Abstract: Reconfigurable control systems for beverage dispensers, beverage dispensers with a reconfigurable control panel, beverage dispensers that sequence the dispensing of beverage fluids that make up a selected beverage, beverage dispensers that allow for the dispensing of user customized beverages, and related methods for dispensing a beverage fluid are provided. A reconfigurable control system includes a control panel having multiple sensing regions, user reconfigurable switches used to select a control panel configuration, and a control unit operatively coupled with the control panel and the user reconfigurable switches. Each of the sensing regions is assigned to a key of the selected control panel configuration or deactivated. The keys of the selected control panel configuration receive user input to select a beverage and/or a beverage additive.

Abstract: Water dispensers are disclosed which include a Sabbath function. When activating the Sabbath function, water refill of the hot water reservoir tank is prevented and the heating of the water in the hot reservoir tank is modified to provide a constant heating at a less than boiling temperature.

Abstract: Imprint lithography systems and methods for transporting and dispensing polymerizable material on a substrate are described. In one implementation, the transport system utilizes a dispense head, dispense guard, and a shielding block when dispensing the polymerizable material. In another implementation, the transport system comprises one or more filters positioned in an inline manifold for particle reduction or ion reduction.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: The portable self-serve beer vending station has a hollow base in which at least two beer kegs are stored. A shelf of the unit is disposed above the base, two or more beer taps being disposed above the shelf to service each keg. A manifold tube extends from the kegs to the beer taps. Money machines, one on each side of the station, accept cash, credit, or debit. The money machine control wires are connected to control valves connected between the manifold outlets and the taps. Each money machine provides a touch screen selection menu or pushbuttons from which patrons can select either a pitcher or mug of beer at a set price. The station may be cylindrical, hexagonal, rectangular, semicircular, or the like. A surround shelf is provided for filling pitchers or mugs. An upper shelf is provided for holding fresh pitchers or mugs.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed that can select and dispense a beverage from any of a plurality of standard beverage containers mounted behind a closed refrigerator door. The apparatus includes adapter caps that preserve beverage qualities such as carbonation by sealing the containers in lieu of standard caps. The containers are inverted and the adaptor caps are coupled to female receptacles that open valves in the caps, thereby gaining access to the beverages. A beverage selector controlled from outside of the refrigerator selects a beverage, which flows to an external dispenser through a single conduit that penetrates the door. Embodiments include a container supporting structure which can include orifices and tabs that stabilize containers in the orifices. Some embodiments can support and select between three standard, two-liter soda bottles. Preferred adapter caps include air inlets that allow air to displace dispensed beverage. Embodiments can be retrofitted to standard refrigerators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.

Abstract: An Inline Fluid Dispenser including a reservoir having at least one chamber for containing reservoir contents, a fluid supply tube extending through the reservoir, an entry tubing adapter attached to a first end of the fluid supply tube and including an entry flow valve, an exit tubing adapter attachable to a second end of the fluid supply tube and including an exit flow valve, an activation system for controlling fluid flow between the fluid supply tube and the reservoir. The fluid supply tube contents and the reservoir contents mix together and flow through the exit flow valve when there is fluid communication between the reservoir and the fluid supply tube. A supply fluid flow path is always available between the entry tubing adapter and the exit tubing adapter.

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 fluid dispenser comprising: at least one fluid reservoir (1a, 1b) provided with an opening (11a, 11b); at least one fluid dispenser member (3a, 3b), such as a pump or a valve, comprising a body (31a, 31b) that is mounted in stationary manner on the opening of the reservoir, and an actuator rod (32a, 32b) that is axially movable down and up along an axis X over a stroke; a pusher (9) that is axially movable down and up along an axis Y so as to move said at least one actuator rod (32a, 32b) axially; and the dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises stroke-variation means (8) for varying the stroke of the actuator rod, said means being disposed between the pusher (9) and said at least one actuator rod (32a, 32b), so as to vary the stroke of the stem.

Abstract: A dual chamber liquid condiment bottle utilizes a rotatable valve above each chamber to adjust the amount of liquid condiment released when squeezing the bottle. Each rotatable valve has a finger tab to adjust the amount of condiment released. Because condiments are often composed of different viscosities, such as mustard and ketchup, or oil and vinegar for salads, it is advantageous to have the adjustments for each chamber to release the desired ratio of the condiments when simultaneously dispensing them.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a beverage dispensing head, a first section is molded to include an exit channel and a first portion of a valve bore. A second section is molded to include an entry channel, a passage through the second section, and a second portion of the valve bore. A third section is molded to include a passage through the third section and a third portion of the valve bore. The first section is mated with the second section and the second section is mated with the third section to form a handle including a passageway therethrough. The mating of the first section with the second section and the second section with the third section aligns the first portion with the second portion and the second portion with the third portion to form the valve bore for the passageway. In addition, the entry channel is sealed to form a fluid entry aperture and a fluid entry conduit for the passageway. Further, the exit channel is sealed to form a portion of a fluid exit conduit for the passageway.

Abstract: A personal water and additive apparatus includes a first container; a manifold having a water passageway and an additive passageway, the water passageway and additive passageway intersecting to form a single mixing passageway; a first tube connecting the first container to the water passageway of the manifold, the combination of the first tube and the water passageway defining a water channel; a second container; a second tube connecting the second container to the additive passageway of the manifold, the combination of the second tube and the additive passageway defining an additive channel; an outlet tube having one end connected to the mixing passageway of the manifold; a check valve disposed in the water channel; and a flow regulator that controls flow in at least one of the water passageway and the additive passageway.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dispenser apparatus for dispensing fluids. The dispenser apparatus includes a centrally located vertically mounted column assembly. A plurality of canisters is cantilever mounted to the column assembly. Each canister has a receptacle for holding a fluid and each receptacle includes a corresponding pump for dispensing fluid held therein. The dispenser apparatus also includes a stationary dispensing station having a mechanism for selectively actuating the pump for dispensing fluid held in the receptacle. A mechanism is also provided for engaging a portion of a canister to align a pump corresponding to a receptacle to the stationary dispensing station, wherein the fluid held in the receptacle may be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.

Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.

Abstract: A flow circuit connector provides the capability to change the flow paths of a product valve in a beverage dispenser. The flow circuit connector includes a first member that connects two unconnected flow paths, and a second member that stops the flow of fluid within the flow paths not being utilized. In a first embodiment, the flow circuit connector allows an operator to select between two diluent flow paths representing either a chilled diluent or a chilled and carbonated diluent. Configuration may be accomplished on location, and is not a permanent rerouting. In a second embodiment, the beverage dispenser further includes an ambient flow circuit and additional flow circuit connector components as required to complete or cap any exposed flow circuits. In a third embodiment, the beverage dispenser includes at least two product flow circuits representing the delivery of ambient product or a conditioned product.

Abstract: A soft drink container includes a plurality of the additive storage containers, a plurality of additive contents contained in the additive storage containers, an additive storage selector, a base storage container containing at least one base liquid, and a mechanism operable to release the additive contents into the base liquid storage. The plurality of additive contents may include at least one of salts, spices, flavoring, color agents, odors, fragrances, vitamins, thickeners, enhancers, fruit distillers, preservatives and vitamins. The additive storage selector is operable to separately align each of the plurality of additive storage containers with an opening of the base storage container and is operable to release a selected additive content into the base liquid container. The additive storage selector may further include a piercer operable to pierce the base storage container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a volume-adjustable micro-injection device. The device includes a base structure having a syringe positioning structure and a grip, in which the syringe positioning structure can flexibly accommodate injection syringes with different volumes; a holding structure capable of flexibly adjusting an injection angle of syringe content for easier operation; a qualitative controller capable of accurately controlling injection volume; a pressure pushing structure to hold and push a plunger; an injection controller interlinked with the qualitative controller and the pressure pushing structure; and an eject structure facilitating simple operation and easy replacement of injection syringes.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for the storage and deposition of a plurality of liquid food components to a mold, said apparatus including: a deposition mechanism for intermittently depositing predetermined quantities of said plurality of liquid food components to said mold, said mechanism having a plurality of individual deposition points; a plurality of liquid food storage vessels, each having an outlet adapted to supply an individual liquid food component to said deposition mechanism; and a plurality of arrayed liquid food supply galleries extending from said liquid food storage vessels to said deposition mechanism, thereby to facilitate flow of said food components to said deposition points; where in said plurality of liquid food storage vessels are each equipped with an elongate outlet, said outlet being adapted to allow said liquid food to flow substantially directly into each supply gallery along that inlet region; and wherein there is provided a means for selectively allowing or preventing flow of the content

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: A device for controlled delivery of pressurized fluids from a multiplicity of pressurize fluid sources having a multiplicity of pressurized fluid lines engaged therewith to a bar gun. The device comprises a flow control assembly with a multiplicity of flow channel assemblies. Each flow channel assembly has a high pressure tube receiving port adapted to receive a fluid pressure line from a high pressure fluid source. Each flow control assembly has an on/off valve and flow control structure downstream thereof. The flow control structure may be self-adjusting or mechanical control. The flow control assembly includes a housing for engaging the fluid flow channel assemblies thereon. A manifold assembly is adapted to engage the flow control assembly. The manifold assembly includes a multiplicity of connector fittings, each having an upstream and a downstream end .

Abstract: A system for simultaneously brewing and dispensing multiple beverages from a single substantially unitary structure includes a rigid, thermally conductive substantially cylindrically dispensing container having internally fluid discreet compartments each, in horizontal cross-section, defining a polar segment of the cross-section of the container, each of the compartments including pouring spouts at a corresponding mouth of the container, and handles each corresponding to a spout of the structure. The system also includes a circular planar cover selectably securable and rotatable upon or within the mouth of the container. The cover includes a polar opening sufficient in area and geometry to permit flow of a beverage from a selected on of the compartments when a corresponding handle is engaged.

Abstract: A holder to dispense and prepare ice coffee, consisting of a first compartment containing liquid coffee extract, a second compartment containing a propellant, a nozzle with a valve, and whereby at least one additive, such as sugars, sweeteners, aromas or a combination thereof, can be added to the concentrate in order to spray a jet of product onto a liquid.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing liquids comprising an inner displacement member nested in an outer displacement member. The inner member is moveable between two end positions within the outer member by an actuator. The actuator is arranged to move the outer displacement member into a dispensing position when the inner displacement member is in one of its end positions. The displacement members can be pistons and/or bellows.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

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: A multi-compartment spray dispenser with common pressurizer includes a single container divided into four sub-chambers, each of which is separate from each of the other sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber has its own separate outlet. A pumping mechanism is common to the sub-chambers and causes pressurization of the sub-chambers simultaneously. When it is desired to dispense liquid from one of the sub-chambers, a hose connection is coupled to the hose connection on the container, thereby opening a flow path for liquid through a hose connected to the hose connector and a nozzle having an actuating valve. Should flow of liquid slow, it is easy to re-pressurize the sub-chamber through operation of the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flavors to beverages or food products is provided. A programmable pump apparatus allows for dispensing a varying amount of a selected flavor in response to user input. A main tower is mountable on countertops or other work surfaces such as a home, office, or food preparation area, and allows users to select one or more flavors and control the amount of flavor dispensed. The apparatus may comprise buttons that can be programmed for pour and hold with a specified time-out and a guard time delay to prevent accidental dispensing of flavor.

Abstract: A variable temperature dispensing system and method for dispensing a variable temperature controlled fluid in an appliance includes a first fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at one temperature and a second fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at another temperature that is elevated relative to the one temperature of the first fluid storage tank. A dispenser outlet is fluidly connected to the first and second fluid storage tanks by at least one fluid line. A proportioning device is disposed along the at least one fluid line between the dispenser outlet and the first and second fluid storage tanks to proportion the fluid delivered from the first and second fluid storage tanks to the dispenser outlet. The proportioning device allows for the selection of a specific temperature for the fluid to be dispensed through the dispenser outlet and delivers the fluid at the selected specific temperature.

Abstract: A personal water and additive apparatus includes a first container; a manifold having a water passageway and an additive passageway, the water passageway and additive passageway intersecting to form a single mixing passageway; a first tube connecting the first container to the water passageway of the manifold, the combination of the first tube and the water passageway defining a water channel; a second container; a second tube connecting the second container to the additive passageway of the manifold, the combination of the second tube and the additive passageway defining an additive channel; an outlet tube having one end connected to the mixing passageway of the manifold; a check valve disposed in the water channel; and a flow regulator that controls flow in at least one of the water passageway and the additive passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a butterfly plate assembly for a bar gun that includes a ball cluster bearing sized and dimensioned to operationally couple the butterfly plates with an interior surface of a handle upon which the ball cluster bearing rests. The welding of the steel balls to the butterfly plates and the need to purchase such precise and intricately small balls is eliminated by using the molded ball bearing clusters that are shaped and dimensioned to fit in the recesses in the sockets of the bar gun handle.

Abstract: A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.

Abstract: A two-component syringe is provided with a valve assembly having a common inlet/outlet, the valve assembly being designed to selectively close the containers of the syringe or allow a liquid from the outside to be aspirated into one of the containers via the common inlet/outlet or connect the two containers to each other or allow a mixture to be dispensed through the common inlet/outlet. This valve assembly is composed of a valve body provided with a sealing disk having channels that are arranged such that the connections are established or interrupted when the valve body is rotated. The design of such a valve assembly is simple and cost-efficient, and it allows aspirating liquids into a container and transferring them to another container that holds a powder as well as dispensing multicomponent liquids or pastes efficiently and with minimum pressure and volume losses.

Abstract: A personal water and additive apparatus includes a first container; a manifold having a water passageway and an additive passageway, the water passageway and additive passageway intersecting to form a single mixing passageway; a first tube connecting the first container to the water passageway of the manifold, the combination of the first tube and the water passageway defining a water channel; a second container; a second tube connecting the second container to the additive passageway of the manifold, the combination of the second tube and the additive passageway defining an additive channel; an outlet tube having one end connected to the mixing passageway of the manifold; a check valve disposed in the water channel; and a flow regulator that controls flow in at least one of the water passageway and the additive passageway.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is disclosed, typical of prior art beverage dispensing systems, in that it is designed to dispense fluids, such as syrup and/or soda and water, from a bar gun. The bar gun is connected by a multiplicity of lines to a manifold and flow control assembly. The manifold and flow control assembly, in turn, receives a number of different fluids, typically syrup, water and soda, under pressure from a number of different pressurized containers. Applicants' novel system includes schematics, typically in the form of adhesive labels, applied to the dispensing system, typically on the manifold and flow control assembly, which schematics illustrate the button arrangement on the handle, and the inlet port layout on the handle, and relate the same, using words, symbols or a combination, to indicia identified ports on the manifold and flow control assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable material includes a cylinder, a piston in and slidable along the cylinder for pressing and thus dispensing flowable material contained in the cylinder, and a shaft extending into the cylinder for sliding the piston. The shaft incorporates a thumb piece for engagement by the thumb of a user to drive the shaft in a forward direction into the cylinder for sliding the piston to dispense flowable material. The thumb piece is slidable along the shaft. A unidirectional clutch between the thumb piece and the shaft is operable in the forward direction to fix the thumb piece to the shaft such that the shaft may be driven forward by the thumb piece and is inoperable in an opposite, rearward, direction to release the thumb piece from the shaft such that the thumb piece can slide rearward along the shaft for operation at another position.

Abstract: This invention discloses dispensing post-mix beverages, and a manually operable valve assembly for mixing a concentrate such as a syrup or flavor with a diluent to form a post-mix beverage, such as a hand-held multi-product beverage dispense valve assembly for bar guns. The present invention reduces cross-contamination of dispensed beverages, completes draining of the beverage at the end of the dispense in a short time, and improves hygiene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a first additive to an appliance are disclosed. The systems include a first storage container located in a pedestal, a first pump operatively connected to the first storage container and the appliance. A controller is configured to activate the first pump upon receiving an input. The first pump configured to deliver the first additive from the first storage container to the appliance. The methods include receiving a first input. The first input specifying an amount of the first additive to be delivered to the appliance. The first additive is delivered by activating a first pump in response to receiving the first input. Activating the first pump causes the first additive to be delivered to the appliance.

Abstract: A multi-station dispensing apparatus which affords an automatic flow rate for the product to be dispensed. It also provides a single control knob which can select from several different chemical concentrates to be diluted and dispensed. In addition, a bottle can be filled by single-handed operation as well as a bucket without the need to reset the control knob.

Abstract: A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle.

Abstract: The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for configuring portion control for a dispenser apparatus. A plurality of beverage ingredients may be associated with the dispenser apparatus, and a plurality of selectable beverages may be formed from the plurality of beverage ingredients. Input for one or more preferences associated with portion control may be received. Stored information associated with at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be accessed. At least one portion control for at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be determined based at least in part on at least a portion of the received input and at least a portion of the accessed information.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user.

Abstract: The allspicer is an automatic spice dispenser that holds, stores and dispenses spice's. It has a Menu memory, a alphabetical listing of spice's, measurement screen as to how much of Each spice you wish to drop out. The spice's would drop out just like a coffee machine that You put money in and a predetermined amount pours into your cup. The spice would drop out The amount you choose and drop it out into a dispense cup.

Abstract: A liquid and drink mix vending machine can vend both potable water and as an additional purchase option drink mixes (e.g., flavored drink mixes). The vending machine can include a liquid vending system and a drink mix vending system. The liquid vending system can vend different amounts of water, which can be delivered to a container provided by a user. The drink mix vending system can vend a variety of drink mixes, including drink mixes of different concentrations for a given quantity of water.

Abstract: A device (10) for concurrently depositing different semi-solid products (12, 14) and 16 in a container (18) in respective vertically-oriented, distinct, homogeneous masses includes first and second inlet ports (24) and (26) provided at an upper end of a main filler tube (20) and first and second filler tube outlet ports disposed in a nozzle-form outlet opening (52) at a lower distal end of the main filler tube (20). A dividing insert is carried within the main filler tube (20) in a generally vertical orientation in a position separating the tube (20) into first and second channels. The first and second channels provide fluid communication between the first inlet port (24) and the first outlet port and between the second inlet port (26) and the second outlet port.

Abstract: A variably proportional mixing device is provided for automatically mixing two fluids stored in separate containers in various ratios without measuring, comprising a self-venting spout that attaches to an existing gas can or other container for storing a fluid having a threaded opening therein. The spout doses gas with oil at the specific ratio required by an engine manufacturer and is easily adjusted to accommodate a plurality of other ratios. To accomplish this, a constant volume of gasoline is dosed with an amount of oil that is adjusted by the user. This adjustment mechanism comprises a wheel valve having various-sized orifices. Twisting the valve using a knob or key then provides the correct volumetric area for the oil to flow through. Markings will be visible on the valve, through a window, that correspond to a plurality of different ratios, typically ranging from 16:1 to 50:1. The dosing valve can also be shut-off completely to allow pure gasoline through the spout, such as for 4 cycle engines.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a container that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. A dividing wall is positioned in the container and divides the container into a first section and a second section. A first tube and a second tube are provided. Each of the first and second tubes has a top end and a bottom end. The first tube is fluidly coupled to the first section and the second tube is fluidly coupled to the second section. Each of the bottom ends is positioned adjacent to the bottom wall. A third tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to each of the top ends of the first and second tubes.