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

Abstract: A rock anchor includes an elongate tubular body which extends between a first end and an opposing second end and a cartridge contains a multi-component adhesive system in the tubular body. The cartridge has a rigid tubular housing within which at least one compartment is defined, and in which is contained an adhesive component of the system. The at least one compartment yields to volumetrically reduce under fluid pressure created by a fluid input into the housing, to thereby extrude the adhesive components.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material adapted for engagement and for dispensing fluid from either a replaceable piston pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a piston pump or a replaceable peristaltic pump reservoir unit comprising a reservoir bottle and a deformable tube member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for recipe portion control for a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system or product dispenser can be provided. A system or product dispenser can include a plurality of beverage ingredient sources comprising a respective beverage ingredient, a plurality of beverage supply lines in respective communication with the plurality of ingredient sources, at least one pump in communication with the plurality of beverage supply lines, and a controller in communication with the at least one pump and operable to execute a set of instructions. The set of instructions can be operable to dispense a first portion of a beverage, delay further dispensing for a predefined time, and dispense at least a second portion of the beverage.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.

Abstract: In order to provide a simple and installation-friendly design of a setting unit of a dispenser (10) for dispensing a substance consisting of at least two components from at least two containers, each having a pump unit (12a, 12b), by means of a moveable actuating device (40) for the pump units (12a, 12b) and a dispenser nozzle for the substance to be dispensed, according to the invention the setting unit (38) can be varied with respect to the distance thereof to the containers or pump units (12a, 12b), or with respect to the distance of the projections (61a, b) thereof in relation to a pivot axis (43) of the actuating device (40), in particular in opposite directions.

Abstract: A pump for one or more different process fluids is provided including a pumping chamber having a process fluid inlet and outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber. An actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to actuating fluid chambers is provided that is in communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of incompressible actuating fluid. A diaphragm separates each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. The actuation mechanism is removable by a quick disconnect that provides for disconnection of the activation mechanism without affecting process fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism to displace actuating fluid causes actuating fluid to flow only into each actuating fluid chamber having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.

Abstract: A foam dispenser includes a refill unit and a dispenser housing. The refill unit carries foamable liquid and provides a liquid pump portion actuated to advance foamable liquid through the dispenser. The dispenser housing provides an air pump portion actuated to advance air through the dispenser. The air pump portion communicates with the liquid pump portion when the refill unit is properly placed in the housing. The liquid pump portion includes a piston housing that reciprocally receives a piston assembly to define a collapsible liquid chamber. Similarly, the air pump portion includes a piston housing that reciprocally receives a piston assembly to define a collapsible air chamber. Upon actuation of the dispenser, both the liquid chamber and the air chamber collapse and thereby feed air and liquid to an extrusion chamber, and extrude the mixture of air and liquid therein through a premix chamber and at least one mesh screen.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed having a storage chamber for storing a liquid, a collection assembly for collecting a portion of liquid, a pump assembly, and a tube extending from within the storage chamber to within the collection chamber through which the portion of liquid is pumped into the collection assembly. The pump assembly includes one or more pump actuators, and the fluid dispenser may have multiple storage chambers, each having a corresponding tube. In addition, the fluid dispenser may have multiple collection chambers. The pump actuators may be, for example, a flexible diaphragm or a trigger-actuated pump mounted on the side of the fluid dispenser. The pump mechanism may be incorporated into the capillary, and it may be, for example, a piston pump or any other type of pump known in the art.

Abstract: A cartridge (21) for multi-component masses has a first receiving member (22) having a receiving space (23) for at least one component (13) of the multi-component mass, and at least one other receiving member (27) extending parallel to the first receiving member (22) and having a receiving space (28) for another component (18) of the multi-component mass, with the receiving space (23) of the first receiving member (22) being larger than the receiving space (28) of the other receiving member (27), and the first receiving member (22) having a lower elasticity, at least in a direction transverse to its longitudinal extent, than the other receiving member (27).

Abstract: A hanging liquid dispenser is provided that includes a pump and valving for delivering the fluid material when the dispenser is operated by the user in a controlled fashion. The hanging dispenser includes a main body that serves as a fluid reservoir and has an eyelet which is suitable for use in hanging the dispenser from a suitable support. In addition to including the ability to hang, the dispenser preferably includes a pump for metered dosing of the fluid within the dispenser when operation of the pump delivers a controlled volume of the fluid as desired by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for mixing liquids in a specific ratio at synchronized flows are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention a dispensing system comprises a plurality of tanks, each of the tanks includes an overflow outlet to limit a liquid therein to a certain measurement, and an array of volumetric outlets spaced apart and vertically arranged. The corresponding overflow outlet and the volumetric outlets of the tanks are located at the same height. The dispensing system further comprises a dispensing assembly including a manifold coupled to the volume outlets of the tanks via respective pipes, and further a flow-regulating device in at least one but not all of the pipes to control a flow of the liquid coming downwards from each of the tanks through one of the volumetric outlets thereof.

Abstract: A device for holding containers and warming their contents. The containers are removably attached to the cover of the device by a neck which accommodates a dispenser pump. The containers hold substances such as creams, pastes, gels, lotions and the like especially, shaving cream liquid solution. The temperature of the device can be preset or adjustable. Timers can select the time of day to begin and end the heat cycle. Visual and/or audio indicators can be activated to indicate the substances are at the desired temperature. The device cover may include a scupper ledge contain any spillage from the dispenser pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of liquids, in particular colorants for paints, comprising a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, defining a plurality of positions and a plurality of containers holding a liquid, mounted on the support at the positions, and provided with a pump and/or a valve for dispensing the liquid from the container. At least some of the containers form, together with a respective liquid and pump and/or valve, a cartridge, which cartridge is releasably mounted in the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved retention of O-rings and easier O-ring replacement by using an O-ring retainer in a bar gun. Furthermore, the assembly of the butterfly plates of the bar gun is improved by using molded ball bearing clusters that fit in recesses in the butterfly plates, thus eliminating the welding of the balls to the butterfly plates and the need to purchase such precise and intricately small balls. The O-ring retainer and molded ball bearing cluster are preferably made from bearing quality acetal plastic materials.

Abstract: There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.

Abstract: The chemical distribution system (100) includes at least a first chamber that is fluidly coupled to a second chamber below it, which is in turn fluidly coupled to a manifold below it. In use, water and a powdered chemical are introduced into the first chamber. Liquid chemicals, however, are injected into the second chamber through multiple chemicals inlets in the second chamber. A pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first chamber is used to accurately measure dosages of the liquid chemical. Once the accurate dosages have been determined, the powdered and/or liquid chemicals are distributed through one of multiple manifold outlets and along a single line (116(a), 116(b)) to one of multiple washing machines (102(a), 102(b)).

Abstract: An apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a compressible metering chamber including a first end coupled to the fluid reservoir and a second end. The apparatus further including a valve coupled to the second end of the metering chamber and a nozzle coupled to the valve. A system including linearly translatable cartridge mounting assembly having a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations and a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridges mounted to respective fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations. The system further including a plurality of compression assemblies coupled to respective fluid dispensing cartridges and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly. A method includes positioning a fluid dispensing cartridge comprising a fluid reservoir and a metering chamber over a sample retaining member, applying a compressive force to the metering chamber to eject a predetermined amount of fluid and removing the compressive force to refill the metering chamber.

Abstract: A liquid product dispenser including a container equipped with several independent compartments, each of which is associated with a pump including a body which is blocked, at the bottom, by a suction valve and, at the top, by an applicator and/or an exhaust valve and which contains a piston mechanism cooperating with an elastic return system, characterized in that the pump bodies are solidly attached to one another in the form of a single shrunk-on ring by a linking spacer which also watertightly covers the container compartments.

Abstract: A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, includes a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, a plurality of containers for holding a fluid and mounted on the support, pumps and valves connected to respective containers, at least one common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves to dispense fluid and a drive mechanism for moving the support, and thus the containers, pumps, and valves on the one hand and the actuator on the other relative to each other. The common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves and the drive mechanism for relative motion of the support are integrated in a module, the module is releasably mounted in the apparatus.

Abstract: An aerosol device is provided with a set of two aerosol valves in an inch bead portion of an aerosol container, and different contents are separately packed in the aerosol container without being mixed. The different contents are separately introduced into the set of two aerosol valves, and the stem insertion portions of housings of the set of two aerosol valves project above the inch bead portion. The lower end of a fitting member whose inner peripheral shape corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the set of two housings is fitted and fixed to the inner periphery of the inch bead portion. The outer periphery of the fitting member is covered with a cover, and the lower end of the cover is fixed to the outer periphery of the inch bead portion.

Abstract: The application relates to a metering apparatus for introducing a powdery medium into a fluid, comprising a guide device for guiding the fluid and a metering device, said metering device being arranged above the guide device such that the powdery medium released by the metering unit is scattered onto the surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser for combining a number of ingredients. The dispenser may include a laminated container with one of the number of ingredients therein and a pump in communication with the laminated container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering fluid-containing feed materials to process equipment are disclosed. A liner-based pressure dispensing vessel is subjected to filling by application of vacuum between the liner and overpack. Multiple feed material flow controllers of different calibrated flow ranges may be selectively operated in parallel for a single feed material. Feed material blending and testing for scale-up may be performed with feed materials supplied by multiple liner-based pressure dispensing containers. A gravimetric system may be used to determine concentration of at least one component of a multi-component solution or mixture.

Abstract: A squeezing gun for two-part medical viscous fluid that simultaneously squeezes two different kinds of medical viscous fluid contained in a double cartridge including two tubes containing the respective different kinds of fluids. Two horizontal scroll bars are moved horizontally to actuate the squeezing of the fluids and are driven by a driving motor.

Abstract: The invention comprises two or more nozzle outlets, oriented so as to dispense liquid streams on convergent paths. The convergent steams, upon impingement one with the other, mix external to the nozzle, the mixed liquids thereafter proceeding to the target surface. Feeding the convergent nozzle outlets are independent fluid pathways, consisting either of a pump and reservoir for each fluid, or of a valve and pressurized reservoir for each fluid for self-dispensing embodiments. The fluid pathways are particularly designed so as to maintain the liquids in fluid isolation, one from the other, until the impingement mixing external to the nozzle. Also included within the invention are methods of dispensing immiscible and reactive liquids, in particular an embodiment for dispensing an edible oil and vinegar mixture and an embodiment for dispensing and forming a tissue sealant.

Abstract: A method for the high-pressure delivery of a mixture comprises delivering at least first and second fluids. The method comprises operations consisting in forming a mixture of fluids in a mixing zone having a pressure that is less than the desired high pressure and bringing the pre-mixed fluids to the high pressure. The first fluid is introduced into the mixing zone by a pumping operation that is performed by a high-pressure pump that is positioned downstream of the mixing zone. A device for performing the method is described.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer (2) comprises: (a) a first part comprising a chlorite in an alcoholic medium having a first foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a first foam dispenser (4) whereby it is dispensed as a first foam; and (b) a second part which comprises an acid in an alcoholic medium which has a second foam promoter dissolved therein and which is contained in a second foam dispenser (6) whereby it is dispensed as a second foam; wherein the chlorite and the acid will react to provide chlorine dioxide when the first foam is mixed with the second foam; and wherein a mixture (18) of equal quantities of the first part and the second part contains at least 50% alcohol by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is preferably directed to a dispenser of the type sold by 3M ESPE under the trade name Pentamix and as also described above. Such a dispenser preferably comprises at least a first and a second compartment for a first reservoir and a second reservoir, respectively, the first and the second reservoirs containing a first and a second component for the dental material, respectively. It further preferably comprises a first and a second plunger driven by a first drive for advancing the first and the second components from the first and the second reservoirs, respectively. Moreover, a dynamic mixer driven by a second drive for automatically mixing the first and second components to form the dental material from the first and second components is provided. Such a dispenser further preferably has a dispensing portion or mixing tip for dispensing the mixed dental material.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus to deliver a treatment solution includes a housing configured to be mounted to a wall surface and main fluid passage fitted with an inlet hose coupling at one end and an outlet hose coupling at an opposite end. A control valve is disposed across the main fluid passage at an upstream location and a flap valve is disposed across the main fluid passage at a downstream location of the control valve. A chemical mixing fluid passage is connected at one end to the first control valve and connected at an opposite end to the flap valve. A siphon tube connects a fluid accumulator and the chemical mixing fluid passage such that a flow of fluid through the chemical mixing passage results in liquid chemical contained in the fluid accumulator being drawn through the siphon tube into the flow of fluid through chemical mixing fluid passage.

Abstract: An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating liners with epoxy resin and the curing agents therefor includes an epoxy resin tank having a first discharge pipe with a first pump and a curing agent tank having a second discharge pipe with a second pump. Each discharge pipe leads through a flowmeter device. A control unit processes signals from the flowmeter devices with the amount of resin flow used being a control variable. The control unit, where the desired mixing ratio can be set as a parameter, sets or readjusts the pump for the curing agent tank to a precise amount of curing agent needed. A three-way valve is included in each of the epoxy resin and curing agent discharge pipes downstream from the pumps and the flowmeter devices. From each three-way valve, a conduit leads back into a corresponding tank and a further conduit leads to the mixing nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided that includes at least two separate reservoirs therein and a dispenser for mixing and delivering a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material from the reservoirs with each dispensing operation. In one example, the present invention relates to a dispenser for mixing and delivering hair colorant that allows the user to dispense a metered dose of the hair colorant components in a manner that measures and mixes those components with each dispensing operation. An optional applicator may be provided for even distribution of the dispensed hair colorant material.

Abstract: A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades.

Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.

Abstract: A multi-chamber dispenser may be provided and may include one or more chambers that may be removably fastened to a rigid frame and/or one or more chambers that may be permanently fastened to the rigid frame. A chamber may be actuated by rotating a cap, or an actuator, or both, to an application position and then pressing the cap or actuator in order to dispense the substance of one or more chambers. The substance may be dispensed via an independent dispensing conduit or a shared dispensing conduit. The multi-chamber dispenser may operate in any orientation and may operate when less than all of the chambers are fastened to the dispenser.

Abstract: A product delivery and monitoring system is provided. The system includes at least one air pump, an air pump sensor for each air pump, at least one diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump sensor for each diaphragm pump, a controller and an indication system. Each air pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the operation of the air pump. The at least one diaphragm pump is configured and arranged to deliver a product in response to the operation of an associated air pump. Each diaphragm pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the delivery of the product by the diaphragm pump. The controller is in communication with each air pump sensor and each diaphragm pump sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal based on a comparison of communications from an air pump sensor and an associated diaphragm sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate the indication system with the at least one control signal.

Abstract: Process and plant for producing a refuse derived solid fuel (RDSF), including a first component having a dry fraction of a solid urban waste (MSW) in a shredded form and at least one second component in a shredded form selected from an elastomeric material and a thermoplastic material, or mixtures thereof, wherein the dry fraction of the MSW, the elastomeric polymer material and/or the thermoplastic polymer material are stored in separate containers and when required are metered and fed in subsequent layers onto a continuous conveyor which discharges into a temporary accumulating container, for example, the box body of a motor vehicle, intended to directly feed the combustion plant wherein the RDSF is burned. In this way, there is no need to premix the various fractions of the RDSF during the production stage and to maintain the resulting mixture constantly stirred in order to prevent compaction and/or separation of fractions.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided that includes a multiple chamber fluid storage region, each having a dispensing pump of its own such that the dispenser can dispense the fluids from within the multiple fluid storage regions. Further, the multiple fluid storage regions may each contain the same or different liquids. The dispensing pumps include a metering housing, which when depressed, generate a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of each of the fluids is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housings are refilled by drawing fluids from their respective fluid storage regions. The fluids are mixed in the exit port as they are dispensed from the metering pumps.

Abstract: A pressurized reservoir system for storing and dispensing a plurality of liquids in very small quantities in which the liquids are dispensed independently from each other and also together in fixed volumetric proportions.

Abstract: A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing unit, particularly suitable for a liquid container, comprising an air pump with an air cylinder and an air piston (31), wherein an air chamber (32) is defined between the air cylinder and the air piston, a liquid pump with a liquid cylinder and a liquid piston (24), wherein a liquid chamber (30) is defined between the liquid cylinder and the liquid piston. An axially displaceable activating element (36) for activating the pumps, and upper edge (50) of air piston (31) for closing air supply to the air pump, and an oblique wall (51) of activating element (36) for closing air discharge from the air pump. The air piston and the liquid piston are movable in axial direction relative to the activating element in order to close air supply to the air pump and close air discharge from the air pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a refrigerator including a door, a liquid reservoir, a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, and a pump in communication with the dispenser. Further provided is a method of operating a refrigerator including the steps of providing a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a liquid reservoir, and a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid through the door, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, providing a pump having an inlet in communication with the liquid in the liquid reservoir and an outlet in communication with the dispenser, and providing a user interface in communication with the pump, whereby selectively entering a dispensing function input into the interface actuates the pump.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a two-component liquid comprises an outer resilient container (2) for containing one component with a neck (4) defining an opening and an inner tubular container (16). The inner container (16) contains a piston (20, 22) slidably received within it. A closure member (18) extends over the entire area of the inner container and closes its lower (16). The piston and the inner container define a reservoir for containing a second component. The neck (4) carries a closure cap (10,12) which affords a liquid dispensing opening (38). A first non-return valve (24, 32) communicates with the liquid dispensing opening (38) and with the interior of the inner container (16). An airflow path extends through the closure cap (10, 12) and the piston (20, 22) and includes a second non-return valve.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.