Abstract: A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dosage of powdered material comprises a closed housing containing the powdered material and provided with a laterally displaced outlet for the dosed powdered material. An external manually operated sledge is arranged between the housing and the outlet. The sledge has a through-going pocket for containing the desired dose of the powdered material. When operating the sledge, the through-going pocket is moved from a position in the housing to a position in the outlet so as to effect dispensing of the dose of the powdered material through the action of gravity. The sledge also has an agitator including two posts and a bracket that extends between the posts for agitating the powdered material within the housing. The bracket is slightly arched and the leading edge inclines obliquely downwardly so as to press the powdered material towards the pocket when operating the sledge.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a housing and a deformable member that define a metering chamber that is configured to receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir. The deformable member is deformed from a rest position to an eject position and the deformation causes the volume of the metering chamber to change which results in a change in fluid pressure within the metering chamber. An increase in the fluid pressure within metering chamber causes a predetermined volume of fluid within the metering chamber to be ejected and a decrease in the fluid pressure within the metering chamber causes fluid to be drawn into the metering chamber from the reservoir.

Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.

Abstract: In the method of optimizing the dosage-dispensing process of a dosage-dispensing device, an examination takes place prior to a first dosage delivery, whether at least one flow parameter relating to the dosage-dispensing process is stored in the memory module of the dosage-dispensing unit. If a stored flow parameter is found to be present, said flow parameter is called up from the memory module. If no store flow parameter is present, a flow parameter is requested by the user by entering a request, a flow parameter is called up from a central database, or at least one flow parameter is determined by means of the first run of the dosage-dispensing process based on a default setting of the dosage-dispensing program. With the at least one flow parameter, the dosage-dispensing program is directly adapted, at least one run of the dosage-dispensing process is performed with the adapted dosage-dispensing program, and/or the at least one flow parameter is stored in the memory module.

Abstract: The liquid material discharge device and method discharges a liquid droplet even under a condition where discharge of a small amount of liquid material is required. The apparatus has a liquid chamber having the discharge opening through which the liquid material is discharged, an extrusion member having a plunger and a contact portion, the plunger being thinner than the liquid chamber not to contact a side wall of the liquid chamber and having a forward end portion which advances and retracts within the liquid chamber, and a collision member disposed adjacent to the extrusion member on the side opposite to the plunger and having a piston and a collision portion facing the contact portion. The collision portion collides against the contact portion such that the extrusion member is advanced at a high speed to discharge the liquid material.

Abstract: A fastener system (1, 2) for fastening a dispenser member (3), such as a pump, on a reservoir neck (41) so as to constitute a fluid dispenser, the dispenser being removable by removing the fastener system from the neck, the system comprising a fastener ring (1) and a rigid hoop (2) that is engaged around the fastener ring, the ring (1) comprising a skirt (14) for engaging around the neck (41), the skirt (14) including fastener tabs (15) for coming into secure engagement with the neck (41), the fastener system being characterized in that the skirt (14) further includes at least one abutment tab (16) for coming into axial abutment against the neck (41) when an attempt is made to re-assemble the fastener ring (1) on the neck (41) after the dispenser has been removed for the first time.

Abstract: A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for dispensing fluid onto a hand including a thermometer to make a determination of the temperature of the hand.

Abstract: A dispenser housing that receives a refill unit including a container and pump associated with the container to pump contents from the container. The dispenser housing includes an actuator carriage moveable between a rest position and an actuated position. The dispenser housing also includes a lockout device moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lockout device is in the open position, the actuator carriage is movable, and, when the lockout device is in the closed position, movement of the actuator carriage is blocked by the lockout device such that the actuator carriage cannot be moved from the rest position to the actuated position.

Abstract: A food dispenser for attaching underneath a cupboard, wherein the dispenser has a bin member having four side walls and a dispensing hatch at a bottom portion thereof, and bin channels formed in top portions of two opposite of the side walls, and a support bracket adapted to be securely attached underneath the cupboard having four side edges, wherein two opposite side edges have support channels adapted to engage respective bin channels of the bin member opposite side walls, such that the bin member can slide on and off the support bracket. The dispensing hatch is pivotally attached to one of the four side walls of the bin member, such that the hatch can be pivotally opened and closed such that food can be extracted from the bin member.

Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid or pasty media contains a replaceable container at a bottom of which a pump is mounted, and a holder for the container. The dispenser further contains a holding element having a part formed from a transparent plastic material which at least partially encloses the upper region of the container.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a first pump which draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to a second pump. The second pump receives the discharge from the first pump and air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump utilizes the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. Preferably, the second pump discharges in the withdrawal stroke, that is while moving from a retracted position to a withdrawn position.

Abstract: A material metering method which is executed by way of multistage metering including a memory in which a target metering time for the each stage of metering except for a first stage of metering is memorized, each of the target time including unstable metering time for drop amount of material whose drop amount per unit time after changed from prior stage of the metering is unstable; a metering time measuring unit for measuring an actual metering time at the each stage of metering; and a set value correction unit for correcting the supply mass switch value at each stage of the metering except for the first stage of metering based on the target metering time and the actual metering time after performing one batch metering, whereby the entire metering time for subsequent batch metering to be performed is more reduced than one batch metering performed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piston pump for liquid in which a sump is defined in a chamber into which sump liquid in the chamber flows due to gravity. A passageway leads from an outlet of the sump out of the chamber to a dispensing outlet. The dispensing outlet is at a height below the height of the sump outlet and fluid to exit the sump flows from the sump outlet upwardly in a first portion of the passageway to a height above the sump outlet then downwardly to the dispensing outlet. The chamber and its sump is defined between a piston chamber-forming member defining the chamber to be downwardly opening and a piston forming element axially slidable in the chamber.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a housing and a container having an interior. The container is removably coupled to the housing for dispensing fluid from the container by the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. The system includes an improved venting means to ensure that the liquid being dosed or dispensed properly and accurately drains. A novel throat plug assembly is provided for insertion into the throat of the bottle. The throat plug assembly is comprised entirely of a recyclable plastic material.

Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid in a container and for mounting to differently configured places. The dispenser includes a support, a valve body, and a mount. The support supports the container in an inverted position. The valve body is operatively connected to the support and dispenses the liquid from the container while simultaneously venting air to control flow of the liquid through the dispenser. The mount is operatively connected to the support and mounts the dispenser to the differently configured places.

Abstract: Device for grains dosing with air sealing, comprehending a molded packaging in a way that the product within is not in direct contact with the air outside and is totally hermetical when closed, preserving its physical and chemical characteristics, therefore it is conformed basically by five pieces being one lid (1A), a container/bottle (2A), a mobile acting element (3A), a spring (4A) and a passage element (5A)1 where said lid (1A) is connected to a mobile sealing element, conformed by the container/bottle (2A), containing a fixed passage element (5A) at its top portion which may be connected to or screwed and at its bottom portion it is conformed the inlet (6A) of the dosing element; at the bottom portion of the body (1A) is provided a guide (7A) for the accommodation of the acting element (3A).

Abstract: A chute assembly for a system configured to dispense objects from a bulk supply of such objects includes: an elongate chute having an open bottom end; a dispensing assembly slidably mounted to a bottom end portion of the chute, the dispensing assembly including a sleeve that receives the bottom end portion of the chute and a door mounted thereto, the sleeve being slidable between a staging position, in which the door covers the bottom end of the chute and thereby stages objects in the bottom end portion of the chute, and a dispensing position, in which the door moves away from the bottom end of the chute to enable objects staged in the bottom end portion of the chute to be dispensed from the chute; and an agitation unit coupled to the dispensing assembly, the agitation unit configured to impart energy to objects staged in the bottom end of the sleeve as the sleeve moves to the dispensing position.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for dispensing liquids is disclosed. The dispenser device and system may comprise an on-board ice and cup storage unit. The device and system may include a stand with a drip basin; a rack accommodating a cup holder and an inverted container holder/fitting for holding multiple containers, such as 2 liter bottles, with dispensing valves; and an ice bin located within the rack, which may comprise partially contoured sides around each container and around the cup holder. Dispensing valves may be lever-actuated, simulating a soda fountain delivery system. The device and system may be disassembled and nested for easy transport or storage.

Abstract: A dispenser adapted for mounting to a surface is disclosed, and comprises a bracket to which a container of material to be dispensed is connected. The bracket can have at least one arm to support the container and to which the container is releasably and rotatably connected. The container can thereby be lifted by a user and squeezed to dispense material from the container. Alternatively, the container can be pressed by a user against the bracket to dispense the material. In some embodiments, the container is provided with a cover substantially covering a front surface of the container. The cover can be coupled to the bracket via the container.

Abstract: A foaming soap dispenser includes a housing having a discharge opening at the bottom, a receptacle in which a liquid soap reservoir can be replaceably inserted and a soap container beneath the reservoir. A peristaltic or squeezed-tube pump for the soap and a diaphragm pump for feeding foaming air to a foaming device disposed close to the discharge opening, can be driven separately electrically.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precisely dispense material in powdery and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises an gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device includes a drive device and a source container that can be set into the drive device, wherein a dosage-dispensing head is connected to a closure shaft which is movably constrained in the source container. The closure shaft has a coupler part configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a drive shaft of the drive device. The source container has a first form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a first counterpart element formed on the drive device and serves to precisely position the coupler part in relation to the drive shaft. The source container further has a second form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a second counterpart element formed on the drive device and which, when in operating position, serves to precisely position the dosage-dispensing head in relation to a target container.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (1) of fluid to be dispensed; a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (1); and a body (3) that is suitable for receiving said reservoir (1), said body (3) being provided with a dispenser orifice and with an opening (310) via which said reservoir (1) can be inserted into the body (3), said reservoir (1) being displaceable between a working position, in which said dispenser member (2) co-operates with said body (3) between a rest position and a dispensing position, and a withdrawn position in which said dispenser member (2) does not co-operate with said body (3), said reservoir (1) being secured to said body (3) in all positions.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component having the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: A bag hanger device for holding a flexible bag containing a flowable material having a multi-sided, D-shaped or circular frame; a cross-member having two ends wherein one end is attached to one side of the frame and an opposite end is unattached to the frame; a closing device attached to an opposite end of the cross-member; a locking device attached to the frame opposite the closing device and in alignment with the closing device attached to the cross-member; at least one hanging means attached to the cross-member for holding the bag hanger device and a flexible bag attached thereto in a dispensing system; wherein the bag hanger device when inserted into the flexible bag having at least one pocket enables engagement of the closing device with the locking device and holds the flexible bag in a position to prevent collapse, wrinkling or deformation of the flexible bag.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A doser for dispensing a predetermined dose of material. The doser may include an agitation device, with the material stored in the agitation device, and a dosing block cooperating with the agitation system.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a wave guide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: A dispenser for a container has an annular ring with a central portion which has at least one aperture. The annular ring is attached to a valve dimensioned to close an opening of the dispenser. The valve is operatively associated with the opening and biased in the closed position. Depressing the annular ring acts as an actuator to cause the valve to move inwardly into the container and away from the opening, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed from the container through the at least one aperture of the annular ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensers, and particularly automatic dispensers, and even more particularly, automatic soap dispensers for dispensing a foamed soap to a user's hands.

Abstract: Certain pump dispensers, for example foam dispensers, are specially adapted for inverted use. One feature especially useful in a foam dispenser having both an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder with respective pistons is an intake conduit arrangement to increase the clearance of liquid from the container. An intermediate shell fits over the upright liquid cylinder body and carries an inlet valve positively urged upward to the closed position to prevent leaking. A conduit shell fits over the intermediate shell and creates an intake conduit extending down the side of the liquid cylinder to an intake opening lower down the pump body.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser, particularly advantageous for low viscosity solutions, such as, alcohol solutions, for dispensing from an upper open end of a reservoir out an outlet at a height above the level of liquid in the reservoir onto a user's hand disposed below the reservoir, advantageously by actuation of an actuator below a lower end of the reservoir.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle that is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: An ice bucket is provided that includes an ice chamber, a dispensing tube, a base, and a sliding dispenser. The ice chamber has a chamber opening in a bottom wall. The dispensing tube is fixed to the bottom wall in communication with the chamber opening. The base has a base opening and a stabilizing bar. The sliding dispenser has a front lip, a depressed tray section, and a slider opening. The sliding dispenser is positioned through the base opening on the stabilizing bar so that an appendage of the dispensing tube is received in the depressed tray section. The sliding dispenser is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The slider opening, in the retracted position, is blocked by the stabilizing portion. However, the slider opening, in the extended position, is unblocked by the stabilizing portion.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a tissue processor for processing tissue using reagent fluids, a fluid container and a coupler providing bi-direction fluid communication between the tissue processor and the fluid container. The coupler includes first and second cylindrical rings separated by a wall and a fluid conduit disposed within the first and second cylindrical rings that pass through the wall, thereby providing fluid communication from the fluid container to the tissue processor. Fluid is returned from the tissue processor to the fluid container via at least one fluid return aperture in the wall that separates the first and second cylindrical rings.

Abstract: A spill containment system for dispensing a berm of containment material on a support surface around a liquid spill to inhibit the liquid spill from spreading across the support surface includes a container receiving the containment material. The container includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the container. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the container. The dispensing assembly is actuated to dispense the containment material from the container. The dispensing assembly controls flow of the containment material through a dispensing aperture that extends through a rear wall of the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device has a tray for holding a liquid at a relatively constant level. A syringe is used for drawing fluid from the tray. A liquid container containing a liquid is positioned upside-down in the tray. Atmospheric pressure on the liquid in the tray and a vacuum inside the liquid container prevents liquid from draining from the container except when the liquid level in the tray drops to a level sufficient to allow air into the liquid container and to allow fluid to flow from the liquid container into the tray. The fluid flows from the liquid container into the tray until the level of liquid in the tray returns to the relatively constant level. The positioning of the syringe for drawing fluid is simplified in that the level of fluid in the tray is maintained at an approximately constant level despite withdrawal of quantities of fluid from the tray.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dispensing container includes multiple cells arranged around an axis. A common lid is provided. The cells each have an outlet port arranged substantially at the bottom, and each of these cells is isolated, one from the other, so that a substance can be in each cell independently of the other.

Abstract: A food dispenser (10) with particular application to delivering a controlled amount of food material (11) in particulate or powdered form to fish and other aquatic animals, and also a method of delivery of such material. The food dispenser comprises a receptacle (12) for holding the food material and shutter means (14) located at a lower end of the receptacle. In its open position, the shutter provides a passageway (16) from the receptacle past the shutter for delivery of the food material. A dispersing unit (50) supplies an air flow for dispersing the food material. A flexible mounting bracket (60) enables vibration of the dispenser during operation to assist the flow of the food material.

Abstract: A doser for dispensing a predetermined dose of material. The doser may include an agitation device, with the material stored in the agitation device, and a dosing block cooperating with the agitation device.

Abstract: A spring mechanism comprising an elongate cantilevered spring member extending along a longitudinal coupled at a first end to a first member and with a distal, second end of the spring member engaging a second member such that the spring member biases the first and second members relative to each other. The spring member has an unbiased condition and being resiliently deflectable generally normal to its longitudinal to assume deflected conditions from which the spring member inherently attempts to return to its unbiased condition. The longitudinal of the spring member preferably remains disposed in a flat plane in deflecting of the spring member between the unbiased condition and the deflected conditions. The spring member preferably has, in cross-section normal to its longitudinal, a shape including two legs disposed to lie in planes parallel the flat plane and joined by a bight normal to the flat plane.

Abstract: A tissue processor (1) is described, having a retort (2) for processing histological samples with different reagents, having multiple reagent reservoir vessels (3), and having a conduit system and a control device (5) for delivering reagents out of the reagent reservoir vessels (3) into the retort (2). A suction conduit (11) projects into each reagent reservoir vessel (3) through the vessel opening (7) for reagent withdrawal. A closure system (12) having an externally tapered and internally hollow closure plug (13) is provided for closing off the vessel opening (7). The suction conduit (11) is guided through a cavity (14) of the closure plug (13) for reagent withdrawal.