Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing system includes a low-profile toothpaste dispenser with a housing, a pumping system disposed in the housing, the pumping system having a inlet and an outlet, the pumping system having a rest state and an active state, the pumping system ejecting toothpaste as it transitions from the rest state to the active state, and a low-force activator coupled to the pumping system to transition the pumping system from the rest state to active state. The system also includes a toothpaste refill coupled to the inlet of the pump. The dispenser and refill may be all or part of a dental hygiene kit.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

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 Preferably, the second pump discharges in the withdrawal stroke, that is while moving from a retracted position to a withdrawn position.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: The present invention provides a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid from a container. A roller is dimensioned to engage and roll along a portion of the container when the roller moves in a first direction from a first container-engaging position to a second container-engaging position. A sensor for sensing an object in a predetermined area is disposed near the housing. A light source is operable to emit a beam of visible light therefrom. The beam of light intersects the predetermined area. A controller is programmed such that when the sensor senses an object in the predetermined area, the controller energizes the light source to illuminate a target location where the fluid from the container is to be dispensed and the controller causes the roller to move in the first direction from the first container-engaging position to the second container-engaging position, thereby dispensing the fluid from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metered dispensing of a pasty mass, such as viscous soap, comprising a housing provided with—connecting means for connecting the device to an opening of a container for pasty mass,—a dispensing chamber for the pasty mass,—a connecting channel which connects the connecting means to the dispensing chamber,—a first valve means which is arranged in the connecting channel and which closes feed from the connecting channel to the connecting means,—a delivery channel connected to the dispensing chamber for the purpose of delivering a dispensed quantity of pasty mass,—a displacing means which is movable in the dispensing chamber and which has a first position in which the dispensing chamber has a first volume and which is movable counter to a spring force of a spring means to a second position in which the dispensing chamber has a second, smaller volume,—a second valve means which is adapted to close the connection from the delivery channel to the dispensing chamber when the displ

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 dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to the container, wherein actuation of the valve dispenses the fluid. An apparatus position indicator is associated with the container and an object sensor is positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens the valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until the object sensor is properly positioned and permanently secured. A control circuit in cooperation with a hidden switch allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding. And an anti-vandal feature prevents excessive use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A convertible fluid dispenser for dispensing personal care hygiene products has a chassis adapted to accept either a manual actuating unit or an automatic actuating unit, for upgrading or maintenance.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a plurality of housing members of substantially the same height and depth for housing a plurality of predetermined consumable items therein. A securing mechanism is disposed at predetermined locations on such housing members for releasably securing such housing members to each other. At least one housing member receives and stores a predetermined amount of a predetermined liquid therein. A heating source is operably connected to such at least one housing member for heating such predetermined liquid. A power source is operably connected to such heating source for supplying power thereto. A switch mechanism is disposed intermediate such power source and such heating source for selectively turning such power source on and off. A dispensing mechanism is operably connected to each of such plurality of housing members for dispensing such predetermined consumable items from within such housing members outside of such housing members into predetermined containers.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing and a push bar movable between a rest position and an actuated position. A container is retained in the housing and holds a liquid, and a pump is associated with a liquid. The pump is actuated to dispense a dose of the liquid, when the push bar is moved from its rest position to its actuated position. A dispensing tube includes an inlet associated with the pump, an outlet associated with the push bar, and a bellows portion between the inlet and the outlet. Upon moving the push bar from its rest position to its actuated position, the bellows portion is collapsed from an expanded volume to a compressed volume, and the outlet of the dispensing tube moves with the push bar. Upon return of the push bar from the actuated position to the rest position, the bellows portion expands from the compressed volume to the expanded volume, and draws liquid at the tip of the dispensing tube into the dispensing tube to reduce or eliminate dripping.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for dispensing soap from a soap container. Some embodiments are directed to the entire dispensing assembly. Other embodiments are directed toward certain components of the dispensing assembly, such as pivot assemblies, soap containers and soap container housings, and the like. Some components of the present invention are particularly directed toward features that allow of easier operation and maintenance of a soap dispensing assembly.

Abstract: A device for recycling bar soap by passing the drippings, pieces and slivers of soap in said soap dish into a reservoir to form a reusable liquid. The soap dish is mounted on the top of a reservoir, and is provided with an opening communicating with the reservoir. Water or liquid soap can be placed in the reservoir to combine with the soap drippings, slivers and pieces. A dispensing valve or pump communicates with the liquid in the reservoir to provide a means for the user to access the recycled soap mixture. The opening in the soap dish can be closed by a plug to allow the reservoir alternatively to be used to dispense other liquids such as hand lotion.

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 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 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. An anti-drip valve is provided to prevent liquid from dripping from the discharge end of the dosing bowl of the system.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid dispensing apparatus such as, for example, a liquid soap dispensing apparatus. The apparatus can be provided as a self-contained unit including a reservoir provided at a spaced location from a base. Sensor means are provided to allow the selective dispensation of liquid from the reservoir upon the detection of a part of a user's anatomy in a position between the liquid reservoir and the base. A motor can be connected to an outlet from the liquid reservoir which allows a portion of the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner, and the power source for the motor is typically a battery or batteries and the same are located in the base. The provision of the batteries in the base, a position remote from the liquid reservoir, protects the batteries from the liquid and means that the liquid reservoir need not be provided with a sealing cap to prevent liquid from entering the power source and damaging the same.

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. The housing has a guard recess opening downwardly and an access opening into the recess. A piercing member is secured in the recess. The container has a protuberance which is adapted to be received in the recess such that when the container is being coupled to the housing, the protuberance on the container is inserted upwardly into the recess and moved into the piercing member to pierce the protuberance with the piercing member. On the piercing member piercing the container, an air passageway is provided providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmospheric air. Preferably the piercing member is secured in the guarded recess against engagement other than with elements inserted into the recess via the access opening.

Abstract: An electronic self contained viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is carried by the housing and disposed in liquid communication with the reservoir. The pump mechanism has a delivery end disposed for delivering metered doses of viscous liquid from the reservoir. A mounting assembly is configured for mounting on a supporting wall structure, with the housing being releasably attachable to the mounting assembly. An electronic actuating mechanism is carried by the mounting assembly and includes a motor driven actuator that engages with the pump mechanism upon insertion of the housing into the mounting assembly. A motor and associated power supply circuitry is carried by the mounting assembly, with the motor being in driving engagement with the motor driven actuator.

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: The personal dental care unit provides a single device for the storage and containment of most articles used in personal dental care in the household, e.g., toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss. The device attaches to a wall at a convenient location near a bathroom sink or the like, and includes a mechanism for affixing a tube of toothpaste therein and dispensing the toothpaste efficiently. Opposed rollers grip the tube and squeeze toothpaste from the tube as they are advanced by a roller advance screw along the tube. The tube is supported by a support bracket which is adjustable for different sizes of tubes. The tube and mechanism are enclosed in a cover, with the cover including a rack for holding toothbrushes and a receptacle for holding a small packet of dental floss. The cover may be provided with any form of complementary or contrasting decor or pattern, as desired.

Abstract: A universal adapter clip used in connection with a container that is received within a soap dispenser having a key-plate, the clip including a hollow body attachable to the container, a flange extending radially outward of the body, and a tab extending rearwardly from the body and axially spaced from the flange to receive the key-plate therebetween upon insertion of the container within the dispenser.

Abstract: A rotary-linear system is configured to operate an associated tool. The system includes a rotary-linear actuator having first and second portions that can move linearly and/or rotationally relative to each other, such as about a central axis extending through the actuator. An elongated drive rod extends axially through at least a portion of the actuator, which is operative to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof generally independently of the actuator. While the rotation of the drive rod can be independent of movement of the actuator, such rotation can be controlled based on the position and/or movement of the actuator. An end of the drive rod near a distal end of the actuator is operative to actuate an associated tool, such as can be mounted at a distal end of the actuator.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed including a hollow pump cylinder having a first end and a second end, wherein the cylinder is adapted to selectively receive one of a liquid pump assembly and a foam pump assembly and slideably supports an actuator.

Abstract: An automatically controlled apparatus whose operation is controlled at least in part by the input of a signal that an object is sensed in a selected positioned relative the apparatus, the apparatus having an emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation and a sensor to sense electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter which is reflected off an object suitably positioned relative the apparatus, the improvement comprising a carriage member mounted to the apparatus for relative pivoting about a pivot axis, the emitter and sensor carried by carriage member, the emitter being generally directional emitting radiation to emanate outwardly from the emitter generally along a longitudinal emission axis, the sensor being generally directional and sensing radiation which emanates generally along a longitudinal sensing axis terminating in the sensor, the emission axis and the sensing axis generally disposed in a common plane which includes the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A dispensing container (10, 110) for fluent material, which container is intended to he hung vertically from a support, such as a hook, is provided. The dispensing container has a tubular body, with a bottom dispensing region that is configured to promote the collection of the fluent material and guidance of the fluent material toward the inlet aperture of a dispensing nozzle (50) that is received in the side (30, 130) of the bottom dispensing region. The dispensing container (10, 110) is preferably fabricated from corrugated paperboard or similar material, and is preferably configured to serve as the shipping container for the fluent material as well, so as to reduce or eliminate the need for a further outer shipping container. The fluent material may be contained within a separate liner structure, within the surrounding tubular body, in a “bag-in-box” type of container arrangement.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser is disclosed having a permanent housing which permits simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly which is cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is configured to couple to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir so that when cycled, the piston element is actuated in sliding movement to dispense a quantity of fluid. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which act to secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation.

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.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading system generally consisting of a support means; a hopper mounted on the support means; filtering means mounted on the support means at a level above the hopper; means intercommunicating the interior of the hopper and an inlet of the filtering means; a means for suspending the bulk bag on the support means wherein a spout of the bulk bag communicates with an inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A harness for suspending a container having a product dispensing valve, such as a laundry detergent container, generally includes a sling for holding the container therein in an orientation that permits dispensing of a product from the container and at least one strap attached to the sling for suspending the sling from above. The sling further has a valve opening for allowing the product dispensing valve of the container to protrude out of the sling.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing cleaning product for hand washing at a faucet comprises a cartridge having an internal reservoir for containing hand wash cleaning product, a nozzle configured in one of a plurality of key shapes, and a dispenser having a receptacle opening adapted to receive and engage the nozzle of the cartridge when the receptacle opening is configured in one of a plurality of key shapes corresponding to the key shape of the nozzle, the dispenser having a fluid communication passage for dispensing fluid for hand washing, whereby only cartridges and dispensers which have matched key shapes will engage each other for operative discharge of the hand wash cleaning product.

Abstract: A fingerprint reader for a thumb disposed above an outlet for fluid and adapted to be engaged by an inside surface of a user's thumb extending upwardly relative to the palm of a user's hand while the user's hand extends generally horizontally forwardly from the thumb directed upwardly to receive fluid dispensed downwardly thereon to from a fluid dispensing outlet while the thumb engages the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tester or cosmetic liquid dispensing apparatus. More specifically, the tester includes a support, a holder for holding a bottle of cosmetic liquid, and controller for actuating a valve. The valve pumps liquid cosmetic such as perfume or toilet water (“eau de toilette”) from the tester. The tester may be used with bottles of perfume of different sizes and the controller can be easily removed and replaced when a new perfume bottle is used.

Abstract: A vacuum controlled valve mechanism providing two separate one-way valves, one for each of a pair of collapsible fluid containing reservoirs with each valve being in an initial sealed condition preventing flow therethrough until by operation of the pump mechanism a threshold vacuum is exceeded and with the threshold vacuum of a first of the valves being greater than the threshold vacuum of the other, second of the valves. When the threshold vacuum of the first valve is exceeded, that first valve separately permits dispensing of fluid from its reservoir under vacuum conditions less than the threshold vacuum of the first valve and the second valve until the first reservoir is substantially empty after which further operation of the pump mechanism creates a vacuum which exceeds the threshold vacuum for the second valve after which the second valve permits dispensing of fluid from the second reservoir.

Abstract: A simplified arrangement for the translation of movement as, for example, arcuate movement as from a lever into movement which is different as for example, in a linear direction with a slide element preferably comprising a piston in a piston pump. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a bridging element which is disposed intermediate a pivoting lever and a linearly sliding slide element with the bridging member being retained in engagement with camming surfaces having an arcuate portion at a constant distance from the pivot axis of the lever and tangentially merging into a linear portion which is parallel to a longitudinal axis along which the slide element is slidable. The bridging member is slidable relative to the camming surface with the bridging member deforming to assume the shape of the camming surface where the bridge member engages the camming surface.

Abstract: A dispenser with an activation lever which extends laterally to one side of the dispenser and is particularly adapted for engagement by an elbow of one arm of a user and particularly adapted for dispensing fluid as onto the hand of a second arm of the user thereby avoiding the need for the activation lever to be engaged by a hand of a user.

Abstract: Controlled sanitizing by dispensing a germicide, such as a disinfectant, antibacterial solution or cleansing agent at intervals. A method of replacing an aerosol canister from a sanitizer mounted proximate to a door handle on a door is disclosed. The method includes pivoting a cover of the sanitizer in a first direction to expose the aerosol canister while a remainder of the sanitizer housing remains stationary relative to the door; moving a guide wheel to a loading position; removing the aerosol canister and a valve coupled thereto from a seat within the sanitizer housing; positioning a replacement aerosol canister in the seat so that a valve thereof is oriented toward the door handle; moving the guide wheel to an operative position in which it seats in rotatable proximity to the valve; and closing the cover by pivoting the cover in a second direction. The method ensures that a suitable aerosol can has been properly loaded in the dispenser.

Abstract: Fluid soap dispenser. Comprises a rear body (2) with wall mounting means and means for the removable support and coupling of a container bottle (10) for soap; a pivoting front cover (3), articulated pivotally to the rear body (2), and means for dispensing the soap, actuated when the cover (3) is pushed against the container bottle (10) and the latter against the rear body (2) by pressing the cover against the rear body. The means for the removable support and coupling of the soap container bottle comprise a projection (9) of the inner wall of the rear body (2), adapted to collaborate with a complementary opening (30) with which the soap container bottle (10) is provided.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for dispensing a liquid such as a cleaning or disinfecting liquid to a fixture. The dispenser includes a housing with a reservoir. A removable container of liquid is installed in the housing such that the liquid flows by gravity through the opening in the container into the reservoir. A pinch valve controls the flow of liquid from the reservoir and provides for a reliable dispensing system aided by gravity.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

Abstract: A hopper, usable to supply material into an interior of a structure, includes walls that define a supply opening and a tapering supply space, a supply outlet and spout, a cover that extends over the supply opening, mounting structures that are attachable to the structure, and barrier structure(s) that extend across the supply opening. A guide surface inside the hopper guides the material to the supply outlet. The barrier structure(s) catch agglomerations of the material, and can be used to break up such agglomerations and/or to prevent large objects from the entering the supply space. The hopper is attached to wall(s) of the structure using the mounting structures. A supply pipe extends from the hopper through a floor/wall of the structure and terminates at an appliance to be supplied with the material using the hopper. The cover includes a gasket that seals the supply opening when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A self-contained viscous liquid dispenser with a spray pump mechanism includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A spray pump mechanism is configured with the housing and includes a horizontally disposed pump chamber fitted through an opening in the housing to extend into the reservoir. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. Upon actuation of the pump cylinder, a valve and spray forming mechanism converts a liquid stream expelled from the pump chamber into a spray.

Abstract: A liquid soap leakage-proof structure for soap dispensing apparatus comprising a pointed end portion which is integrally extended from the bottom end of a liquid soap discharge opening of the liquid soap dispensing apparatus to prevent liquid soap from leaking during storing or transportation. The pointed end portion has an upper end connecting to the liquid soap discharge opening on which a weaker portion is formed so that the pointed end portion can be broken as desired to expose the discharge opening to discharge the liquid soap.

Abstract: Controlled sanitizing by dispensing a germicide, such as a disinfectant, antibacterial solution or cleansing agent at intervals. A system can include a housing sized to seat an aerosol can and a control circuit that operates to momentarily open a valve on the aerosol can through action of a gear system upon an aerosol delivery tube. A sensor responds to displacement of the delivery tube to deliver state signals to the control circuit. The control circuit prevents action of the gear system in the event that the state signals fail at least one prescribed condition. A method registers at least the displacement of the delivery tube via the sensor and prevents subsequent displacements and hence subsequent sanitizing in the event that the sensor has not registered at least the displacement of the delivery tube. The method ensures that a suitable aerosol can has been properly loaded in the dispenser.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.

Abstract: A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.

Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding therefrom. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. The floor has an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the chamber. A retention plate is removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending therethrough. The retention plate at least partially bounds a porthole that openly communicates with the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: A disposable inverted dispensing system for distributing a fluid for use in a shower is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a removable hooking device that is attachable to a surface which is exposable to moist conditions. A hook integral to the removable hooking device extends from the hooking device on a side opposite the surface when the hooking device is attached to the surface. A deformable container for containing the fluid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines a through-hole through the container, and the lower portion forms a container mouth through which the fluid is flowable. A dispensing valve and/or a cap is disposed over the mouth of the container for controlling the flow of the fluid. The container is positionable on the hooking device with the hook extending through the through-hole formed by the upper portion of the container so that the container hangs down from the hooking device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for removing the contents of a valve bag using suction. The invention further pertains to a method of removing the contents of a valve bag using the device.