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

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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A drain system for a food preparation machine includes a preparation area drain tray; a rinsing station including a water source; a water collection tray disposed below the rinsing station so as to collect water supplied from the water source; and, a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source.

Abstract: A foam dispensing mechanism (100; 600) comprises: a top (113); a cylindrical wall (112; 612) extending from a peripheral edge of the top; a piston member (170) arranged within the cylindrical wall; a dispense head (120) axially displaceable with respect to the top; a resilient bias member (130) for biasing the dispense head. The piston member has a first opening (176) and a coupling cylinder (178) arranged coaxially around said first opening. The dispense head has a cylindrical seal member (150) positionally fixed with respect to the dispense head (120), the seal member (150) having a first passage opening (156) with a valve seat (151), wherein the seal member's lower portion (157) is sealingly and axially slidably coupled to the coupling cylinder. An axially displaceable valve member (190) for blocking or releasing said first passage opening has a valve stem (192) having its end (193) coupled to the piston member.

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 solenoid at predetermined intervals 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 present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, comprising a memory for storing icons, said icons being divided into at least two menu level groups, whereby each icon indicates a selectable menu function of the machine. The machine further comprises a display for displaying: in a first operation mode a first group of icons adjacent a main portion of the display; and in a second operation mode one group of icons as currently selectable icons on said main portion of the display. A touch pad is adapted to accept a touch operation for switching between the first and second operation mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device. The dosing device comprises a storage container with a storage chamber disposed therein for accommodating a filling material, a dosing container with a dosing chamber disposed therein, an outlet with an outlet opening for dispensing the filling material, a closure member by means of which the outlet opening can be closed, and a valve wherein the valve is able to assume a dispensing position and a dosing position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing at least two components simultaneously uses ramp shaped wedge members to adjust the ratio of the components being dispensed. The components to be dispensed are disposed in separate containers each forming or connected to a pump. The ramp of the wedge members controls the stroke of the pump.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a fluid container and a metering unit is disclosed. The container comprises a fluid level sensor and the dispenser comprises a control unit configured to determine a parameter value representative for an amount of fluid in the container after refill on basis of a signal from the sensor. The sensor can for example be configured to generate a signal at a predefined fluid level (B, C), while the control unit is configured to calculate a fluid level on basis of an input value indicative of the fluid level (A) after refill, and a dispense value indicative of amounts of fluid dispensed since the latest refill. The control unit can be configured to compare the signalled predefined fluid level (B, C) with the calculated fluid level to generate a correction factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing a sanitized saline solution for rinsing the nasal passages and sinuses. The disclosure includes methods for bulk storage of granular sodium salt mixtures (pH balanced sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate), bulk storage of water, heating and sensing elements, filtering elements, and dispensing elements. The apparatus provides controls for customizing the concentration and temperature of the dispensed saline solution, and provides for dispensing the solution into a delivery device, with a water catch basin and area for drying a delivery device after use.

Abstract: A metering device removes a medium from a pressurized medium container. The metering device includes a metering container which is designed to measure off a quantity of the medium and which has a first region and a second region. The first region is separated from the second region by a movable separating element. The separating element has a first contact face, which is directed towards the first region and delimits or closes off the first region. The separating element also has a second contact face, which is directed toward the second region and delimits or closes off the second region. The first contact face and the second contact face have different surface dimensions.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a pump which can lift water in an exchangeable raw water container into a water storage tank in a casing. The water dispenser further includes a water level sensor in the form of a float sensor for detecting the upper limit and the lower limit of the water level in the water storage tank. The water dispenser further includes a controller adapted to activate the pump upon receiving a sensor input indicative of detection of the lower limit, and deactivate the pump upon receiving sensor input indicative of detection of the upper limit. The controller is further adapted to measure the time elapsed since the pump was activated, and deactivate the pump when the time elapsed reaches a predetermined time at which the water level exceeds the upper limit and at which water in the water storage tank has not yet overflown the water storage tank.

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: In an example, a wine storage and dispensing device is provided. The wine storage and dispensing device may include a wine storage reservoir having a first opening and a second opening that is different than the first opening, the second opening located above the first opening on the wine storage reservoir. The wine storage and dispensing device may include a dispensing device coupled to the first opening, and an air removal system coupled to the second opening of the storage reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosures provides an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle using overmolding in which a heat radiating plate is attached to an opposite side of a part requiring heat radiation in a printed circuit board (PCB) and a part other than the part, to which the heat radiating plate is attached, is overmolded so as to directly discharge heat to the air through the heat radiating plate such that a heat radiation effect is excellent, the heat radiating plate is attached in advance and then a housing is formed of mold resin such that a manufacturing process is simplified, and a printed circuit board (PCB) is surrounded by mold resin such that a waterproof function is excellent, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selective separation of a granular material comprising a fraction of coarse particles and a fraction of fine particles for separating said fraction of coarse particles from said fraction of fine particles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a load cell supporting at least a partial weight of 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 load cell 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 an output from the load cell, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the load cell for at least one previous dispense.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery system of a vehicle are disclosed. According to some embodiments the method includes determining a first amount of CNG in a CNG tank of the vehicle, the first amount corresponding to a first time, and determining a second amount of CNG in the CNG tank at a second time, the second time being subsequent to the first time. The method further includes determining an expected CNG consumption of the vehicle during a period of time, the period of time beginning at the first time and ending at the second time. The method also includes determining an actual CNG consumption during the period of time based on the first amount of CNG and the second amount of CNG, and comparing the actual CNG consumption and the expected CNG consumption to determine whether a leak has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing system (1) for delivering at least one cleaning-agent preparation (A, B, C) into the interior of an automatic dishwasher, encompassing a dispenser (2) having a light source (4), and a cartridge (3) couplable to the dispenser (2), in which cartridge at least one flowable preparation (A, B, C) is stocked; the cartridge (3) has a width (b) to depth (t) ratio from 3:1 to 20:1 and the cartridge (3) has a height (h) to depth (t) ratio from 3:1 to 20:1, and the walls of the cartridge (3) have, at least locally, a transmittance from 75% to 99% in the wavelength region between 700 nm and 1 mm; the flowable preparation (A, B, C) has a transmittance from 75% to 99% in the wavelength region between 700 nm and 1 mm.

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 operating the pump and 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: An alignment film printing device, configured to improve coating quality of an alignment film, includes at least one printing unit, and the printing unit each includes: a cylinder body with an opening at a bottom and an extract opening on a top; a vacuum extractor connected with the extract opening; a plunger provided inside the cylinder body, and configured to draw the alignment fluid from the opening to the cylinder body; a vacuum tester provided at the extract opening and configured to monitor a vacuum degree inside the cylinder body and above the plunger; a range finder provided inside the cylinder body and configured to monitor a distance from the plunger to a top of the cylinder body; and a control device in signal communication with the vacuum extractor, the vacuum tester and the range finder respectively and configured to control a volume of the alignment fluid drawn into the cylinder body according to test values of the vacuum tester and the range finder.

Abstract: A double-sealant tube structure for a caulking gun includes a container (10), a first feeder (20), a second feeder (30), and a pushing member (40). The container has an interior provided with a separation plate (12). The pushing member is provided with two first thrust portions (42) corresponding to the first feeder and a second thrust portion (41) corresponding to the second feeder. The pushing member is further provided with two cutting blades (43) each intersecting the separation plate of the container. Thus, when the pushing member pushes the first feeder and the second feeder, the separation plate is cut by the cutting blades to allow the pushing member to move forward.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly with a nozzle body cooperating with a flexible portion, the nozzle assembly also contains a throttle plate, and this combination is used to mitigate pressure variations transmitted to the nozzle assembly. The combination results in a more uniform liquid deposition during continuous liquid printing.

Abstract: A cartridge of an electronic cigarette includes an oil reserving pipe, an oil obstructing plug and a heating assembly. The oil reserving pipe has an inner space for reserving a tobacco oil. The oil obstructing plug is arranged at an end of the oil reserving pipe and has an oil hole in communication with the inner space. The heating assembly is arranged under the oil obstructing plug and configured for heating and atomizing the tobacco oil penetrating through the oil hole. An atomizing device using the cartridge, and an electronic device using the atomizing device are also provided.

Abstract: A pour spout, for attaching to a bottle, has a first wireless transceiver and a valve for selectively controlling flow of a beverage from the bottle. A server interface, adapted to be carried by a person who serves beverages, has a second wireless transceiver. A control unit is provided to wirelessly communicate with the second transceiver. In one mode, the pour spout transmits a spout identifier to the server interface, which responds by transmitting the spout identifier and a server identifier to the control unit. The control unit responds with a reply transmission causing the server interface to command the pour spout to open the valve. In another mode, a person selects a cocktail, that results in the control unit sending designations of a plurality of liquor ingredients to the server interface. The server interface controls dispensing each of the plurality of liquor ingredients.

Abstract: A Venturi apparatus includes: a body defining a receptacle chamber configured to receive a first fluid, a transition passageway in fluid communication with the receptacle chamber and configured to receive the first fluid from the receptacle chamber, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the transition passageway and configured to receive the first fluid from the transition passageway, and a sidearm passageway in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and extending to an outer surface of the body and configured to allow a second fluid to pass from an exterior of the into the mixing chamber; and a fluid flow regulator connected to the body, configured to affect a flow of the first fluid from the receptacle chamber into the mixing chamber, and including a valve mechanism configured to selectively engage the body to inhibit flow of the first fluid from the receptacle chamber into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle and provides an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle using a radiation board in which a radiation plate having a slide fixing structure (for example, “U” shaped) is attached onto a portion opposite to a portion which requires the radiation in a printed circuit board (PCB) and if additional radiation performance is required, a slidable radiation board which is detachable is attached/detached to directly emit heat to the atmosphere through the radiation plate and the radiation board to the atmosphere, thereby improving a radiation effect and to implement a standard platform of the radiation structure and implement an optimal radiation structure through a slidable radiation board and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: A self-serve drink blending device includes a blend chamber, at least one product source, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, a controller and a dispenser. The blend chamber includes a blending blade. The at least one product source is configured to deliver a volume of product to the blend chamber. The water source is configured to deliver a volume of water to the blend chamber. The ice source is configured to deliver a volume of ice to the blend chamber. The liquid level sensor is mounted to the blend chamber and configured to create a liquid level signal when contents in the blend chamber reach a predetermined level. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate the at least one product source, the water source, and the ice source based on the liquid level signal. The dispenser is arranged to dispense contents from the blend chamber.

Abstract: A system for sampling a surface includes a sampling probe having a housing and a socket, and a rolling sampling sphere within the socket. The housing has a sampling fluid supply conduit and a sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere. A surface sampling probe and a method for sampling a surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A developer collecting device includes a collecting box that accommodates developer discharged from a developing unit, the developing unit accommodating developer including toner and a carrier, the developing unit developing an electrostatic latent image on a development member using the toner in the developer; a guide cylinder that connects the developing unit and the collecting box to each other, the guide cylinder guiding movement of the developer discharged from the developing unit to the collecting box; a transporting member that is disposed in the guide cylinder and extends in a developer transport direction, the transporting member transporting the developer towards the collecting box by rotation of the transporting member; and a rotation controller that controls rotation speed of the transporting member in accordance with conditions that affect a capability of developing the electrostatic latent image on the development member.

Abstract: A water dispensing device comprises water dispensing means for dispensing water into a serving container. The device furthermore comprises a control unit which is connected with the water dispensing means to control a water dispensing cycle in which a predetermined amount of water is dispensed in the serving container. The control unit is programmed such that the water dispensing cycle includes at least two stages which are separated by an intermediate time period in which no water is dispensed in the serving container.