Abstract: A beverage whipper, including a whipper disk configured for spinning within the whipper and having a radius is disclosed. The whipper disk further includes a front surface and a plurality of forward-facing concave surfaces that divide the front surface into a plurality of front surface sections. The concave surfaces extend generally radially over more than half the radius and have a circumferential width and a depth, wherein the width is larger than the depth. The front surface sections have a total area that is at least 4-times the total area of the concave surfaces. Also, a beverage dispenser that includes the whipper for forming beverages having crema such as espresso or cappuccino.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing glue or adhesive onto a substrate surface for the laying of floor coverings, in particular parquet or laminate in board format, comprising a glue cylinder (103) into which at least one pouch filled with glue or adhesive can be inserted, and comprising a plunger (10) which is disposed such as to be axially displaceable within the glue cylinder (103) so as to compress a pouch located within the glue cylinder (103) and so to push its contents out of the glue cylinder (103), an electric drive (9) being provided which is coupled to the plunger (10) in order to displace the plunger (10) axially within the glue cylinder (103).

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or above a preset elevated temperature through a dispensing outlet. Such an apparatus includes a pot in which to house the product. The dispensing apparatus also includes a pump coupled between the pot and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the pot to the dispensing outlet. A rope heater configured to heat the pot may also be included in the dispensing apparatus. The pot may have a movable lid, which may vacuum seal the product against the exterior environment. The lid is designed to scrape any food product residue off the vertical walls of the pot, while also maintaining the vacuum as it moves into the pot. The pot may have a check valve to prevent product spilling when the pot is lifted out of the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser for spreadable foodstuffs or spreadable non-food substances allowing for dispensing of metered amounts of foodstuffs or non-food substances and spreading without the need for additional utensils that are not part of the packaging is disclosed. Dispenser is easily refilled with replaceable cartridges and designed to keep contents away from air as contents are dispensed.

Abstract: A container and container apparatus for dispensing liquids is disclosed. The container apparatus includes a body defining a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a neck extending outwardly from the body and providing a handgrip portion, which when grasped by a user's hand such that the reservoir is disposed generally below the user's hand, defines an upright operating condition for the container. The container also includes a sprayer disposed at a distal end of the neck, the sprayer having an intake and a nozzle, the intake being in communication with the reservoir for drawing liquid from the reservoir, the nozzle being disposed such that when the container is oriented in the upright operating condition, liquid is discharged from the nozzle in a discharge direction oriented downwardly at a discharge angle of in the range of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees to a notional horizontal line extending outwardly from the nozzle.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a self-contained air system. The self-contained air system is adapted to supply a desired amount of air pressure within the spray coating device. Further, the self-contained air system comprises only an air blower rendering the spray coating device air tank-less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling motor current during a dispensing of material from a dispensing tool (10) is provided, including a method for measuring the motor current of the dispensing tool during operation through a motor controller (U2). The method further includes sending a feedback signal from the motor controller (U2) relating to the measured motor current to an input of a microcontroller (U1) that is adapted to a dispensing tool (10). The feedback signal is compared to a prescribed threshold and the motor current is conditioned based on the comparing of the feedback signal to the prescribed threshold.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid dispenser having a body capable of attaching to an upright support surface. The body having a top wall, sidewalls, and a bottom wall, and a first orifice present in the bottom wall. The first orifice leads into an intermediary chamber said intermediary chamber having a second orifice. The second orifice may be located substantially opposite said first orifice. The intermediary chamber having an open end for admitting a control mechanism, with the control mechanism axially or reciprocally disposed within the intermediary chamber. Also present is a refill opening that is disposed along the sidewalls.

Abstract: A counter-mounted dispensing system includes a refill housing mounted above a counter. A refill unit is selectively received in the refill housing in order to deliver a fluid within the refill unit to an end user. The refill unit includes a container holding fluid to be dispensed, and a pump communicating with the fluid in the container. A spout is also mounted above the counter and may be provided as part of the refill housing. An actuation unit having pump actuator mechanisms is mounted at a position below the counter. A passage extends through the counter, and the pump and the pump actuator mechanisms operatively communicate through the passage when the refill unit is installed in the refill housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material is provided having a body portion and housing for supporting cartridges filled with materials for dispensing. The housing includes a dispensing end, an attachment end, and an elongated opening for receiving the cartridges. The apparatus further comprises an attachment assembly located at an end of the body portion for attaching the housing to the body portion. The attachment assembly includes a first set of threads located about the perimeter of the attachment assembly. A second set of threads are located about the perimeter of the attachment end of the housing for engaging the first set of threads, forming a threaded connection and attaching the housing to the body portion.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing device includes a liquid-containing unit, a flexible tube, a nozzle, and a cam mechanism. The flexible tube is connected to the liquid-containing unit. The nozzle is connected to the flexible tube. The cam mechanism includes first and second cams, and first and second cam followers. The first and second cams are co-rotatable. Each of the first and second cam followers is driven by a respective one of the first and second cams to move to a squeezing position, where each of the first and second cam followers exerts a squeezing force on the flexible tube.

Abstract: A dispenser for spreadable foodstuffs or spreadable non-food substances allowing for spreading without the need for additional utensils that are not part of the packaging is disclosed. Dispenser is easily refilled with replaceable cartridges and designed to keep food away from air as contents are dispensed.

Abstract: A multiple beverage dispensing method and apparatus for selectively dispensing a beverage which is stored in a concentrated form and optionally for dispensing water without a concentrate added thereto.

Abstract: A dispensing system for spreadable foodstuffs and spreadable non-food substances allowing for dispensing of metered amounts of foodstuffs or non-food substances and spreading without the need for additional utensils not part of the packaging is disclosed. The system is composed of a disposable cartridge containing a spreadable product and a reusable dispenser that acts to dispense product from the disposable cartridge. The dispenser may rapidly switch between different disposable cartridges.

Abstract: A center-pull dispenser for dispensing paper towels from a continuous roll, wherein each individual towel is separated from an adjoining towel by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser comprises a housing having a housing back and a detachable front cover hingedly connected thereto at the lower periphery of said housing back and front cover for opening and closing the housing, a paper support tray removably connected to a lower portion of the housing back, the tray having a centrally located dispensing nozzle and at least one locking element for releasably locking at least one first hinge element on the lower periphery of the front cover to at least one second hinge element on the lower periphery of the housing back, an opening in the lower periphery of said housing through which the towels are dispensed, and a wall-mounting member for removably mounting the housing back to a wall.

Abstract: A center-pull dispenser for dispensing paper towels from a continuous roll, wherein each individual towel is separated from an adjoining towel by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser comprises a housing having a housing back and a detachable front cover hingedly connected thereto at the lower periphery of said housing back and front cover for opening and closing the housing, a paper support tray removably connected to a lower portion of the housing back and having a centrally located dispensing nozzle, an opening in the lower periphery of the housing through which the towels are dispensed, a detachable wall-mounting member for removably mounting the housing back to a wall, and a locking member for releasably locking the front cover to the housing back and the housing back to the wall-mounting member.

Abstract: An apparatus converts rotary motion of a motor drive shaft into oscillatory motion of a work piece, for example, in a power tool. The apparatus comprises a planetary gear assembly connected to the motor for rotating an output gear. The output gear meshes with a drive gear including a drive pin. The drive pin fits in a yoke slot for reciprocation of the yoke upon rotation of the drive gear. The yoke is operatively connected to the work piece. An air flow system cools the power tool housing. The housing has an inlet aperture in the handle portion and an outlet aperture for placing the interior of the housing in communication with the atmosphere. A wall integral with the handle portion engages the body of the motor housing between a first end and openings in the body. The wall provides a barrier to minimize air flow between an intake air portion of the interior of the housing and an exhaust air portion.

Abstract: A pump for metering a liquid is disclosed comprising a flexible tube connected to a container with a pressure relief valve located in the flexible tube. A housing defines an aperture for receiving the flexible tube with a compression surface located adjacent to the aperture. A reciprocating member has a sealing element and a pumping element. A drive moves the sealing element for pinching the flexible tube against the compression surface upstream from the pressure relief valve for trapping liquid between the sealing element and the pressure relief valve. The drive moves the pumping element for collapsing the flexible tube against the compression surface for pumping the trapped liquid to discharge a metered quantity of the liquid from the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of an improved bottled water dispenser are loadable from beneath and may include a movable cart which is used to position the water bottle in the bottled water dispenser. The moveable cart may be angled to facilitate removal of water from the bottle, as well as to facilitate loading of bottle onto movable cart. The movable cart may include a retaining feature and a drawbridge to facilitate loading of the bottle onto the platform. In other embodiments the water dispenser includes a funnel member positioned at the top of the bottle, and a rod member which is movable to engage the funnel member, placing a pump in fluid communication with the water.

Abstract: A motorized caulk gun has a housing which receives a plunger. The plunger is disposed adjacent to caulk cartridge which is received in the housing. The plunger is movable in a first direction to discharge caulk from the cartridge. A first and second plate moves the plunger rod in a direction to squeeze caulk from the cartridge. A first and second cam act on the plates via a cam follower such that the plates alternately engage the plunger rod to drive it in a forward direction to squeeze caulk from the cartridge.

Abstract: The portable sprayer having automated pressurizing means includes a canister, air compressor, and battery compartment. In an alternative embodiment a pair of fold out wheels can extend and retract from underneath the canister to improve the overall mobility of the sprayer. In yet another embodiment, the canister includes an optional manual pump to use in the event the batteries lose their charge. In all embodiments, a cover screws onto a top of the canister to enable refilling of the canister.

Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser with plural dispensing heads from which different beverages are dispensed. The dispenser has an ice bin from which ice is dispensed. A motor drives an agitator internal to the ice bin. The motor is removably attached to the ice bin by locking pins for easy removal and replacement. Waste ice and beverage is collected in a drip pan. The drip pan is insulated to prevent condensate from collecting around the outer surface of the drip pan. A carbonator is mounted to a front of the dispenser to provide carbonated water. Consequently, the carbonator is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Carbonated or non-carbonated water flows through a common manifold to the individual dispensing heads. By setting a manifold valve member associated with each dispensing head, the type of water supplied to the dispensing head, either carbonated or non-carbonated, is selectively set.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump for use with a liquid reservoir, with the actuating solenoid mounted in the dispenser. The pump has a body with flexible walls, a top-cap, a seal-base and a nozzle, with a seal-rod extending from the top-cap to the nozzle, stretching the flexible walls of the body and creating a net restoring force on the seal-base. A seal-head on the seal-rod seals a central opening in the seal-head when pressed against a side of the seal-head by the net restoring force. Reciprocally moving the seal-head parallel to an axis of the pump body operates the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensers, and particularly automatic dispensers, and even more particularly, automatic soap dispensers for dispensing a foamed soap to a user's hands.

Abstract: An electric or battery powered hand tool, which dispenses a wide variety of semi-soft materials. It is held in one hand and dispenses the material by pressing a pressure sensitive flow-control button. The power of the motor is adjustable, depending upon the consistency of the product to be dispensed. The dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which are pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking and construction.

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: A system and method that portably stores, refrigerates, and dispenses a viscous, semi-solid food product. Cannoli cream is held in an open-top hopper with a lower outlet tube that is removably received inside an insulated and cooled portion of the dispenser housing through a door with an opening for the lower outlet tube. A horizontal dispensing nozzle is attached to the lower outlet tube from outside the door. The hopper is positioned under a piston assembly that moves a piston plate through the top of the hopper with a screw-jack. The piston assembly functions to pump cannoli cream from the hopper through the dispenser nozzle.

Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of foam soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can also include a gear-type pump that mixes air with liquid soap to create foamed pump. The dispenser can also include two pumps, one pump to feed liquid pump to a second pump that is configured to mix air with liquid soap to thereby create foamed soap. The dispenser can include a reservoir in its discharge passage to reduce unwanted dripping of foam soap or the liquid remains of foam soap, from a foam soap outlet.

Abstract: A dispenser for a volatile material may be a cover that may be selectively attached to a base to form an internal cavity between them. A method is described for providing a visual indication when an item, such as the cover, needs to be replaced. The cover has a first initial size condition. The volatile material is permitted to evaporate from the cover into the air. The cover is permitted to shrink to a second size condition to provide a visual indication that the cover needs to be replaced.

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: Some embodiments of an infusion pump device may include a drive system that accurately and incrementally dispenses fluid from the pump device in a controlled manner. Particular embodiments of the drive system may include a rotational motor that is coupled to a string member, which is used to adjust a pawl relative to a ratchet body. In such circumstances, the drive system can provide a reliable and compact infusion pump device that accurately dispenses the desired volume of fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser for foamed soap contains a housing accommodating a soap container and a foam-producing unit. A first pump is provided in a delivery path of the soap from the container to a foam-producing unit. A second pump is provided in the delivery path of air to the foam-producing unit. Every pump is associated with a respective electric motor and has a control which can be used to adjust the ratio of the delivery volumes of air and soap by changing the speed of one of the two electric motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of mixing and dispensing viscous materials, comprising the steps of: inserting a cartridge containing one or more viscous materials in a chamber; activating a first motor (1) to move a plunger from a first position to a second position within the cartridge and activating a second motor (2) to move the plunger from the second position further within the cartridge to dispense the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic foam soap dispenser used for single soap reservoir which is pressed from top to down. The automatic foam soap dispenser includes a covering housing opened downwardly for accommodating a pressing-typed soap reservoir, a control circuit board, a motor, and a sensor. The soap reservoir has a pressing head at the top thereof, the pressing head is communicated with a connecting head, and the connecting head has an extension pipe to communicate with a foam nozzle, which is mounted at the bottom of the covering housing. Moreover, an extension fixing board is extended inside the covering housing for mounting a transmission gear set, which is driven by the motor to turn, and a swinging pressing board, wherein the transmission gear set has a cam, and a first end of the swinging pressing board is pivotally connected to the cam and the transmission gear set, and a second end of the swinging pressing board is leaned on the pressing head or the connecting head.

Abstract: A container (1) for drinks, in particular wine, of the “Bag in Box” type, comprises a rigid containment body (2) having a supporting base (3) identifying a supporting surface, a top (4) which is distanced from the supporting base (3) and an inner housing. Inserted in the inner housing there is a bag (8) designed to contain a drink. The container (1) is also equipped with a dispenser element (9) mainly extending between a drink infeed end (10) connected to the bag (8), and a dispensing nozzle (11) extending, during operation, outside the containment body (2). The dispensing nozzle (11) is vertically distanced from the supporting surface in such a way that a glass can be inserted between the dispensing nozzle (11) and the supporting surface; the container also comprises an actuator (27) for bringing the drink from the bag (8) to the dispenser element (9).

Abstract: A dental mixing device (10) is provided for generating a multi-component material (11) by squeezing out and mixing the components of the multi-component material (11) from at least one first (20, 20?) and one second cartridge (30, 30?). The first cartridge (20, 20?) and the second cartridge (30, 30?) are arranged in the dental mixing device (10) such as to be replaceable. The mixing device has a first (21) and a second feed line (31) for guiding the components respectively from the first cartridge (20, 20?) and the second cartridge (30, 30?) into a mixer (40) and has a motorized advancer (50) for squeezing the components from the first (20, 20?) and the second cartridge (30, 30?). At least the first cartridge (20, 20?) is a unit-dose package and has a first volume between 20 ml and 60 ml.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed where a backoff distance is determined and implemented to prevent leakage while dispensing sequentially an accurate, precise amount of fluid substantially independent of the fluid remaining in a syringe-type dispenser. The fluid characteristics of the fluid, e.g. viscosity, surface tension, etc. affect the backoff distance that may be determined heuristically for fluid type, amount of fluid remaining in the syringe and amount to be dispensed. Once the fluid characteristics are known, the dispensing may be accomplished automatically with a processor loading new drive and backoff steps to a motor controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device (11) for containers (33) containing a compound, comprising a compartment (12) for the container, with a piston rod (13) that can be moved relative to the compartment (12), with an extruding device (16) that comprises a drive wheel (21) for advancing the piston rod (13), a motor (22) for driving the drive wheel (21) as well as a planetary gear (23) that is interposed between the drive wheel (21) and the motor (22) and that has a gear rotational axis (24) and a ring gear (25). The ring gear (25) is provided with multiple recesses that are located along its circumference at intervals from each other. Moreover, the dispensing device (11) has an actuating switch (31) for actuating the motor (22) and a blocking element (36) that can be moved from a blocking position that blocks the ring gear (25) into a releasing position that releases this ring gear (25).

Abstract: A system for actuating a dispensing device includes an apparatus for holding and actuating the dispensing device that includes a linear motor including a stator component and a forcer component and a frame that orients components of the linear motor relative to each other and relative to the dispensing device. The system further includes a controller configured to control the linear motor and a device that interfaces with the controller and provides a user interface for control of the system. The controller is configured to generate control signals that cause the apparatus to perform at least one actuation cycle specified by an operator. The device that communicates with the controller generates a command sequence based on the at least one actuation cycle specified and the controller generates signals based on the command sequence that cause the system to perform the at least one actuation cycle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a receptacle for containing and dispensing the flowable material, such as caulk. The dispensing device also includes a drive member which moves a piston within the receptacle for dispensing the flowable material from the device. A handle is arranged to be gripped by an operator and includes a clamp member disposed over the receptacle which is arranged to move from an open position whereby the handle is moveable to any desired position along the receptacle, to a closed position for engaging the handle to the receptacle. A user input is provided on the moveable handle and adapted to be depressed by a user for operation of the device.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fragrant, electrochemically-activated liquid, the device comprising an electrolysis cell configured to electrochemically activate the liquid and to diffuse one or more fragrant compounds into the liquid to provide the fragrant, electrochemically-activated liquid.

Abstract: An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.

Abstract: A dispensing device (11) for dispensing one-component or multi-component masses contained in vessels has a piston rod (21) and a forward feed mechanism (31). The forward feed mechanism (31) has a first clamping lever (32) and a second clamping lever (42) each of which is arranged on the piston rod (21) so as to be axially displaceable and swivelable in longitudinal direction (L) of the dispensing device (11). At least two spring elements (33, 43) act upon the clamping levers (32, 42). The device (11) further includes forward feed means for actuating the first clamping lever (32) and the second clamping lever (42) and having a first forward-feed element (34) cooperating with the first clamping lever (32) and a second forward-feed element (34) cooperating with the second clamping lever (42).

Abstract: A disposable pump for a collapsible reservoir has an upper chamber, a lower chamber and a seal base in between. The upper and lower chambers have flexible sections or bellows that expand or contract the chambers, and the seal base has a rigid rod that selectively forms a seal on an opening in the seal base between the upper and lower chambers. One of the two chambers has a nozzle and the other chamber has a top cap that leads in many embodiments to a collapsible bag reservoir. In at least one embodiment a solenoid overcomes the biasing force of a compression spring and lifts the seal base off the rigid rod. This opens the seal and assisting pushing out potentially very viscous liquids into the chamber that includes the nozzle and the liquid ultimately dispenses from the pump through the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a dry particulate solid into a pressurized vessel including: a solids reservoir; a rotating metering disc below the solids reservoir; a non-rotating component adjacent to the metering disc; a surface of contact between the metering disc and the non-rotating component, wherein the surface of contact comprises a low friction material; a drive shaft, a drive motor; a pickup section; and an injection tube is provided.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, which can be used for dosage materials in the form of powders or pastes, includes a housing with at least one receptacle compartment formed inside the housing for the purpose of holding the dosage material. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one dispensing head that comprises an elastic material and has an outlet for the dosage material. In the non-stressed condition, i.e. when there is no mechanical force or pressure acting on it, the outlet is tightly closed against the outside. When a force or pressure is applied, the outlet opens up, with the aperture width being variable, dependent on the applied force. Furthermore, inside the receptacle compartment and/or the dispensing head, there is at least one mechanical actuator element arranged through which the outlet can be opened.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is mounted on a container and has a shell, a spout assembly, an injection assembly, a power pack and an activating assembly. The shell is mounted on the container and has an injection tube. The spout assembly is formed on and protrudes from the shell. The injection assembly is mounted in the shell pumps air into the injection tube to force liquid from the spout assembly. The activating assembly selectively activates the injection assembly and selectively seals or opens an air passage to the injection tube.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser assembly is disclosed. The dispenser assembly is adapted to use a replaceable fluid container having a foam pump. The dispenser assembly includes an adapter for securing and positioning a foam pump in the dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly also includes an actuating mechanism to automatically actuate the foam pump and a control circuit to control the operation of the actuating mechanism. When a sensor assembly detects a hand or other object in the proximity of the dispenser assembly in a position to receive a dose of foam, the actuating mechanism and the control circuit cooperate to drive the foam pump so as to create foam and to return the foam pump to a closed position that prevents leakage.

Abstract: A dispenser, more particularly, a hand cleaner dispenser incorporating a reader for a user's hand in the form of a palm reader which avoids the need for contact between the user's hand and the dispenser yet provides opportunity for the monitoring of usage including determining the identities of users.