Abstract: An exemplary compounding method of controlling a compounding device to prepare an admixture of at least two distinct material sources can include examining material source solutions for incompatibility of the ingredients and operating a first and a second pump to prevent one of the incompatible source solutions from entering a common flow path. The processing method can detect degradation of a fluid line by evaluating one or more of calibration error rate data, cumulative volumetric flow data, or cumulative pump operation data. The processing method can also selectively transfer a first group of source solutions using the first pump, receiving pump data from one or more sensors that sense actions of the pumps, applying fluid correction factors and calculating discrete pump movements, the pump movements being indicative of an amount of source solution displacement by a pump, and operating the pumps to selectively dispense the source solution amounts according to a preparation order.

Abstract: Beverage processing system for filling a beverage into containers with a filler with several filling valves for filling the beverage into the containers, where the filling valves are each configured having a filling device for filling at least two components of the beverage into one of the containers, a capper for closing the container filled with the beverage, and with a conveyor for transporting the containers at least from the filler to the capper, characterised in that the beverage processing system comprises at least one gas analysis device for quality control of the mixed beverage filled into the containers, and in that the at least one gas analysis device each comprises a gas suctioning device for suctioning gas from a head region of the containers filled with the beverage and an analyzer for analyzing the suctioned gas.

Abstract: An outpouring assembly, comprising an outpouring plate, wherein the outpouring plate is provided with a liquid outlet through hole, a paste discharge pipe is disposed in the liquid outlet through hole, the paste discharge pipe moves up and down in the liquid outlet through hole, and when a lower end of the paste discharge pipe extends out of the liquid outlet through hole, the paste discharge pipe is in a liquid outpouring state. A beneficial effect of the present invention is as follows: Because a liquid such as the color paste or water has surface tension, the color paste adheres to a surface of an outlet, outpouring precision of the outpouring assembly is affected. A paste discharge pipe is disposed in the liquid outlet through hole, so that a quantity of color pastes adhered to a paste discharge outlet of the paste discharge pipe can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing soap and sanitizer includes a back plate, a container insert removably securable to the back plate, and a cover pivotally engaged to the back plate and the container insert. The container insert includes a first side defining a first container receiving feature and a second side, opposite the first side, defining a second container receiving feature that has a different configuration or size than the first container receiving feature.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject disclosure relate to a compounder system having a cartridge that includes fluid pathways controllable by valves of the cartridge. A pump component within the cartridge is actuable to move fluid through the controllable fluid pathways. The cartridge includes a backpack for management of tubing to couple the cartridge to a receiving container. A disposable waste container is contained by the cartridge and the backpack. A syringe holder is provided for use of a syringe as a receiving container to receive a compounded medication.

Abstract: A dosing machine for dosing fluid products includes: containers having vertical longitudinal axes and configured to contain fluid products, rotary stirring elements located inside respective containers and operable in rotation by electric motors, and a dispensing head having nozzles connected to respective containers, where each container is associated with a level measuring device having: a floater containing a permanent magnet and free to move inside the container, a magnetic detector arranged outside the container, and having magnetic sensors spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction and each of which is configured to detect a variation in a magnetic field caused by passage in its proximity of said floater, and a control unit which analyzes signals provided by the magnetic sensors to detect a fluid level inside the container and passage of the floater in a vicinity of one or more of said magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A fluid mixture dispensing system using a membrane to seal multiple reservoirs is disclosed. The multiple reservoirs each contain a respective ingredient. The reservoirs are coupled to respective orifices in a plate. The respective ingredients are dispensable via the respective orifices. The membrane seals the respective orifices. The ingredients are dispensed into one or more channels formed between the membrane and the plate. In specific embodiments, the membrane is an integral part of a cartridge which contains the multiple reservoirs. In specific embodiments, the cartridge includes an inlet and an outlet. A solvent flows from the inlet to the outlet through the one or more channels, and the ingredients are dispensed into the solvent in the one or more channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the use and the income generated a service station or other service locations where different service related fluids are used by service providers and retail users, and more specifically to the coordination at both retail and an associated services station of fluids like window washing fluids using a multiple wall mounting dispensers and a remove dilution device. Also part of the system are HTML based tools for the management of the fluids and the management of information between the service station operators, the clients, and the service provider in charge of maintaining the system. Also included are methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A fluid mixture dispensing system using a membrane to seal multiple reservoirs is disclosed. The multiple reservoirs each contain a respective ingredient. The reservoirs are coupled to respective orifices in a plate. The respective ingredients are dispensable via the respective orifices. The membrane seals the respective orifices. The ingredients are dispensed into one or more channels formed between the membrane and the plate. In specific embodiments, the membrane is an integral part of a cartridge which contains the multiple reservoirs. In specific embodiments, the cartridge includes an inlet and an outlet. A solvent flows from the inlet to the outlet through the one or more channels, and the ingredients are dispensed into the solvent in the one or more channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the use and the income generated a service station or other service locations where different service related fluids are used by service providers and retail users, and more specifically to the coordination at both retail and an associated services station of fluids like window washing fluids using a multiple wall mounting dispensers. Also part of the system are HTML based tools for the management of the fluids and the management of information between the service station operators, the clients, and the service provider in charge of maintaining the system. Also included are methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A beverage supply apparatus includes cooling device 6, milk tank 5 in storage chamber 6a of cooling device 6, and detection device 7 that detects the milk. Detection device 7 has first light guide body 7c to penetrate partition wall 12 having a multilayer box body that partitions storage chamber 6a, second light guide body 7d to penetrate partition wall 12 which faces first light guide body 7c, light projection unit 7a attached to partition-wall outer-surface-side end of first light guide body 7c to project light via the body 7c, and light receiving unit 7b attached to the partition-wall outer-surface-side end of second light guide body 7d to receive light transmitted through milk tank 5 via second light guide body 7d. The detection device detects the presence or absence of or the remaining amount of milk based on a light reception state in the light receiving unit 7b.

Abstract: An automated processing system for making beverage comprises: an operation space, including a plurality of operation areas; a plurality of multi-shaft mechanical arm devices, at least including a driving device and a clamping device, respectively, wherein the driving device is used for driving the multi-shaft mechanical arm device to position the clamping device within an operation range; and a control panel, electrically connected to the multi-shaft mechanical arm device for controlling the multi-shaft mechanical arm devices to position the clamping device of one of the multi-shaft mechanical arm devices to the operation areas with respect to a preset order. Accordingly, the beverage can be made with a fully automated process and advantages of rapidly making the beverage, conveniently managing with the fully automated design and effectively saving the labor cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A bulk windshield washer fluid vending system. The system includes a storage tank for storing fluid, a controller communicatively connected to the fluid storage tank for managing flow of fluid from the fluid storage tank, a fluid flow line connected to the controller, and a vending mechanism connected to the fluid flow line and disposed at a predetermined location remote from the fluid storage tank for actuation by a customer.

Abstract: A device may generate one or more objects for one or more transactions. The one or more transactions may include a sequence of one or more events. The one or more objects may include one or more states associated with the sequence of one or more events. The device may receive information associated with the one or more transactions. The information may be used to update the one or more states of the one or more objects. The device may detect one or more alerts based on the one of more objects. The one or more alerts may be associated with the one or more states of the one or more objects. The device may determine an alarm status based on the one or more alerts and may provide information to cause an action to be performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser having a plurality of non-linear dispensing sides each having a dispensing station of a dimension suitable to comfortably accommodate a user/operator. Each dispensing station is of a dimension narrower than that of a dispensing station of a conventional dispenser. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure allows for variations and flexibility in the shape of the unit, and a user-friendly touch screen accommodates one or more concurrent users/operators, while also allowing a choice of various beverage selections. The touch screen provides a user interface that may be configured for use by a restaurant employee and/or self-service applications. In addition, the user friendly touchscreen interface also facilitates the use of ADA compliant controls. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure also allows for “banking” of multiple units into a “kiosk” type formation.

Abstract: A traveling harness system is provided for an appliance to maintain electrical connections between the appliance and a drawer, while allowing the drawer to move. Wiring harness guides formed in the drawer force the wiring harness to maintain a predictable and desirable loop radius to reduce stress on the wiring harness, which prevents the wiring harness from prematurely wearing.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an ice vending machine with a water vending teller that is mounted on an exterior side of the ice vending machine.

Abstract: A thermally insulated fluid dispensing system that maintains the temperature of fluid to be automatically dispensed to a user in a measured amount upon an object detecting pump actuator of the system sensing an object, such as a hand or container, placed adjacent to a fluid dispensing aperture of a fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A bulk liquid dispensing system includes a plurality of dispensing devices for each dispensing a respective type of bulk liquid. Each device includes a primary tank of bulk liquid communicating with a nozzle for dispensing into a reusable container which may be provided by a customer. A secondary portable tank is interchangeably connected above the primary tank to ensure continued dispensing of liquid even as the secondary tank is interchanged. A payment system associates a debit amount with a dispensed fluid from each device resulting from a user selection and a cumulative total of the debit amounts is collected from the customer in a single transaction. The devices can be operated to dispense liquid in response to input of an identification code which is generated when the user prepays, for example through a web interface, a mobile application, a point of sale tool, or a tablet application.

Abstract: A method of improving the flow properties or cold solubility of a milk powder and use of the modified powder in beverage distribution machine for delivering, in particular, cold beverages. The method includes controlling glycation of proteins in the range of 10 to 35% blocked lysine and lactose crystallization between 5 and 50%. The resulting powder also represents an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular natural gas compressor system or compressing natural gas so that it can be used to refuel motor vehicles. This system permits easy assembly and disassembly of compressor stations, as each individual compressor unit is shaped so that it will fit on a base structure. Specifically, the modular system is comprised of a prefabricated, mass produced base skid having at least one allowed space of standardized dimensions and at least one natural gas compressor unit, the base of which is shaped to fit in a allowed space of the base skid. Additional compressed natural gas compressor units or booster units, the bases of which are also shaped to fit in the allowed spaces of the base skid, may be added to increase the efficiency or functionality of the system. Liquefied natural gas dispenser units may also be designed to have bases that fit in the allowed spaces of the base skid, and can be added to the base skid to create a CNG compressor/LNG dispenser hybrid system.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.

Abstract: A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid dispenser providing a delayed start function, whereby the user can open the hood of their vehicle and cap to their fluid reservoir. A windshield washer fluid dispenser utilizing a cellular credit card processing system for payment means, whereby the processing system is configurable for a given application. Embodiments with proximity device, RFID and wireless telephone verification are included. A windshield washer fluid dispenser having a ready light, a warning light, a start button, a flow meter and a programmable logic circuit. A windshield washer fluid dispenser system providing for a replaceable fluid drum. Methods pertaining to the disclosed apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium, wherein a vending machine comprising an audio code collector and a code validator is adapted to receive audio tones from a mobile device, and wherein the audio tones include authentication codes and dispense codes to control dispensing of product from the vending machine.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a dispense head configured to be placed and secured onto a bottle of liquid in a manner which enables the liquid to be dispensed. The dispense head includes a stopper having gas inlets and a liquid intake tube. A gas intake and a dispense spout are also mounted on the dispense head. A valve assembly allows pressurized gas to be introduced into the dispense head and into the bottle of liquid such that selective channeling of gas or liquid can be controlled to flow through the dispense spout thus enabling either liquid to pour through the spout or gas to clear the spout. A system utilizing this dispense head and a method of dispensing liquid using this head are possible with this device.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.

Abstract: The portable self-serve beer vending station has a hollow base in which at least two beer kegs are stored. A shelf of the unit is disposed above the base, two or more beer taps being disposed above the shelf to service each keg. A manifold tube extends from the kegs to the beer taps. Money machines, one on each side of the station, accept cash, credit, or debit. The money machine control wires are connected to control valves connected between the manifold outlets and the taps. Each money machine provides a touch screen selection menu or pushbuttons from which patrons can select either a pitcher or mug of beer at a set price. The station may be cylindrical, hexagonal, rectangular, semicircular, or the like. A surround shelf is provided for filling pitchers or mugs. An upper shelf is provided for holding fresh pitchers or mugs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating automated package and bulk dispensing at a remote site. A hopper apparatus includes a series of storage compartments and access doors. The compartments and doors are linked to a PLC that is further linked to an inventory provider. The inventory provider takes product orders from an end-user. The end-user is provided an end-user access code. The inventory provider communicates with the PLC and reserves for the ordered product(s) a vacant storage compartment(s). The inventory provider delivers the product(s) ordered by the end-user to the hopper apparatus. Upon delivery, the inventory provider enters the appropriate end-user access code(s), causing the PLC to open the storage compartment(s) previously reserved by the inventory provider for the products ordered by the end-user. The inventory provider loads the appropriate storage compartment(s) with the end-user product(s).

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a resilient receptacle for receiving a liquid and attached to a cover device and having a bellows-shape for providing a resilience to the resilient receptacle and for forcing the liquid out of the resilient receptacle and into the cover device by the resilience of the receptacle, and a controlling device for controlling the liquid to flow out of the cover device, the liquid may flow out of the receptacle by the resilience of the receptacle for allowing the liquid dispensing device to be erectly disposed on the table without being disposed up side down and without being mounted onto the supporting wall, and for allowing the receptacle to be changed with new ones.

Abstract: A cashless vending system, comprising, a plurality of vending machines, wherein each vending machine comprises a Vending Machine Controller that supports the international Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol standard; wherein each vending machine includes a NetVend interface, wherein each NetVend interface communicates, via a Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol interface, with the Vending Machine Controller; wherein each NetVend interface communicates with at least one central server, wherein the central server contains a database for storing user Identifiers and an associated allowable credit or available cash data for each user Identifier, wherein the central server is capable of authenticating users for granting/denying access to a vending machine, receiving transaction data, and monitoring and controlling each of the plurality of vending machines; and wherein each vending machine includes a display/reader.

Abstract: A soft serve ice cream vending machine is disclosed. The vending machine includes a machine cabinet; a door pivotably connected to he machine cabinet; the door including a cup dispensing slot and an ice cream dispensing slot; a product dispensing button connected to the door; a cup dispenser adapted to dispense a cup and connected to the door; a money acceptor connected to the door; a flexible product container connected to a freezer engine adapted to receive a product, the freezer engine having an outlet proximate to the ice cream dispensing slot; a venturi air valve connected to the freezer engine; a spigot control device connected to the freezer engine and to the product dispensing button, whereby upon engagement of the product dispensing button the spigot control device engages the freezer engine for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for providing improved freestanding capabilities and improved automatic shutoff of the system upon returning a nozzle to a nozzle holster after use. The fluid dispensing system includes a portable stand and self-contained power source. The system further includes a holster switch using a sliding panel to ensure shutoff of the system upon placement of the dispensing hose in a dispensing hose holster.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser containing electronic/electrical components controlled by a computer is disclosed. The computer and all electronic components, including a touch screen display, are mounted in a module or rack provided with a pair of slides. A recess in the fuel dispenser receives the module on mating slides. At least one connector or plug on the back of the electronics module engages a mating plug mounted in the recess so that when a replacement electronics module is installed, connections to all electronic components is automatically made. As one feature of the invention, configuration data for the fuel dispenser is stored in a flash memory either permanently mounted to the computer or in removable relation therewith. After replacing an electronics module, the configuration data may be uploaded to the permanently mounted flash memory or the flash memory may be removed from the defective module and installed in the operating module.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. A user may dispense the product fluids for use as automotive appearance care products. The user may receive a statement of a fee for using the apparatus based on a selected basis.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, a user of the apparatus may be charged a fee based on a selected basis. The selected basis may be, but is not limited to, a per vehicle basis, a per application basis, a per use basis, a per refilling basis, or a per time basis.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid dispenser apparatus is described for selectively filling a vehicle windshield washer fluid reservoir. In another aspect, a process for refilling a windshield washer fluid dispenser apparatus is also described. As a third aspect, a process for discharging a quantity of windshield washer fluid directly into a vehicle windshield washer fluid reservoir is described.

Abstract: A soft serve ice cream vending machine is disclosed. The vending machine includes a machine cabinet; a door pivotably connected to he machine cabinet; the door including a cup dispensing slot and an ice cream dispensing slot; a product dispensing button connected to the door; a cup dispenser adapted to dispense a cup and connected to the door; a money acceptor connected to the door; a flexible product container connected to a freezer engine adapted to receive a product, the freezer engine having an outlet proximate to the ice cream dispensing slot; a venturi air valve connected to the freezer engine; a spigot control device connected to the freezer engine and to the product dispensing button, whereby upon engagement of the product dispensing button the spigot control device engages the freezer engine for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.

Abstract: There is provided a housing for a dispenser suitable for dispensing medicament, particularly for use in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The housing comprises a body; said body including a support for receipt of said aerosol container; a first outlet port connectable to a first pressure recorder for recording change of pressure on firing of said aerosol container; and a second outlet port connectable to a second pressure recorder for recording air pressure within the body; wherein said first outlet port and said second outlet port are separate such that the change of pressure on firing and the air pressure within the body are individually recordable.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hygiene products includes several stations (2) with at least partially differing machine components (3) and predominantly separate independent drives (4). The machine components (3) and the drives (4) are assembled together on carrier plates (9) to form assembly units, and are securely mountable in a machine frame, which includes vertical upright supports (18) and horizontal connecting struts (17, 19, 20). The assembly units are provided as small modules (10) assembled from the machine components (3), drives (4) and carrier plates (9), which in turn at least partially are assembled together to form large modules (12) in the manner of large assembly units, which further in turn are assembled and connected together to form the apparatus including the machine frame, the machine components (3), and their drives (4).

Abstract: An automatic sunscreen application vending apparatus comprising in one aspect comprising means to accept payment from a user, means to store sunscreen lotion, and means to spray the user with the stored sunscreen lotion after acceptance of payment. In one embodiment, the machine comprises a door that provides access to the machine, the door comprising a locking controller coupled to the means to accept payment, the locking controller adapted to unlock the door upon the means to receive payment receiving payment from a user.

Abstract: An oxygenated water dispensing system and method of operating the same for dispensing oxygen enriched water from at least one water source. Upon insertion of a payment into a payment acceptor system, a portion of oxygenated water is dispensed. In a second embodiment, a water source, either pressurized or non-pressurized in operatively attached to a soda fountain for dispensing water having an enhanced oxygen content.

Abstract: A windshield washing fluid dispenser is described for selectively filling a vehicle windshield washer reservoir. A base housing supports a windshield washing fluid tower which is at least partially transparent to visually display windshield washing fluid therein. A bulk windshield washing fluid container is situated within the base housing. A fluid pump assembly has an intake line received within the fluid container and a discharge line that extends to openly communicate with the display tower. The pump assembly is operable to at least partially fill the display tower to a selected level such that the windshield washing fluid is visible through the windshield washing fluid display tower. A filler hose leads from the display tower to a discharge end, the hose being of sufficient length to extend from the windshield washer fluid display tower to the vehicle windshield washer reservoir.

Abstract: Quick acting blast aerators having rigid accumulation tanks with internal valve assemblies comprising a tubular body, an end cap teat receives air through an inlet controlled by solenoids, and an internal piston that contacts a valve seat during filling, and retracts to expose exhaust vents upon firing. The valve calp comprises a ring groove and an O-ring check valve. An internal dampening passageway vertically extends through the cap. Internal air passageways extend form the passageway to the air-control groove, admitting air into the tank by dislodging the O-ring. The high temperature piston slides between a tank-fill position bearing against the valve seat and a retracted position exposing the exhaust vents. An internal return spring extends between a deep, annular recess in the piston, and a groove formed in the bottom of the end cap. A dampener projecting from the piston is received within the passageway traversing the end cap.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a coin dispenser mounted between a base and an insulated liquid storage container. The dispenser is not connected to an electrical power source. The coin mechanism increases the overall height by approximately 1/32 inches and prevents operation of the dispenser unless an appropriate coin or coins are first inserted into a coin slot.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a coin dispenser mounted between a base and an insulated liquid storage container. The dispenser is not connected to an electrical power source. The coin mechanism increases the overall height by approximately {fraction (1/32)} inches and prevents operation of the dispenser unless an appropriate coin or coins are first inserted into a coin slot.

Abstract: A water dispenser comprising a plurality of water filling stations located side by side in a single sink. Each station includes an intermediate shelf. A filling station is coupled to each of the stations and selectively provides one of a plurality of predetermined water volumes with a single actuation.