the tube, at least one drive mechanism (5) is provided on a positioning mechanism (8), in particular a gear (33) with at least one driver (34).

Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.

Abstract: A device for applying a cosmetic product, such as a make-up product (blush or “fard”, face powder, corrector, base make-up, eye-shadow, etc.) is defined by a cap housing a solid mass of cosmetic product having a contact surface, and by a brush housed removably inside the cap and movable inside the cap to cooperate with the contact surface; the cosmetic product is defined by a particle aggregate having a composition including a lipid phase and a powder phase, and the lipid phase ranges in quantity between no less than approximately 10% and no more than approximately 80% by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening a flexible tube sidewall comprises a frame, a gripping roller and a handle. The frame includes a central portion extending transversely between first and second end walls. A first brake element is formed on an inner face of one wall. The roller is rotatably mounted to the walls and includes first and second ends and a cylindrical surface disposed parallel to the frame central portion to define a transverse slot. The roller end adjacent to the first brake element includes a second brake element that is engageable therewith to resist relative rotation between the roller and frame. The handle extends from the roller through the end wall for manually rotating the roller relative to the frame and drawing the tube through the slot. The brake elements cooperate to resist retrogressive movement of the tube through the slot when the handle is released.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing glue from a tube, such as a glitter glue tube, includes a housing, a cover member movably connected to the housing and defining a tube-receiving compartment with the housing which is opened upon movement of the cover member relative to the housing, an actuatable trigger arranged on the housing, and a compression mechanism arranged in the housing for engaging the tube when in the compartment and compressing the tube upon actuation of the trigger in order to cause glitter glue from the tube to be pushed out of a dispensing opening at a front end of the tube. Actuation of the trigger by the user therefore provides for a controlled dispensing of glue from the tube.

Abstract: A system for dispensing at least two components of a multicomponent mass, includes a squeezing-out device (2) having a dispensing opening (4) and at least one rolling roller (3.1, 3.2) for dispensing the at least two components; a storage container (11) having flat support element (13) on which packagings of the at least two components are supported; and a spring (8.1, 8.2) for biasing the at least one rolling roller (3.1, 3.2) in a direction toward the flat support element (13) substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A device to dispense and contain a tube of toothpaste. The device has two portions, an outlet compartment and a slide bar compartment. The outlet compartment contains a toothpaste dispensing outlet hole, a slide release button, and a dispense button. The slide bar compartment has a pull grip ridge on a side of the slide bar compartment. A top cover of the slide bar compartment is released by depressing the slide release button, a slide bar base is exposed within a cavity of the slide bar compartment to hold a toothpaste tube.

Abstract: A device for squeezing various household collapsible tubes comprises two lever handles, two pintles, two torsional springs, a primary roller, and a secondary roller. The lever handles are held together by and are free to rotate about the two pintles, forming a double non-crossing class 1 lever arrangement. The rollers, held in gudgeons by snap fit, are also free to rotate. The primary roller is distinguished from the secondary roller by having a crank at one end. The torsional springs, anchored by the pintles, provide a torque which causes the two rollers to clamp together. Operation of the tube squeezing device proceeds by inserting the crimped end of a collapsible tube between the rollers and turning the crank, thereby turning the rollers so as to squeeze the tube flat and to push its contents toward the nozzle end. Insertion and extraction of the tube is effected most readily by applying a compressive force to the two lever handles, creating a gap between the rollers for the tube to easily pass through.

Abstract: A paste dispenser and implement holding device includes a housing adapted for coupling to a wall surface. The housing has a pair of aligned slots. A pair of roller members is coupled to the housing and positioned in alignment with the pair of aligned slots. The roller members are positioned in spaced relationship to each other whereby the roller members are adapted for frictionally engaging a tube of paste such that paste is dispensed from the tube as the tube of paste passes between the pair of roller members. A roller knob is operationally coupled to one of the pair of roller members whereby turning the roller knob rotates the one of the pair of roller members. The housing includes a plurality of openings, each opening is adapted for receiving an implement for holding the implement.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser holds a collapsible tube of toothpaste within a housing between a roller assembly and a wall surface. A plunger is operable from a relaxed, raised position to a lowered, depressed position to drivingly engage the roller assembly so that one or more rollers are moved along the toothpaste tube in a manner which squeezes toothpaste out of the tube and onto the bristles of a toothbrush held in close proximity to a dispensing outlet of the tube or a nozzle. A spring returns the plunger to the relaxed, raised position upon removing the downward force. The housing is provided with toothbrush holders and a removable cover to permit replacement of the tube of toothpaste.

Abstract: Toothpaste dispenser will eliminate messy sink counter top. By placing the unit on the mirror or on the wall, with one push of the button, toothpaste will come out and convenient hook for placing the toothbrush and open area for dental floss placement.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous fluid food product from a pouch. The dispenser includes a housing configured and dimensioned for receiving the pouch. The pouch includes a food in the form of a viscous fluid therein. The pouch has first and second ends, a sidewall that can be arranged to form first and second opposed surfaces and an outlet. The dispenser incorporates an assembly that includes a roller for pressing the pouch so as to urge the viscous fluid food product toward the outlet. To do this, the roller has a pressing surface disposable in a position adjacent the first surface of the pouch and a planar surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the pouch. The dispenser also includes a closure assembly arranged for engagement with the outlet for closing same. This assembly is also capable of opening the outlet so as to cause the roller to move along the pouch surface toward the outlet by gravity for expelling the viscous fluid food product through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medication delivery pump that is configured to administer an infusion therapy using a medication delivery container. Medications in a flexible bag are expelled from the bag and delivered to an infusion site. A fluid delivery pump of the invention may have a constant force spring and a mechanical timer. The constant force spring is configured to compress a flexible fluid container. The mechanical timer assembly is coupled to the constant force spring and limits the maximum rate at which the spring compresses the fluid container. The pump may include first and second doors for charging the spring. Opening the first pump door partially charges the constant force spring and opening the second pump door fully charges the constant force spring. The pump provides improved administration of infusion therapy which is particularly advantageous for reducing errors, infections and other complications associated with manual infusion techniques.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a press assembly includes a gear assembly, a threaded rod, and a roller assembly. The gear assembly causes a rotational movement when activated. The threaded rod is coupled to the gear assembly and rotates in direction of the rotational movement caused by the gear assembly. The roller assembly is coupled to the threaded rod and moves linearly between a first end and a second end along guide slots when the threaded rod rotates.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser holds a collapsible tube of toothpaste within a housing between a roller assembly and a wall surface. A plunger is operable from a relaxed, raised position to a lowered, depressed position to drivingly engage the roller assembly so that one or more rollers are moved along the toothpaste tube in a manner which squeezes toothpaste out of the tube and onto the bristles of a toothbrush held in close proximity to a dispensing outlet of the tube or a nozzle. A spring returns the plunger to the relaxed, raised position upon removing the downward force. The housing is provided with toothbrush holders and a removable cover to permit replacement of the tube of toothpaste.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for emptying a package containing a viscous material, which apparatus comprises a frame (1) with a substantially flat supporting surface, on which a package (6) manufactured from a flexible foil material can be positioned, and a metering control means (2, 3, 4), which can empty the package by means of activation. The package (6) can be squeezed nipwise by cooperation with the supporting surface, starting from a first end in the direction of an opposite second end, by moving the metering control means, for instance a roller or rod, relative to the package, while through at least one discharge opening (6d) at the second end the viscous material is expelled from the package and the nipwise squeezing can be continued until at least the discharge opening (6d).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a substance from a collapsible tube. The apparatus comprises: a housing with a slider positioned therein, first and second flexible members passable through a passage in the slider, a rod for supporting the slider within the housing, and a motor coupled to the rod for causing rotation of the rod. When the rod rotates, the slider moves along the rod and urges the first flexible member toward the second flexible member. This movement causes the substance in the tube to be dispensed.

Abstract: A feeding system for feeding infants and other individuals who must be fed by another. The feeding system includes a number of small packets, much like catsup or mustard packets, that are filled with food, such as baby food, and which is attachable to a feeding spoon mechanism provided with the system. Once attached to the feeding spoon mechanism, the food within the packet is forced out of the packet into the bowl of the spoon mechanism by the user using only a single hand. The feeding system thus allows the user to have one hand remain free to hold the baby, a baby bib or perform other necessary baby care activities.

Abstract: A product dispenser for compelling a product from a container is provided having a frame with opposed end walls defining first and second axially aligned sockets and a dispensing hole. An drive member with first and second opposed ends is releasably engaged by the first and second sockets, respectively. A bearing member is adapted to travel between the first and second opposed ends of the drive member, whereby a deformable container holding a flowable product inserted into the frame expels the product through the dispensing hole under pressure exerted upon the container by the bearing member. The drive member is releasable from the frame and is re-engaged by the frame, whereby the first and second opposed ends are then releasably engaged by the second and first sockets, respectively. Therefore, after the bearing member has traveled from the first end to the second end, the bearing member may be repositioned within the frame to reinitiate travel towards the dispensing hole.