Abstract: An oral irrigator has a base unit housing a motor and a pump, a removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity configured to mechanically couple to a top surface of the base unit and fluidly couple the reservoir cavity to the pump, and a belt drive assembly connecting the motor to the pump. The belt drive assembly includes a drive pulley connected to an output shaft of the motor, a driven pulley spaced apart from the drive pulley and mechanically connected to a piston that drives the pump, and a continuous belt connecting the drive pulley to the driven pulley. A handle for the oral irrigator may include a housing defining a slot formed in an outer wall of the housing.

Abstract: A bottle apparatus is disclosed. The bottle apparatus includes body including a plurality of sidewalls. The body is divided into a first body and an additional body via one or more dividing members. The first body is reversibly couplable to an additional body. A cavity of the first body is configured to hold a concentrated product and a cavity of the additional body is configured to hold the concentrated product and a diluent to form a diluted product. The bottle apparatus includes a plurality of openings arranged on a top wall of the body. The bottle apparatus includes one or more transfer members configured to couple to a portion of the plurality of openings. The one or more transfer members are configured to dispense at least one of the diluted product, the concentrated product, or the diluent.

Abstract: An oral device container and bottle assembly may include a bottle having a bottle connector; and an oral device container. The oral device container may include a base portion having: a base outer wall having an opening; a base inner wall; and an oral device container connector configured to removably connect to the bottle connector. The oral device container may further include a cap portion configured to be mounted to the base portion and to rotate relative to the base portion. The cap portion may have a cap outer wall having an opening; and a cap inner wall that is received within the base inner wall.

Abstract: A carbonized water dispensing device is provided with a carbonized water conditioning chamber, which conditioning chamber is provided downstream of the carbonator and upstream of the carbonized water dispensing outlet, for receiving a mixture of carbonized water mixed with unresolved CO2. The conditioning chamber is dimensioned to hold a single serve of carbonized water with a headspace, and which carbonized water conditioning chamber is provided with an outlet valve and a gas outlet. The carbonized water dispensing device is configured to, upon receiving a beverage dispensing order, provide the empty carbonized water conditioning chamber with a single serve volume of carbonized water, and hold the single serve of carbonized water prior to dispensing the single serve volume of carbonized water.

Abstract: A container unit (2) including a plurality of sub-container portions (4) defining a plurality of chambers for containing a liquid substance, a mixing chamber (10) downstream of the sub-container portions, a selecting mechanism for selecting one or more liquid substances from the sub-container portions, and a spray actuator (6) for dispensing a single liquid substance product from one sub-container portion or a mixture of liquid substances from two or more of the plurality of sub-container portions (4), wherein the sub-container portions (4) are individually removable from the container unit.

Abstract: A method to prepare a beverage in a machine for preparing beverages, including: receiving through a user interface associated with a control and command unit the selection of a type of beverage to be prepared selected between a beverage obtained by infusion, or hot water; disenabling the commands of said user interface not related to the type of beverage selected, and enabling the commands correlated to the type of beverage selected, in order to allow the selection by the user of further specific organoleptic characteristics for the type of beverage selected; receiving and verifying the characteristics selected and conditioning the various functioning factors of said machine in relation to the specific selected characteristics and the operating parameters provided for the specific selected beverage.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser includes a communication unit, a control unit for acquiring at least one of user information and environment information through the communication unit and acquiring a cosmetic dispensing method based on at least one of the user information and the environment information, and a cosmetic dispensing unit having a plurality of cartridges for containing cosmetics and a discharge unit for discharging the cosmetics contained in the plurality of cartridges. The control unit receives input information in which an amount of cosmetics to be provided is selected by either a number of times of use or a period of use. The cosmetic dispensing unit dispenses each of the cosmetics contained in the plurality of cartridges in an amount corresponding to the number of times of use or the period of use selected according to the input information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring and maintaining a beverage dispenser (10) are provided in which an array of flow control icons (60) is presented on the same page as functional sections (62-68). The functional sections (62-68) allow assignment of a beverage component to a flow control element corresponding to a selected flow control icon, and other functions to be performed in connection with the assigned beverage component or flow control element.

Abstract: In a displacement metering pump, comprising a cylinder housing, which has a product inlet and a product outlet and in which a sealed displacement piston can be moved back and forth, the cylinder housing, with a piston rod seal fixedly installed therein for the displacement piston forming a piston rod and with the placement of the product inlet and the product outlet, has no dead space and is self-emptying, i.e. can be flawlessly cleaned with respect to CIP hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beer manufacturing device configured such that it is possible to directly produce and sell beer, the yeast of which is alive, on the spot without any expertise, and it is possible to easily manufacture various kinds of beer automatically at a low cost through a single session without a concern that the same will be contaminated by contact with the outside.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding the assembly of a food or beverage item including a number of components is disclosed. The system includes a starting point device having a controller. The starting point device is operable to receive the details of the food item, which includes the components required to create the food or beverage item. The controller is in communication with multiple dispensers and bins that each include one or more of the components and an indicator. The controller activates the indicators associated with each of the components of the food or beverage item either sequentially or simultaneously to indicate to the staff member all of the components that need to be added to the food or beverage item. As each component is added, the indicator is deactivated until all of the components have been added. Once the food or beverage item is created, the controller indicates that the next food or beverage item can be created.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Hair Pigment Dispensing (“HPD”) device that may be connected to the internet and intended for professional hairstylists to prepare their hair color formulations. Hair dying is a process that can take several hours and requires precise measurements, high attention to detail, and informed decision making. Not to mention, hair dying requires a large inventory of products to be readily available to the hairstylist. The present invention aims to decrease errors in product measurement, inventory size, and time spent mixing hair color ingredients to improve the overall experience for both the hairstylist and the client. Furthermore, the present invention provides the advantage of storing data from various client mixtures either locally or within a cloud server so that a customer can receive uniform coloring.

Abstract: A system and method of using an O-ring retaining apparatus to maintain an O-ring in the same position relative to the position of the handle of a bar gun while permitting a valve stem in physical contact with the O-ring to slide past without the O-ring becoming dislodged.

Abstract: An on demand functional beverage dispenser is provided that outputs an enhanced flavored mixture by combining a liquid with a flavored product and a functional product including a dietary supplement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inventory monitoring system with an intelligent shelf that includes a power and data communications hub having sensory logic of an inventory application, which generates sensory logic data related to inventory items tracked. Further included is a server computing device that includes a working logic of the inventory application, which updates server records using the sensory logic data received from the intelligent shelf. An Internet enabled mobile computing device having an interactive display logic of the inventory application displays updated server records received from the server computing device.

Abstract: A pump system may include a blown-in dip tube connected to a valve body and having a connection which may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector having one or more of a lip for sealing with a blown-in dip tube, a seal ring configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube and seal therewith, a dip tube lock for mating with a blown-in dip tube, or an o-ring for providing an improved seal with a blown-in dip tube.

Abstract: A service trolley for dispensing beverages includes a frame having an upper end opposite a lower end, and a tabletop arranged on the upper end of the frame. The trolley further includes wheels arranged on the lower end of the frame configured to allow the frame to roll on a surface. The trolley includes a beverage dispenser arranged within the frame that includes a multi-serve beverage container for storing a beverage, a dispensing head in communication with the beverage container via a conduit, and a pressurized vessel configured to contain a pressurized gas in communication with the beverage container so as to drive a flow of the beverage from the beverage container to the dispensing head.

Abstract: A machine and process for providing consumer products may include a set of positions configured to contain consumer products or containers in which ingredients are used to form consumer products. The consumer products or containers may include radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags. A set of antennas, where at least one antenna is disposed at each position, may be configured to output and receive RF signals. A transceiver may be in electrical communication with the antennas, and be configured to generate the RF signals. A processor may be in communication with the transceiver, and be programmed to (i) receive RFID signals from the RFID tags at the set of positions, and (ii) identify locations of the RFID tags to determine that corresponding consumer products or containers of ingredients are in correct positions.

Abstract: The present application provides a dispensing nozzle for use with a flow of a diluent and a flow of a concentrate. The beverage dispenser may include an annular concentrate path of the flow of the concentrate and an annular diluent path surrounding at least in part the annular concentrate path for the flow of the diluent. The annular diluent path may include a shallow angle leading towards the flow of the concentrate such that the flow of the diluent and the flow of the concentrate mix in or downstream of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An oral fluid delivery device is described. The device includes a housing forming at least one cavity. The cavity includes at least two reservoirs, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The device also includes an elongated neck with a distal end having at least one distal opening for passage of a fluid, a proximal end, and a channel fluidly connected to the distal opening. The device also includes a cap at the proximal end of the elongated neck. The cap includes at least one aperture aligned with the channel of the elongated neck and is rotatably coupled to the housing such that rotating the cap relative to the housing selectively aligns the aperture with a first reservoir opening to provide fluid communication between the first reservoir and the channel, or aligns the aperture with a second reservoir opening to provide fluid communication between the second reservoir and the channel.

Abstract: An oral irrigator has a removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity, a base unit housing a motor and a pump, and a handle for directing fluid flow from the pump removably connected to the base unit and fluidly coupled to the pump by a hose. The handle has a housing defining a slot formed in an outer wall of the housing. The slot is bounded by two opposing walls spaced apart from each other and a transverse wall at a terminal interior end of the opposing walls. The outer wall of the housing is open to the slot at lateral sides of the two opposing walls and at a base end of the opposing walls opposite the transverse wall.

Abstract: A post-mix drink dispenser includes a mixer body securable to a drink dispensing system and having at least one beverage concentrate inlet and outlet sheltered within a downwardly open cavity in the bottom thereof; a diluent channel formed exterior to the cavity and about a lower sidewall of the mixer body; and a nozzle housing securable in place about the mixer body. The dispenser includes an air channel formed in a wall portion of the nozzle housing, a diffuser to organize flows of diluent along the interior surface of the nozzle housing, or both a vent and a diffuser. The air channel includes provisions to impede ingress of diluent, and to contain flow through the channel of liquid beverage components. The diffuser may be formed unitary with the nozzle housing, or may be selectively removable from the drink dispenser.

Abstract: Automated dispensing of beverages is provided by unattended software control. Grants are purchased or given from the administrative Portal (we call it Pass Manager, see screen shots in the ppt presentation). The redemption is initiated from the web page opened on a phone or tablet. Redemption can also be initiated by applying QR, bar code, RFID or CC cards to a Reader. dispensing tap may be accessed at the dispensing station interface or via a networked application interface. Authenticating the granting of automated access via a receipt includes acceptance of legal terms and conditions and assess limited by an access code. User may prepay for servings, with the tap remaining locked until the user specific access code is acknowledged. After dispensing, the tap is locked and the purchase or grant total updated.

Abstract: A dispensing and pour control system for a regulated beverage having a metering system that provides a discharge in a controlled and metered manner. A sensor system uses a Line Control Board (LCB) that detects a piston location inside a metering conduit. A plurality of magnetic sensors is positioned at equal intervals and in the same plane collinear with the movement of a magnetic piston within the metering mechanism conduit. The piston position is detected by obtaining a set of momentary readings of the magnetic sensors and estimating a location of the piston by interpolation of the piston position as an anticipate location between sensors that are adjacent and showing readings of opposing signs.

Abstract: An ice restrainer apparatus including a primary ring member and a secondary ring member. The primary ring member has a fixed diameter and a circular web-like structure including an outer peripheral edge and a plurality of restraining elements within the circular web-like structure. The primary ring member fits inside a beverage container. The primary ring member including a pair of horizontally positioned guiding rails located along the center of a top surface of the primary ring member for receiving the secondary ring member. The secondary ring member having an adjustable diameter and collectively formed by a first semicircle region and a second semicircle region which are interconnected by a diameter adjustment assembly. The secondary ring member having an outer peripheral edge and including an inner circular member and an outer circular web-like member. The inner circular member having the diameter adjustment assembly positioned horizontally along the center of the inner circular member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for additively manufactured tubular passages, additively manufactured manifolds, and additively manufactured heaters are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating powder filter, particularly for supplying different types and/or sorts of powder, as selected, to a powder delivery device. The separating powder filter comprises the following: a first powder inlet, at least one additional, second powder inlet, and a powder outlet. Either the first powder inlet or the at least one second powder inlet can be fluidically connected to the powder outlet of the separating powder filter.

Abstract: A device and a method for accurately discharging a fixed amount of a liquid, the liquid containing solid particles, in a state that the solid particles are dispersed in the liquid material. The device includes a first reservoir, a first air pressure supply pipe, a metering portion having a metering hole, a plunger moving back and forth in the metering hole, a nozzle, a switching valve having a first position and a second position, a plunger driver, and a switching valve driver. The discharge device further includes a second reservoir, a second air pressure supply pipe, a branch portion provided in an upper portion of the metering hole and having a branch flow path, and an opening/closing mechanism that establishes or cuts off communication between the second reservoir and the metering hole. A discharge method is carried out using the discharge device.

Abstract: A shower head that includes a movable handset, a mixing valve, and an electric heater. The movable handset includes a stem configured to detachably engage a shower head dock, and a spray head coupled to the stem and configured to discharge water. The mixing valve is disposed within the movable handset and includes a housing including a waterway located therein for water to flow through, a first flow control valve located within the housing and configured to control the flow of hot water to the spray head, and a second flow control valve located within the housing and configured to control the flow of cold water to the spray head. The electric heater is disposed within the movable handset and configured to heat at least part of the housing to an elevated temperature sufficient to kill organisms within the waterway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a non-mixed fluid along with a post-mix fluid. The post-mix fluid is formed by mixing a base beverage with at least one beverage additive. For example, the beverage dispensing system may dispense a post-mix fluid (e.g. cola) and a non-mixed fluid (e.g. spirits) separately. In some embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed simultaneously with the non-mixed fluid from separate fluid outlet ports. In other embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed from a first fluid outlet port and, subsequently, the non-mixed fluid may be dispensed from a second fluid outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an output end of a hydration tube near a region of a user's mouth includes an arm and a mounting mechanism. The arm is formable to extend in a generally vertical direction along a side of the user's head or neck and in a generally horizontal direction toward the user's mouth. The arm includes a side region and a front region coupled to the side region. The front region is configured to have a portion of the hydration tube including the output end attached thereto and subsequently detached therefrom without affecting the structural integrity of the front region or the hydration tube. The mounting mechanism is associated with the arm and is configured to attach the arm to a body gear configured to be worn near the user's head or neck, and subsequently detach the arm from the body gear without affecting the structural integrity of the arm and the body gear.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a food substance dispenser includes a first cleaning solution reservoir configured to contain a first cleaning solution. A second cleaning solution reservoir is configured to contain a second cleaning solution. At least one pump is fluidly connected to the first and second cleaning solution reservoir and to at least one flexible tube of the dispenser. A controller is communicatively connected to the at least one pump and operates the pump to selectively circulate the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution through the flexible tubing of the dispenser.

Abstract: Dispensing device for a drink based on a first fluid to which a second fluid can be added selectively, including a support containing a chamber having a first port communicating with a reservoir of said first fluid, a second port communicating with a reservoir of the second fluid, and an outlet port, further including a dispensing assembly mounted movably relative to the support following: a first displacement arranged to selectively open and close the outlet port and/or the first port by a first actuating element for the first displacement; and a second displacement arranged to open and close the second port selectively by a second element to enable the actuation of the second displacement; the second element being arranged to be actuated after the first element and following a type of motion different to the type of motion necessary for the actuation of the first element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage machine with at least three distinct zones 1, 3, 4. A first zone 1 for storing a liquid or semi-liquid product at ambient temperature, a second zone 3 for processing the stored product, in particular for cooling the product to a predetermined serving temperature, and a third zone 4 for storing the cooled product and maintaining it at the predetermined serving temperature. From the third zone 4 an iced beverage can be dispensed.

Abstract: A removable container for powder or liquid includes a housing, a spilling mechanism and a bypass element. The housing hangs within a bottle and is capable of storing powder within the bottle while being sealed from a precursor liquid held within the bottle. The spilling mechanism enables the powder to spill out of the housing and into the precursor liquid and the bypass element provides the precursor liquid out of the bottle without mixing with the stored powder.

Abstract: A device for transferring liquid, semiliquid or powdered basic products including: a main body designed to form a plurality of transfer channels defining respective conveying paths which are at least partly separate from one another, each including a respective inlet for a basic product, said main body including an outlet shared by said transfer channels.

Abstract: A container seal that allows a user to select at least one of two or more different sized openings from which to dispense a liquid product from a container. The container seal includes at least a base layer, and may further include a polymer layer attached to the base layer at one or more locations. The container seal may further include a pull tab. Pulling the pull tab forms an opening within the base layer. Various seal configurations allow one, two, or more different sized openings from which to dispense a liquid product from the container depending, for example, on the user's preferred method of dispensing the liquid product from the container. In one configuration, a pull tab may form one, two, or three or more openings in the container seal.

Abstract: Environmental friendly automotive fluid dispensing systems and are provided. One disclosed system provides for the controlled dispensing of an automotive fluid selected from multiple automotive fluids. A quantity of fluid to be dispensed can be designated and the system can dispense the designated quantity of the selected fluid. A pump assembly is used to transfer automotive fluid from a selected container to a dispensing gun in a controlled fashion. The product dispensing gun can include a check valve for preventing fluid from exiting the dispensing gun when no fluid is being transferred to the dispensing gun by the pump assembly.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.

Abstract: A cartridge system mixes and applies a mixing ware, such as, for example, a medical cement. The cartridge system has two cartridges that are arranged parallel to each other, and a mixing space having an outlet opening, wherein the cartridges each comprise at least one opening in the cartridge walls that connects the cartridges to the mixing space. The cartridges each comprise a feed plunger for expelling starting components of the mixing ware out of the cartridges through the openings, wherein a closure that can be shifted in the mixing space is arranged in the mixing space in a manner such that it closes the openings of the cartridges in a starting position and in that the openings to the mixing space are opened, at least in part, in a final position of the shiftable closure, wherein the shiftable closure can be shifted from a starting position to a final position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing head for dispensing beverages from at least one pressurized beverage source, and at least one beverage tube, with a first end that is fluidly connected to the beverage dispensing head and a second end. A manifold module for use in this system includes at least one flow control module configured for attachment to and fluid communication with the beverage source, and a beverage redirecting apparatus configured to be attached between the flow control module and the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet in fluid communication with the flow control module and at least one fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus is configured such that a direction of fluid flow is altered between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A mobile beverage cart is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the mobile beverage cart may include a water chiller system and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a manifold, at least one product line in communication with the manifold, at least one product container in communication with the at least one product line, an electric pump in communication with the at least one product line, a water line in communication with the water chiller system and the manifold, and a dispensing device in communication with the manifold.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for providing a configurable fluid temperature. The assembly including: an adjustment interface; a mixing valve having a plurality of fluid ingress apertures and at least one fluid egress aperture; the mixing valve being adjustable to dispense fluid at a configurable temperature; and a dispenser element, in fluid communication with the at least on egress aperture of the mixing valve and adapted to selectively dispense water there from.

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: 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 actuator system having a stationary circular array of mechanical devices. The actuator system includes two stationary motors: one motor to rotate the actuator implement around the circular array of mechanical devices until the desired mechanical device is reached; and a second motor to rotate the actuator implement into engagement with an actuator pin of the mechanical device. A nozzle includes a three-sided or U-shaped stationary enclosure, together with a movable gate that completes the enclosure and forms an adjustable size nozzle outlet. As the gate closes after a dispense is complete, a controlled flow of residual liquid exits the nozzle outlet to avoid any additional displacement, thus preventing the undesirable effect of liquid being squeezed out of the nozzle outlet as the gate closes. Conversely, when the gate opens, this sniff back action operates in reverse, thereby filling the nozzle outlet and preventing air from filling the nozzle.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: A can with an internal divider for separating multiple items to be dispensed, and a dispensing cap having one-handed operation for opening and closing and suitable for effectively dispensing one or more items from a container which may or may not have an internal divider.