Abstract: A dispensing device, comprising a plurality of microfluidic pumps, microfluidic valves, and a microfluidic mixer chip, for receiving and mixing microfluidic amounts of a plurality of fluids having differing viscosities, is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of pathways for moving fluids from associated reservoirs to the microfluidic mixer chip. A mix controller controls the microfluidic pumps and valves so that the fluids, having different viscosities, can be accurately mixed at specified microfluidic amounts or volumes according to a specified microfluidic recipe, and the microfluidic mixture dispensed from the device. The device can be in communication with a software application implemented on a mobile compute device, such as a smartphone, and receive instructions for implementing the specified microfluidic recipe from the software application such that the operation of device components is at the direction of the software application executed on the mobile compute device.

Abstract: Infusion devices and methods are provided for a drug delivery system and can include an infusion needle (1) having a tip end (2) and a drive unit (D) coupled to the infusion needle and arranged for advancing the tip end of the infusion needle to penetrate any fibrosis when the infusion device is implanted in a patient's body. The infusion needle and drive unit are designed for implantation in a patient's body. Other components of the drug delivery system may be part of the implantable infusion device or, alternatively, be for extracorporal use cooperating with the implanted infusion device. Preferably, the infusion needle can be advanced and retracted with each infusion cycle. Furthermore, upon each advancement and/or retraction, the needle may be moved laterally so as to vary the injection site. Needle (1) and drive unit (D) are preferably disposed within a body (15), with the infusion needle being arranged for penetrating a self-sealing penetration membrane (18).

Abstract: Mixing device 1, dosing container and mixing hopper for mixing a synthetic starting material with an additive, in particular a granular additive or additive in powder form, comprising a mixing housing 10 with an inlet 14 for allowing the substances into a mixing chamber 12 bounded by the mixing housing and an outlet 16 for discharging the substances from the mixing chamber in mixed form, wherein a rotor body 11 is provided on a rotatable shaft 17 in the mixing chamber and comprises on a side a number of rotor arms 18 extending parallel to the shaft in the direction of an opposite wall of the mixing housing 10, and wherein the opposite wall of the mixing housing is provided with a number of stator arms 19 extending parallel to the shaft in the direction of the rotor body, and wherein a mixing hopper is provided having an infeed side for receiving a flow of the substances for mixing and an outfeed side which is in open communication with the inlet of the mixing housing 10, and wherein a dividing body is provide

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metering container (100-1, 100-2) for metering a viscous material component (103-1, 103-2), comprising a piston (105-1, 105-2) for pressing the material component (103-1, 103-2) from a storage container (111-1, 111-2) into a metering chamber (107-1, 107-2); and a metering plunger (109-1, 109-2) for indicating a quantity of the material component (103-1, 103-2) in the metering chamber (107-1, 107-2), via which the material component (103-1, 103-2) can be dispensed from the metering chamber (107-1, 107-2).

Abstract: A feed drive mechanism includes multiple feed containers configured to feed contents with rotation of rotatable feed tubes provided in lower portions of container tubes containing the contents, multiple gears connected to the feed tubes of the feed containers, and a single drive gear configured to mesh with the gears. The drive gear is configured to selectively mesh with and rotate the gears to cause the feed containers to feed the contents with timing that differs between the feed containers.

Abstract: A table top appliance rapidly fills a pouch through some mechanical actuation or automation by inserting the pouch into the appliance and the machine fills the pouch. One embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be a mechanical version that includes a method to pump or push the contents of the container into the pouch. A second embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be an electric pump version that fills pouches and may have the option of controlling the amount of food dispensed. The food pouch filling station may also include a valve that connects to the pouch to control the flow to the pouch.

Abstract: A method reduces the microbiological loading of container products made at least partially of at least one plastic material. As part of a first production process, a plastic granulate (29) is fed to an extruder device (19), which melts the granulate (29). As part of a subsequent production process, the melted granulate is forwarded onto a blow-molding, filling and sealing machine for obtaining the respective container product. At least in parts of the first production process, the plastic material undergoes at least one of the following treatment steps: high-energy radiation and/or plasma treatment and/or a gas having a sterilizing effect.

Abstract: A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (100) has: a beverage directing guide (10) for directing by the directing guide (10) beverage (100) to an area (2) for placing a user-recipient; and a beverage processing unit (5) having a unit outlet (51) via which liquid (100,101) is passed from the beverage guide (50) to the directing guide (10) that is located below the unit outlet (51). The directing guide (10) has a flow cavity (10a), a bottom (10b) and sidewalls (10c) such that the bottom (10b) and the sidewalls (10c) delimit the flow cavity (10a). The directing guide (10) has an inflow penetrator (12) for acting on a flow of beverage (100) delivered by the unit outlet (51) onto the penetrator (12) prior to reaching the bottom (10b) of the flow cavity (10a).

Abstract: An environmentally friendly fuel distribution station includes an upper canopy, said upper canopy including a fuel tank and an outer shell enclosing said fuel tank, a plurality of supporting columns supporting said upper canopy and said fuel tank, a fuel distribution interface suspended from said upper canopy, said fuel distribution interface selectively distributing fuel from said fuel tank during a fueling operation, and a convenience store suspended from at least one of the upper canopy and one or more of the plurality of supporting columns.

Abstract: A spirit dispenser that includes a cabinet that includes a back panel facing an interior of the cabinet, and a plurality of shelves, each shelf being able to support thereon a plurality of spirit containers; at least one spirit dispenser system integrated with the cabinet; and a plurality of pumps residing on an interior surface of the pack panel of the cabinet, each pump being connected to a first tube that includes a tap connector configured for connection to a tap of a spirit container supportable on one of the shelves of the cabinet, and a second tube that is connected to the spirit dispenser.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing color-coded dilution ratios of cleaning concentrates at different dilution ratios and flow rates. The system mixes a concentrated cleaning composition with different quantities of water to produce diluted concentrates. A plurality of separate dyes or scented dyes are added to the diluted concentrates, with each color of dye correlating to a unique diluted concentrate. This provides a visual indication of the dilution ratio of the diluted concentrate. A plurality of metering devices selectively dispense the dyed diluted concentrates at different dilution ratios and at multiple flow rates. The metering devices are labeled with identification markings, indicating dilution ratios and flow rates. The dilution ratio and the flow rate are selected based on the type of cleaning that is required, and the type of dispensing means used for cleaning. A plurality of lines carry the concentrated cleaning composition, water, dyes, and dyed diluted concentrate.

Abstract: The appliance includes a housing and a stationary internal cup for receiving an unprocessed cosmetics portion. Inner and annular pistons with seals between the two pistons and between the annular piston and the stationary cup are moved sequentially up and down to mix the cosmetic portion to a processed skin formulation, the skin formulation being presented to the user when mixing is complete and the lid removed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser which enables one or two liquid mixture components to be selectively or simultaneously dispensed via a manually operable selection and actuation means. The said dispenser incorporates a body, one or more fluid storage and delivery channels, a selection and actuation disc operable to cause the release of a quantity of a stored fluid, as well as articulation and clamping means which support the said disc. One or more of the said fluid channels may be urged by said disc via cams to eject a fluid or fluids from corresponding cartridges. The present device provides a scale and pointer system which permits selection of a particular volume of a fluid for ejection in a first mode of operation, or selection of a specified mutual proportion of two fluids for ejection in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A spice dispensing device is provided for an automatic meal preparation apparatus. The device uses a replaceable cartridge containing a volume of spice for dispensing in predetermined volumetric doses. A dispensing mechanism is built in to the cartridge for isolating the predetermined volumetric dose and moving it toward an opening in the bottom of the cartridge. The cartridge is sized and shaped to be placed into the automatic meal preparation apparatus in a rack for containing a plurality of such cartridges. The cartridge is alignable with a position in the rack in which the spice dose can be dispensed directly into a cooking vessel of the apparatus.

Abstract: A barrier to be arranged in a divot repair bottle includes a funnel and a spout, and the mouth of the funnel is to be removably connected to and sealed against the inner surface of the divot repair bottle such that the spout extends through a cap of the divot repair bottle. The barrier is configured to form a first compartment and a second compartment within the divot repair bottle, and the first compartment and the second compartment do not communicate with each other within the divot repair bottle.

Abstract: A method of delivering a selected fuel product having a selected octane level to an operator from a fuel dispenser including a blend manifold, a fuel nozzle, and a fuel hose extending therebetween, including the steps of determining a first volume of a first fuel that is retained in the fuel hose upon completion of a first fueling event, determining a first octane level of the first volume of the first fuel, determining a second volume of a second fuel having a second octane level, and delivering the first fuel volume and the second fuel volume to the operator during a second fueling event, wherein a total volume of fuel equaling the first volume of the first fuel and the second volume of the second fuel has a total octane level that falls within a predetermined limit of the selected octane level of the selected fuel product.

Abstract: A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Abstract: A system for storing fuel includes a support structure supporting at least one fuel tank a predetermined distance above ground. The fuel tank includes an inner tank configured to contain a gaseous fuel, an intermediate tank encompassing the inner tank and defining a first annular space therebetween, and an outer tank encompassing the intermediate tank an defining a second annular space therebetween. The first annular space is filled with a shock-absorbing resin for absorbing structural stresses, while the second annular space is filled with an insulating material providing for fire and ballistic resistance. The intermediate tank is connected to the support structure and to at least one adjacent fuel tank, and prevents the transfer of load to the inner tank.

Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus includes a duct through which feed falls under gravity. A drive wheel is mounted in the duct and includes a plurality of paddle blades such that falling feed in the duct acts to drive the blades to rotate the wheel about the axis. A syringe is laid in a support channel where a plunger of the syringe is compressed longitudinally for feeding a liquid to an injection nozzle into the duct by a screw driven by the wheel. The wheel and the support channel are mounted on a common housing forming the duct and containing the wheel, to an injection opening on the bottom of the housing for addition to the feed passing through the duct portion.

Abstract: A treatment system (1) for cleaning a component part contaminated with a biofilm, in particular for cleaning bacterially contaminated surfaces of bone implants or dental implants (20), shall enable a particularly effective, locally focused and flexible treatment. For this purpose, the treatment system (1) according to the invention has a conduction element (10), which can be put into electric contact with the component needing treatment and which can be connected to a first pole of an electric supply unit (16), and a media cannula (2) which is provided for supplying a treatment liquid and whose interior is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the second pole of the electric supply unit (16).

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding animals including one or more feed dispensing containers from which the animals can take feed which are fed by supply ducts from a supply a device is provided which includes a feed supply duct portion arranged such that the feed falls through the feed supply duct portion under gravity. A drive member is mounted at the duct and includes a plurality of paddle blades of a wheel mounted for rotation about an axis of the wheel such that falling feed in the duct acts to drive the blades to rotate the wheel about the axis and a driven component driven by the wheel. The driven component is in most cases a dispenser for feeding a liquid or particulate additive material from a supply cartridge, which is mounted on a common housing forming the duct and containing the wheel, to an injection opening on the bottom of the housing for addition to the feed passing through the duct portion.

Abstract: An adhesive coating device includes two adhesive barrels, lower ends of the two adhesive barrels are both connected to an adhesive coating assembly. The adhesive coating assembly includes an upper substrate having two mounting holes, lower ports of the two adhesive barrels passing through the two mounting holes respectively; a lower substrate detachably mounted at a lower side of the upper substrate. An adhesive receiving space is formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and an adhesive coating track is provided on the lower substrate at a position corresponding to the adhesive receiving space, the adhesive coating track is a slit extending through an upper side and a lower side of the lower substrate, and the shape and size of the adhesive coating track match with the shape and size of an adhesive coating track required by a product to be coated with adhesive.

Abstract: A cosmetic portioning machine is provided having a mixing chamber, with a plurality of inlets each of which provides an ingredient. A piston disposed in the mixing chamber to define a mixing volume. A dasher is disposed in the mixing chamber and mixes the ingredients together in the mixing volume so as to form a cosmetic. When the cosmetic product is thoroughly mixed, the piston urges the product out of the mixing chamber and through an outlet. A moveable sealing member is configured to pass through the outlet so as to seal off fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the outlet and to urge any remaining cosmetic product through the outlet.

Abstract: A holster for a spray gun is provided. The holster is configured to hold a spray gun in place when not in use. The holster has a reservoir body that defines an open-topped chamber. A fluid may be held inside the chamber, and a nozzle of the spray gun held by the holster may submerge in this fluid. The nozzle being submerged in the fluid of the holster can prevent hardening, thickening or drying of any material left over on or in the spray gun nozzle after use.

Abstract: A storage and mixing system for pasty two-component polymethyl methacrylate bone cements comprises a tubular cartridge having a cylindrical inner chamber, a dispensing plunger that is axially displaceable in the inner chamber of the cartridge, a partition disposed axially in the tubular cartridge, and a cartridge head which closes one end of the tubular cartridge. The cartridge head has a slot-shaped opening, wherein the partition protrudes from the inner chamber of the cartridge through the slot-shaped opening of the cartridge head, wherein the partition divides the cylindrical inner chamber of the cartridge bounded by the dispensing plunger and the cartridge head into two cavities that are spatially separated from one another.

Abstract: A device and/or method stores, mixes, and applies polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, wherein the device and/or method comprising a first container for a first pasty component, a dispensing plunger that is arranged such that it can be shifted in the first container and serves for extruding the content of the first container through a dispensing tube opposite from the dispensing plunger. The dispensing tube can be rotated and shifted in longitudinal direction through a feed-through in a side of the first container opposite from the dispensing plunger. A mixing facility is arranged in the first container, is secured to the dispensing tube, and is movable in the first container by moving the dispensing tube. At least one second container for at least one second component is arranged on the first container, whereby the internal space of the at least one second container is closed with respect to the internal space of the first container by means of a closure, which is openable.

Abstract: A system is provided for selecting and dispensing a cosmetic material. The system includes a dispensing apparatus configured to hold a plurality of cartridges each having a different cosmetic material and to dispense at least one cosmetic material from at least one of the cartridges; a user interface configured to receive a selection of a color from a user; and circuitry configured to receive the selection of the color received at the user interface, determine an amount of each of one or more cosmetic materials to form the selected color, transmit the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials to the dispensing apparatus, and control the dispensing apparatus to dispense the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials from the plurality of cartridges.

Abstract: A machine for making variegated ice cream or ice cream shake, including: a basic structure; one or more basic product mixing and freezing units, where each mixing and freezing unit in turn includes a processing cylinder containing the basic product and cooled by a respective refrigerating system and a stirring member mounted inside the processing cylinder and rotating to mix the basic product to prevent it from hardening and sticking to the cooled inside wall of the processing cylinder and to transform the basic product into a basic flavor; a closing element for closing the cylinder and provided with at least one outlet duct leading to the processing cylinder at one end and to an outlet mouth at the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing cosmetic material. The apparatus includes a dispensing assembly configured to receive at least one cartridge that contains a cosmetic material and to dispense a specified amount of the cosmetic material from the cartridge into a receiving area; a memory configured to receive and store dispensing information which includes the specified amount of the cosmetic material to be dispensed for each cartridge disposed in the dispensing assembly to achieve a specified single use of a cosmetic application; and circuitry configured to obtain the dispensing information from the memory and to control the dispensing assembly to dispense the cosmetic material from each cartridge disposed in the dispensing assembly into the receiving area according to the one or more specified amounts included in the dispensing information.

Abstract: A confectionery processing machine has a hopper attached to a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The hopper is arranged to supply an edible material to the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The dispensing unit is arranged in order to dispense the edible material from the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The confectionery processing machine is improved by providing the hopper with at least two separate compartments. Here, each compartment separately provides edible material to a portion of the plurality of pistons. Consequently, a more flexible confectionery processing machine is provided because all the plurality of piston and nozzles are not provided from the same compartment.

Abstract: A product metering system for accurately dispensing one or more products. The product metering system generally includes a vehicle wash product supply fluidly connected to an electronic control valve and a control unit in communication with the electronic control valve. The electronic control valve operates at an open/close ratio that dispenses the product supply at a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A simply structured and conveniently used detergent release controller capable of avoiding detergent from solidifying and preventing use has a main channel. One terminal of the main channel is an inlet of a fluid, and the other terminal of the main channel is an outlet capable of being connected with a water outlet of a washing barrel. The detergent release controller is provided with multiple valves including valve A, valve B, valve C, valve D, a liquid collecting cavity, and a Venturi negative pressure generator. An inlet of valve A is connected with a bypass of the main channel. An inlet of valve B is connected with a storage tank of detergent A. The present disclosure is applicable to apparatuses such as clothes washing machines and dish washing machines.

Abstract: Method for feeding material into a shaping device in a pneumatic materials conveying system, in which method material, such as waste material is fed into a shaping device, and/or through it, in a feeder channel by the aid of at least partly gravity and at least partly suction and/or a pressure difference, which shaping device is a rotary shaper, with which the material is processed so as to be denser and is conveyed onwards. In the material infeed direction before the rotary shaper is a movable arresting device, which arresting device has a first position, in which it extends into the feeder channel and in which first position the arresting device receives at least some of the force effect produced by the material in the feeder channel and in which the transfer of the material in the feeder channel is limited, if necessary, with the arresting device, and which arresting device has a second position, in which the arresting device does not extend into the feeder channel.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (11) is disclosed for use in combination with a water cooler, wherein the water cooler comprises a cooling device (5) and a water bottle (1) and the beverage dispenser is intended to be positioned between the cooling device and the water bottle.

Abstract: A pipetting device having a modular pipetting unit including a pipetting tip for pipetting of fluid samples and a pump conduit for transferring a negative or positive pressure to the pipetting tip is disclosed. The pipetting tip and a portion of the pump conduit adjoining the pipetting tip mutually define a fluid sample conduit for receiving the fluid samples. The modular pipetting unit is detachably attached to an automated positioning device for positioning the modular pipetting unit. A system and method for pipetting of fluid samples using such a pipetting device are also disclosed wherein pipetting of the fluid samples is performed in such a manner that each pipetted fluid sample volume is smaller than a volume of the fluid sample conduit.

Abstract: The fluid misting assembly includes a handle coupled to an umbrella. The handle may be gripped by a user. A reservoir is coupled to the handle. The reservoir contains a fluid. A pump is coupled to the handle. The pump is operationally coupled to the reservoir. The pump urges the fluid outwardly from the reservoir. A shaft of the umbrella has a fluid aperture extending therethrough. A tube is coupled to the umbrella. The tube is operationally coupled to the pump. The pump urges the fluid through the tube. The tube is operationally coupled to the fluid aperture extending through the shaft of the umbrella. The fluid is sprayed outwardly from the shaft onto the user.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for producing a mixture of flowable components is provided. Two inlet channels for the components to be mixed open into a first mixing channel having at least one mixing element disposed therein. A second mixing channel having at least one mixing element disposed therein is connected downstream of the first mixing channel. A third inlet channel opens directly or indirectly into the second mixing channel in order to admix a third component. In further embodiments, three or more mixing channels are present. In addition, a discharge comprising such a mixing apparatus and corresponding containers and a method for mixing at least three components are provided.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has containers, sized, shaped and arranged to enclose different volumes but each of the containers has a top with a refill opening that is substantially the same as the top and openings of the other containers. The containers are provided with curving transition sections that taper the sides of the container to increase or decrease the width of the container to provide a smaller or large top sizes as needed.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has containers, sized, shaped and arranged to enclose different volumes but each of the containers has a top with a refill opening that is substantially the same as the top and openings of the other containers. The containers are provided with curving transition sections that taper the sides of the container to increase or decrease the width of the container to provide a smaller or large top sizes as needed.

Abstract: A dry ingredient dispensing unit includes a plurality of containers affixed to a sliding rail mountable to a structure such as a cupboard. Each container is configured into a hopper. A volume of a dry ingredient is loaded through a top portion of each hopper. Each hopper is provided with a plurality of sliding dispensing plates stacked on top of each other. Each dispensing plate is provided with a calibrated aperture to dispense a specific volume of dry ingredient when the plate is slid outward from the hopper. Further, the hoppers are interconnected to provide an assembly of multiple compartments.

Abstract: A dry ingredient dispensing unit includes a plurality of containers affixed to a sliding rail mountable to a structure such as a cupboard. Each container is configured into a hopper. A volume of a dry ingredient is loaded through a top portion of each hopper. Each hopper is provided with a plurality of sliding dispensing plates stacked on top of each other. Each dispensing plate is provided with a calibrated aperture to dispense a specific volume of dry ingredient when the plate is slid outward from the hopper. Further, the hoppers are interconnected to provide an assembly of multiple compartments.

Abstract: A laundry caddy device is disclosed that provides a precise way of measuring an amount of laundry solvent, and offers several inter-lockable containers that form one easy to carry bottle. Typically, there are four containers which are inter-locked together to form the single component. The device comprises at least one container, a base component, and a dispensing component. The container further comprises an interior cavity for retaining an amount of laundry solvent. The base component is removably secured to the bottom end and the dispensing component is removably secured to the top end. The lid and handle are removably secured to the top end, over the dispensing component. Additionally, at least one of the containers comprises a measuring cup for a dispensing component. Further, at least one of the containers comprises a pour spout, a retaining cup, and a vacuum tube for dispensing the contents of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that can be configured in a number of flexible arrangements, providing the opportunity for a configurable beverage dispensing “station” having a variable “footprint”. The hybrid beverage dispenser may have “on board” refrigeration and/or heating system for providing both hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser. A remote chiller may provide chilled syrups for the beverages. Also disclosed is a countertop hybrid beverage dispensing unit for situations where limited space is an issue. Also disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that provides the ability to dispense from one dispenser beverages which usually are dispensed from separate dispensers. The countertop unit possesses the same beverage dispensing flexibility; however, all ingredients are remotely chilled and pumped to the point of dispensing.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges mounted on a carrier respectively containing said items, having a dispensing means with relative movement capable between said dispensing means and said cartridges. A look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete dispensing programs is provided for operation of the dispensing means to dispense a particular variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges. When a spice blend and associated dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense a particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, the mix of spices, herbs, condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge adapted for use in said automated dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a shaved ice or snow cone products and providing toppings thereto. The system may comprise an ice shaving or snow cone machine, a mobile edifice, and a topping dispenser attached to the mobile edifice.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for dispensing spices, condiments, herbs, teas, ground coffees, or powdered beverages, comprising a plurality of cartridges mounted on a carrier respectively containing said items, having a dispending means with relative movement capable between said dispensing means and said cartridges. A look-up table, containing a plurality of separate, discrete dispensing programs is provided for operation of the dispensing means to dispense a particular variety of mixtures and quantities from said cartridges. When a spice blend and associated dispensing program is selected by a user, the dispensing program aligns the dispensing means relative to the cartridge carrier and cartridge, to dispense a particular quantity and, in the case of a mix, to subsequently align with other selected cartridges to provide, from said cartridges, the mix of spices, herbs, condiments, powdered beverages or ground coffees. A specialized cartridge adapted for use in said automated dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for dispensing different chemicals used for high productivity combinatorial processing. A dispense panel may include multiple inlet lines for supplying different chemicals. Each inlet line is connected to its own three-way valve that either allows the supplied chemical to flow from the inlet line towards a dispense valve connected to a dispense manifold (during dispensing of the supplied chemical) or allows another chemical to flow from the dispense valve to a waste manifold (during priming of the dispense manifold with this other chemical). Specifically, during priming a chemical supplied from its inlet line and is passed through a corresponding three-way valve and is directed to its dispense valve and then into the dispense manifold. Other dispense valves and three-way valves of the dispense panel allow this chemical to flow out of the dispense manifold, thereby priming remaining parts of the panel.

Abstract: A dispensing cabinet for dispensing bulk materials such as laundry detergent, fabric softener and bleach is disclosed. The cabinet has an upstanding housing having a base and defining an enclosure for receiving a plurality of liquid containers. The cabinet also includes a face panel pivotably mounted to the housing adjacent the base and including a shelf extending into the hollow enclosure. The face panel defines apertures through which lateral dispensing nozzles unitary with each container, are inserted. The containers are mounted for pivotal movement together with the face panel for ready servicing.

Abstract: An attractive and compact device and an effective method to store and disinfect a manual shaving razor are disclosed. The method reduces corrosion of the razor's metal blades. A compact container has separate but suitably connected chambers allowing for economy of use of as disinfectant liquid combining alcohol, detergent or soap and skin conditioner. By protecting the razor in one enclosed chamber, oxidative damage and rusting of blades is avoided. A knife edge element is placed at the bottom of another chamber to pierce the foil seal of a suitably inserted bottle within the other chamber. An optional third, drainage chamber below the other two chambers allows for appropriate drainage and removal both of excess fluid used, as well as hair and debris from the blades. The design of the device is compact and attractive, as is the method an extremely effective way of protecting and disinfecting the razor.