Abstract: A beverage dispenser that is enabled for on demand, gravity fed dispensing of a pre-mixed or otherwise ready to drink beverage that has been thermally regulated through natural convection. More specifically, the beverage dispenser enables pre-mixed or otherwise ready to drink beverage containers (i.e., beverage containers with beverage contents that are pre-mixed or otherwise ready to drink) to be installed on the beverage dispenser and, without the aid of electricity or electro-mechanical devices, dispense a thermally regulated beverage on-demand to an intended customer. The beverage dispenser may comprise a thermal regulation compartment that facilitates regulating the temperature of beverage contents through natural convection. The beverage dispenser may also comprise a thermally regulated and thermally insulated beverage enclosure in which to install the beverage containers. The thermal regulation compartment may be carried within the beverage enclosure.

Abstract: A dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the container is closed by the improved throat plug assembly of this invention having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container is mounted in a dispensing fixture which is closed when the container is not mounted on the dispensing system. A plastic spring yieldably urges the valve to its closed position. In the preferred embodiment, a retainer and plastic spring are of one-piece molded construction. The throat plug assembly also includes a specifically shaped valve which is opened slightly when the container is being stored or transported to vent vapor pressure from within the container should the same be necessary.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers that include a cabinet having an exterior portion, which includes side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The water dispensers include at least one water dispensing actuator, which includes a cap portion having an exterior top surface that is flush with the top wall of the bottled water dispenser. The cap portion also includes a button that is substantially parallel with a side wall of the dispenser. The exterior top surface of the cap portion must be pressed downwards, and the button must be pushed inwards, in order to release water from the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluids wherein a support structure holds bulk fluid contained within a bag that is transferred from the bag to an enclosed chamber in a dispensing base, from which chamber the fluid is dispensed, via a puncturing device utilizing multiple spikes. After dispensing air pressure in the enclosed chamber is equalized with the air pressure acting on the bulk fluid by at least one of the spikes.

Abstract: A multiple option beverage dispenser, for gravitationally dispensing a liquid beverage from standard recyclable plastic bottle containers available commercially, having a standard screwed neck. The instant invention called “Multiple Beverage Dispenser Adapter” is a one piece device, preferably injection molded of preferred plastic construction for economy of production. The heart of the instant inventions' design comprises a multi-tiered female threaded plastic bottle receiver, a fluid chamber, and a tubular discharge end for liquid exit. The instant invention, designed as a companion equipment device, to be a clean and simple installation, into a wide variety of commercially produced host ice cooler/chests having dispensing spigots, or that spigots may be added (retro-fitted), providing a unique scope of utility, size, durability, and appearance.

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 water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.

Abstract: A closure for the neck of a container such as a water bottle includes a cap 32 for engagement with the neck, and a valve plug 44. The cap has an inner guide sleeve 38 which sealingly receives the valve plug 44, which is provided with latches 50. When the bottle is placed on a liquid dispensing station such as a water cooler a probe 5 sealably enters the sleeve 38 and an actuator head 70 engages the latches 50 to carry the plug out of the sleeve 38. The probe requires minimum insertion force. One or more water flow ports 72 are provided in the probe 5 to conduct water out of the bottle, while air may enter the bottle via a vent port 73 and vent apertures in the valve plug 44. This allows simultaneous exchange of air and water without risk of air entrainment whilst providing a short penetration distance.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly is provided for discharging bulk material from a container having an opening formed in the lower portion thereof. The discharge valve assembly includes a discharge valve that is movable between opened and closed positions and typically disposed adjacent the opening in the container. An actuating assembly is operatively connected to the discharge valve for moving the discharge valve between open and close positions. The discharge valve includes a pair of generally flat surfaces that form at least a part of an upper portion of the discharge valve. The generally flat surfaces of the discharge valve taper generally inwardly and upwardly. Further, the pair of generally flat surfaces extend upwardly and inwardly and wherein there is formed about a top of the discharge valve a horizontal edge that extends horizontally across the discharge valve and above a substantial portion of the pair of generally flat surfaces.

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: An upstanding cylinder and a loading lid are produced respectively from glass. On the upper face of the bottom plate of the cylinder, a substance-pooling concave in which wine lees and tartar are pooled is formed. Owing to this constitution, there is little risk that the external air enters through a gap between the sliding faces of these members into the wine-pooling section in the cylinder and causes the oxidation of the wine. Since the cylinder comprises glass, the wine can be stored under almost the same conditions as in bottles. Further, sanitary precautions can be easily taken. Furthermore, problems such as the sticking of the cylinder to the loading lid due to stainless steel rust and so on can be overcome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple liquid dispenser having an upper section for receiving ice to form a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber has a spiral passageway extending through the ice having a plurality of layers of passageways. The spiral passageway has an upper end for receiving the liquid to be chilled by the surrounding ice and a lower end connected to multiple tubes for distributing the chilled liquid. The lower section has multiple liquid dispensers connected to the multiple tubes for receiving and dispensing the chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers. The multiple liquid dispensers are spaced around the periphery of the lower section and has valves for opening and closing the liquid dispensers for dispensing the chilled liquid. A vertical stand is provided for supporting the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.

Abstract: A chilled drink dispenser includes: a drink container for containing a drink, the drink container having an ice chamber at its center, the ice chamber having an opening on its top for filling ice cubes; a strainer member having a reception sink for engaging with a bottom section of the drink container, a drain structure being formed in reception sink in alignment with the ice chamber, whereby melted iced water can be drained out through the drain structure; and a bottom basin, a top end of the bottom basin being engaged with an outer periphery of the strainer member. The bottom basin has a reservoir. After drained out through the drain structure, the melted iced water will fall into the reservoir.

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

Abstract: A multiple option beverage dispenser, having a spigot, for gravitationally dispensing a liquid beverage from standard recyclable plastic bottle containers, having standard screwed necks, available commercially. The instant invention called “Multiple Beverage Dispenser with Spigot” is a two piece device, preferably injection molded of preferred plastic construction, for economy of production. The heart of the instant inventions' design comprises a multi-tiered female threaded bottle receiver, a fluid chamber, and a tubular discharge end having a standard male threaded coupling and seal, and a manually operated spigot having a standard female threaded coupling for assembly to said male threaded coupling. The instant invention is designed as companion equipment when installed into a wide variety of commercially produced host ice cooler/chests having dispensing spigots, or that spigots may be added (retro-fitted), providing a unique scope of utility, size, durability, and appearance.

Abstract: An anti-bubbling and anti-contamination water dispenser of the kind used to dispense water from disposable bottles which have a threaded cap, comprising a hexahedral housing to support said disposable bottles, having on the upper wall a container; said container is communicated with a tap to dispense water disposed perpendicular to the front wall of the housing to support said disposable bottles; wherein said front wall of the support housing of said disposable bottles has a recess that allows a gap between the tap outlet and the projection of said front wall wherein a glass for beverages aligned with the outlet center of water from the tap can fit, wherein said upper container has an identical inner diameter and threading that the cap of the disposable bottle; another embodiment of the dispenser refers to an anti-bubbling and anti-contamination water dispenser of the kind used to dispense water from water bottles, comprising a hexahedral housing to support said bottles, having on the upper wall hollow trunca

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispenser, in particular for semi-solid or liquid systems, with a housing to hold a dispenser unit which is formed by a storage container, a metering unit (3) connected therewith via which the substance can be output in defined doses and an activation mechanism (4) which can activate the metering unit (3) to output a dose of substance, where the dispenser unit is held via a reservoir holder (5) in the housing (1). Known dispensers have the disadvantage that the dispenser unit is not held securely against tipping. The invention avoids this in that the storage container (2) is formed with a lower volume area (2?) and an upper volume area (2?) which to form the reservoir holder between its upper and lower end has a constricted shoulder area (9) with an inwardly angled setting surface, where the housing (1) has a corresponding support surface (10) to support the setting surface.

Abstract: The squeeze container is made of a flexible material and is configured to store and dispense viscous fluid. The squeeze container is fitted with an automatic dispensing nozzle which allows flow when the container is squeezed and cuts off flow when the squeezing forces are removed. A stand is associated with the squeeze container, designed to hold the container in the nozzle down position. The stand may serve as a cover to protect the material before dispensing. The container may have a refill aperture and cap as well as a suspension device incorporated therein.

Abstract: A water dispenser is disclosed having a housing for a reservoir in communication with a faucet to draw water therefrom. A water bottle is positioned spout-down at the top of the housing or in the top section of the reservoir. Water flows to the faucet via gravity without the use of pumps and the like. The configuration of the reservoir and the positioning of conduits provides to place the faucet closer to the top of the water dispenser again without the use of pumps and the like. The faucet includes separate compartments as well as inlets and outlets so as to divert water towards a variety of water treatment apparatuses such as hot tanks, carbonators, chillers and the like. The faucet includes controllable valves which provide the user to choose between hot, cold, carbonated or otherwise treated water. The faucet and reservoir can form an assembly which can be removed from the housing without tools.

Abstract: A disposable corrugated board dispensing container including an enclosure having a bottom wall and side walls including a front side wall for containing contents therein. The bottom wall is formed by overlapping flaps attached to each of the side walls at a fold line, and an aperture is disposed in the bottom wall. A funnel is supported by a funnel support disposed between the funnel and the bottom wall, the funnel guiding the contents of the enclosure to the aperture in the bottom wall. A slide valve controls the dispensing of the contents through the aperture, the slide valve being accessed through an access opening in the front side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing or opening an opening, especially a bottom opening of a material hopper arranged above the mouth of a blast furnace having a drivable flap plate, which is movable into an open position leaving the opening clear and into a closed position blocking off the opening and vice-versa. The flap plate carries out, in the region of the opening, a linear movement substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening and, distal to the opening, a pivoting movement.

Abstract: A Stand for Elevating a Dispenser Type Container for elevating a container having a product dispensing valve, such as a laundry detergent container, includes a box for elevating the container in an orientation that permits dispensing of a product from the container without manipulation of the container itself. The product dispensing valve sits in an orientation that also permits dispensing of a product from the container over a drip tray that is an integrated part of the Stand for Elevating a Dispenser Type Container.

Abstract: A package includes a carton having an access opening that is for providing access to the interior of the carton. The package further includes a flexible bag that is positioned in the interior of the carton, and a spigot that is operatively connected to the bag for selectively dispensing flowable material from the bag. A holder is cooperatively associated with the spigot and the carton for holding the spigot so that the spigot is simultaneously proximate the access opening of the carton and disposed at least partially within the interior of the carton, so that access to the spigot is at least temporarily restricted in a manner that at least temporarily restricts any dispensing of flowable material from the bag by way of the spigot.

Abstract: A hot and cold water dispenser includes a base unit that has an open top end and a closed bottom end respectively. The base unit is formed from rigid material such that the base unit maintains a fixed shape when a traditional one gallon, square shaped bottle typically sold at supermarkets and other retail outlets (referred throughout the patent application as an “existing one-gallon water bottle”) is positioned therein. A mechanism heats and cools water contained within the base unit, and is housed within the base unit. A mechanism dispenses the heated and cooled water, and is housed within the base unit and directly connected to the heating and cooling mechanism.

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 dispensing part (1) for a bottled water cooler for dispensing water at least two different temperatures, using water drawn by gravity from an interchangeable water bottle, includes a finger (32) to be inserted into the neck of the water bottle (58) for drawing water, a water outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe for the water bottle to replace drawn water, elements for dispensing the water drawn by the drawing finger, communicating with the water outlet pipe, at the base of the withdrawal finger, and elements for supplying ambient air connected to the air inlet pipe (34), wherein the dispensing elements and the air supply elements are capable of enabling the formation of a water column from the water bottle, in the dispensing elements and above the level of the base of the drawing finger. A water cooler including such a dispensing part is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water. The assembly includes a container having a top mounted handle and recesses and projections to facilitate piling. The lower portion has recesses and projections that match the upper recesses and projections when piled up among several units. The container has a partial cutout with a contoured opening so that a vane-like inner part can be placed thereupon. A bag is placed inside the container, on the vane, and has a nozzle that can fit an opening in the front wall of the container. The nozzle has a tubular configuration, allowing a plug to tightly fit inside. The assembly has a tap with a free end having side windows to let the water in. The plug and the head can be coupled to each other when the tap is inserted into the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a powder dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of a powder product. The powder dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing tube. The dispensing tube removes a predetermined amount of the powder product from the housing to be dispensed into a container. The dispensing tube includes recesses having a predetermined volume to control the amount of powder product dispensed. The housing includes a lower cavity for storing containers that receive the dispensed powder product.

Abstract: A grinding machine for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine includes a grinder assembly for receiving material. At least one removable hopper is removably positionable on the grinding assembly for dispensing material to the grinder assembly. The removable hopper is positionable on the grinder assembly in a generally non-vertical direction. A passage defined in the hopper is cooperatively positionable in communication with the grinding assembly for allowing movement of material from the hopper to the grinder assembly. A device carried on the hopper is positionable in an open position when the hopper is on the grinder assembly and is positionable in a closed position when the hopper is removed from the grinder assembly.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus to more efficiency move aggregate material from a bulk shipping or storage container to a hot melt or intermediate tank. The apparatus allows the chips to flow from the shipping container into an enclosed chamber by means of a feed chute which opens close to the floor of the chamber so that, as the chips fall out of the feed chute onto the chamber floor, the chips form a pile of a predictable size. By raising or lowering the bottom end of the chute, the size of the pile is varied such that the outer edge of the chip pile reaches the chamber's exit portal, so the chips fall into the hot melt tank or a transportation system, taking the material to the hot melt tank with minimal bridging or complex instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, kits and methods to aid the home owner in the transport of salt to their cellar-based water softening system. The device of the present invention uses rectangular piping because of the greater ease of supporting the piping and greater stability during use.

Abstract: A dispenser for relative rapid cooling or heating of the contents of a liquid storage container provides a receptacle for receiving the liquid storage container therein and positioning a thermal transfer portion of the liquid storage container in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal conduction pad associated with the receptacle. Thermal energy is effectively and efficiently transferred from the thermal conduction pad to the liquid in the liquid storage container. The thermal conduction pad is controlled to provide and maintain the desired temperature to the liquid. The liquid is dispensed directly from the container. Various types of containers can be used in the dispenser, with a special bag-in-box container having a inner container and outer box with thermal conduction windows in the box to provide good heat transfer between the thermal conduction pads and the inner container constituting an aspect of the invention. A special rigid container can also be used.

Abstract: A dispenser of a product in powder from, composed of: a case delimiting a housing; a reservoir removably installed in the housing, the reservoir being adapted to contain the product in powder form and having a dispensing orifice; and a device for obturating the dispensing orifice. The device has a blocking member in the form of a shutter mounted to the reservoir for movement between a position for closing the dispensing orifice and a position for opening the dispensing orifice. The housing, the reservoir and the device are constructed to enable the reservoir to be installed in the housing by a vertical linear movement and to cause automatic movement of the shutter from the position for closing to the position for opening in response to the vertical linear movement of the reservoir into the housing.

Abstract: The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a water bottle mounting supplier. The method includes the steps of: a) integrally forming a water bottle mounting unit, a water supply pipe, and a supporting rod using a top and bottom mold, where the water bottle mounting unit is formed in a funnel shape for supporting the water bottle, the water supply pipe is projected from a bottom center of the water bottle mounting unit toward a top, and an inlet formed at a side of the top for supplying water downwardly, and the supporting rod projected from an upper center of the water supply pipe toward a top; and b) connecting a stopper fixing unit to the supporting rod, where the stopper fixing unit is formed in a semicircle shape and includes a through-hole formed at a center in a vertical direction to receive the supporting rod.

Abstract: A beverage server assembly and a base for elevating a beverage container. The beverage server assembly includes the base including extensions and a connecting portion defining a nesting area therein. The nesting area defines an opening. A drip tray assembly can be removably retained in the nesting area. The drip tray assembly includes a drip tray with a removable grate. The nesting area is sized in dimension for use with the drip tray assembly or with the grate without the drip tray. The server assembly can be positioned with the faucet extending over a drain to allow liquid to flow from the faucet to the grate, through the opening and to the drain without collection in the drip tray.

Abstract: A dispensing actuator locking assembly for a bulk inventory dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing, a lockable dispensing actuator pivotally connected to the housing, and a gate connected to the dispensing actuator and adapted to pivot between a closed position and an open position to selectively dispense the bulk product through an opening in the housing when the dispensing actuator is in an unlocked condition. The dispensing actuator cannot be accidentally actuated unless and until the locking assembly is purposefully disengaged by the user of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is a bottled water cooler with a hot water sterilization system. A bottled water cooler with a hot water sterilizing system having a cold tank installed on the top of the cooler. There is a bottle receptacle in it, and the bottle receptacle groove having a probe connecting with water bottle and the cold tank inside. There is a baffle on a hollow baffle leader under the probe. The end of the baffle leader connects with a hot tank installed under cold tank by the cold and hot tank connecting tube, hot tank draining three-way pipe or draining pipe.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a container for refill that enables transfer of the contents with one action and successfully secure the self-supporting property of the container for allowing the safe transfer. The opening portion (2A) of body (2) of a cup-shaped container is provided internally with a hopper (3) tapering toward the opening portion (2A). Ribs (12) are integrally provided between the outside of the hopper (3) and the inside of a ring (3A) and arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals. Height H from the top surface of the rib (12) to the opening (3C) of hopper (3) is approximately a quarter or more of diameter ? of the opening (3C) of hopper (3).

Abstract: A insulated cooler includes a thermally insulated storage compartment and a water storage chamber mounted thereon and preferably formed integrally therewith. A water spout communicates with the water storage chamber to permit water to flow from the storage chamber for washing hands and the like when in areas without running water. A soap dispenser is mounted on the cooler to facilitate the washing process. An external carrier may also be mounted on the cooler for carrying various items which do not need to be stored within the insulated storage compartment.

Abstract: Distribution device for a powdery food product comprising a stand (1), a distribution head (2), mounted on the stand, and comprising a reception housing (20) suitable for receiving a container of powdery food product, an outlet opening (22), a channelling device, a dosing device. The distribution head (2) is connected by an articulated linkage (3) to the upright of the stand, sliding vertically and swivelling between a loading position in which the reception housing is oriented downwards, and a distribution position in which the outlet opening is oriented downwards.

Abstract: An inverted aerosol dispensing device is disclosed having an undercap rotatably secured to the aerosol container with a bottom portion of the undercap supporting the aerosol container on a supporting surface to store the aerosol dispensing device in an inverted position. The undercap is rotatable into a first rotational position for enabling an actuator to discharge an aerosol product in a generally downwardly direction. The undercap is rotatable into a second rotational position for inhibiting the actuator from moving the valve stem.

Abstract: A food topping device for dispensing a food toppings. The food topping device includes a hopper that receives a food topping. The hopper directs the supply of the food topping onto the base plate of a discharge pan. The angle of the discharge pan relative to horizontal can be selectively adjusted. A vibration device is coupled to the discharge pan. When the vibration device is activated, the vibration of the discharge pan helps the food topping to overcome the angle of repose and flow down the base plate toward a discharge end. A screen positioned at the discharge end of the discharge pan further controls the flow of food topping from the device. The angle of the screen can be adjusted to control the discharge rate. A flow plate is positioned between the hopper and the discharge end to further control the amount of topping reaching the discharge end.

Abstract: An automatic water cooler replenishing system for a free standing water cooler, having an internal reservoir. The system includes a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port configured for collecting water from a supply bottle and dispensing water into the reservoir. The pump is selectively powered and automatically controlled. A relay is provided for automatically controlling the operation of the pump. The relay is configured to receive an electric signal and control the pump. A fill control assembly and a low water shut-off assembly are electrically connected to the relay. The fill control assembly is configured to detect at least one water level, in the reservoir and signal the relay to energize or de-energize the pump. The low water shut-off assembly is configured to detect a low water condition in the supply bottle and signal the relay to de-energize the pump.

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: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: A transportable bulk container having a discharge chute and a sliding gate assembly to control discharge through the discharge chute, wherein the sliding gate assembly has a gate member with generally J-shaped suspension members, the suspension members being supported by generally L-shaped rail flanges mounted on the discharge chute above and separated from the lower end of the discharge chute, such that bulk material does not interfere with the sliding movement of the gate member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to delivery of toothpaste and provide a novel and non-obvious device, method, and system for delivering toothpaste to a user. In one embodiment of the invention, a droplet for delivering toothpaste to a user can be provided. The droplet can include a dissolvable outer membrane defining a volume with toothpaste inside the volume. The outer membrane can include a tail portion, which is configured to be embedded into the bristles of a toothbrush. The droplet further can include one or more extensions coupled to the outer surface of the outer membrane, the one or more extensions can have a triangular shape, a barb shape or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the droplet further can include a logo, a cartoon character, a word or the like printed on the outer membrane.