Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel pump includes receiving a first set of data characterizing an audible activation word including a first voice pattern. Control of the fuel pump is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database. A second set of data characterizing an audible command word is received, where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word in response to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within the database.

Abstract: A display device (3) on a liquid dispenser (1), the display device having at least one display element (4) and a drive device (5) for moving the display element (4) between an initial position and a display position. The drive device (5) is provided with an interface (6), via which the drive device (5) can be connected to a dispensing device (2) of the liquid dispenser (1) such that the drive device (5) is automatically activated by the actuation of the dispensing device (2) of the liquid dispenser (1).

Abstract: A container system includes (I) a container including a top portion, a bottom portion, and intermediate portion to form an interior of the container; and (II) a tubular member including a longitudinal tubular portion extending from the top portion toward the bottom portion, and has a cross sectional flow area taken perpendicular to a flow direction, and an expanded tubular portion extending toward the top portion with a flow direction away from the bottom portion and toward the top portion. The expanded tubular portion includes a cross sectional flow area taken perpendicular to a flow direction that is unequal to a cross sectional flow area of the longitudinal tubular portion taken perpendicular to another flow direction. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A therapeutic device shaped like a stuffed animal device that generally includes an outer casing and an inner casing. The outer casing defines an external structure configured to resemble an animal, such as a body having a head, a torso, and at least one pair of limbs each having a leg and a foot. The inner casing is located in the torso. The inner casing is configured with multiple contiguous weighted chambers each holding a collection of micro-glass beads. An audio playback device is disposed in the head. Each foot includes a weighted container carrying a portion of micro-glass beads. A fill material or stuffing is disposed in the head and in the torso about the inner casing. The fill material is also disposed in the leg and in the foot about the weighted container. Textured features are applied to the ears and to the bottom side of the feet.

Abstract: A re-usable sensor module for use with a dispenser for a hand hygiene product is described, wherein the dispenser comprises a container. The sensor module comprises an elastically deformable capsule with a top portion for placing a bottom of the container thereon. A sensor is arranged within the capsule and configured to measure a parameter associated with an elastic deformation of the capsule resulting from actuation or presence of the dispenser. The sensor module further comprises a processor arranged within the capsule and coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to at least temporarily record at least one of the parameter and an event associated therewith.

Abstract: A mobile video surveillance device includes a camera device configured to capture video images; a transceiver configured to transmit and stream the video images over a network to a video receiving computer for at least one of the following: viewing on a display, viewing on a wireless device, or storage in a database; a video capturing input device configured to receive an input to initiate operation of the camera device and initiate video streaming by the transceiver; a processor configured to control the camera device and the transceiver based on the video capturing input device; a housing configured to house the camera device, the transceiver, the video capturing input device, and the processor; and a movement detection unit configured to detect a movement.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel pump includes receiving a first set of data characterizing an audible activation word including a first voice pattern. Control of the fuel pump is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database. A second set of data characterizing an audible command word is received, where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word in response to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within the database.

Abstract: Among other things, systems to encourage compliance with hand washing procedures can include: an infrared emitter that projects a first infrared beam with a transverse cross-section having a first axis and a second axis that is shorter than the first axis, the transverse cross-section having a maximum length along the first axis, the infrared emitter modulating the first infrared beam to transmit a first identification signal; wherein the infrared emitter projecting the first infrared beam is placed such that the first axis of the transverse cross-section of the first infrared beam is substantially parallel to a boundary.

Abstract: A hand washing monitoring system includes a sensor to detect hands. An identification article and identification sensor, a timer, and a screen to provide notifications to a user is also included. The identification article may be provided in the form of an identification card having an LED status light. The LED status light then switches between two different light colors depending on a sanitization status of an employee. Sensors are then mounted in different locations of a work environment which will then cause the LED status light to change color. In one embodiment, when a sanitized worker leaves a kitchen area, the LED status light changes color. The color will then return to normal only when the employee passes by a sanitization station to sanitize their hands.

Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head being movable from a retracted position adjacent the faucet body, and an extended position away from the faucet body. In the retracted position, the faucet spray head has at least one aligned position with the faucet body. The faucet includes an alignment coupling. The alignment coupling includes first and second alignment elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively, to align the spray head with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling that is configured to retain the faucet body and the faucet spray head immediately adjacent one another. The retention coupling includes first and second retention elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively. The retention coupling is separate from the alignment coupling, and at least one of the first or second retention elements is a magnet.

Abstract: A system (1) for distributing resin (3), the system (1) including at least one supply of resin (3a,3b), at least one conduit (5a,5b) operatively connectable to a corresponding supply of resin (3a,3b), and at least one pump (7a,7b) operatively connectable to each conduit (5a,5b) for pumping resin (3) from the corresponding supply of resin (3a,3b). The system (1) also includes a driving assembly (9) operatively connectable to each pump (7a,7b) for driving the same, the driving assembly (9) including a transmission assembly (11) being configured specifically depending on the nature of resin (3) to be pumped through each conduit (5a,5b). The system (1) also includes a discharging assembly (13) operatively connectable to each conduit (5a,5b) for discharging resin (3) out from the discharging assembly (13), the discharging assembly (13) being also operatively connectable to the driving assembly (9) for selectively and adjustably controlling operating parameters of each pump (7a,7b).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser, comprising: an actuator with a rotatable dial; a valve assembly connected to the actuator, the valve assembly being configured so as to cause fluid to be drawn from a reservoir and released from the dispenser during at least part of the time when the dial is rotated from a start position to one of a plurality of dosage positions and back to the start position, the plurality of dosage positions being at different respective angular positions of the dial; the actuator being configured to provide perceptible feedback at each of the plurality of dosage positions.

Abstract: A driving device of caulking gun includes a housing, a driving assembly, a threaded rod, and a transmission assembly. The housing defines an axial direction. The driving assembly is disposed on the housing and includes a motor assembly and a driving gear. The motor assembly and the driving gear are linked-up to rotate simultaneously. The threaded rod is slidably disposed on the housing and is nonrotatable with respect to the housing. The threaded rod is formed with a spiral groove. The transmission assembly is arranged in the housing and includes a transmission sleeve and a plurality of abutting members. The transmission sleeve is sleeved onto the threaded rod and is radially formed with a plurality of through holes. The abutting members are received in the through holes respectively. The transmission sleeve and the driving gear are linked-up.

Abstract: A powder supply device includes a powder conveyance path and a pair of electrodes to supply powder from a powder container. The powder conveyance path is configured to transport the powder in the powder container. The pair of electrodes is disposed at least in part in or on the powder conveyance path. The powder supply device is configured to detect an amount of powder in the powder conveyance path based on change of capacitance between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A deodorant applicator includes a housing, a screw with a threaded shaft, and an elevator assembly. The elevator assembly includes a receptacle and a threaded portion formed by a plurality of segments or ratchet discs. The ratchet discs can each be slid or pushed onto the screw to form a stack. The receptacle is slid over the stack of ratchet discs so that the stack of ratchet discs forms a threaded portion of the elevator assembly.

Abstract: A refill bottle, such as a laundry refill bottle, is disclosed that can be used with a consumer refill station to reuse the bottle over and over. The refill bottle includes automatic flow control valves, that allow the bottle to be filled, handled, dispensed from, and refilled innumerable times without a cap. The elimination of a cap alleviates the manufacturer and consumer of the tasks of installing, loosening, tightening, removing, and reinstalling or replacing the cap. The refillable bottle uses flow control valves, specifically an automatic filling valve, an automatic pressure vent valve, a manual/automatic dispensing valve, and an automatic vacuum vent valve. The refill bottle enables liquid and air to be exchanged during filling, handling, dispensing, and refilling.

Abstract: Several methods and a system of automated motion disturbance detection and alerting are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes associating a protection device with a movable tangible personal property. The method also includes activating the protection device remotely. The method further includes detecting, through a sensor in the protection device, a motion disturbance of the movable tangible personal property. The method further includes automatically responding based on a set of user-specified preferences when an intensity of the motion disturbance exceeds a minimum threshold of a sensitivity associated with the protection device. The method furthermore includes relaying a confirmed motion disturbance of the movable tangible persona property to a user of the protection device. The method furthermore includes protecting the movable tangible personal property through the automatic response of the protection device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of liquids into and out of a container is described. The cleanable, portable, fully automated apparatus includes a main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet container having a liquid inlet and inlet valve for controllably providing liquid into the main container and a liquid outlet container receiving liquid drained from the main container. A heater automatically heats the main container and a motor rotates or otherwise moves the main container and a receiving position for receiving fresh liquid from the inlet container to a drainage position for draining waste liquid via gravity from the main container into the outlet container. This rotation/movement of the main container can be used repeatedly to add fresh liquid and remove waste liquid during multiple fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, etc.) that do not require user interaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid, such as water, with the dispensing of the liquid associated with a media presentation, for example, a video presentation, viewable on a monitor of the apparatus by consumers proximate to the apparatus, including the consumer to whom the water is being dispensed, is disclosed. The media presentation begins upon the dispensing of the water, and continues until it is stopped or completes (ends).

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

Abstract: A sound producing liquid dispenser has a structure sized and configured to seal an opening in a container, a liquid outlet opening for dispensing liquid from the container, a separate air passageway allowing air to flow between the interior and exterior of the container, and a sound producing mechanism located in proximity to the air passageway. A contoured outer housing covering all or parts of the pour spout, the air introduction tube and the sound producing mechanism may be provided. Various types of sound producing mechanisms are useful, including mechanisms having curved, perforated plates. In particular embodiments, the sound produced during or following a pouring operation sounds like birdsong, and in some embodiments, a contoured outer housing is provided in the form of a bird.

Abstract: A system for spraying, according to various aspects of the present invention, includes a shuttle and a trigger switch. The shuttle and the trigger switch cooperate with discontinuous mechanical coupling. The trigger switch provides a discontinuity in bias against operation of the trigger switch by the user. Consequently, the user experiences tactile feedback before spray is released. Prior to tactile feedback, the system establishes a communication link. When spray is released, the system transmits a notice via the communication link. Such a system when equipped with pepper spray aerosol is advantageous for self-defense.

Abstract: A portable personal dispenser assembly comprising a combination of a dispenser and a communication enabled, portable handheld pocket-sized, personal computer in which the pocket-sized personal computer performs compliance monitoring of use of the dispenser and preferably controls and powers the use of the dispenser.

Abstract: A discharge pump discharging contents such as cosmetics, shampoos, detergents, or perfumes accommodated in a container by pushing the discharge pump to the outside, more particularly to, a discharge pump making sounds when pumping contents out. The discharge pump making sounds when pumping, characterized in that when a push button is pushed, a content within a container is pumped and discharged to the outside, and when force pushing the push button is released, the push button returns to its original state by a coil spring. A sound making unit for making sounds, which contacts and overlaps all or a portion of a plurality of spiral parts constituting the coil spring when compressed, and returns to its original state while scratching the spiral parts contacting the sound making unit when tensioned, thereby making the sounds, is disposed on an end of the coil spring and bent from the spiral part.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a downward-facing outlet for dispensing a material, a mechanism causing material to be dispensed, a first sensor facing in a first horizontal direction, adapted to detect a person approaching the dispensing device, and an alert mechanism. The first sensor, detecting an approaching person, activates the alert mechanism, signaling the approaching person of the presence of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A hand hygiene module and method of instructing and monitoring compliance of a hand hygiene event include a sanitizer dispensing device and the steps of identifying an initiation of a use of the sanitizer dispensing device and actively sequentially providing a plurality of stimuli to a user during the use of the sanitizer dispensing device, the plurality of stimuli including at least one of an audible signaling and a visual signaling and actively sequentially instructing each of a plurality of hygiene steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to providing audio and/or visual feedback to users during the dispensing of a selected beverage. Audio and video files are stored electronically within the dispenser. In response to the selection of a beverage, audio and video files corresponding to the beverage are selected and presented to a user during the dispensing of the beverage. The sound file may correspond to the type of beverage being dispensed and the video may show a fill state of a beverage container.

Abstract: A breakaway separation prevention safety device that provides warning indicators reminding users to replace a fuel nozzle after dispensing fuel. The safety warning system reminds users of a fuel pump to replace the nozzle into the nozzle mount. The system is activated as the user removes the nozzle from the nozzle mount. An audio and visual warning is emitted as a reminder for the user.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided including a housing that removably supports a container. A material is contained within the container. The material is dispensed from the container. The housing includes a wireless communication system that transmits a first set of information related to a user of the dispensing system. An example method of operating the dispensing system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a beverage from a bottle that includes communicating a dispensing authorization message from a control unit to at least one of a server interface carried by a beverage server and a pour spout secured to a bottle, wherein the dispensing authorization message at least one of includes or initiates a dispensing command, and wherein the pour spout responds to the dispensing command by opening a spout valve through which a beverage flows from the bottle and out of the pour spout.

Abstract: A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: In combination a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid and a sound sensing mechanism remote from the fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser dispensing fluid when activated, the fluid dispenser including a sound generator which generates a sound when the fluid dispenser is activated, the sound sensing mechanism separate from and spaced from the fluid dispenser, the sound sensing mechanism including a sound sensor to sense the sound generated by the sound generator, the sound sensing mechanism including a communication system to transmit data representative of the sound sensed by the sound generator.

Abstract: Provided is a device (10) for dispensing a dental substance. The device (10) comprises a cartridge (11) for containing the dental substance. The cartridge (11) has a plunger (20), and a dispensing opening (13). Further the device (10) is operable to urge the dental substance toward the dispensing opening (13). The device further comprises a cutter (31) for cutting off a portion of the dental substance which protrudes over the dispensing opening (13). The device may particularly facilitate precise dispensation of a high viscosity dental substance.

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

Abstract: A self-defense device is disclosed. The self-defense device includes an alert unit which alerts others to danger when activated. The self-defense device also includes a defense unit which can be used to disable or repel an attacker when activated. In a particular embodiment the alert unit is an air horn. In a particular embodiment the defense unit is a canister of self-defense aerosol spray. The self-defense device can include a coupling device which couples the defense unit to the alert unit. The self-defense device also includes a trigger which activates both the alert unit and the defense unit. The trigger has an ON state and an OFF state. The trigger can include a first trigger portion, a second trigger portion, and a trigger portion coupler. The trigger is coupled to the coupling device in some embodiments.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser in the general shape or form of a gun and a method of using the same in a game of chance similar to Russian Roulette to dispense a beverage. The beverage dispensing includes a frame with a front muzzle end, a rear frame, a grip defining a reservoir, a trigger mechanism and a rotatable cylinder received in the frame. The cylinder includes a rear surface with at least one inset portion capable of receiving an end of the trigger mechanism when the trigger is actuated.

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

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sanitizer dispenser may comprise a dispenser intake, a diaphragm pump comprising a diaphragm and a pump chamber, a dispenser outlet, a first one-way valve having an intake in fluid communication with the dispenser intake and an output in fluid communication with the pump chamber, a second one-way valve having an intake in fluid communication with the pump chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with the dispenser outlet, and a push plate comprising an outer surface and configured to press an outer surface of the diaphragm when the push plate is pressed.

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

Abstract: A dispensing appliance for a double cartridge comprises a housing for receiving multiple components and a rotatable portion having a thread, the two parts cooperating in such a manner that by rotating the rotatable portion, a multiple plunger acting upon the pistons in the housing is continuously displaceable relative to the housing in the dispensing direction. To this end, the housing is configured to comprise at least two adjacent storage containers, and the thrust force of the rotatable portion is directly transmitted to a multiple plunger. The rotatable portion may have an internal thread and the double plunger a feed flange with a corresponding external thread, in order to actuate the latter in the axial direction upon rotation of the rotatable portion. This arrangement allows dispensing even highly viscous materials with little manual force under high pressure in a precisely metered manner.

Abstract: A personal self defense device containing a housing, grip section, canister, actuator, a slide plate, and disarming device. The disarming device prevents operation of the device should the device be removed from the grasp of a victim. The disarming device can rotate in several directions and the force required for its operation can be adjusted. The device further includes a camera, illumination device, power source, and memory storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is methods and devices for encouraging, educating, entertaining, and or motivating children to brush their teeth. In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more characters are used, each with its own look and personality. The characters are used in a variety of forms and media as the shape of functional devices, advertising, education and entertainment. The characters may also be animated. The characters and their images, associated slogans and brand name may be used on a line of merchandise. The invention in a preferred embodiment includes a toothpaste dispenser or a toy in the shape of one of the characters. The toothpaste dispenser or toy, in a preferred embodiment, is able to talk to, play a song or otherwise communicate with the child to give entertaining, educational or motivating messages to the child regarding brushing their teeth. The invention in another embodiment includes one or more of the characters in the form of finger and or hand puppets.

Abstract: A bi-audible, bi-tactile, and visual transdermal delivery apparatus for delivering specific desired quantities of cream-base medicament or any flowable composition; comprising: a revolving platform with equispaced side tabs stemming from an outer and inner base rim responsible for yielding said bi-audible and bi-tactile sensations upon interaction with ticker tabs projecting form the bottom exterior wall of the house; a threaded screw-complex that interacts with an elevator to transport the medicament upwards; a house that confines an inner chamber to store the medicament; an applicator pad with a center outlet where the composition exits the chamber; and a safety cap. Equispaced digit tabs on the outer side wall of the rotatable platform indicate the amount to be delivered. The platform rotates 18° clockwise per actuation against equispaced line demarcations on the house delivering roughly a 1/20th of a milliliter of composition.

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

Abstract: An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable medium has a container with an outlet on the bottom. A pump is connected to the outlet. A replaceable reservoir is placed on top of the receptacle. The container is removably disposed within the dispenser base and includes a valve inside the outlet. The valve closes the outlet when the container is removed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing solvents removes the need for storing solvents in multitudes of small containers or containers which are not suitable for storing the solvents for a long duration. The system minimizes laboratory space requirements for the storage and handling of solvents. The system minimizes waste generation. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly and are able to be dispensed in small quantities for use as needed. The system for dispensing solvents also includes leak detection, a spill tray, a fume hood and other precautionary measures to ensure a safe handling environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic dispenser for dispensing a fluid and for instructing a user, comprising a) a holder device for a replaceable fluid container, wherein the holder device has a sensor for reading an identification of the replaceable fluid container, b) a delivery device, which enables a dispensing of a fluid from the fluid container, c) one or more touchless proximity sensors for detecting a hand of a user, d) an output device for the time-controlled output of a plurality of visual and/or sound-based instructions of a sequence of instructions to the user, and e) a controller having at least one data memory, wherein in a first data memory sequences of instructions associated with multiple and different replaceable containers and/or the identifications thereof are stored.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus comprising at least one container (1; 101) is provided, said container receiving a component and having an outlet (2) and a discharge element (3, 103). The discharge apparatus further comprises a rotating device, which has a drive member (4; 104) and a rotating member (5; 105), wherein upon a rotation of the rotating member relative to the drive member the drive member is moved in the axial direction and drives the discharge element in the at least one container for discharging the components. A housing element (6; 106) is provided, on or in which the at least one container (1; 101), the drive member (4; 104), and the rotating member (5; 105) are disposed, wherein at least the at least one container (1; 101) can be removed or is provided in the housing element (6; 106). The rotating device, together with the housing element, forms an accessory for the container.

Abstract: Individual portions of ice cream are dispensed from a bulk container. A motor drives a lead screw, to expand a scissor linkage and drive a dispensing head against the bulk container. Pressure applied to the container causes it to collapse and discharge ice cream from an outlet. The lead screw is orthogonal with the movement of the dispensing head and the axis of collapse of the container. The container, motor and lead screw are carried on a drawer which is slidably mounted in a refrigerated housing. Pressure is monitored to regulate operation of the motor. An encoder controls the motor for a specific portion size.