Abstract: An inhaler for the oral administration of a pharmaceutical medium, having a housing with a mouthpiece, a container unit accommodated in an inhalation region of the housing and including a medium container and an outlet connector having an outlet orifice, which outlet connector is capable of being moved relative to the medium container for the purpose of triggering a discharging operation, and a discharge sensor for the detection of a discharging operation. The housing has a main portion and a detecting wall portion capable of movement relative to the main portion and which is configured and/or disposed for displacement relative to the main portion during a discharging operation, and the discharge sensor detects the displacement of the detecting wall portion in relation to the main portion of the housing.

Abstract: A colorant fluid dispensing system for dispensing multiple colorant fluids, wherein said dispensing system comprises more than one fluid holder for holding a colorant fluid, a dispensing device for dispensing the colorant fluids held by the fluid holders out of a system outlet, wherein the dispensing system comprises a weight measuring device constructed and arranged to measure weight changes of the fluid holder during the dispensing of the colorant fluid from said fluid holder, and the fluid holder is constructed and arranged to drive the colorant fluid out of said fluid holder.

Abstract: A fluid level gauging mechanism external of a reservoir bottle in a dispenser which mechanism emits electromagnetic radiation and senses the electromagnetic radiation emitted which passes through the bottle or is reflected from the bottle through a wall of the bottle into the bottle at a first height and senses reflected radiation passing outwardly from the bottle at a second different height.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive system includes an adhesive supply and an adhesive supply heater associated with the adhesive supply for melting hot melt adhesive material into a liquid hot melt adhesive. An adhesive dispenser is fluidly coupled with the adhesive supply and includes an outlet for dispensing the liquid hot melt adhesive. A fluid passage extends from the adhesive supply to the outlet of the adhesive dispenser; and an adhesive degradation detection device is operatively coupled to the fluid passage. The adhesive degradation detection device includes an energy source for emitting energy into the liquid hot melt adhesive in the fluid passage. The adhesive degradation detection device further includes a detector configured for detecting attenuated energy that emerges from the liquid hot melt adhesive. A controller operatively coupled to the adhesive degradation detection device can determine a degradation condition of the liquid hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for activating polymer within a water treatment facility. The system includes a polymer makedown unit for blending and mixing diluent and polymer, the makedown unit including a polymer pump and a back pressure regulator operatively connected to the polymer pump. The system further includes a source of polymer including a sealed storage container for the polymer capable of being pressurized with compressed gas. The container includes a chamber for storing polymer under pressure, the container being capable of being pressurized by compressed gas, and an outlet for outputting pressurized polymer to the polymer makedown unit. There may also be provided a desiccant filter connected by a pressurized gas line for providing dry compressed gas into the container.

Abstract: A multi-station liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a first pocket for supporting a first container, a second pocket for supporting a second container, and a third pocket disposed vertically above at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a first door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the first pocket, and a second door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a valve coupled to the housing to control flow of chemical concentrate to at least one of the first container and the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid storage and dispensing system for an organic soil amendment concentrate or fertilizer, comprises a storage tank, which comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the storage tank is refrigerated, a first flow meter connecting the fluid outlet of the storage tank on one end and a product tank on the other end, a second flow meter connecting to a water supply line on one end, an eductor connecting to the second flow meter on one end and the product tank on the other end, wherein the a concentrate stored in the storage tank is metered in via the first flow meter and mixed in the product tank with water metered via the second flow meter. As one aspect of the invention, the storage tank comprises interconnected holding tanks that are re-circulated. At least one water tank may be included between the water supply and the second flow meter.

Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A cereal dispenser includes a base, a container, and an actuation mechanism. The base supports the dispenser, provides a cradle for receiving a food receptacle, and a trigger for interacting with the actuation mechanism. The container includes a lateral surface formed around an interior volume and a dispensing mechanism with a chute, an outlet, and a portioning mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is activated by the trigger by means of the actuation mechanism. The dispensing mechanism allows cereal to flow from the interior volume, through the chute, and out of the outlet. The portioning mechanism controls how much cereal is dispensed each time the trigger is engaged, ensuring a consistent volume of cereal deposited in the food receptacle. The amount of cereal in the container is indicated by measurement markings on a transparent section of the lateral surface.

Abstract: The present document describes a device dispensing portion to be installed on a dispensing fluid tank having an outlet, an inlet and a longitudinal axis which comprises an inlet for receiving a fluid and for being connected to the fluid tank outlet, an outlet for dispensing a fluid, the device dispensing portion defining a longitudinal axis at an angle with the tank longitudinal axis for dispensing fluid substantially free of centripetal swirling action; and a compression single point load cell located at the dispensing portion outlet to dispense fluid at a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Devices and methods for guiding a needle in movement through a bottle closure, such as a cork, to extracting fluids from the bottle without removal of the cork. A force indicator may indicate when a force exceeding a threshold value is applied to the needle during insertion and/or withdrawal of the needle from a cork.

Abstract: A hybrid dispenser incorporating structural elements providing the ability to alternatively dispense soap or other liquid from a container either by an electric motor or manually.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a hot melt unit delivering heated adhesive through a hose to at least one dispenser gun, which is actuated by an outside source of gun actuation. Rather than directly connecting the source of gun actuation to the dispenser gun, the source of gun actuation is connected to the hot melt unit and then to the dispenser gun. For example, the gun actuation signals may be terminated at a terminal block in the hot melt unit, which enables the hot melt unit to monitor the gun actuation signals. The dispensing system is operable to perform various diagnostics pertaining to the dispenser gun and the system as a whole based on these monitored gun actuation signals.

Abstract: A drink dispensing device has refillable sealed containers having ingredients known to a processor. Where the processor can initiate commands to mix and dispense the ingredients based on a selections by a consumer. The drink dispensing device may also retrieve suggested drinks from a remote server for display to a consumer. The suggested drinks may be based on historical data stored in the drink dispensing device.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing apparatus has an electronic counting unit; a hydraulic device including a filter, a mass flow meter, a valve for changing a flow provided with an electromagnetic control, a pumping hose, a gas indicator, a dispensing faucet, and an electrically-operated pump; and a fuel reservoir, with the electrically-operated pump arranged in the fuel reservoir immersed in fuel and connected by a pipeline through the filter with the mass flow meter having an outlet connected with the valve for changing a flow rate with the electromagnetic control, an outlet of the valve is connected with the pumping hose, the gas indicator, and the dispensing faucet, and a temperature sensor which determines a temperature of fuel and provide information for dispensing an accurate does requested by a user regardless of fluctuations of the fuel temperature.

Abstract: An energy efficient dispenser for dispensing product from a container includes at least one indicator for displaying a first indication sequence when the dispenser is in a dispense mode operational state and a second indication sequence when the dispenser in a lockout mode operational state. Each indication sequence includes one or more activations of the at least one indicator, which utilize no more than 0.0625 mAh of energy to provide an indication to a user of the operational state of the dispenser.

Abstract: A water distribution system configured for control by a remote control system is disclosed comprising of a water filtration unit for filtering water and a water storage unit for storing the filtered water and including a water dispenser. A control unit is provided that is configured to control the operation of the water filtration unit and includes a sensor system to measure the quality and the quantity of the water filtered, and to monitor the functioning of one or more components of the water filtration unit. A point of sale device is also provided comprising of a service management device mounted on the water dispenser and is configured to control the operation of the water dispenser and a user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to process user payments for the dispensing of water at the remote control system.

Abstract: A dispenser device head (1) of a liquid is provided with a nozzle (20) comprising a lateral wall (30) having through signalling apertures (40) defining a caption or symbol to highlight a functioning configuration.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having at least one reservoir containing fluid to be dispensed and dispenser mechanism that is actuatable by a user so as to dispense the fluid through a dispenser orifice. The dispenser device having a plurality of assembled-together component parts, at least one of the component parts including a unique marking so that each individual dispenser device is identifiable and/or traceable by the unique marking.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing device includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a fill system communicating with a receiving space for feeding the heater unit, and a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit. The dispensing device also includes a capacitive level sensor located along a sidewall of the receiving space such that the level of adhesive in the receiving space can be detected by sensing the difference in dielectric capacitance where the adhesive is located compared to where air acts as the dielectric. The size of the driven electrode produces a broader sensing window capable of generating multiple control signals corresponding to different fill levels of adhesive. The receiving space and reservoir are minimized in size so that adhesive is not held at elevated temperatures long enough to char or degrade.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the steps of applying a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a container and performing a startup procedure in response to applying the power source. The startup procedure also includes the step of performing an activation sequence that discharges a fluid from the container. The method further includes the step of performing an active mode procedure after the startup procedure without providing a lockout period in between. The active mode procedure includes activating a sensor associated with the dispensing unit, performing an activation sequence that discharges the fluid from the container when the sensor detects sensory input, and performing a transition procedure.

Abstract: A method for a bartender's easy selection of an appropriate pour spout for a bottle of interest from one or more pour spouts comprising providing one or more bottles each having an original closure; and providing one or more pour spouts essentially identical in outer shape to its corresponding original closure; wherein the bartender easily identifies the appropriate pour spout due to its similarity in shape to the shape of its corresponding original closure.

Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.

Abstract: A system and related method is disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, the presence of a user's hand is detected to start a pump actuator associated with a refill container. A controller associated with a motor actuates the pump actuator by rotating a motor shaft in a first direction. The current sensor is monitored and when the current sensor detects a predetermined level of current the motor shaft is reversed to a starting position.

Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.

Abstract: A water amount controlling device includes a control unit for controlling an amount of water to be supplied, and a washing agent receptacle including a detection unit , wherein the detecting unit is adapted for detecting and identifying e.g. a type, a consistency or an amount of washing agent dispensed from a washing agent reservoir to be received in the washing agent receptacle, and wherein the control unit is adapted for controlling an amount of water based on the detected and identified property of the quantity of washing agent.

Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, it is determined whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system and then a pump actuator is moved to a loading position when the refill container is removed. Another method sets a run timer, starts a pump actuator, determines whether the pump actuator is still dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing system upon lapsing of the run timer and then moves the pump actuator if the pump actuator is still dispensing upon the expiration of the run timer. And another method detects opening of a cover, energizes a motor to move an actuator to a loading position, determines when the actuator is at the loading position and then turns the motor off.

Abstract: There is provided a resin dispensing apparatus for a light emitting device package and a method of manufacturing a light emitting device package using the same. The resin dispensing apparatus includes a resin dispensing part including a resin storage portion filled with a resin therein and a resin discharge portion combined with the resin storage portion and discharging the resin therefrom; a supporting part having a light emitting device package disposed on an upper surface thereof and electrically connected to the light emitting device package; a voltage applying part having both terminals respectively connected to the resin dispensing part and the supporting part to apply a voltage thereto; and a sensing part electrically connected to the resin dispensing part and the supporting part individually and sensing a contact between the resin dispensing part and the light emitting device package with an electrical signal.

Abstract: A portable medium dispenser for discharging liquid, pasty or powdery media, having a housing with a discharge opening, a medium reservoir for accommodating the medium before discharge, and an actuating handle, by which a feeding process can be effected during which medium is fed from the medium reservoir to the discharge opening. The dispenser includes a detecting device for detecting a shaking movement, the detecting device including an optical or acoustic output device and being designed to transfer the output device from a first state into a second state in response to a manual shaking of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing system with an electronic keying mechanism, the dispenser including a housing and a refill unit. The refill unit includes a product reservoir, a pump mechanism and a collar adapted to secure the refill unit within the housing. An infrared sensor is provided in the housing and includes an infrared radiation source and a detector. A taggant is dispersed within at least a portion of the collar, the taggant being detectable by the detector when exposed to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive feedback mechanism may be mounted or positioned on a heat conducting diluent conduit. The temperature sensitive feedback mechanism provides visually readable feedback regarding the temperature of the diluent to help ensure that the temperature of the diluent delivered to a chemical product dispenser satisfies a target temperature or falls within a target temperature range. The temperature sensitive feedback mechanism may include one or more temperature sensitive elements that change color in response to a change in surface temperature of diluent conduit. A user may view the visually readable temperature feedback and manually adjust the temperature of the diluent if necessary until the desired diluent temperature is reached.

Abstract: An advertising holder and display for use with a beverage dispenser, such a beverage tap, includes an attachment mechanism configured to mate with the beverage dispenser. The advertising holder and display also includes an elongate connector with a first end and a second end, with the first end of the connector being connected to the attachment mechanism. An advertisement frame that is adapted to hold an advertisement is connected to the second end of the connector.

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: A pre-filled vial assembly adapted for dispensing and delivering a fluid includes: a body member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior; and a transitionable stopper disposed within the interior of the body member. At least a portion of the body member is engageable with a source of air or fluid for advancing the transitionable stopper from an initial position to an activated position in which at least a portion of a fluid contained within the interior of the body member is advanced therefrom.

Abstract: An illuminating bottle pourer is provided having a pour spout structure and internal electrical components for measuring the amount of dispensed fluid therethrough using a visual counter. The device includes a gravity contact switch and an LED light source that is energized based on a periodic timer circuit and a pulse generator circuit. The gravity switch is closed when the bottle is inverted for pouring, which initiates the timer circuit. The timer circuit triggers the pulse generator on a periodic basis, which energizes the light source to alert the pourer of a given quantity of fluid dispensed. The device allows individual drink makers, bartenders, and establishment owners to precisely control the amount of fluid being dispensed from a bottle, wherein a specified number of light pulses is used to indicate when to stop pouring. A battery switch is further provided to preserve battery life during shipment and between uses.

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: A gas recovery system for a beverage dispensing system is provided. The system includes a mechanism for drawing gas from an at least partially used beverage container, a compressor downstream of the at least partially used beverage container, a gas separator downstream of the compressor, and a gas storage vessel downstream of the gas separator. The gas recovery system is configured to draw gas from the at least partially used beverage container, to separate the gas into component gases by passing the gas through the gas separator, and to selectively direct at least one of the separated component gases to the gas storage vessel.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable medium, such as soap, foam soap or the like, has an outlet opening on the underside, a sensor in the region of the outlet opening, which sensor emits an electrical signal upon sensing a person, and an electrical pump which is caused to dispense a portion of the medium through the outlet opening as a result of the electrical signal from the sensor. A switch is also provided on the dispenser, the operation of which switch causes the next signal from the sensor to emit an optical or acoustic signal instead of dispensing a portion of the medium.

Abstract: A dental rack and dispenser. The dental rack and dispenser can include a toothpaste compartment, the toothpaste compartment further having an openable cover and receiving a toothpaste canister through the openable cover, a toothpaste dispensing mechanism disposed inside the toothpaste compartment and operably coupling to the toothpaste canister, a plurality of openable toothbrush containers, each toothbrush container further having an interior for receiving a toothbrush therein, the interior of each toothbrush container being isolated from the interiors of the other toothbrush containers, and a wall-mountable structure coupled to the toothpaste compartment and the toothbrush containers.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.

Abstract: A modular pillbox that includes a base unit and a plurality of modules that can be interchangeably coupled to the base unit. The base unit includes a plurality of interior compartments defined by a top, a bottom and at least one side wall, openable doors that close the tops of the plurality of interior compartments, one-way passages in one of the bottoms or the at least one side wall of each interior compartment through which pills can be pushed into the interior compartments, and an opening in a front portion of the base unit. The plurality of modules includes a cover plate that couples to the base unit and covers the opening, and various electronic packages that removable couple to the base unit and cover the opening.

Abstract: A system for monitoring flow conditions of fluid flowing from a product container through a solenoid pump.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for managing blood sugar levels while on the go. A roll of water soluble sugar thin-film is contained within a specialized dispensing container. A sliding button is disposed on one side of the dispenser and actuates dispensing of a single sugar strip and advancement of a counter. Each sugar strip contains a predetermined dose of dextrose or other sugar in a rapidly dissolving oral film. Thus, diabetics and persons experiencing a blood sugar imbalance can rapidly dispense a measured dose of sugar that dissolves in saliva. A counter on the side of the dispenser tracks the number of remaining sugar strips, thereby ensuring that users who rely on ready availability of sugar strips are aware of their remaining supply.

Abstract: A dispensing method and dispenser that dispenses a measured amount of a substance from a container are provided. The dispenser includes a measuring chamber having an adjustable volume, and a conduit section that adjusts the volume of the measuring chamber by moving a plunger that forms a wall of the measuring chamber. The substance is poured into the measuring chamber from the container through a valve, and the valve closes to seal the substance within the measuring chamber. The plunger may include a spout through which the substance is dispensed when the plunger is driven by the conduit section into the measuring chamber to reduce the volume of the measuring chamber.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A refill container is disclosed which utilizes an enclosure with at least one orientational tab and a neck that carries a pump mechanism with a nozzle. The refill container provides a collar with a notch that receives the orientational tab and axially receives the neck. The refill container is axially received by a release mechanism of a dispenser housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watering can for watering of plants and flowers comprising a reservoir (4) for storing water and a handle (1), said reservoir (4) having an inlet hole (3), and an outlet spout (5). The watering can is characterized in that it further comprises a time assessment device (24), a motion sensor (25), and communication means (23, 28). The invention further relates to a method to alert a watering can user that the can has not been used for a certain time period. The method comprises the steps of: starting said time assessment (24) device, checking if said motion sensor (25) has detected motion, and resetting the time assessment device (24) in the case of detected motion, triggering the communication means (23, 28) to communicate when the time assessment device (24) has reached a first pre-determined time assessment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a dynamic graphical display for use in a product dispensing system, wherein the content of the display is dynamically generated based, at least in part, by the dispensing of a product. The product dispensing system can be a beverage dispensing system. When an operator activates a product dispenser to dispense a product, product imagery and/or related information may be dynamically generated and presented on a graphical display. A product dispensing and display system can include multiple product dispensers (for example, beverage taps) and an associated display for displaying dynamic digital content (such as visual and/or audible content) based on information received from the product dispensers and/or other input sources.