Abstract: A medication compliance monitor applicable to common approved dispensing containers is not apparent to a user patient. The monitor device applies to a container with a coil positioned thereabouts, uses a container top/cap including a metal material; and collects data with an electronic circuit operatively connected to the coil and housed in a housing coupled to the bottom of the container The device utilizes a medically approved common dispensing container; the typical medication label covers the coil and electronics.

Abstract: A device for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing and an indicating device. The indicating device includes an indicator housing, at least one engagement member disposed in the indicator housing, a plurality of indicator members coaxially mounted in the indicator housing, and an actuator coupled to and moveable with the container relative to the plurality of indicator members and the dispenser housing. The actuator member is selectively engaged with at least one of indicator members and is operative to advance the at least one indicator member an incremental amount. The at least one engagement member is selectively engaged with an advancement member so as to bias the advancement member into operable engagement with at least one of the indicator members and move the at least one indicator member an incremental amount. A method for dispensing metered dosages of the substance is also provided.

Abstract: An object is to provide a dispenser operation verification apparatus and verification method that enables operation with high reliability and high accuracy.

Abstract: An intelligent fountain dispenser performs automated control and systems diagnostics in real time. The intelligent fountain dispenser includes a controller in electrical communication with a syrup valve, a water valve, a carbonator valve, a water level sensor, a flowmeter, and an input panel. The intelligent fountain dispenser also includes a dispenser housing and a carbonator tank. Water and carbon dioxide mix in the carbonator tank to produce carbonated water. The carbonator valve supplies water to the carbonator tank in accordance with instructions received from the controller. The controller also instructs the syrup valve and the water valve in the supply of syrup and carbonated water, respectively, to the dispenser housing. The controller provides the instructions to the valves based on information received from the water level sensor, flowmeter, and input panel. The controller performs systems diagnostics by monitoring the voltage drop across current-sensing resistors associated with each of the valves.

Abstract: An oil supply station system of the present invention includes a plurality of oil supply apparatuses standing within an oil supply station, and each having at a body case thereof a self-service oil supply mechanism and a touch-activated operating panel and having a printer for recording any change on a slip for a cash transaction. The system further includes a change dispenser disposed in a vicinity of an office of the oil supply station, for reading the slip and discharging change. Also, a POS terminal is connected in a data communicable manner with the plurality of oil supply apparatuses and the change dispenser, for providing permission to the change dispenser to dispense change.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: A fluid containment system including a vessel for containing a fluid that is discharged from the vessel in use or operation of the system. A pressure monitoring assembly including a strain-responsive sensor is disposed on an exterior wall surface of the vessel, to sense dynamic strain on the wall surface of such vessel that is incident to discharge of fluid from the vessel, and to responsively output a pressure-indicative response. Such arrangement is particularly useful in application to fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing interiorly disposed pressure regulator assemblies and holding liquefied gases or compressed gases, e.g., for use in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A fueling system to be provided in a gas station is disclosed, which comprises at least one fueling machine, and a data input/output unit, the data input/output unit being movable in a required direction, and a fueling data being input from the data input/output unit and being output to the fueling machines.

Abstract: A method and system for the storage and dispensing of medical grade liquid oxygen are provided. Medical grade liquid oxygen is stored in a storage tank located within a medical facility which is capable of dispensing liquid oxygen to portable liquid oxygen reservoirs and to portable liquid oxygen tanks, as well as delivering oxygen gas through a gas pipeline network. The storage tank is filled through a fill station exterior to the facility. A fixed price billing method is provided for the cost of the liquid oxygen delivered for use in the system. Economical storage, delivery and billing services are thereby provided to medium sized facilities such as nursing homes or extended care facilities which utilize both liquid and gaseous oxygen but cannot afford to install the very large exterior liquid oxygen tanks used by major hospitals and research facilities. Increased safety in the storage and dispensing of the liquid oxygen is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A device for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing and an indicating device. The indicating device includes an indicator housing, at least one engagement member disposed in the indicator housing, a plurality of indicator members coaxially mounted in the indicator housing, and an actuator coupled to and moveable with the container relative to the plurality of indicator members and the dispenser housing. The actuator member is selectively engaged with at least one of indicator members and is operative to advance the at least one indicator member an incremental amount. The at least one engagement member is selectively engaged with an advancement member so as to bias the advancement member into operable engagement with at least one of the indicator members and move the at least one indicator member an incremental amount. A method for dispensing metered dosages of the substance is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing material from a container. The method comprises the steps of receiving a dispensing time, receiving a working interval, receiving a plurality of working days, and dispensing the material from the container during the dispensing time, during the working interval and on one of the plurality of working days.

Abstract: A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination.

Abstract: A fluid containment system including a vessel for containing a fluid that is discharged from the vessel in use or operation of the system. A pressure monitoring assembly including a strain-responsive sensor is disposed on an exterior wall surface of the vessel, to sense dynamic strain on the wall surface of such vessel that is incident to discharge of fluid from the vessel, and to responsively output a pressure-indicative response. Such arrangement is particularly useful in application to fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing interiorly disposed pressure regulator assemblies and holding liquefied gases or compressed gases, e.g., for use in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a high impedance load on an output of a driver circuit having a power switching circuit providing output signals to a coil. Each output signal results from a drive signal that has a waveform comprising a higher magnitude initial peak period followed by a lower magnitude hold period. The driver circuit has a feedback circuit providing a difference signal as a function of a difference between an output signal and a corresponding drive signal. A diagnostic circuit connected to the driver circuit provides a high impedance error signal in response to detecting the difference signal crossing a threshold magnitude during a higher magnitude initial peak period of a drive signal.

Abstract: An anti-fraud closure device for providing evidence of the initial opening of a container for liquids having a pouring body, a connecting element, a mixing element for connecting the pouring body to the neck of the container, a removable cap and an outer cap disposed over and housing a cap. The device further includes a sleeve, a tubular element inserted in the sleeve and connected thereto for partial angular movement and for axial movement between a first and a second position and an element for indicating that the initial opening of the container has taken place.

Abstract: A soap dispensing system includes a soap dispensing fixture and first and second sources of soap connected to the fixture. Each of the sources of soap includes a closed container and a collapsible soap container positioned within the closed container. Each of the collapsible soap containers is connected to the fixture. There is a source of fluid pressure and control elements connected between the source of fluid pressure and each of the first and second closed containers. The application of pressure, from the source, as controlled by the control elements, will apply fluid pressure to either the first or second collapsible soap container to cause it to dispense soap to the soap dispensing fixture.

Abstract: An indicating device for use with a dispensing device that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between an open and closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing preferably has a well adapted to receive a valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve is moved to the open position. An indicator assembly comprises an indicator member that includes dosage indicia visible to a user. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator assembly is provided in an indicator module. A method for dispensing measured dosages is also provided, along with a kit capable of being assembled as an inhalation device. A delivery system having a key member and a key entry passageway is also provided.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: A reversible indicator tab is provided for a carafe of the type having a lever with a free end extending therefrom. The indicator tab includes a hollow cap having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. The top and bottom walls are spaced apart and are connected to the side walls. The side walls are spaced apart and are connected to the top and bottom walls. The walls define at least one open end sized to receive the free end of the lever. The lever is receivable in at least two different orientations relative to the top wall. The top wall is readily visually distinguishable from the bottom wall by color.

Abstract: A device for dispensing particulate material in a controlled manner, said device being portable and including:

Abstract: A control for a beverage dispenser monitors operation thereof to sense a beverage sold out condition. The control senses the voltage demand of a pump motor as it pumps the beverage from a source thereof to a dispensing valve. If the sensed voltage is high, that indicates the pump is encountering resistance and fluid is present. Conversely, if the sensed voltage use is low, that is taken to indicate that the pump is not pumping any liquid and that the container is empty. A software routine is used to sense the average current requirements during dispensing and adjust the reference voltage for the normal full reservoir pump current value based on a historical average thereof as indicated by a predetermined number of prior dispense cycles. The control uses the adjusted reference voltage as a base for determining a sold out condition.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing powder foods or liquids has a scoop for containing the powder or liquid, and levelling means for levelling off the scoop contents, wherein the levelling means co-operates with a counter such that operation of the levelling means is adapted to advance the counter, the counter being characterised in that the counter may be reset to zero in a single step process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: An indicating device for use with a dispensing device that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between an open and closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing preferably has a well adapted to receive a valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve is moved to the open position. An indicator assembly comprises an indicator member that includes dosage indicia visible to a user. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator assembly is provided in an indicator module. A method for dispensing measured dosages is also provided, along with a kit capable of being assembled as an inhalation device. A delivery system having a key member and a key entry passageway is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray device (eg an inhaler) comprising an aerosol formulation administered to the respiratory or nasal tract in which the level of formulation remaining in the device can be readily inspected.

Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed capacitively in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Capacitor electrodes may be situated within the syringe and/or outside the syringe in various geometries. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing capacitive response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored. in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible container for dispensing liquids capable of providing precise dosage of the liquid. The container comprises an upper liquid reservoir and a lower liquid reservoir separated by a gasket, a longitudinal tube extending through the gasket and comprising a slot, and a dispensing tip having a longitudinal sleeve extending therefrom that also comprises a slot and is disposed concentrically around the upper end of the longitudinal tube. Liquid may be transferred from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir by the application of pressure on the lower reservoir while the two slots are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the container is rendered child-resistant through the provision of a cap.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: An electronically calibrated fuel dispenser includes a processor located on a processor board, a fuel pump, a pulser circuit and a memory located on a memory board. The processor board includes a calibration factor connector. The fuel pump is coupled to a fuel source and includes a fuel meter. The fuel pump provides fuel to a fuel recipient. The pulser circuit is coupled to the fuel meter. The pulser circuit provides an indication to the processor of the fuel delivered to the fuel recipient. The memory board includes a connector for coupling the memory board to the calibration factor connector of the processor board and thereby coupling the memory to the processor. The memory stores calibration factors independent of the processor board. The memory board further includes a calibration mode entry device, a blocking device and a sealing device. The blocking device prevents the calibration mode entry device from being actuated when the blocking device is in a blocking position.

Abstract: A tool designed to efficiently apply sealant to tile grout can be described as a plastic, main bottle (4), round in design with ounce indicator lines marked on the exterior (8); and a plastic nozzle (10) that tightly screws onto the bottle, via embedded threads inside the top of the bottle (16) and inside the base of the nozzle (18). Main cellulose sponge material (6) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) and secondary sponge material (12) is fitted tightly inside the nozzle (10); which controls the amount of sealant flow so that there is minimal dripping or waste of sealant. The applicator holds approximately 6 ounces of liquid grout sealant. The tip of the nozzle is marked (14) so it can be cut with a razor to match the flow of sealant to the width of the grout. The application of sealant is accomplished by gently applying pressure to the flexible bottle (4) and moving the tip at a 45 degree angle along the line of grout to be sealed, releasing the sealant all along the way.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter.

Abstract: An advertising display apparatus on a fluid pump filler gun, such as a fuel pump filler gun at a gas station. The filler gun includes a barrel, a head portion, and a handle. An elongated carrying body, configured to receive an advertising display, attaches to the head portion. The carrying body extends from approximately the junction between the barrel and the head portion, to approximately the connection between the head portion and the handle, providing maximum area for display of the advertisement.

Abstract: An improved fluent product dispensing apparatus is disclosed and includes a temperature indicator so that the user may view the temperature of the fluent product components prior to and during dispensing. The apparatus includes one or more supply containers of a reactive component, a dispenser and a conduit for conveying the reactive components to the dispenser. One or more of the supply containers has a temperature indicator mounted to its exterior that is viewable through a package, or carton, that encloses the supply containers. This indicator displays the temperature of the contents of the supply container so that a user can ensure proper dispensing of the reactive components.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of the gun head.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparation of custom blended fuels is disclosed. A bar code on a fuel tank or vehicle, such as an automobile, is scanned by a bar code reader operatively associated with a fuel dispensing means to convey information about a fuel required or desired to a computer controlled customized blender associated with the fuel dispensing means. Multiple fuel components, such as gasoline and replenishable fuel components such as methanol and ethanol may be custom mixed at the point of purchase. Preferably an octane analyzer and other fuel property analyzers, such as RVP analyzers, are associated with individual component or blended gasoline streams.

Abstract: A water purifying device that has a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted in a removable manner, the jug can be closed at the top with a lid. Grips for removing the lid are arranged on the lid, and an indicator is provided for indicating the exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is inexpensive, easily readable and reliably functioning to show the state of exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid, an indicator panel of which can be seen externally from above and which, by an electronic, battery driven circuit, shows only the respective state of time elapsed, without cooperating with separate signaling.

Abstract: A display apparatus is removably attachable to a filler gun of a fuel pump, where the filler gun includes in series connection, a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end; a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle; and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of the gun head. The display apparatus includes a carrying body adapted to fit onto the filler gun and to extend from approximately a first junction between the rear end of the gun nozzle and the forward end of the gun head to approximately a second junction between the rear end of the gun head and the forward end of the handle. The carrying body has an upper surface defining an elongate display surface for messages, and includes a first member and a second member where there are various techniques for releasably interconnecting the first and second members.

Abstract: A display apparatus is removably attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a protective body shaped to generally conform to enclose side, bottom, and upper portions of the gun head of the filler gun. The protective body has an upper surface. A holder is pivotally connected to the protective body for releasably holding a message card between the holder and the protective body and adjacent to the upper surface. The holder pivots to a side of the gun head so as to provide access for insertion and removal of the message card from the side of the gun head.

Abstract: An electric circuit for a system to prevent accidental discharge of hot-mix asphalt at asphalt plants with multiple silos includes a manual switch which energizes a relay holding the circuit closed. A time delay relay is also energized to provide a time period to determine whether the process should continue. When the time delay times out, a solenoid is energized to open a hot mix storage silo. A closed circuit TV camera and a system of flashing lights are included to provide a fixed view of the loading area with a monitor at the control panel. When hot-mix asphalt is to be discharged into a truck, a switch is activated which causes a light beneath the bin to flash. This identifies the bin selected to open. The TV monitor is viewed and the position of the truck can now be visually confirmed along with the flashing light on the bin that has been activated. The manual switch must be pushed in order to complete the discharge of the hot-mix asphalt from the bin.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of said gun head.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an apparatus under pressure, includes a valve casing with a connecting pipe having formed therein a fluid passageway. A valve body is received in the valve casing and movable against a valve seat for sealing the fluid passageway and thereby separate a high-pressure zone from a low-pressure zone. Integrated in a handwheel of the valve body is a manometer which is constraint against rotation, when the handwheel is turned with respect to the manometer. The manometer is in communication with the high-pressure zone regardless whether the valve seat is closed or open.

Abstract: An indicating device for use with a dispensing device that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between an open and closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing preferably has a well adapted to receive a valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve is moved to the open position. An indicator assembly comprises an indicator member that includes dosage indicia visible to a user. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator assembly is provided in an indicator module. A method for dispensing measured dosages is also provided, along with a kit capable of being assembled as an inhalation device. A delivery system having a key member and a key entry passageway is also provided.

Abstract: An improved fluent product dispensing apparatus is disclosed and includes a temperature indicator so that the user may view the temperature of the fluent product components prior to and during dispensing. The apparatus includes one or more supply containers of a reactive component, a dispenser and a conduit for conveying the reactive components to the dispenser. One or more of the supply containers has a temperature indicator mounted to its exterior that is viewable through a package, or carton, that encloses the supply containers. This indicator displays the temperature of the contents of the supply container so that a user can ensure proper dispensing of the reactive components.

Abstract: A device and method for testing for the recovery of vapor in a system in which a fluid is dispensed into a tank through a nozzle, according to which a vacuum is created to induce the flow of the vapor into the nozzle. The vacuum is measured and a display is provided that indicates whether or not the vacuum attains a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated processing liquid drain system that utilizes a series of processing liquid drain tanks and at least two waste collection tanks that are in fluid communication with the processing liquid drain tanks such that when a high liquid level sensor mounted on the drain tank is activated, the spent processing liquid collected from processing machines can be transferred to one of the waste collection tanks and thus preventing overflow in the processing liquid drain tanks.

Abstract: An electromechanical piston meter for volumetrically measuring the quantity of fluid displaced. In one particular embodiment, inlet and outlet valving permits the electromechanical piston meter to vary the flow of fluid through the piston meter. When the electromechanical piston meter with inlet and outlet valving is disposed within a fuel dispenser, infinently variable blending is achieved without a separate meter and blend valve.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of medicaments from a container having a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and moveable between an open and closed position. The container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing has a well adapted to receive the valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve stem is moved to the open position. A worm is rotatably mounted in the housing about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and is responsive to the movement of the reciprocal movement of the container within the housing such that the longitudinal movement causes the worm to rotate about its axis. An indicator member includes dosage indicia visible to a user and a circular gear mounted in the housing about an axis transverse to the axis of the worm and to the longitudinal axis. The circular gear engages the worm.

Abstract: Display apparatus is removably attachable to the filler gun of a fuel pump, the filler gun including in series connection a gun nozzle having a forward discharge end and a rear end, a gun head having both a forward end portion which connects with the rear end of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear of the gun nozzle and a rearward handle portion whose forward end connects to the rear end of the gun head.

Abstract: A method for forming a striped dentifrice wherein a first dentifrice which appears unstriped when stored in a container having sidewalls at least a portion of which is transparent, is transformed into a striped dentifrice upon extrusion from the container, which method comprises storing the first dentifrice in the container provided with discharge means and striping means within the discharge means, sequentially filling the container with a striping dentifrice having a color which distinguishes the striping dentifrice from the first dentifrice, the striping dentifrice being stored in an area of the container separate from the first dentifrice, followed by filling the container with the first dentifrice, applying pressure on the dentifrices to cause the striping dentifrice to be applied to the first dentifrice within the container area in which the second dentifrice is stored and be simultaneously extruded together from the container, so that upon extrusion, the extruded dentifrice appears to have been magical

Abstract: A medication dispensing applicator which utilizes indicia inscribed on different parts of the applicator to inform a user which nostril or other body location was last utilized in dispensing of the medication and when the medication was dispensed. This information is to inform the user when and where the medication was last dispensed so the user can readily determine what is the correct time for a further dispensing of medication and as to which location the medication is to be dispensed as locations are to be alternated.