Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (241, 242) and a helix-like coil (243), wherein one or more projections (255) are provided on the helix-like coil for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the at least one annular counter member.

Abstract: A counter including at least one counting ring, a switch, and an actuator movable in its longitudinal axis direction. The switch includes a guide and a switching element movable in an axial and azimuthal direction relative to the guide. The guide has at least one curved surface, directing at least one projecting part disposed on the switching element. A switching cam on the switching element meshes with toothing of the counting ring. The switching device converts linear movement of the actuator into rotational movement of the counting ring. The counting ring, secured by ratchets, rotates one angular increment each actuation of the actuator. The counter is suitable for different storage containers dispensing a product portion by portion and can be configured as a daily quantity counter or a total quantity counter, for example. The counter components are inserted into each other and held together by catch elements.

Abstract: A device for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a longitudinally extending cavity defined at least in part by a wall and a support block spaced from the wall. The container is disposed in the cavity of the dispenser housing and is container reciprocally moveable within the dispenser housing along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device is disposed in the dispenser housing and includes an annular member disposed around a first end of the container with a valve stem of the container extending beyond the annular member. The indicating device includes at least one indicator member rotatable about an axis of rotation. At least a portion of the indicating device is fixedly connected to the container and is reversibly removable with the container from the dispenser housing.

Abstract: A dispensing system for controlled, especially remote controlled, dispensing of medicaments is disclosed. The system consists of a dispensing mechanism adapted to receive a sealed or resealable container of material to be dispensed and to validate that it is the correct material, and which includes a mechanical actuation mechanism which, when actuated, causes a measured dose of material to be dispensed from the material container. The mechanical actuation mechanism may be inhibited from operation by a locking mechanism which, when actuated, locks the device against the further dispensing of a dose of material until release in accordance with the desired dispensing programme, e.g. until a certain time period has elapsed, or until the programme permits dispensing to occur on some other basis. The dispensing system may be in two parts, a hand-held hand-actuated dispensing mechanism (1) and a base or docking station (2) into which the hand-held unit may be placed in order to release the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water dispensed from an appliance (e.g. a refrigerator) includes a low-profile filter cartridge (or a bank of filter cartridges) releasably connected to a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is in communication with the water inlet of appliance and routs the filtered water to points of use. A water usage sensor in the manifold monitors the filter cartridge life and alerts the user when it is time to replace the filter. A latching mechanism includes a latching member 200 on the cartridge and a linearly moveable actuator 174 for releaseably securing the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. A flow control valve ensures that the water circuit remains closed when the filter cartridge is removed from the manifold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a syringe for administering medication to an animal. The syringe includes a handle that may be manually actuated to dispense medication to the animal. The syringe also includes a valve that controls the flow of medication both into and out of the syringe. A sensor device on the syringe monitors when the medication has been administered in order to inform any attached pump that the syringe may be refilled. An LED informs the user when the syringe has been filled with medication and is ready for the administration of medication to the animal.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, a longitudinally extending cavity open at the top, and a support block extending from the bottom into the cavity. The container includes an end portion, a valve stem extending from the end portion and a valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. An indicating device is disposed in the cavity of the dispenser housing. The indicating device includes a collar disposed around and secured to the end portion of the container and an indicator including dosage indicia.

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

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, a longitudinally extending cavity open at the top, and a support block extending from the bottom into the cavity. The container includes an end portion, a valve stem extending from the end portion and a valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. An indicating device is disposed in the cavity of the dispenser housing. The indicating device includes a collar disposed around and secured to the end portion of the container and an indicator including dosage indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a (2) portion for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (141, 142), a helix-like coil (143) and transmission means (144) for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the transmission means and the at least one annular counter member.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (241, 242) and a helix-like coil (243), wherein one or more projections (255) are provided on the helix-like coil for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the at least one annular counter member.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising an annular counter member (40) and a driving member (41), the driving member comprising a planar ring portion (50) and first and second sets of flexible teeth (51, 52) depending from opposite sides of the planar ring portion, the first set of dependant fexible teeth (51) engaging a first series of teeth (47) formed on the annular counter member, wherein on movement of the received dose-dispensing container towards the driving member the first and second sets of dependant flexible teeth are caused to flex towards the plane of the ring portion to thereby incrementally rotate the annular counter member in a first direction relative to the housing.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.

Abstract: Metering aerosol dispensing device comprising an aerosol container (23); a nozzle (31, 32) that is arranged in a nozzle body (30), whereby the aerosol is dispensed via said nozzle when the aerosol container (23) is pushed against the body (30) of the nozzle once the metering aerosol dispensing device is actuated; a meter (1, 2, 4) that counts the number of times that the metering aerosol dispensing device is actuated; and an actuating device (10) that enables the meter (1, 2, 3, 4) to move forward when the metering aerosol dispensing device is actuated. The invention is characterized in that the actuating device (10) is designed and arranged in the metering aerosol dispensing device in such a way that the body (30) of the nozzle is accomodated in the interior of the actuating device (10) and the nozzle (31) is released in order to produce aerosol in an unrestricted manner.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

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

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

Abstract: A dispensing device with user readable indicators for tracking information associated with a succession of pouring events. Each pouring event dispensing a pre-determined volume of liquid from a liquid holding container, upon which the dispensing device is installed, via a dynamically calibrated time interval. The dispensing device including a user interface having a display and keypad and arranged to provide to the user pouring related information during and after each pouring event.

Abstract: Methods of pouring liquids from bottles have the steps of providing a pouring head with at least two functionally different modes of pouring, i.e. electronically timed pouring with automatic shut-off, and free pouring either with or without an annunciator signal, and the step of selecting one of the modes at the time of dispensing. Further, the steps of providing a normally open magnetically latched valve, and momentarily de-magnetizing to drop the valve and terminate pouring, and the steps of shaking the valve back on to magnetic and electrically sensing the presence of the valve and electrically starting a subsequent pour while the bottle remains inverted. A further step has free pouring with sensory annunciation of the completion of pouring, with the preferred annunciation being a blinking light signal.

Abstract: A syringe has a sensor for sensing physical contact between a syringe needle and the syringe. As the sensor detects that a syringe needle has just been installed into the syringe, a counter is set to “zero”, indicating the number of injections given with the installed needle. The counter automatically and cumulatively counts each injection given to the animal during a period of continuous physical contact between the syringe and the syringe needle. When the number of cumulatively counted injections equals a predetermined maximum number of injections, a syringe needle change warning mechanism delivers a needle change warning to the operator of the syringe.

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

Abstract: A dispenser for an aerosol container is presented. The dispenser includes a housing sized to permit at least partial insertion thereinto of an aerosol container having an aerosol supply tube; and a dispenser conduit, having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the conduit being in operative connection with the housing such that the aerosol supply tube of an aerosol container inserted into the housing is operatively connected to the conduit such that it supplies the contents of the aerosol container to the conduit for dispensing through the distal end of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring doses of dispensed products includes a first metering ring (20) mounted to rotate 5 around a rotation axis (1), and drive means (10) that drives the first metering ring to rotate around an axis (1). The drive means (10) is actuated each time the dispenser is actuated. The apparatus also has interlocking means (15, 22) that engage the drive means (10) with the first metering ring (20) after the dispenser has been actuated a predetermined number of times. The first metering ring (20) is driven to rotate once it is engaged with the drive means (10). The apparatus only counts the doses of dispensed product after the dispenser has been actuated a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A low volume liquid handling system is described which includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a positive displacement pump for priming and aspirating liquid into the microdispenser, controlling the pressure of the liquid system, and washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the liquid system pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The pressure signal is used to verify and quantify the microvolume dispensed and is used to perform automated calibration and diagnostics on the microdispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for measured quantities of a liquid product delivered under pressure by a metering pump or valve on which the dispenser is fitted, the dispenser having a device comprising discs on which there are reproduced two separate progressive successions of numbers which are selectively visible through a window in the dispenser, firstly the numbers of one disc and then the numbers of the other, to count the doses dispensed.

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

Abstract: 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 fluid dispenser which discharges a predetermined amount of fluid upon actuation of a actuator includes a counter and at least two timers for use by users of the device. The apparatus further includes a switch coupled to the actuator wherein the switch generates a use signal. An operating circuit is carried by the dispenser and provides a processor which receives the use signal and increments or decrements a counter by one. Additionally, the processor generates a flag signal to indicate which of the timers is in use. Each timer has associated therewith a distinct sensor output such as a sound or light to indicate to the user the start of a washing cycle and completion thereof. In the event more than two users are present, the sensor output is not provided. However, a counting event is still recognized. Of course, multiple users of the device or sensor outputs could be provided if desired.

Abstract: A system for controlling an amount of liquid poured from a liquid container includes a spout configured for attachment to an opening of a liquid container and for controlling a desired amount of liquid poured from the liquid container. The spout is further configured to emit signals containing activity information. A receiver is configured to receive the signals, and a computer is coupled to the receiver, for processing the signals into text for viewing. The present invention further provides a method of controlling liquid flow from a liquid container, including the steps of: (a) determining an amount of liquid which is to be poured from a liquid container; (b) transmitting activity information signal corresponding to a predetermined activity; (c) remotely receiving the activity information signal of step (b); and (d) processing the activity information signal of step (c) into readable form.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration device (100) includes an end of life indicator assembly (130) having a flow totalization mechanism (600), a reset mechanism (602) and a flow restriction mechanism (604) coaxially aligned with an indicator assembly (130). A torsion spring (634) and compression spring (644) cooperate for automatic disengagement and resetting of the flow totalization mechanism and the flow restriction mechanism. A planetary gear reduction system 606 provides a 3,000,000:1 gear reduction in the flow totalization mechanism.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: An end-of-life indicator comprising a housing having a chamber therein and attachable to the water treatment device, a diaphragm disposed within the chamber, a rotatable cap having indicia disposed thereon adapted to cooperate with the housing, a spring device for rotating the cap with respect to the housing, an escapement device for regulating the rotational displacement of the cap and means for resetting the cap to a start position. The chamber is arranged for the ingress of water into the water treatment device to pressurize the chamber and the egress of water from the water treatment device to depressurize the chamber, the ingress and egress of water defining one fill cycle. The diaphragm is arranged to be moved by the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. The escapement device are arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm and the spring device whereby predetermined incremental rotation of the cap is provided during each of the fill cycles.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser having a filter status sensor includes a fuel delivery path for delivering fuel from a station storage tank to a vehicle; a fuel filter in the delivery path for filtering fuel flowing in the delivery path; a flow monitor in the delivery path for measuring fuel flow in the delivery path; and a controller associated with the flow monitor adapted to determine and compare a first flow rate taken during a first cycle with a second flow rate taken during a second cycle. The controller provides a filter status signal when the first and second flow rates differ by more than a predetermined difference indicative of an unclean fuel filter.

Abstract: An arrangement for dosing fluids, such as beverages, comprising a flow meter arranged in the fluid dosing duct, an on-off valve arranged in the dosing duct downstream of the flow meter for releasing or cutting the flow of fluid, and an evaluation circuit that transmits a switching off control signal (closing signal) to the on-off valve when a predetermined amount of fluid has passed through the flow meter. The flow meter and on-off valve are preferably an impeller flow meter and an electrically actuable on-off valve, respectively. In order to improve the dosing accuracy, a sensor is provided with the flow meter for sensing the speed of flow given, for example, by the frequency of rotation of the impeller and for supplying, to the evaluation circuit, a preferably electric sensor signal that corresponds to the speed of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit that indicates the end of life of the unit. The apparatus comprises a housing with at least one opening for the passage of liquid to a chamber, formed by the interior of the housing and the water treatment unit. The chamber includes a support member mounted to the housing. A float is rotationally mounted on the support member. The support member limits float movement to a predetermined distance upon each rotation of the float, resulting from each cycle of the water treatment unit. Once the float has made a specific number of rotations and has travelled the complete distance of the support member as water fills and drains from the chamber, the float rests in a position where it is visible through an opening in the housing, indicative of the end of life of the water treatment unit.

Abstract: A system for displaying a units categorized value corresponding to the cumulative amount of fluid dispensed from a delivery system having a hand-held nozzle with a trigger actuable by an operator to admit fluid through the nozzle. A display is mounted upon an enclosure to be responsive to a control signal for displaying visually perceptible indicia in selected increments corresponding to the units categorized value. A processor is provided within the enclosure for deriving the control signal. The processor is responsive in a calibration mode to the actuation of the trigger of the hand-held nozzle to derive a calibration count value corresponding to the time elapsed in dispensing a predetermined unit amount of fluid. When this trigger is actuated, a flow monitor at a fluid tank source detects the flow of fluid and broadcasts the presence of the fluid flow condition to a receiver mounted at the enclosure.

Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.

Abstract: In a treatment system for feeding a liquid from a tank having an outlet by a controllable pump operated cyclically, an automatic calibration/measuring system. The system is arranged for determining the volume of liquid pumped each cycle of the pump, a fluid flow measuring device and a controller coupled thereto. The fluid flow measuring device is in fluid communication with the tank. The fluid flow measuring device has a totalizer counter and batch measurement capability. The batch value in units of fluid volume or mass measurement is configured into the fluid flow measuring device. At the start of the batch, the fluid flow measuring device sends a ready signal to the controller that it is waiting to start the batch. The controller sends a start signal to the fluid flow measuring device that will initialize (zero reset) the totalizer counter and also tells the fluid flow measuring device that the batch has started and the totalizer to start the count of flow measurement.

Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.

Abstract: A system delivers a number of safe doses from a pressurized and metered medication canister via a dispenser to a patient. The improvement includes a counter device for accurately determining the number of safe doses delivered from the medication canister. Also, a warning device alerts the patient either visually, audibly, mechanically or in a combination thereof about an impending and then a final exhaustion of the number of safe doses delivered from the medication canister. The improved system takes advantage of the patient-actuated movement of the medication canister in the dispenser body to activate either an electronic or a mechanical counter device. Alternatively, the improved system may be patient-activated independently from, but in conjunction with, the dispensing of medication from the canister.

Abstract: A system for displaying a units categorized value corresponding to the cumulative amount of fluid dispensed from a delivery system having a hand-held nozzle with a trigger actuable by an operator to admit fluid through the nozzle. A display is mounted upon an enclosure to be responsive to a control signal for displaying visually perceptible indicia in selected increments corresponding to the units categorized value. A processor is provided within the enclosure for deriving the control signal. The processor is responsive in a calibration mode to the actuation of an operator switch by the actuation of the trigger of the hand-held nozzle to derive a calibration count value corresponding to the time elapsed in dispensing a predetermined unit amount of fluid.

Abstract: Equipment is provided to solve the problem of affording information, in connection with dispensing of beverage from a pressurized keg via a tap controlled with a tap handle, about the level of beverage remaining in the keg. Preferably, the tap handle is caused to contain a power source, a position-sensitive switch, a microprocessor containing a timer, a reset associated with the microprocessor to be activated when a new keg is started, a device for causing the microprocessor to accumulate an aggregate amount of time since the reset was most recently activated, and a display or output responsive to the microprocessor to give signals (clock-face-style display, digital and/or alphanumeric display, or in some aspects of the invention, a flashing light or even simply an audible signal) to let the user know what the level of liquid in the keg is or that it has reached a point near to the end of the quarter-barrel or half-barrel keg now in use.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing method and apparatus has a system with new individual dispensing heads connectible one each to a plurality of different liquid bottles, i.e. liquor, and a remote dispensing data receiver and computer that receives data from each head. Each head has structure for being secured to a bottle, a liquid bore and an air vent, and one or more of the following features and functions: an electronic dispensing timer, a stop pour annunciator, a magnetically latched dispensing control valve, an electronic bottle lock, a radio transmitter and antenna, an electronic fractional pour annunciator, programmable dispensing control, a micro-processor computer, a data storage, a data I/O structure, and structure and function for uniquely electrically identifying each head and liquid.

Abstract: For use in a water cooler having a reservoir adapted to receive the neck portion of an inverted water tank, a filter system comprising an attachment removably connected to the neck and forming a water-tight seal therewith, a sleeve projecting from the attachment for receiving a replaceable water filter adapted to pass water from the tank into the reservoir, and a one-way valve projecting from the attachment for admitting air into the tank responsive to water flowing out of the tank via the water filter, the one-way valve including a movable bead adapted to prevent water from flowing therethrough while permitting air to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for spraying a liquid or flowable disinfectant to dermatologically treat hands or the like. The dispenser automatically senses the presence of a user's hands using an infrared sensing mechanism, and in response sprays a predetermined volume of volatile disinfectant onto the user's hands for a predetermined length of time via a control circuit. The control circuit supplies an electromagnet with power for the predetermined length of time to move a magnetic frame downward against an inverted bottle of disinfectant in the dispenser housing. The bottle contains a known quantity of disinfectant fluid and the dispensing operation dispenses a measured dose upon each actuation. A counter circuit then counts the doses dispensed and provides a warning signal when the bottle is empty or nearly empty of the flowable disinfectant.