Abstract: An injection molding system (5) comprised of: a valve (10) comprising an actuator (1000) that includes a linear drive member (150, 154, 158) adapted to travel along a first linear path of travel (L1), a valve pin (80) adapted to travel linearly upstream and downstream within the flow passage (15) between pin upstream (81) and pin downstream (82) positions along a second linear path of travel (L2) that is non-coaxial relative to the first linear path of travel (L1), the actuator (1000) being interconnected to the valve pin (80) in an arrangement wherein movement of the linear drive member (150, 154, 158) along the first linear path of travel (L1) drives the valve pin (80) along the second linear path of travel (L2).

Abstract: Mixer bucket (1) provided with a hopper (12) having a concave bottom portion (120) provided with an opening (122) arranged between a first and a second continuous portions (124)(126); a funnel-shaped member (30) being carried by the concave portion (120) so as to face the opening (122) and define a gravity discharge for mixture; the funnel-shaped member (30) being carried by the hopper (12) by means of a guide (128) aligned with the given direction (D); actuating means (40) being carried by the hopper (12) to move the funnel-shaped member (30) along the guide (128) between a first position (P1), where it faces the opening (122), and a second position (P2)(P3), lateral with respect to the opening (122) in correspondence of one of the first and second flanks (14)(16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a jar comprising: a body having an upper wall, a flexible pouch containing a product to be dispensed, a deformable chamber delimited by a rigid wall and a flexible diaphragm and in fluidic communication with, for the one part, the flexible pouch and, for the other part, a dispensing orifice that opens out at the upper wall, a lid mounted on the upper wall so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position, the movement between these positions consisting of the lid being slid over the upper wall, pressurizing means designed to press on the flexible diaphragm while the lid moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that opens/closes a flow path for fluids. The valve apparatus comprises a tubular valve seat, and a valve. The valve comprises a valve body and a peripheral part. The peripheral part extends around an outer circumference of the valve seat from a periphery of the valve body towards upstream of the flow path for fluids.

Abstract: A seed storage and dispensing bin includes a walled container having a top, a bottom opposite the top, an interior space defined between the top and the bottom and a divider dividing the interior space into first and second separate spaces each sized to receive a plurality of seeds therein. First and second openings are defined in the walled container at or near the bottom thereof, with each opening to a respective one of the first and second spaces. First and second doors are mounted to the container over the first and second openings respectively. Means are provided for moving the first door between open and closed positions thereof, and for moving the second door between open and closed positions thereof. In some embodiments, the same or different cross-sectional areas of the first and second openings may be exposed through selective movement of the first and second doors respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product mechanical and/or pneumatic conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes a static distributor interconnecting the supply lines of the conveying system with the distribution lines connected to the individual nozzles. The static distributor includes internal structures that effectively divert the incoming particulate material evenly across the interior of the static distributor such that the particulate material is evenly distributed into each of the distribution lines. The static distributor accomplishes this without the need for any moving parts or control systems/devices.

Abstract: A device for distributing a liquid. The device includes a bottle including a reservoir designed to store liquid, and a distribution element, and a concealment assembly. The distribution element allows the liquid to be distributed from the inside to the outside of the reservoir. The concealment assembly includes a base and a concealment ring that is movable along a main displacement axis from a first, operating position, to a second, locking position. The displacement of the concealment ring occurs through a helical movement of the concealment ring relative to the base in relation to the main displacement axis. As well, the displacement of the concealment ring from the operating position to the locking position allows at least part of the distribution element to be concealed. Finally, the concealment element further includes a ballast rigidly connected to the concealment ring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure for an outlet opening of a container comprising a first component which snaps onto an outlet opening and provides a seal for an outlet opening said first component snaps with a second component of said closure; wherein the first component comprises one or more rails to enable stability of the assembly and defines the direction of movement of the second component relative to the first component; a second component comprising a dispensing orifice of said second component, said second component, snaps with said first component; wherein the second component comprises ribs which engage the rail(s) of said first component; a dispensing orifice positioned directly adjacent to the open portion of the container body; wherein one or more directions of the movement of the second component relative to the first component are independently controlled by rails and ribs.

Abstract: A plastic soft tube with a cap structure able to control outflow includes a tube main body, a main body connector having an outlet, and an outer cap. The main body connector is provided with an inner cap and a middle cap fitted on the inner cap. The inner cap includes a protruding post. The protruding post has a first passageway. A lower end of the protruding post is connected with a protrusion for the first passageway selectively to communicate with the outlet or not to communicate with the outlet. The middle cap has a post hole corresponding to the protruding post. The middle cap and the inner cap are movably mated with each other. When the middle cap is turned, the inner cap is brought to move up and down relative to the main body connector for controlling the outflow of the liquid or paste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing closure and a container with such a dispensing closure. The dispensing closure comprises a base element, a spout element and a rotatable operating element, wherein the spout element can be axially moved between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container having a tapping column fixed to and extending normal to the top surface of a top plate with an opening and forming an elbow is disclosed. The column has an elongated inner channel bringing in fluid communication the support plate with a tapping pinch valve located in a tapping head at the elbow. The tapping pinch valve has jaws for receiving in pinching relationship the outlet end of the dispensing line and controlling flow of liquid by varying the distance between the jaws from a closed to an open position. A flexible dispensing line, having inlet and outlet ends, extends in the channel. The outlet end engages the pinch valve, and the inlet end connects to a keg. A device for opening the channel includes the pinch valve so a distance larger than the open position separates the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding of plastic materials includes an injection machine platen, a mold including a backing plate for securing the mold to the injection machine platen, a distributor of the plastic material to be injected adjacent to the backing plate and bearing at least one injector including a nozzle within which a pin valve is axially movable, and a respective electric actuator with associated transmission to operate the displacement of the pin valve between a closed position and an open position. The transmission includes a variable-length connecting rod.

Abstract: A cover for a portable fluid dispenser is disclosed. The cover comprises a flip lid component operable to rotate open to provide access to a liquid storage cavity of the portable fluid dispenser. It also comprises a lever operatively coupled to the flip lid component, wherein the lever comprises a press member on one end and an actuation arm on a far end of the lever opposite from the press member. A downward force applied to the press member causes the lever to rotate around a first pivot point. Further, the rotation of the lever around the first pivot point causes the actuation arm to push on the flip lid component at an actuation point, wherein the flip lid component pivots around a second pivot point and rotates open in response to a resulting force applied at the actuation point.

Abstract: A liquid (24) and or ice (60) dispensing system (10) for a door or wall (14) mounted dispenser of an appliance is provided. The system (10) includes a source of liquid (24) and or ice (60) which is adapted to be delivered to a dispensing outlet (24, 60). The source is controlled by a valve means which can be activated by at least one switch means (22) associated with said system (10). The switch means (22) is activated by movement of an actuator means (12) through which said outlet (24, 60) dispenses said liquid (24) or ice (60). The actuator means (12) includes a formation (30) comprising a portion extending away from the actuator means (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing valve for dispensing liquids into a reservoir container, with a main valve and with an operating lever designed for opening the main valve against a force biasing the main valve into the closed position, wherein the valve actuation mechanism has a continuous characteristic with a smooth profile, with which, when subjecting the operating lever to an actuation force at the start of a valve opening stroke, a different opening force is exerted on the main valve than when subjecting the operating lever to the same actuation force during the later course of the valve opening stroke.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: A cover for a portable fluid dispenser is disclosed. The cover comprises a flip lid component operable to rotate open to provide access to a liquid storage cavity of the portable fluid dispenser. It also comprises a lever operatively coupled to the flip lid component, wherein the lever comprises a press member on one end and an actuation arm on a far end of the lever opposite from the press member. A downward force applied to the press member causes the lever to rotate around a first pivot point. Further, the rotation of the lever around the first pivot point causes the actuation arm to push on the flip lid component at an actuation point, wherein the flip lid component pivots around a second pivot point and rotates open in response to a resulting force applied at the actuation point.

Abstract: A dispenser for a dishwasher having a wash tub includes a fluid reservoir to hold a treating chemistry, a lid operatively mounted to the fluid reservoir, and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a hydraulic actuator fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to initiate movement of the lid between its closed and the open positions in response to fluid pressure applied to the actuator by the fluid source.

Abstract: An ice dispenser is disclosed herein. The ice dispenser may include an ice chute and an ice gate mechanism positioned about the ice chute. The ice gate mechanism may include a downwardly opening ice gate operated by a pivoting lever system.

Abstract: A portable liquid applicator system and a method for applying liquid directly from an original package container, e.g., a five-gallon bucket, to a surface. The system includes a wheeled platform onto which the container is positioned such that fluid within the container flows toward a pour opening. A extended actuating handle engages a valve at the pour opening and allows the valve to be opened and closed by a user in an upright position, rather than having to bend to operate the valve. A method includes positioning the container on the platform, opening the valve, and then moving the platform to disperse the liquid onto a surface.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a liquid container includes a hollow flexible dispensing portion and a dispenser. The dispensing mechanism includes a first lever arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis and a second lever arranged to pivot about a second pivot axis and includes a user operated portion. The first lever includes a first sliding surface and the second lever includes a second sliding surface. The first and second sliding surfaces bear in sliding abutment against each other at an abutment point. The first and second pivot axes are substantially parallel to each other, and a first plane extends through the first and second pivot axes. In a non-actuated position of the dispensing mechanism, the user operated portion of the second lever and the abutment point are arranged on a first side of the first plane.

Abstract: Drink bottles, or drink containers with cap assemblies that include a drink spout. In some embodiments, the drink spout is pivotally coupled to a base of the cap assembly. In some embodiments, the drink spouts include mouthpieces, including self-sealing and/or bite-actuated mouthpieces. In some embodiments, the cap assembly includes a handle, which may include at least one guard for the drink spout and/or mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the drink containers include a manual on/off valve. In some embodiments, the dispensing spout includes a mount for the mouthpiece and/or cooperates with the cap to provide a manual on/off valve to selectively restrict flow of drink fluid from the drink container regardless of the drink spout's and/or mouthpiece's configuration. In some embodiments, the drink containers include a drink tube extending from external of the drink containers and/or an air return system.

Abstract: A dispenser head for dispensing a liquid or pasty medium, which dispenser head is fastenable to a container storing the medium, including an intermediate element with a receiving opening for the container and an actuating handle which is coupled displaceably in an actuating direction to the intermediate element, wherein the intermediate element and/or the actuating handle have/has at least one releasable connecting element providing a retaining force between the intermediate element and the actuating handle, which retaining force is opposed to a relative movement between the intermediate element and the actuating handle.

Abstract: A tap for use in association with bag in box containers including a body, a plug member and a drip limiting assembly. The body includes a tap nozzle with a dispensing opening. A nozzle opening is placeable in fluid communication the dispensing opening and with a bag of a bag in box container. The plug member has a second end structurally configured to interface with the dispensing opening and with the plug member. The plug member is selectively actuatable between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the open orientation, the nozzle opening is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening. In the closed orientation, the nozzle opening is precluded from fluid communication with the dispensing opening. The drip limiting assembly is disposed at the dispensing opening. The drip limiting assembly limits the formation of drips after the plug member is returned to a closed orientation.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers in which the filling rate for the products can be varied, thus enabling the filling machine to be used for different filling products, and in particular products having different viscosities. The machine comprises at least one filling station comprising a filling spout provided with a supply opening and a discharge opening, a blocking system mounted in the filling spout, and a supply pipe connected to the supply opening upstream of said blocking system. The supply pipe comprises at least one section made of a flexible tube, the supply apparatus further comprising a clamp adapted to clamp the flexible tube in order to modify the cross-section of the internal passage of the flexible tube, the clamp adapted to move between at least two positions corresponding to different cross-sections of the internal passage of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator includes a cavity provided at one side of a door and a discharge opening provided at an upper surface of the cavity. A cover is movable to inside of the cavity, and configured to open and close the cavity. An inclination surface is provided on an inner surface of the cavity. A switch on the inclination controls dispensing of water or ice from the discharge opening. Under this configuration, water or ice is dispensed from the discharge opening if the switch is actuated as the cover moves to the inside of the cavity to contact the inclination surface. The cover is coplanar with an outer surface of the door to close the cavity.

Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly for a container including a main body member (1) which is adapted, in use, to be releasably affixable to the container, that main body member (1) including a dispensing means (4) and a lever or control member (10) which is adapted to be releasably associated with the main body member (1), as well as a flap or closure member (20) which is adapted to be releasably associated with both the main body member (1) and the lever or control member (10) such that movement of the lever or control member (10) allows for selective and controlled movement of the flap or closure member (30) between respective end positions into, and out of engagement with the dispensing means (4) of the main body member (1).

Abstract: A dispenser for animal feed or other granular material in which the material is dispensed as a mound, includes a dispenser body with a container having an outlet for discharging material by gravity feed onto a surface, a shelf or other moveable member beneath the outlet that travels vertically relative to the container to vary the gap between the container outlet and the surface, and an actuator to permit adjustment of the moveable member. The actuator uses frictional force to retain the moveable member in a selected position, which can be adjusted by overcoming the frictional force.

Abstract: A hand sanitizing apparatus for sanitizing a person's hand while operating a handle of a door opener. The apparatus includes a housing body received about the door opener and limiting access to the handle. A canister of hand sanitizer is received into the housing body, and the canister has a nozzle. The apparatus includes an actuator mounted within the housing body upon an axle for movement from a first position to a second position. The actuator has a hand-contacting portion including a palm-contacting paddle, and the actuator is operably coupled to the nozzle and to the handle. As the actuator is moved from the first to the second position, the handle opens the door as the nozzle dispenses hand sanitizer from the canister.

Abstract: Condiment containers that can be refilled from the bottom are disclosed. Spouts for dispensing condiments, which have mechanisms to open and close them, are also disclosed. A method of refilling condiment containers includes the steps of connecting a spout to a bulk condiment bag and to a conduit in the bottom of a condiment container. Once the spout is connected to the bag and the condiment container, the spout is activated by moving it from a closed to an open position. When the spout is in the open position, the condiment can travel from the bulk condiment bag, through the spout, and into the condiment container. Condiment container crates and condiment container caps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing liquid or paste-like substances includes a dispenser head with a mouth opening. At least a part of the dispenser head with the mouth opening is extendable and retractable with respect to a surrounding housing wall. A surface that comes in contact with the mouth opening or with an end face region of a protruding wall formed so as to surround the mouth opening encloses an acute angle with a vertical in a cross-section in which the surface appears as a line, and, in the retracted state, this region is in contact with an identically-formed support surface on the housing wall which faces the mouth opening or the end face region.

Abstract: A connector (1) for delivering taps (3) is described, comprising: a pouring element (5) that connects a tube (7) that takes liquid from the tap (3) to a dispensing device; a valve (15) made of silicone, that performs static and dynamic seals inside the connector (1); a body (11), that contains the tap (3) and is coupled with the pouring element (5); at least one lever (20), that is connected to the body (11) and makes the tap (3) open through a rotation around a fulcrum (22) obtained on the body (11); and a small blocking plug (16), connected to the lever (20) and adapted to engage the tap (3) in an opening and continuous delivery position thereof; the small plug (16) is made in a single piece with a metallic spring (28) having a flexible shape for inserting and fastening it to the lever (20): the spring (28) is adapted, upon opening the connector (1), to make the small plug (16) go back to its opening position.

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: The present invention provides a spout for use with containers, particularly portable fuel containers. The spout has a slide assembly physically coupled to a proximally positioned plunger. The slide and plunger may be moved in tandem to variably control the flow rate of liquid or fuel through it. The spout may have a main body portion and a nozzle portion, and an exit opening at or near the distal end of the spout. Passageways within the spout are designed to encourage segregated and orderly flows of liquid/fuel and air for control and increased flow rate of liquid/fuel from a container. The spout may further have a holder(s) on the side of the spout for contacting or engaging a structure or surface of a container, tank, etc., being filled, to help hold and properly position the spout to avoid overflow during use. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spout for use with containers, particularly portable fuel containers (PFCs). The spout generally has a slide assembly physically coupled to a proximally positioned plunger such that the slide and plunger may be manually moved in tandem to variably control the flow rate of liquid or fuel through it. Movement of slide assembly in a distal direction opens the spout, whereas movement in a proximal direction closes the spout. The slide assembly may be in a recessed cavity on the top of the spout. The spout may have a main body portion and a nozzle portion, and a side exit opening at or near the distal end of the spout. Passageways within the spout are designed to encourage segregated and orderly flows of liquid/fuel and air for control and increased flow rate of liquid/fuel from the container. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid (24) and or ice (60) dispensing system (10) for a door or wall (14) mounted dispenser of an appliance is provided. The system (10) includes a source of liquid (24) and or ice (60) which is adapted to be delivered to a dispensing outlet (24, 60). The source is controlled by a valve means which can be activated by at least one switch means (22) associated with said system. The switch means (22) is activated by movement of an actuator means (12) through which said outlet (24, 60) dispenses said liquid (24) or ice (60). The actuator means (12) includes a formation (30) comprising a portion extending away from the actuator means (12).

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: A lid for a beverage bottle includes a lid body that is fastenable onto the bottle and an actuation dial that rotates on the lid body. The actuation dial rotates a rotating spout while permitting the spout to move axially by teeth sliding in channels. As the spout is rotated, it moves on threads within the lid body to provide the axial movement. A gasket within the spout bears against a plug of the lid body when the spout has been moved to the closed position. The gasket is free of the plug to form a fluid passageway from the bottle through the lid body and the spout when the spout has been moved to the open position. The gasket includes a seal ring bearing on a fluid flow tube of the lid body to prevent leaks.

Abstract: A discharge device including: a conduit defining a closed channel for flow; a valve housing in fluid communication with the conduit wherein the valve housing contains a sealing member slideably engaged within the valve housing; an actuating lever connected about a fulcrum, the fulcrum connected to the conduit, the actuating lever operably engaged with the sealing member; and a resilient member operably engaged with the actuating lever and biasing the actuating lever to maintain the sealing member to be in a closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a faucet assembly for dispensing liquids from a container, and more particularly, a handle assembly that is connectable to a liquid dispenser of a container for use with a variety of liquids. The faucet assembly is configured to be compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) Guidelines which require certain features of various equipment to be at a dimension or within a range of dimensions that allow access to a person who might have a temporary or permanent disability and require a faucet assembly connected to a liquid or beverage container to be lower than a certain height and depth or set back dimension when the container is placed on a surface for dispensing the liquid from the container. A faucet assembly with a handle assembly that extends downwardly and outwardly from the top of the faucet assembly to ensure the faucet can be actuated by a person within the ADA Guidelines.

Abstract: A tap for use in association with bag in box containers including a body, a plug member and a drip limiting assembly. The body includes a tap nozzle with a dispensing opening. A nozzle opening is placeable in fluid communication the dispensing opening and with a bag of a bag in box container. The plug member has a second end structurally configured to interface with the dispensing opening and with the plug member. The plug member is selectively actuatable between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the open orientation, the nozzle opening is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening. In the closed orientation, the nozzle opening is precluded from fluid communication with the dispensing opening. The drip limiting assembly is disposed at the dispensing opening. The drip limiting assembly limits the formation of drips after the plug member is returned to a closed orientation.

Abstract: With a force actuated valve operator utilizing a base member. The base member holds and orients a tap and connected container to allow accessibility of a force actuator valve operator of the same. The base member includes a passageway for conducting liquid from the tap to a spout. A holder positions the base member on the first side of a partition such that the force actuated valve operator of the tap lies adjacent the first side of the partition. The spout linked to the passageway of the base member extends to the second side of the partition. An arm is operated by a handle. The arm and handle are supported by the partition such that the arm contacts the force actuated valve operator of the tap to release liquid from the container to the spout.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing an adhesive or sealant from a vessel, in particular from a pressurized vessel, via a valve. For this purpose, the dispenser is equipped with a lever with a grip region for actuating the valve. The dispenser also has an attachment, on which the lever is fitted in a pivotable manner, and an actuator with a supporting region for the lever. The actuator is configured such that it can be rotated relative to the attachment, and the supporting region is therefore variable, in order to change the effective lever path for the actuation of the valve, for activating or deactivating the dispenser or for varying the volume flow as product is dispensed.

Abstract: The present application provides a dispensing system for dispensing a beverage from a container. The dispensing system may include a dispensing valve adapted to be positioned within the container, a dispensing valve receptacle for receiving the dispensing valve, and a dispensing lever connected to the dispensing valve receptacle. Moving the dispensing lever causes the dispensing valve receptacle to rotate the dispensing valve so as to dispense the beverage from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing appliance allowing the loading of a container together with a dispensing tube is disclosed. After loading the container into the holding portion of the appliance, a dispensing cartridge is engaged into a receiving system provided in the dispensing portion of the appliance, which is movable with respect to the holding portion from a first loading position to a second dispensing position. The cartridge partially encases a dispensing tube with both inlet and outlet ends protruding out of first and second sides of the cartridge, such that the outlet portion of the dispensing tube is flexible. Upon engaging the cartridge into the receiving system, the outlet portion is engaged into a pinch valve while the inlet points towards the dispensing opening of the container. The dispensing tube inlet is introduced into the dispensing opening upon moving the dispensing portion of the appliance to its second dispensing position.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing head has a body with an end surface and an area that couples the head to a source container. The end surface has an outlet opening connected to the coupling area. The head also has a slider, constrained to a guided linear sliding movement parallel to the end surface. An aperture-setting member of the body turns about a rotary axis, orthogonal to the end surface, to actuate the slider. An orifice opening of the aperture-setting member is configured so that the outlet opening is always within the area of the orifice opening. A passage opening of the slider is between the body and the aperture-setting member. By turning the aperture-setting member, the slider moves in a linear path, linearly displacing the passage opening relative to the outlet opening and varying the aperture width of the dosage-dispensing head. This regulates the flow rate of the free-flowing dosage material.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a beverage mounting assembly having a housing. The housing has a housing wall that surrounds a cavity. A valve body is connectable to the beverage mounting assembly. The valve body is connectable to the beverage mounting assembly via a clip. The clip is insertable into both the housing and the valve body to connect the valve body to the beverage mounting assembly. At least one actuator is disposed in the cavity of the housing. The actuator rotates from a closed position to an open position that actuates pressure to the valve body from a liquid source. The actuator is separate from the clip that connects the housing to the valve body.

Abstract: An ice chute arrangement that includes a fixed frame adjacent to an ice passageway. A flap is pivotal upon the frame between a first flap position and a second flap position. The flap blocks the ice passageway when the flap is in the first position, reveals the passageway when the flap is in the second position and transitions through an intermediate position. The arrangement includes a paddle pivotal upon the frame between a first position and a second position. The paddle causes the flap to pivot from the first position to the second position as the paddle pivots from the first position to the second position. The arrangement includes a first spring that biases the flap toward the first flap position while the flap is in the first flap position and biases the flap toward the second flap position while the flap is in the second flap position.