Abstract: A member mountable to a mounting portion provided with an ink receiving tube and a plurality of electrical connecting portions, the member includes a first portion including an outwardly facing surface and provided with an inserting portion into which the ink receiving tube is capable of being inserted; a second portion opposite from the first portion; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion with each other and provided with a plurality of pad electrodes electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions. The member is mountable to the mounting portion by being inserted into the mounting portion in an inserting direction with the first portion at a leading side. The pad electrodes are electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions by being moved in a direction different from the inserting direction.

Abstract: A member mountable to a mounting portion provided with an ink receiving tube and a plurality of electrical connecting portions, the member includes a first portion including an outwardly facing surface and provided with an inserting portion into which the ink receiving tube is capable of being inserted; a second portion opposite from the first portion; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion with each other and provided with a plurality of pad electrodes electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions. The member is mountable to the mounting portion by being inserted into the mounting portion in an inserting direction with the first portion at a leading side. The pad electrodes are electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions by being moved in a direction different from the inserting direction.

Abstract: A member includes a plurality of pad electrodes and a casing, wherein the plurality of pad electrodes are mounted on the casing and are rotatable relative to the casing on the casing.

Abstract: A member mountable to a mounting portion provided with an ink receiving tube and a plurality of electrical connecting portions, the member includes a first portion including an outwardly facing surface and provided with an inserting portion into which the ink receiving tube is capable of being inserted; a second portion opposite from the first portion; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion with each other and provided with a plurality of pad electrodes electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions. The member is mountable to the mounting portion by being inserted into the mounting portion in an inserting direction with the first portion at a leading side. The pad electrodes are electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions by being moved in a direction different from the inserting direction.

Abstract: An ink cartridge adapter or ink cartridge includes a casing; and a plurality of pad electrodes mounted on the casing so as to be movable in a direction outwardly away from a side surface of the casing.

Abstract: An ink cartridge adapter or ink cartridge includes a casing; and a plurality of pad electrodes mounted on the casing so as to be movable in a direction outwardly away from a side surface of the casing.

Abstract: A member mountable to a mounting portion provided with an ink receiving tube and a plurality of electrical connecting portions, the member includes a first portion including an outwardly facing surface and provided with an inserting portion into which the ink receiving tube is capable of being inserted; a second portion opposite from the first portion; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion with each other and provided with a plurality of pad electrodes electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions. The member is mountable to the mounting portion by being inserted into the mounting portion in an inserting direction with the first portion at a leading side. The pad electrodes are electrically connectable with the electrical connecting portions by being moved in a direction different from the inserting direction.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a liquid container including a ring part configured to be mounted to a liquid container, a resilient member positioned in the ring part to be in contact with the liquid contents of the liquid container, a ring member mountable to the ring part to secure the resilient member to the ring part, and a hollow connecting member with an outlet. The connecting member is releasably securable to the ring member and includes a hollow projecting member which, when the connecting member is secured to the ring member, engages the resilient member so as to urge an opening in the resilient member to permit liquid in the container to pass into the connecting member and subsequently out through the outlet.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a housing that has an air communication port and stores a liquid inside and a sealing member attached to the housing in such a way as to cover the air communication port. The sealing member includes an adherent region attached to the housing and a non-adherent region not attached to the housing. The non-adherent region extends to an end portion of the sealing member and forms a communication passage which establishes communication between the air communication port and air.

Abstract: A probe assembly and a method of manufacturing a probe assembly. In one aspect there is a method of manufacturing a probe assembly comprising providing an electrode carrier carrying a plurality of electrodes, the electrode carrier comprising a top wherein the plurality of electrodes are exposed relative to the top and a bottom having a plurality of electrical contacts in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes respectively; moulding a body around the electrode carrier to retain the electrode carrier whilst leaving the plurality of electrodes exposed. The invention also extends to a biomass monitoring system comprising a flexible enclosure including a probe assembly and support arrangement for receipt of the probe assembly in an engaged configuration.

Abstract: A liquid container is enabled to contain a liquid therein. An outer wall of the liquid container has a first surface, a second and a third surfaces are adjacent to the first surface, and the second surface and the third surface face each other. The first surface has a space in which a storage element storing the information on the liquid container is contained. The first surface and the second surface have a first recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface and the third surface have a second recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the third surface. The first recessed portion and the second recessed portion face each other across the space.

Abstract: A method for operating a food processor driven by an electric motor for preparing a preparation item based on a recipe prepares the preparation item in a vessel of the food processor in one or more sequential preparation steps, in particular via mixing and/or heating and/or comminuting. In order to further support the user of the food processor during the preparation process, an operating parameter of the food processor is automatically controlled as a function of a repeated, similar behavior of the user while selecting or executing a recipe and/or of a presence of a user in the area of the food processor.

Abstract: A nozzle unit 22 is attached to a mounting portion 15 of a coating apparatus 10 through a support portion 21. The nozzle unit 22 can move along an arc-shaped guide portion 29 provided on the support portion 21. The guide portion 29 maintains a tip of a nozzle 31 at a center position of the arc shape and supports the nozzle unit 22 such that the nozzle unit 22 can move along the arc shape.

Abstract: A slow cooker system including a plurality of slow cooker units including a stand having a pocket for receiving a first of the slow cooker units, a vertical support extending upwardly from the stand, and second and third slow cooker units each having an arm extending radially therefrom and pivotally attached to the vertical support above the first slow cooker unit. The second and third slow cooker units are pivotal between a non-use position and a use position where the first slow cooker may be accessed and slow cooking operations may be performed simultaneously in the first, second and third slow cooker units. The arms of the second and third slow cooker units are each pivotally attached to a ratcheting arrangement disposed in the vertical support to lock the second and third slow cooking units when moved to the use and non-use positions.

Abstract: A liquid container is enabled to contain a liquid therein. An outer wall of the liquid container has a first surface, a second and a third surfaces are adjacent to the first surface, and the second surface and the third surface face each other. The first surface has a space in which a storage element storing the information on the liquid container is contained. The first surface and the second surface have a first recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface and the third surface have a second recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the third surface. The first recessed portion and the second recessed portion face each other across the space.

Abstract: A pastry bag includes: a container containing a creamy substance; a nozzle connected to the container; and an auxiliary member. The auxiliary member includes: a fixing portion fixed to the nozzle; and a positioning portion to be brought into contact with a creation surface on which a decoration is to be created.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to arrangements involving a computer system and a kitchen appliance. In one illustrative implementation, such computer system may include a data processing device on which a computer-implemented process is run as a web application, the process being designed to set up a control program for the kitchen appliance, wherein the control program enables an automated preparation of a meal via preparation instruction(s) of the kitchen appliance. Further, in some implementations, the kitchen appliance may comprise a microprocessor, a heatable stirring vessel, and a stirring mechanism located in the stirring vessel, wherein the microprocessor is set up to control the stirring mechanism and/or the heater based on the control program generated.

Abstract: There are provided a liquid ejecting device that can efficiently supply liquid inside a liquid containing unit with a simple structure and the liquid containing unit. The present invention is the liquid ejecting device which includes a liquid container, a head that is provided on a carriage and has a liquid containing unit capable of storing liquid thereinside and a liquid ejecting unit, and a flexible member that connects the liquid container to the liquid containing unit and supplies the liquid stored inside the liquid container to the liquid containing unit. A holding member is arranged inside the liquid containing unit to hold the liquid, and the shortest distance between a supply port opened to an inside of the liquid containing unit and the holding member is 0.1 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

Abstract: A downsized liquid ejecting device is provided. To do so, the liquid ejecting device includes a liquid container, a head provided on a carriage and having a liquid containing unit capable of storing liquid thereinside, and a liquid ejecting unit ejecting liquid, and a flexible member that connects between the liquid container and the liquid containing unit and supplies the liquid stored inside the liquid container to the liquid containing unit, and a concave portion is formed on an outer wall surface of the liquid containing unit, and a projected portion that is inserted to the flexible member is formed inside the concave portion.

Abstract: There are provided a liquid ejecting device stably containing liquid inside a liquid containing unit, a head, and a liquid filling method. The liquid ejecting device includes a liquid container that can store liquid thereinside, a head including a liquid containing unit that has a holding member capable of holding liquid thereinside and a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid, and a flexible member that connects the liquid container to the liquid containing unit and supplies the liquid stored inside the liquid container to the liquid containing unit, and an internal space of the liquid containing unit has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a value obtained by dividing a length of a long side of a cross-section along a horizontal surface in the internal space by a length of the holding member along a gravity direction is 1.5 or more in a posture having the head provided on the carriage.

Abstract: A liquid container is enabled to contain a liquid therein. An outer wall of the liquid container has a first surface, a second and a third surfaces are adjacent to the first surface, and the second surface and the third surface face each other. The first surface has a space in which a storage element storing the information on the liquid container is contained. The first surface and the second surface have a first recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface and the third surface have a second recessed portion that crosses a boundary between the first surface and the third surface. The first recessed portion and the second recessed portion face each other across the space.

Abstract: A liquid supplying device includes a liquid cartridge and a cartridge mounting unit having a liquid extraction tube. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber, a valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber, first and second air channels, a seal member having a through-hole, a valve element having a closing part, first and second sealing parts and a liquid channel. A third sealing part is provided on the closing part or the liquid extraction tube. The liquid extraction tube entering into the valve chamber through the through-hole contacts the closing part, moving the valve element in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first state where the closing part closes the through-hole, to a second state where the third sealing part closes the through-hole, and to a third state where the valve chamber is communicated with inside of the liquid extraction tube.

Abstract: The ink cartridge has a communication unit for allowing an ink storage chamber to communicate with a space outside a housing. The communication unit includes a communication port formed on an outside surface of the housing, a merging channel having an end which communicates with the communication port, and a plurality of branch channels, each having an end which communicates with the merging channel and the other end which communicates with the ink storage chamber. In the branch channel, while ink flows backward, the ink flowing from the merging channel branches into the first branch channel and the second branch channel. At the same time, a ratio (Q1/Q2) between an ink flow rate in the first branch channel and an ink flow rate in the second branch channel while the ink is supplied is smaller than that while the ink flows backward.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber, a valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber, first and second air channels, a movable body, and first and second sealing parts. The valve chamber is defined by a side wall surface and a proximal wall surface, the side wall surface extending in the first direction and having an annular-shaped cross-section and being formed with a first opening and a second opening separated from each other in a circumferential direction. The movable body is disposed within the valve chamber and movable in a in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the first sealing part interrupts communication between the first and second openings. In the second state, the first opening and the second opening are in communication with each other.

Abstract: A liquid supplying device includes a liquid cartridge and a cartridge mounting unit having a liquid extraction tube. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid chamber, a valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber, first and second air channels, a seal member having a through-hole, a valve element having a closing part, first and second sealing parts and a liquid channel. A third sealing part is provided on the closing part or the liquid extraction tube. The liquid extraction tube entering into the valve chamber through the through-hole contacts the closing part, moving the valve element in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first state where the closing part closes the through-hole, to a second state where the third sealing part closes the through-hole, and to a third state where the valve chamber is communicated with inside of the liquid extraction tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of a product dispenser are taught which utilize an inertial valve to open the dispenser upon acceleration of the dispenser. The product dispenser includes an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall and a valve support plate. At least one inertial valve is located on the valve support plate to dispense material or product through the at least one valve.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device is disclosed for applying a liquid from a container to a surface. A closure defining a closure aperture is secured the closure to the container. A sealing member sealingly engages with the closure mounting. The sealing member has a tubular sleeve with an applicator slidably disposed within the tubular sleeve. The applicator comprises a hollow interior with an applicator tip defined by an outer applicator portion of the applicator. A biasing member coacts between the closure and the applicator for urging the applicator to form a seal with the sealing member. A depression of the outer applicator portion against the surface displaces the applicator from the sealing member to enable the flow of the liquid from the container to the applicator tip of the applicator.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir including a bottom and a duct that defines an opening, a sealing ball being engaged in the duct in such a manner as to close the opening hermetically, the ball being movable by an external thrust member in such a manner as to cause the ball to fall by gravity to the bottom of the reservoir so that the opening is thus unblocked. The duct is connected to a dip tube that extends into the proximity of the bottom of the reservoir, the duct presenting a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the dip tube, the ball being in leaktight engagement in the duct before being pushed into the dip tube in which it falls freely to the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: The dispensing device (1) has a beverage receptacle (2) with holes (200) in the base thereof, said holes being stopped with valves (3); a supporting base (4) that supports the receptacle; serving mechanisms (5) for opening the valves; and a cooling element mounted between the receptacle and the stand. The base (20) of the receptacle has, within, a convex central portion (201) and a peripheral portion (202) with the emptying holes, and the outer part thereof has a concave central portion (203) and a peripheral zone (204) with housings (205) for mounting a respective valve. The stand has an upper portion (40) in which the receptacle fits, and supporting legs (41). The serving mechanisms (5) are mounted in the upper portion of the stand, operationally facing the respective valve. The cooling element (6) is designed to be fitted inside the upper portion of the stand, with the base of the receptacle located above said element.

Abstract: A dispensing closure system, a package including the same, a method of making the package on a form-fill-seal machine and a method of dispensing flowable products from the package are disclosed. The package includes an openable port in a wall in communication with the package's interior. The closure system comprises a fitment having a hollow body member, a resilient valve, and retainer assembly. The body member is secured to the package's wall and encircles the openable port. The valve is held in the body member by the retainer assembly, which comprises a retaining ring and a cap integrally connected to each other by a frangible connection. The cap includes a handle which may be pulled to break the frangible connection to remove the cap and thereby expose the valve for a dispensing probe to be extended therethrough to dispense the product.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing compressed fluid from a can through a valve stem of the can has a hollow tube with a channel extending through it from an entrance end to an opposing dispensing end, a connector defining a conduit therethrough that is in fluid communication with the channel of the hollow tube and that attaches to a valve stem of a can, a plug located within the channel of the hollow tube that forms a sealing configuration within the channel when pressed towards the dispensing end of the channel, and a sleeve that wraps at least partially around the hollow tube and that has a protrusion that upon activating the sleeve extends through the dispensing end of the hollow tube and prevents the plug from establishing a sealing configuration with the hollow tube.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided for mounting a valve for accommodating the flow of fluent a substance from a supply of the fluent substance wherein the valve includes a peripheral attachment portion, an intermediate portion extending from the peripheral attachment portion, and a flexible, resilient head that extends from the intermediate portion and that has (a) a first side, (b) a second side, (c) at least one self-sealing slit through the head, (d) a laterally marginal portion adjacent the intermediate portion, and (e) confronting, openable portions along the slit to define an initially closed orifice. The mounting system includes a retention structure for engaging holding the valve and includes an abutment structure.

Abstract: A tap for liquids dispenses liquids including wines from plastic bags or bladders packaged in cardboard boxes, and has three modes of operation. Liquids may be dispensed from the box on a shelf by manually turning a rotatable cap to open a valve for liquid to flow by gravity; an adapter attached to the tap automates the process and dispenses liquids through a pump; and the tap may be used to fill bags or bladders from an automated filling machine. In a first embodiment, the rotatable cap must be manually opened for both manual and automated operation. In a second embodiment, the rotatable cap may remain closed and the adapter can still dispense liquids through the tap using a pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as a liquid anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a frame member defining a frame passage extending from a first end of the frame member to a second end of the frame member and a nozzle connected to the frame member. The nozzle can be moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame member, and can define a plug member configured to block the second end of the frame passage when the nozzle is in the first position. The apparatus can further include a biasing member connected to the frame member and the nozzle.

Abstract: A resealable closure and valve assembly adapted to be coupled to a container to selectively control the dispensing of liquid from the container. The resealable closure and valve assembly includes a non-mechanically biased stop selectively engageable with a passageway to selectively seal the passageway from a dispensable product, such as a liquid contained within a container. In some embodiments, the stop is adapted to reseal the passageway by the force of weight applied to the stop by fluid in the container. In some embodiments, the stop is adapted to reseal the passageway via a suction force.

Abstract: A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fitment for use with a collapsible bag for dispensing liquids or semi-solids comprising a spout having a generally cylindrical body attached to a collapsible bag, a cap attached to the spout having positioned therein a flexible cap duckbill that allows for the flow of fluid when engaged with a probe assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fitment for use with a collapsible bag for dispensing liquids or semi-solids comprising a spout having a generally cylindrical body attached to a collapsible bag, an aseptic flip-cap attached to the spout having positioned therein a flexible cap duckbill that allows for the flow of fluid when engaged with a probe assembly, wherein said duckbill flip-cap fitment forms an aseptic seal with the spout on the collapsible bag.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for use with mop-like devices. The assembly adapts to mop-like devices and utilizes a collapsible fluid reservoir pouch preferably contained within a substantially rigid housing. The collapsible fluid reservoir pouch permits fluid dispensing without need for venting. The assembly preferably utilizes one or the other of a fluid conducting needle and a venting needle found in a fluid disbursement fitment of commercially available mop-like devices, but the needles are not used to puncture membranes in a fluid reservoir. Rather, they provide mechanical force to actuate a valve that is used to permit flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid disbursement fitment.

Abstract: A tongue and groove arrangement guides an outer cap in an axial direction with respect to an inner cap. When a cap is fixed to a mouth of a container body, the outer cap is located in a direction of separating from the inner cap in the axial direction, and an inner face of a top wall of the outer cap is separated from a valve to urge the valve in a direction of projecting from a discharge hole of an inside plug, causing the discharge hole to close. When the cap is detached and removed from the mouth, the outer cap is moved in a direction of approaching the inner cap in the axial direction, and the inner face abuts the valve urged in a direction of separating from the discharge hole while resisting against an urging member, causing the discharge hole to open.

Abstract: A dispensing closure system, a package including the same, a method of making the package on a form-fill-seal machine and a method of dispensing flowable products from the package are disclosed. The package includes an openable port in a wall in communication with the package's interior. The closure system comprises a fitment having a hollow body member, a resilient valve, and retainer assembly. The body member is secured to the package's wall and encircles the openable port. The valve is held in the body member by the retainer assembly, which comprises a retaining ring and a cap integrally connected to each other by a frangible connection. The cap includes a handle which may be pulled to break the frangible connection to remove the cap and thereby expose the valve for a dispensing probe to be extended therethrough to dispense the product.

Abstract: A drinking cap constitutes a one-piece molding of polymeric material including a first circular section tubular portion (2) for connection to the mouth of a beverage container and a second smaller circular section tubular portion (6) situated at least partially within the first tubular portion. The first tubular portion is connected to the second tubular portion by a resilient, annular, integral web (4), in which one or more flow openings (18) are formed. One end of the second tubular portion (6) is closed. The upper or external surface of the web (4) carries a projecting annular first sealing flange (20) at a point intermediate its ends, as seen in axial sectional view. The first and second tubular portion (2, 6) are coaxial and relatively movable in the axial direction between an open position, in which the flow openings (18) are unobstructed, and a closed position, in which the sealing flange (20) is in sealing engagement with the internal surface of the first tubular portion (2).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc-shaped device for storing and dispensing perfume which has a plurality of compartments for storing different perfumes by molding a unitary piece of plastics material to form at least one wall of a compartment, resilient bands, a sealing stem flange and an actuating stem.

Abstract: A triggering and dispensing head to be mounted on a pump for a liquid product dispenser provided with an exhaust conduit wherein the head has a body provided with an ejection channel closable by a flap which has a center punch translationally displaceable in the channel and hingeable about a drive billet connected to an axial rod sliding in the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A discharge structure for a liquid container for, for instance, instant adhesive agents, including a container casing having a nozzle opening, a nozzle open/close member integrally made of plastic material and having a spring portion and an open/close rod extending from the spring portion and elastically urged toward the nozzle opening, and a cap detachably fitted on the container. The cap has an abutting section at its inside deep end so as to push the projecting tip end of the tapered end of the open/close rod into the nozzle opening and contacts the nozzle opening to close it. The nozzle opening is opened during the process of removal of the cap to release inside high pressure and then closed by the tapered end, thus preventing abrupt discharge of the inside adhesive when the tapered end is pushed into the nozzle opening upon use.

Abstract: A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.

Abstract: A disc-shaped device for storing and dispensing perfume has a plurality of compartments for storing different perfumes. Each compartment has an aperture through an outer circumferential wall of the device through which the perfume is released from the compartment. Each aperture contains a stem extending through the aperture and a larger diameter stem flange portion located inside each compartment which seals against the inner side of the outer circumferential wall. The stem is biased radially outwardly by resilient bands so that the stem flange is held sealed against the inner side of the outer circumferential wall. Pushing on the stem against the bias of the resilient bands opens the aperture so that perfume is released from the compartment.

Abstract: A noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayer includes a body, which defines a chamber. A piston is positioned within the container and is coupled to a shaft. The piston divides the chamber into an upper section and a lower section. An inlet valve is positioned on the body and permits flow of fluid into the lower section but restricts flow out of the lower section. The shaft of the piston is coupled to a handle. A spray nozzle includes an actuator that is coupled to a control valve and a discharge outlet that is in fluid communication with the lower section of the chamber. In one embodiment, a tube extends continuously from a point upstream of the control valve to a point downstream of the control valve. In another embodiment, a tube is coupled to the piston and extends through the handle. In another embodiment, the tube extends continuously from the spray nozzle and is coupled to the piston.

Abstract: By means of a fluid material discharge device of simple construction, a technique for fluid material discharge is provided which has few or no inadequate discharge, high productivity, and which enables easy modification and adjustment of the amount of fluid material discharge. The fluid material discharge device comprises a nozzle for discharge of fluid material and a filament-shape member inserted into the nozzle for use. The filament-shape member has a tip portion AA, which is exposed outside of the nozzle when no pressure is exerted on the tip of the filament-shape member, a portion BB which can be inserted into the nozzle, and a portion CC, on the side of the filament-shape member opposite the tip portion AA, and being bent from the portion BB. The spring structure of the filament-shape member is utilized to discharge fluid material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.