Abstract: A liquid transportation system includes a loading station where a liquid is loaded into a container of a delivery vehicle, and a drop off location where the delivery vehicle transfers the liquid into a storage tank. The storage tank includes a tank marker including a first identification device that generates a first signal. The first signal identifies a type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank. The delivery vehicle includes a product marker having a control system and a second identification device. The second identification device identifies a type of liquid contained in the container. The control system receives the first signal and the second signal and determines whether the type of the liquid stored in the container is the same as the type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing potable fluids wherein a bagged fluid, such as water, is dispensed via a spiked water dispensing device.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol and a tubular filter segment downstream of the heater. The tubular filter segment is operable to selectively filter aerosol particles and vapors from the aerosol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for feeding fine-grained matter to a concentrate burner (1) or a matte burner of a suspension smelting furnace (2). The invention relates also to a controlling means for controlling feeding of fine-grained matter to a concentrate burner (1) or a matte burner of a suspension smelting furnace (2) in an arrangement for feeding fine-grained matter to a concentrate burner (1) or a matte burner of a suspension smelting furnace (2). The invention relates also to controlling means for controlling feeding of fine-grained matter to a concentrate burner (1) or a matte burner of a suspension smelting furnace (2) in an arrangement for feeding fine-grained matter to a concentrate burner (1) or a matte burner of a suspension smelting furnace (2) and to a computer program product.

Abstract: A control section causes one dispensing mechanism of either a reagent dispensing mechanism or a sample dispensing mechanism to first discharge a predetermined amount of a liquid into the reaction container, and then, with respect to the cases where the amount of a liquid to be discharged by the other dispensing mechanism is larger or smaller than the amount of the liquid in the reaction container, causes the other dispensing mechanism to discharge the liquid such that the discharge speed in the case where the amount of the liquid to be discharged is larger is decreased relative to the discharge speed in the case where the amount of the liquid to be discharged is smaller.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for recognizing an image and a device for reading an image. The device for recognizing the image includes a circuit board (50) on which a plurality of light sources (20) are arranged, the multiple light sources (20) which are configured to supply multiple lights in different directions to the image to be recognized, and an imaging component configured to uniformly image the lights diffused by the image to be recognized so as to recognize the image to be recognized. The disclosure solves the problem that the device for recognizing the image in the relevant technology may only supply one single light emitting direction, and the device for recognizing the image has a beneficial effect of recognizing a hologram including various pieces of image information.

Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and toots kept inside the medical toot kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.

Abstract: Methods and systems of accurately dispensing a viscous fluid onto a substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes using an electronic flow meter device to produce electrical flow meter output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter to correct for a difference between an output data set and a reference data set. In another embodiment, a system includes a control operatively coupled to a gas flow meter device and to a weigh scale allowing for a density of an amount of viscous material to be determined. In another embodiment, a method includes using a control coupled to both a gas flow meter device and a weigh scale and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter using gas flow meter output signals and weigh scale output signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tapping device for at least one bag-in-carton package equipped with a tapping valve. The tapping device has a housing for receiving the bag-in-carton package and an actuating unit which corresponds with the tapping valve and which has a valve-receiving bearing and at least one actuating portion for actuating the tapping valve. The actuating portion is articulated on the valve-receiving bearing by a pivot pin, has an upwardly directed lever arm and is arranged completely within the housing. Upstream of a contact region which is situated above the pivot pin on the lever arm there is arranged an actuating portion which engages through the housing and acts on the lever arm in the contact region in order to actuate the tapping valve by way of the actuating portion and can be actuated manually from outside the housing. The invention further relates to the actuating unit and to a cassette for the tapping device.

Abstract: A method of controlling heating of hot melt adhesive within a hot melt dispensing system includes receiving input AC electric power, determining on a half cycle-by-half cycle basis which heaters in a plurality of zones will receive AC electric power during the next half cycle, and distributing the AC electric power to the heaters on a time sharing basis.

Abstract: The device (1) has a housing (2), and a flexible bag arranged in the housing and intended to receive a liquid. A dispensing device, in particular an injection syringe (5), is also arranged in the housing, so that it is removable from the housing. A transfer channel (6) serves for direct or indirect transfer of the liquid from the bag into the dispensing device. At least one pressure plate (7) is also provided, which can be pressed against the bag in order to empty the bag. The pressure plate is preferably activated via a spring mechanism (16), which serves as energy accumulator. The device, according to the invention, makes it possible, with a few manoeuvres, to prepare an injection liquid and deliver it to the injection syringe, with the substances being brought together by a largely automated procedure.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a carbonated water production module integrally provided with a carbon dioxide gas cylinder having carbon dioxide gas stored therein and a carbonated water tank to mix purified water with the carbon dioxide gas to produce carbonated water. The carbonated water production module is mounted to the rear surface of the door, and thus it may be cooled by cool air in the refrigeration compartment and be easy to access, and thereby repair and replacement thereof is facilitated. The dispenser includes a carbonated water discharge channel into which carbonated water from the carbonated water tank is discharged, and a purified water discharge channel into which purified water from the water tank is discharged. Since the purified water discharge channel does not pass through the carbonated water tank, a user is allowed to selectively dispense purified water or carbonated water anytime.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based control system is provided for positioning a working component relative to a work surface. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are mounted on the working component and provide positioning signals to a control compute engine. A method of positioning a working component relative to a work surface using GNSS-based positioning signals is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a product from an interior volume of a container to which a power assembly is secured, which includes rotating an actuator sleeve of the power assembly in one direction relative to the container to draw an amount of the product from the interior volume into a pump chamber and to pressurize the pump chamber, and temporarily depressing an actuator of the power assembly to dispense a portion of the product from the pump chamber through a nozzle for a duration of time during which the actuator is temporarily depressed. During the duration when the product is dispensed from the container, the power assembly does not rotate relative to the container, and the power assembly is never rotated in an opposite direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a measurement device providing at least one signal indicative of the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the measurement device and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and at least one signal from the measurement device, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the measurement device for at least one previous dispense.

Abstract: A material applicator comprising a manifold including a primary body and a gate. The primary body includes a first inlet channel, first inlet connecting geometry, a second inlet channel, second inlet connecting geometry, a third inlet channel, third inlet connecting geometry, a first outlet channel, a second outlet channel, outlet connecting geometry, and a gate cavity. The gate is positioned in the cavity and includes a number of through-channels. The gate is configured to shift between a substance delivery position and a flushing position.

Abstract: In a foam discharge device, a pump has a piston for a liquid linked to a stem, a cylinder for a liquid in which the piston for a liquid is vertically slidably accommodated, a piston for air linked to the stem, a cylinder for air in which the piston for air is vertically slidably accommodated, and an air-liquid mixing unit to mix a liquid from the cylinder for a liquid and air from the cylinder for air to foam the liquid, the cylinder for air is inside a mounting cap and accommodated in a container main body, a head-section-side cylinder for air into which a piston tube erected at a ceiling wall section of the mounting cap is fitted extends from a pressing head, and a communication path to bring the insides of the head-section-side cylinder for air and the cylinder for air in communication is formed at the pump.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a bubbler is disclosed, which is performed by laminating a polypropylene (PP), PE, CPET film onto a paper material surface to form a PP, PE, CPET film, and then screen printing or coating a hydrophilic polyurethane (PU) material onto another surface of the paper material to form a hydrophilic PU foaming material, then color printing a print material onto the hydrophilic foaming film to form a pattern layer, trimming the paper material to form a paper plate having a desired range, and forming the paper plate as an utensil, and enabling the hydrophilic PU foaming film to form a three dimensional pattern area on a surface of the utensil by being heated and thus foaming with a heating temperature presenting when the utensil is formed, whereby a three dimensional pattern area may be directly formed onto a surface of a utensil.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to store and dispense liquid from a liquid retaining bag. The apparatus preferably includes a storage container for storing the liquid retaining bag. The liquid storage container and the liquid retaining bag are preferably housed in the bottom of a water cooler. The storage container includes a base, an upper opening and at least one wall extending upwardly from the base and defining a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity is sized to receive a liquid retaining bag. The apparatus further includes a liquid transport conduit for transporting liquid from the liquid retaining bag to a dispensing location. A guide and retaining member is operably associated with the storage container. The guide and retaining member is preferably configured to guide the liquid transport conduit from a first location to a second location.

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

Abstract: A fluid supply system adapted for vacuum and pressure cycling of fluid, including a transfer vessel adapted to supply a process canister with fluid drawn from a bulk canister under a vacuum, wherein delivery of fluid from the transfer vessel to the process canister is accomplished with positive pressure. A method is also disclosed of delivering fluid, including drawing fluid under vacuum from a bulk canister and pressurizing the transfer vessel to effect dispensing of the fluid into a process canister for delivery to a location of use.

Abstract: A fluid containment system includes a container, a sensor, and a splash shield. The container has a bottom and defines an interior configured for holding a volume of fluid. The volume of fluid is variable between a low volume range and a filled range. The sensor is operatively disposed in the interior of the container in spaced relationship to the bottom. The sensor is configured to be at least partially submerged in the fluid only when the volume is in the filled volume range. The splash shield is operatively disposed within the interior of the container at a barrier level defined between the sensor and the bottom. As such, the splash shield is disposed between the sensor and a surface level of the fluid when a level of the fluid is less than the barrier level to provide a barrier to prevent fluid from splashing onto the sensor.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system, fluid reservoir, refill container for refilling the fluid reservoir, and method of refilling the fluid reservoir are provided. The fluid dispensing system includes a refill connection port or nozzle to which a refill container is connected when refilling the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir includes a piston head and an actuator for moving the piston head in a first direction and in a second direction. When the piston head is moved in the first direction, the fluid within the fluid reservoir is pressurized, causing the fluid to be dispensed through an outlet of the fluid reservoir. When the piston head is moved in the second direction, a vacuum is created within the fluid reservoir that draws fluid, from the refill container, into the fluid reservoir. The fluid dispensing system includes a valve to enable multiple refill containers to be coupled to the nozzle and/or the refill connection port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting for connecting at least one peripherally-connected evacuation channel to the spout of a flexible bag and more particularly to a flexible mounting for connecting such at least one evacuation channel.

Abstract: An ophthalmic dispenser and method of filling and dispensing fluid stored therein. The dispenser includes a rigid housing defining a fluid-receiving chamber, a flexible bladder receivable within the fluid-receiving chamber, a pump coupled in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber, and a nozzle having a valve defining an annular, axially-extending valve seat, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between the valve seat and the pump, and a flexible valve cover extending about the valve seat and forming an annular, axially-extending interface therebetween.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, a door providing access to the refrigerator, and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system includes a beverage cartridge. The beverage cartridge includes a filter, a pump, and a beverage medium, wherein the beverage medium is combined with water to produce a flavored beverage. The beverage medium may be a powder or a syrup, which when mixed with water, produces a desired flavored beverage. The beverage cartridge is combined and connected with the beverage dispensing unit to filter and pump water in to pass through and mix with the flavor medium to produce a flavored beverage which may be passed through the refrigerator to an output where a user can fill a container with the flavored beverage.

Abstract: The Multiple Adversary Suppression System (MASS) is an integrated, digitally controlled nonlethal weapon system designed to disable unshielded humans and interfere with susceptible materiel. MASS emits photic and audio stimulation at intensities designed to cause distress. MASS shields its users from direct photic and analog audio stimulation, instead processing that data digitally and filtering out the disruptive stimuli MASS emits. The physical components of MASS consist of a computer controlled headset with digital visual and audio processing equipment, and a computer controlled emission rig with high intensity photic and audio emission equipment.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank in which carbonated water is stored; a water level sensor sensing a water level of carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank; a water tank supplying filtered water to the carbonated water tank; a carbon dioxide cylinder supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank; and a controller, if the water level of carbonated water sensed by the water level sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum water level, supplying the filtered water to the carbonated water tank, and if supply of the filtered water is completed, supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank so as to produce the carbonated water. If the carbonated water is discharged, the controller controls the water level sensor to sense the water lever of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge for use in a beverage dispensing system, comprising a housing, and located within the housing, a container for accommodating a beverage-related fluid substance and a pump; a drive port via which a driving torque may be delivered to the pump; and a fluid outlet port via which the fluid substance may be pumped from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are located on the same side of the housing.

Abstract: An improved venturi device and method for facilitating the mixture of fluid substances, such as wine and air. The device may be combined with a dispensing valve to further promote functionality. The improved venturi device is especially effective in drawing a second fluid into the primary flow of a first fluid, and when combined with a dispensing valve it obviates the need for a venturi independent from a valve to accomplish mixing at low flows and low liquid head pressure.

Abstract: A liquid container that supplies a liquid to a liquid consumption apparatus via a liquid introduction part disposed in the liquid consumption apparatus. The liquid container includes: a liquid container part that stores the liquid; a liquid supply part that is in communication with an inside of the liquid container part, that has a liquid supply opening facing in a first direction, and that the liquid introduction part is to be connected to, the first direction being a longitudinal direction of one end portion of the liquid container part; and an operation part that is connected to the liquid container part and that has a grip part that is grippable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler component for forming a vapor/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol by evaporation of a liquid material (18) and, if appropriate, condensation of the formed vapor, comprising: an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of the liquid material (18); a wick with a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite (10) with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with the liquid material (18); a carrier plate (11), preferably a printed circuit board, which carries the composite (10) and on which the heating element is electrically contacted; a capillary gap (16) formed at least partially by the carrier plate (11) and automatically supplying the composite (10) with the liquid material (18), by means of an end portion of the wick extending into the capillary gap (16); a liquid container (19) which contains the liquid material (18) and from which the capillary gap (16) draws the liquid material (18).

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.

Abstract: A trigger head for a dispensing device for at least two substances including a pumping system to compress the substances separately and simultaneously before dispensing.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a loading station for sheet material, a sheet feeding mechanism configured to feed the sheet material, a presentation station for presenting one or more discrete sheet products to an end user, a sensor downstream of the feeding mechanism and upstream of the presentation station configured to detect a presence of the discrete sheet products, and a controller configured to facilitate dispensing of the one or more discrete sheet products in response to a signal, and to determine and store data associated with the dispensing of the sheet products.

Abstract: An air cart for use in an agricultural air seeding system includes at least one tank for holding a material, and a metering system associated with the at least one tank. The metering system is configured for metering the material from the at least one tank at an output rate. A sensor senses a parameter associated with an angular orientation of the air cart relative to a reference plane, and provides an output signal indicative of the angular orientation. An actuator adjusts an output rate of the metering system. A controller is coupled with each of the actuator and the sensor and receives the output signal from the sensor. The controller is configured for controlling the actuator and thereby adjusting the output rate of the metering system, dependent upon the output signal.

Abstract: A piezo-pneumatic valve driving type dispensing pump having an improved dispensing speed and a simplified structure, and a method of dispensing a viscous liquid by using the pump. Accordingly, a viscous liquid may be easily dispensed by reciprocating a valve rod inserted into a reservoir storing the viscous liquid, by using an air pressure. In particular, the air pressure may be precisely controlled by opening or closing a flow passage allowing the air to enter or exit, by using a piezoelectric element-based piezoelectric valve. Thus, the valve rod may be operated precisely at a high speed so that an exact amount of the viscous liquid is dispensed at a high speed.

Abstract: The present invention is a marketing and distribution method for introducing and maintaining refillable containers for personal care products such as cosmetics, creams, lotions, and sprays. The refillable container is refilled at local refill stations at stores, kiosks, vending machines, and the like, to eliminate the need for new packaging with each purchase. The method is designed to reduce waste and costs associated with product packaging by using refillable containers to dispense personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of constructing liquid bridges and methods of forming predetermined combinations of samples using liquid bridges.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying small amounts of liquid to a substrate. The dispenser includes a dispenser body, an actuator in the dispenser body, and a dispensing element including a dispensing element body removably coupled to the dispenser body. A valve stem is mounted for reciprocating movement within the dispensing element body. Additional aspects include a deformable valve seat, a deformable and resilient valve stem tip and a method of applying liquid in discrete amounts to a substrate.

Abstract: A biaxially stretched, blow molded container is obtained by molding a laminated test tube shaped preform molded by an injection molding process. The container has a neck, a body, and a bottom, and having an outer shell and an inner bag to be laminated in a peelable manner with an outer layer inner surface. The inner bag can be deflated under a pressure drop therein. The outer layer and an inner layer have a laminar structure in which the lamination extends from a predetermined position of the neck to a lower end face. The layers are peeled from each other, starting from a lamination interface between the layers. This interface is exposed outside at the lower end face of the gate mark and can be used as an air intake vent that enables outside air to be taken into the space between the layers.

Abstract: A lawn and garden sprayer system having a container and a spray wand fluidly connected to the container is provided. The spray wand includes a wand housing that has a slot formed in one side thereof that is configured to engage a lug formed on one side of the container for purposes of stowing the wand during shipping and when not in use. A communications card assembly is detachably connected between the container and spray wand during shipment and prior to its first use. The hose includes a coupler end that engaged a cap on the container and facilitates creation of a fluid circuit between the fluid contents in the container and the wand.

Abstract: A liquid transportation system includes a loading station where a liquid is loaded into a container of a delivery vehicle, and a drop off location where the delivery vehicle transfers the liquid into a storage tank. The storage tank includes a tank marker including a first identification device that generates a first signal. The first signal identifies a type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank. The delivery vehicle includes a product marker having a control system and a second identification device. The second identification device identifies a type of liquid contained in the container. The control system receives the first signal and the second signal and determines whether the type of the liquid stored in the container is the same as the type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank.

Abstract: A totally enclosed remote feeder for periodically dispensing feed is shown. A rechargeable battery powers a compressor which fills a pressure tank to a predetermined pressure. A timer operates a compressor to fill a pressure tank. When a predetermined pressure level is reached, firing a solenoid valve to cause a blast of air from the pressure tank to flow out through upwardly angled discharged pipe. Feed from an internal hopper flows downward in the discharge pipe in a predetermined amount prior to being discharged by the blast of air.

Abstract: The application discloses a device that determines how much material is dispensed from a container by measuring the angle at which the container is tilted. The device includes an accelerometer for measuring an angle by which the container is tilted, and an electronic component for transmitting data based on the angle measured by the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the accelerometer measures the angle by which the container is tilted at a multiple different times.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system includes a pump and at least one sensor positioned to sense movements of a component of the pump and produce signals based on the sensed movements. The dispensing system also includes a controller communicating with the at least one sensor to collect information regarding operational cycles of the pump based on the signals. As a result, one or more diagnostic processes are enabled at the controller during operation of the adhesive dispensing system. These diagnostic processes may include a leak rate test for the dispensing system, an overspeed detection test for the pump, and expected life cycle monitoring of the pump or other components.

Abstract: A method for generating a flow by a peristaltic hose pump, a generated fluid pressure being limited to 500 mbar and being achieved and maintained without a pressure measurement during operation of the pump. A length of a flexible and elastic pump segment of a hose is adjusted such that, while a roller wheel is stationary, and while the segment is guided under tension around the roller wheel, and when applying a fluid pressure in the range from 10 to 400 mbar to one end of the pump segment, a backflow leakage in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the roller wheel is created, and a flow of the fluid of at least 0.01 l/min through the pump segment is obtained, taking into account the backflow leakage. The distance of fixing points of each end of the pump segment to the roller wheel rotation axis is fixed.

Abstract: An assembly for aseptic connecting of a beverage ingredient container to a beverage dispensing apparatus, having a collapsible sheath of pliable material connecting the container to the dispenser at a distance away from the container. The sheath passes through a conduit of the apparatus to provide an aseptic passageway for fluid from the container to the beverage apparatus. A protective cover houses the collapsible sheath when in a collapsed configuration, and the sheath is brought to a second configuration of an extended length to provide an inner passageway of the fluid to a distal end of the sheath positioned a distance away from the container.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.