Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to the container, wherein actuation of the valve dispenses the fluid. An apparatus position indicator is associated with the container and an object sensor is positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens the valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until the object sensor is properly positioned and permanently secured. A control circuit in cooperation with a hidden switch allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding. And an anti-vandal feature prevents excessive use of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-defense apparatus configured to release a substance when activated and further configured to transmit control signals to remote device. Such remote device may be a cell phone configured to transmit emergency data to a remote location. Such emergency data may include GPS coordinates, image data, sound data, vehicle control signals, alarm system control signals, lighting control signals, and other signals.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a source container for dispensing fluid concentrate into receiving containers, and a control module connected to the source container to control dispensing of the fluid concentrate from the source container. An interactive media module is configured to provide communication between the dispensing system and a user. The interactive media module has a menu of options and being capable of responding to commands by the user. The interactive media module is connected to the control module to provide input to the control module.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user.

Abstract: A delivery unit (40) for automatically delivering a viscous sealant at a predetermined pressure to a stuffing box (70)of a shaft (20) is disclosed. The delivery unit (40), such as a pressure booster incrementally displaceable piston, is controlled to deliver the sealant at a predetermined pressure on demand when the pressure of the sealant within said stuffing box is less than the predetermined delivery pressure being sufficient to promote adhesion of the sealant onto a shaft segment and to thereby prevent or retard the egress of working fluid from a corresponding working chamber (17) of a machine adapte to perform work by the shaft. A system for reducing the pressure of sealant within a stuffing box by use of the delivery unit and of an impeller-based dynamic seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser and a refrigerator with the same is disclosed wherein a level of liquid to be ejected into a receptacle can be established, and a display module is mounted to thereby enhance a user convenience, and wherein the automatic liquid dispenser is mounted on the refrigerator to allow being independently driven and manufactured.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a housing supporting a display device. The housing is configured to support at least one drink supply container which can contain a drink syrup associated with a carbonated beverage. The refrigerator has an input device coupled to the drink supply container which enables a user to cause carbonated beverage to flow to a beverage collector.

Abstract: A metering device or a metering element, in particular for metering substances in the compiling of combinatory material libraries, described as comprising a metering element having a supply vessel, open on one side, for holding the substances to be metered, and a plunger, which is axially displaceable and reversibly seals the opening of the supply vessel and which has at least one, preferably centered metering orifice for metering the substances provided in the supply vessel, the supply vessel and/or the plunger having an accommodation as contact point for a mechanical gripping device. Moreover, a metering method is described.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a beverage dispenser, a display device and a plurality of beverage data files. The refrigerator dispenses beverages such as soda, juice and punch. The refrigerator receives and stores beverage data files, and the display device graphically represents data related to the different types of available beverages. Based on this information, the user can select a desirable beverage, and the refrigerator dispenses the selected beverage.

Abstract: A carafe content identification marking system is taught that is used for designating the contents of a liquid in a carafe. The preferred carafe (20) is the counter top, double wall vacuum sealed, high flow type having an open handle. (22). The stopper cap (24) of the carafe has a selected identification color representing the contents of the carafe. A removable handle grip (38) and thumb rest (40) are disposed over the handle of the carafe and also have the same selected identification color as the stopper cap. An identification marker in the form of a snap-in insert (42) is attached to the carafe having the same selected identification color as the stopper cap in addition to indicia designating in writing, the contents of the carafe. The color combination and indicia readily indicates, at a casual glance, the type of liquid stored within.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member operably connected to the first indicator member. The second indicator member is moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the first indicator member. One of the first and second indicator members includes numerical indicia and the other thereof includes color indicia.

Abstract: A washing agent dispenser is described, for a household washing machine, namely a dishwasher, said dispenser including a tank for containing a liquid washing agent, to which a device is associated for the visual control of the level of said liquid washing agent. According to the invention, said control device has a plurality of elements of a substantially transparent material, which are inserted in respective passages extending between said tank and the outside of the body of the dispenser. The parts of each one of said transparent elements which are visible outside said body form the steps of a scale indicating the level of said liquid washing agent contained in the tank.

Abstract: A beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink syrups and CO2 gas supplies. The computerized system can automatically detect dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system. The system includes a plurality of storage tanks for storing a plurality of fuel products; at least one dispenser; at least one pump for pumping fuel from the storage tanks to the dispenser; and a pump controller connected to the dispenser and the pump having a plurality of individual selectors for selecting a specific fuel product. In the preferred embodiment, the pump controller includes a plurality of individual selectors for selecting a specific fuel product; and an interconnecting expandable length bus for connecting additional station components, such as pump control devices, to one another. The system may further include an emergency stop system.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink supplies and CO2 gas supplies. In addition, the computerized system automatically detects dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for the selection and automatic dispensing of products, such as food products. The products are stored in a storage cabinet, where a detachment device cuts them into a dispensable form for dispensing. An operating panel enables the consumer to make selections simple and quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The apparatus has a metering disk that rotates in advancing steps, with bores disposed in its base. The bores which cooperate with tamping plungers that move up and down. The tamping plungers are disposed on a common tamping plunger support and when inserted into the bores, compress the powder into compressed pellets. In order to detect breakage of the springs and in order to be able to make a statement as to the mass of the compressed pellets, means are provided which detect the spring path of the tamping plungers immediately preceding the ejection plungers.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of fluid includes a touchless object sensor and a container carrying a supply of fluid. A dispense mechanism is coupled to the container to control an amount of fluid to be dispensed. A pump actuator mechanism is connected to the object sensor such that detection of an object by the object sensor cycles the pump actuator mechanism to engage the dispense mechanism which, in turn, dispenses a measured quantity of fluid. A series of lights are sequentially illuminated to instruct a user where to place the object to activate the touchless sensor and the pump actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A gasoline pump system for the concurrent filling of more than one car, tank or container with gasoline or other liquid petroleum products comprising: a plurality of fuel outlets, each for delivering a predefined type of fuel, wherein each outlet is supplied by a fuel pump from a reservoir containing one type of fuel and further including a flowmeter for measuring the amount of fuel delivered; a plurality of sets of interface means with a station operator, each set relating to one serviced car, wherein each set comprises input means for selecting the type of fuel for that serviced car and display means for indicating a filling status for that car; and a digital controller comprising an output for activating pumps for desired fuel types responsive to electrical signals received from the sets of interface means, input means for receiving signals indicative of the amount of fuel delivered from each of the flowmeter means, computer means for computing filling-related status information and for outputting the stat

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: 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: 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 control circuit array for controlling operation of a plurality of multi-product fuel dispensers ("MPDs") in response to control inputs from a control input source. The control circuit array includes an electric power source, switches for fuel grade selection and MPD lighting and outputs to submersible turbine fuel pumps for supplying fuel to the MPDs. The improvement comprises a modular circuit board for being connected in series to form the control circuit array, wherein each circuit board includes emergency shutoff means for responding to a single emergency shutoff input for shutting off all power to each of the plurality of MPDs and the turbine pumps supplying the MPDs.

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: A system for monitoring the volume rate of flow and total volume of liquid being drawn from a supply by way of a plurality of discharge conduits includes a flow meter transducer for associated individually with each of the discharge conduits with the transducers providing pulse information to associated flow meter circuits that are connected in series relationship with one another and to a master control module. Each of the individual flow meter circuits includes a pair of microprocessors, one for determining from the pulse information of its associated transducer the volume rate of flow of liquid out its associated discharge conduit. The second microprocessor is programmed to combine the flow information from its own transducer with combined flow information from an adjacent upstream flow meter circuit in the series string and produces a combined flow output signal for delivery to an adjacent downstream flow meter circuit.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for two different fuels having different octane ratings respectively stored in two storage tanks, according to which a flow line extends from each tank to a chamber for receiving each fuel from its corresponding tank. A conduit extends from the chamber to a system for passing fuel from the chamber to the system for dispensing; and a valve is provided in the chamber for selectively blocking flow of the non-selected fuel into the chamber while permitting flow of the selected fuel into the chamber for passage, via the conduit, to the system. The valve eliminates any flow of the non-elected fuel into the chamber caused by the flow of the selected fuel.

Abstract: An audio/visual display system incorporated into a beverage dispenser assembly, the dispenser assembly including a spigot, a flow/non-flow dispensing handle operatively engaging the spigot and a selected beverage for dispensing through the spigot. A structure is arrayed atop the dispenser assembly and includes an advertising display for presenting visual advertising including both textual and graphical components. A central processor unit is either incorporated into the structure in communication with the advertising display or provided in a stand alone computerized hard drive which is connected to the structure. The processor unit is capable of storing audio/visual messages, being inputted with custom created messages and presenting menu displays corresponding to stored messages.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container having a dispensing element includes a motor for repeatedly actuating the dispensing element to facilitate dispensing of the material from the container and a controller for activating the motor at predetermined time intervals. The controller may also control an LCD display to display the time remaining until the container is empty and optionally to display the battery life remaining.

Abstract: An isolation and positive shut-off system for a fuel dispensing facility having a plurality of dispensers and at least one fuel storage tank in electrical communication with one or more of the dispensers is provided comprising a power source for supplying a power signal to the dispensers and fuel storage tanks, a plurality of relays connected between the dispensers and the storage tanks and power source for selectively interrupting the electrical communications and power signals to each of the dispensers, a control signal for the relays, and a plurality of switches for independently and selectively controlling transmission of the control signal to the relays in order to trigger the relays to separately interrupt transmission of the power signal and electrical communications to each of the dispensers.

Abstract: An oil-feeding apparatus of the present invention includes a main body housing containing oil-feeding pumps and flow meters therein. An indicator housing is placed on the main body housing with supplied oil amount indicators, and a strut is stood at one side of the main body housing. A top housing has one end connected to the top of the strut, and the other end extended to a part above the main body housing. A hose guide is provided between the main body housing and the top housing, which guide oil-feeding hoses, each with an oil-feeding nozzle at a free end thereof, the other end being connected to a discharge pipe provided at the outlet side of the flow meter at a lower part of the hose guide. Retractors are provided in the top housing with wires drawn from the retractors. The midportion of each of the hoses is joined to the wire so as to be suspended in an inverted U-shape in the hose guide.

Abstract: A holder for standard liquid filled cartons, such as those containing milk or juice. The holder includes a sleeve that surrounds the carton sides, a base closing the sleeve for supporting the bottom of a carton and a handle for lifting and carrying the holder and carton and for pouring liquid from the carton. The handle preferably is movable between a deployed position for use and a stored position folded against the holder. The holder may also be used as a measuring vessel when a carton is not housed therein. A second set of indica may be provided on the sleeve indicating the volume at different levels in the holder without a carton therein. Also, a thermometer, preferably a liquid crystal temperature indicating strip, may be provided on the inside of a transparent sleeve to show the temperature of a container therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes air grooves in the spray head to allow the drawing in of air into the nostril during dispensing, to assist in the intake of the dispensed medication. Second, the device contains a mechanism for varying the amount of the dose dispensed. This feature is advantageous in that it allows an accurate metered dose to be dispensed, while still allowing flexibility in the size of the dose dispensed. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser capable of distributing two fuel products by using flexible tubes and automatic distributing nozzles placed on a front side or on a gable side of a basic module is transformed by a rotation of its base over a quarter of a turn and by a rotation of its head over a quarter of a turn, thereby converting the dispenser to distributing multiple fuel products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril or intravenously. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes a pump in the outer package, so that it may be used with conventional medication packaging. Second, it includes a stop mechanism for allowing adjustment of the dose to be dispensed. Finally, the device is adapted to be used for both nasal and intravenous dispensing, via a replaceable spray passage or injection needle. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed. The package is preferably clear so that the user can determine the quality of the medication being dispensed. The device is particularly useful for dispensing medications such as insulin.

Abstract: A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system's components are mounted upon a cart (12). A concentrate solution tube (14) is interconnected to a dilution assembly (61) containing an aspirator (26). A water supply assembly (69), containing a valve (73) and backflow preventer (74), is connected to the aspirator assembly (26) when dilution of the concentrated product (13) is desired. A discharge tube (68) carries the diluted product from the aspirator assembly (26) to a container (60). Also disclosed is a method for diluting and handling solutions.

Abstract: A device for monitoring fluid flow through a beverage dispensing unit with a tap has a switch located behind the tap and a liquid crystal display counter electrically connected to and actuated by the switch. During beverage dispensing, the tap is moved away from the switch, actuating the counter. Closing the tap causes the tap to contact the switch and stop the counter. A housing encases the device so that the device can be easily moved from one dispensing location to another.

Abstract: A dispenser having a head fixed on a body or a skirt, and a cap, with the cap comprising an outer skirt, a deformable internal crown and an intermediate ring, the head and the intermediate ring of the cap having complementary screw threads for raising and lowering the cap, the head including a stopper supported by sloping legs fixed inside the head and occluding an aperture of the cap when the cap is in a low position, the internal crown and the head cooperating sealingly once the cap is engaged on the head, the head including a shoulder which has at least one stop lug cooperating with a rib on the intermediate ring near its lower end to hinder an uncontrolled unscrewing of the cap when the cap is screwed downwards to close the dispenser.

Abstract: Irrigation system and method for delivering a selected one of multiple liquid solutions to a treatment site include a plurality of solution reservoirs, each including a quantity of a respective liquid solution, a handpiece, a selector valve for fluidly coupling the handpiece to a selected one of the liquid solutions and a pump for causing a selected one of the liquid solutions to flow to the handpiece for delivery to the treatment site. Each of the liquid solutions may have a color which is distinguishable from the color of the other liquid solutions and the tubing to the handpiece is transparent so that the color of a liquid solution flowing through the tube is visible during treatment thereby enabling the identity of the particular solution being used to be quickly verified during treatment. The irrigation system is preferably a closed system with the pump as well as a heater for heating the liquid solution being situated outside of the flow path of the liquid solution.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system, two pouches containing a liquid to be dispensed are connected by tubing to a reservoir and positioned at different levels above the reservoir. As the liquid is dispensed from the reservoir, the higher of the two positions is emptied and replaced with a filled pouch. The pouches are then reversed, with the new pouch in a lower position. When the other pouch is empty, it is replaced and the positions of the two pouches are again reversed. As a result, a continuous supply of liquid is dispensed from the reservoir. Any bubbles which are introduced into the system when the pouches are changed are automatically allowed to escape the system via a liquid level indicator line. A second level indicator provides an alarm or other signal should the liquid fall to the level of the reservoir.

Abstract: Irrigation system and method for delivering a selected one of multiple liquid solutions to a treatment site include a plurality of solution reservoirs, each including a quantity of a respective liquid solution, a handpiece, a selector valve for fluidly coupling the handpiece to a selected one of the liquid solutions and a pump for causing a selected one of the liquid solutions to flow to the handpiece for delivery to treatment site. Each of the liquid solutions may have a color which is distinguishable from the color of the other liquid solutions and the tubing to the handpiece is transparent so that the color of a liquid solution flowing through the tube is visible during treatment thereby enabling the identity of the particular solution being used to be quickly verified during treatment. The irrigation system is preferably a closed system with the pump as well as a heater for heating the liquid solution being situated outside of the flow path of the liquid solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.

Abstract: A computerized beverage dispensing system in a first embodiment includes a fitting connected to a tap having a thermoelectric heat pump cooled nozzle and an electrically controlled valve, hereinafter valve. A computerized controller is connected to the fitting and tap. The fitting has a constricted passage through which the beverage flows under pressure and pressure and temperature transducers for measuring the pressure difference across the constricted passage and the temperature thereof. The computerized controller includes a pressure to time look up table used for timing valve operation. If abnormal pressure or temperature occurs the valve is cut off unless an override circuit is activated. A front/back display shows messages programmed into the computerized controller. A modified fitting has a Pitot tube measuring the velocity flow for the pressure transducer for use with a velocity/time look up table for timing valve on time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the high viscosity fluid to be metered and dispensed is oil that is pumped at a low flow rate, in the range of one quart per minute. A positive displacement pump obtains the oil from a tank and pumps the oil to an air eliminator. A volumetric meter is downstream of the air eliminator and receives the oil therefrom via a hydraulic system line. An electronic detector/pulser produces signals based upon the flow of oil through the meter. In a working embodiment, 1,000 pulses represent one quart of oil. These pulses are applied to a controller which includes an adjustable calibration circuit that corrects for system characteristics in order to dispense a "legal" quart of oil to a customer. The controller has an input device and a comparator that enables the controller, after being programmed, to dispense, for example, two quarts of oil.

Abstract: A container for viscous materials having volatile components is constructed to have a substantial transparency. The container includes a tubular housing having first and second closing structures at opposite ends. The housing may be entirely constructed of amorphous nylon, but preferably is formed as a laminate having a relatively thin inner lining of high barrier amorphous nylon and an outer sleeve of low barrier plastic, such as polyethylene teraphthalate. The container is adapted for caulking compounds wherein the first closing structure is an end wall, nozzle and snout assembly and wherein the second closing structure is defined by a movable piston slideably received in the housing interior.

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatability stabilizer for maintaining properly carbonated water in an electrically powered postmix fountain drink dispensing system when a supply of pressurized carbon dioxide is depleted. A carbon dioxide pressure sensor is connected between the carbon dioxide supply and the fountain drink dispensing system to sense the carbon dioxide supply pressure. A switch is connected to the carbon dioxide pressure sensor and coupled between the electrical power and the fountain drink dispensing system for disconnecting power to the fountain drink dispensing system when the carbon dioxide pressure is below a predetermined pressure. This is done so that water is not improperly carbonated with low pressure carbon dioxide and so that properly carbonated water and other drink components within the fountain drink system are maintained in the system by not dispensing fountain drinks until the pressurized carbon dioxide supply is replenished.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.