Abstract: Media dispensers are disclosed herein for storing and dispensing course or granular dry media via a hopper and valve.

Abstract: The neck closure has a wedge-shaped hollow neck with lips formed on the front wedge edge by converging wedge surfaces, the lips being connected to form a one-piece closed lip by a thin section, and having a cover cap that can be placed over the neck. When the cover cap is in place, the front region of the wedge-shaped neck is held in a position that has been rotated through at least 5 DEG in a clockwise direction, viewed from above, in relation to its normal unstressed position, as a result of the inner moulding of the cover cap. When the cover cap is rotated anti-clockwise, from this closed position, force is only applied to the front wedge edge region of the neck by pressure surfaces projecting from the inner face of the cover cap at diametrically opposed points on said front wedge edge region.

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 dispenser assembly configured to dispense liquids or solids from an appliance. In one embodiment, the dispenser assembly includes a tray, a plunger located above the tray, and a discharge opening. The plunger has a front surface and is moveable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position. The discharge opening is concealed behind the plunger and free of the path of the plunger from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber, a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber, and a dispenser positioned on the door and configured to dispense ice pieces or water through the door when the door is oriented in a closed position. The refrigerator also includes a dispensing button unit configured to control a dispensing start time and a dispensing speed of the ice pieces or water dispensed through the dispenser based on a position of at least a portion of the dispensing button unit that results from movement of the portion of the dispensing button unit.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers that include a cabinet having an exterior portion, which includes side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The water dispensers include at least one water dispensing actuator, which includes a cap portion having an exterior top surface that is flush with the top wall of the bottled water dispenser. The cap portion also includes a button that is substantially parallel with a side wall of the dispenser. The exterior top surface of the cap portion must be pressed downwards, and the button must be pushed inwards, in order to release water from the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

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 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: The invention provides an improved method for dispensing beverages from a collapsible liner fitted with a disposable valve. It comprises an external tap actuator with hand operated lever and integrated external dispense nozzle. The collapsible liner valve is located inside the housing of the external tap actuator. The external tap actuator's hand operated lever is configured in several ways to be compatible with three commercially available collapsible liner taps. When the hand operated lever opens the valve, the beverage flows into the said dispense nozzle which delivers the liquid to a beverage container such as a glass or carafe.

Abstract: A double water-seal accumulator used in a perfume dispenser includes a casing defining a vertical guide groove, an adapter defining a vertical guide hole and transverse guide groove, a stop ball supported on a spring member in the vertical guide hole and forced by the spring member to block the passage between the vertical guide hole and the transverse guide groove, a shaft member mounted in the casing and defining therein an angled hole and having a bottom raised portion, and an operating member coupled to the shaft member and operable to rotate the shaft member to a predetermined position where the angled hole is kept in communication with the vertical guide groove and the raised portion is stopped against the stop ball to open the passage between the vertical guide hole and the transverse guide groove.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers that include a cabinet having an exterior portion, which includes side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The water dispensers include at least one water dispensing actuator, which includes a cap portion having an exterior top surface that is flush with the top wall of the bottled water dispenser. The cap portion also includes a button that is substantially parallel with a side wall of the dispenser. The exterior top surface of the cap portion must be pressed downwards, and the button must be pushed inwards, in order to release water from the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for sanitizing a user's hands prior to the user being granted access to an area. A barrier restricts access to a particular area without sanitization of the user's hands. A locking finger of the present invention prevents opening of the barrier. The locking finger adjusts between an allow access position and a prevent access position to prevent a user from passing the barrier without adjusting the locking finger to the allow access position. To open the barrier, a user must adjust an access arm from a lock position to an unlock position to adjust the position of the locking finger. The user pivots the access arm towards the barrier if the barrier is opened by pushing the barrier. The user pivots the access arm away from a barrier that requires to be pulled upon. The pivoting of the access arm releases a cleaning substance to the user's hands pivoting the access arm requiring the user to sanitize his hands before accessing the area beyond the barrier.

Abstract: A tap (10) for controlling the dispensing of a liquid from a bag-in-box container, comprises a valve body (18) and valve mechanism which includes a valve member (20), a spindle (22) and a valve actuation member (24). The valve body (18) comprises a cylindrical passage-defining portion (26) and a valve housing portion (28). The valve housing portion (28) defines an inlet opening (32) and the portion (26) defines an outlet opening (52) through which liquid can be dispensed. An inner side of the portion (26) at an end (44) thereof, defines an annular sealing formation against which the valve member (20) can be seated in a closed position thereof thereby blocking liquid flow to the outlet opening (52). Rotation of the valve actuation member (24) causes rotation and axial displacement of the spindle (22) and thereby the valve member for displacing the valve member between its closed position and an open position allowing liquid flow to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element.

Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a “C” shaped piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for sanitizing a user's hands prior to the user being granted access to an area. A barrier restricts access to a particular area without sanitization of the user's hands. A locking finger of the present invention prevents opening of the barrier. The locking finger adjusts between an allow access position and a prevent access position to prevent a user from passing the barrier without adjusting the locking finger to the allow access position. To open the barrier, a user must adjust an access arm from a lock position to an unlock position to adjust the position of the locking finger. The user pivots the access arm towards the barrier if the barrier is opened by pushing the barrier. The user pivots the access arm away from a barrier that requires to be pulled upon. The pivoting of the access arm releases a cleaning substance to the user's hands pivoting the access arm requiring the user to sanitize his hands before accessing the area beyond the barrier.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tap assembly including: (1) a first wall defining a valve chamber having a top surface and a pair of opposed tracks extending axially along an inner surface of the wall, and a fluid outlet; (2) a tap handle mounted to the top surface for rotational movement of the tap handle with respect to the wall, the tap handle having a second wall defining an annular chamber supporting a set of threads; and (3) a generally tubular valve member having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end having a pair of lugs circumferentially spaced from one another, the lugs being positioned within the threads, the second end of the valve member extending into the valve chamber, the valve member is responsive to movement of the tap handle to move from a first position where the fluid outlet is sealed by the second end of the valve member to a second position where the fluid outlet is not sealed by the second end of the valve member and fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A device for applying a flowable medium onto a level workpiece surface, including a housing forming an elongated outlet nozzle for the medium and an essentially cylindrical media distributor which is rotatably arranged in the housing and includes a slot that changes its position relative to the outlet nozzle by rotating the media distributor and whose outer surface forms sealing surfaces which rest sealingly against sealing surfaces of the housing.

Abstract: A valve for a liquid dispensing system includes a casing having an interior sidewall. A hollow dispensing pin is positioned within the casing. The dispensing pin has a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an interior flow passage. At least one radial dispensing passage extends from the interior flow passage through to the exterior surface at the first end of the dispensing pin. A first plunger is disposed between the interior sidewall of the casing and the exterior surface of the dispensing pin. The first plunger engages both the interior surface of the casing and the exterior surface of the dispensing pin. The first plunger is movable between a closed position blocking any flow through the at least one radial dispensing passage and an open position toward the second end of the dispensing pin spaced from the at least one radial dispensing passage.

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 beverage dispensing apparatus includes a faucet having a faucet body, a inlet and an outlet, and a faucet actuating portion. The faucet actuating portion includes a substantially flat body defining a lever portion aperture formed therein. The faucet body is at least partially interposed within the lever portion aperture. The actuating portion is selectively rotated about an axis for connecting the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet such that fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet will flow through the lever portion aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container having a top, a side wall and a bottom, comprising a sleeve which can be inserted into the top in a sealing manner and into which a rising pipe opens via an inflow opening, a piston which is movable in the sleeve and can be moved between a closed position, in which the inflow opening is closed off by the piston, and an opened position, in which the inflow opening is connected to an outlet opening via a cavity of the piston. The outlet opening opens into an outlet channel of an extension arm which protrudes laterally from the sleeve and the output of which is coupled to a dispensing valve which can be activated by means of an actuating member in order to allow, in the opened position, liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid product dispensing device including a reservoir containing fluid and a dispenser head provided with a dispenser orifice. The dispenser head is displaceable relative to the reservoir to dispense fluid through the dispenser orifice. The dispenser head is displaced relative to the reservoir by a lateral actuator mechanism that include a manual actuator element mounted to pivot about the dispenser head. The manual actuator element co-operates with the reservoir or with an element secured thereto. The lateral actuator element further includes an actuator member which is pivotally mounted inside the manual actuator element. The actuator member co-operates with the reservoir or with an element secured thereto, so as to displace said reservoir relative to the dispenser head, while the manual actuator element is being actuated by the user.

Abstract: A spigot assembly for use in a fermentation vessel, such as the type used in wine making, is provided. The spigot assembly is of a multiple part construction such that it substantially avoids entrapment of either sediment or air in or on the assembly as the spigot operates to remove liquid from the vessel.

Abstract: A spill containment system for dispensing a berm of containment material on a support surface around a liquid spill to inhibit the liquid spill from spreading across the support surface includes a container receiving the containment material. The container includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the container. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the container. The dispensing assembly is actuated to dispense the containment material from the container. The dispensing assembly controls flow of the containment material through a dispensing aperture that extends through a rear wall of the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a fluid container to receive a liquid and an apparatus for pressurizing liquid in the container including a deformable envelope defining a space for receiving a gas. Deformation of the envelope contracts the space to a contracted condition such that, when the space includes the gas, deformation of the envelope contracts the space to effect a transfer of a portion of the gas to the container to effect pressurization of the liquid in the container. A dispensing nozzle includes a fluid passage having a nozzle inlet and outlet, and an orifice defined by a valve seat. The nozzle inlet is in fluid communication with the container for effecting a discharge of the liquid from the container. A sealing member is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat for sealing fluid communication between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A personal squeeze bottle dispenser has a clamshell housing adapted to receive a squeeze bottle having a push/pull dispensing valve. A slide mechanism is received within the housing and has a collar at one end engaging the push/pull valve, and a spring at the other end to effect automatic return of the slide mechanism upon termination of a dispensing cycle. The spring biases the push/pull valve to the closed position. The clamshell housing is configured with an opening for a thumb pad of the slid mechanism to achieve opening of the push/pull valve and accommodating pressure upon the squeeze bottle. An opening on the backside of the housing, opposite the thumb pad, is also provided to allow the user's fingers to access the squeeze bottle for the application of dispensing force.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers that include a cabinet having an exterior portion, which includes side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The water dispensers include at least one water dispensing actuator, which includes a cap portion having an exterior top surface that is flush with the top wall of the bottled water dispenser. The cap portion also includes a button that is substantially parallel with a side wall of the dispenser. The exterior top surface of the cap portion must be pressed downwards, and the button must be pushed inwards, in order to release water from the dispenser.

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: A closure is provided that is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a member supported at the end wall. The member has a flap configured for pivotal movement and a user interface configured for sliding movement. The sliding movement of the user interface causes the pivotal movement of the flap. The closure further includes a retaining member coupled to the body portion for securing the member to the body portion. The retaining member at least partially covers the flap and the user interface.

Abstract: A beverage-dispensing assembly (1) includes a dispensing line (7), a dispensing tap (10), and a dispensing valve (12) arranged at a downstream end of the dispensing line (7), wherein the dispensing valve (12) is interchangeable and arranged in connection with any of a plurality of embodiments of interaction means (14). Each of the embodiments of the interaction means (14) is configured for dispensing a specific kind of beverage, so as to achieve a beverage-specific dispensing for each embodiment of the interaction means (14).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus comprising a cooling device for at least one bag-in-box package, a feed hole for the bag-in-box package, at least one device door that closes the feed hole, and at least one beverage outlet which can be associated with the tapping valve of the bag-in-box package. The beverage outlet is disposed within the device door.

Abstract: A dispensing closure system for use with an associated container includes a closure assembly having a closure base, and a lid moveably connected to the closure base. The present preferred embodiment of the closure includes a slider element mounted on an upper surface of the closure base for lateral movement between unactuated and actuated positions. The provision of camming surfaces on the slider element, which cooperate with the closure lid, permit convenient, push-button opening of the closure lid to facilitate convenient use by consumers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge unit for a beverage dispensing system with an inner channel for the dispensation of a beverage, characterized in that the cartridge unit comprises a first part, which is made of an inflexible material and a second part, which is made of a flexible material.

Abstract: An ice-making device that includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part for opening and closing the duct. An ice conveying part conveys the ice dispensed through the duct. A driving speed of the ice conveying part increases for a previously set initial driving time when the dispensing of the ice starts, and the ice conveying part is driven at a previously set target speed when the initial driving time elapses.

Abstract: A rolling liquid herbicide applicator with an adjustable shield is attached to a hollow pole having an adjustable width protective shield mounted to one end weighted, textured wheels for rolling over most terrains are attached to the adjustable width protective shield. On the opposite end of the hollow pole handle is a trigger. When the trigger is activated, an internal trigger stick is moved down through the hollow pole, thereby causing a “C” piece to move upward. This upward movement pushes on a hard flat disk. The movement of the hard flat disk causes pliable cap center to move. The gravity flow of liquid herbicide from a liquid herbicide container causes the liquid herbicide to move through a tube and nozzle assembly. The adjustable width protective shield over the nozzle prevents overspray and accidental contact of the liquid herbicide on healthy desired vegetation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: A canteen is composed of a main body, a cover, a control unit, a valve and an annular blocker. The cover is engaged with the main body, having a jointing tube protruding into the main body and two notches cut in the jointing tube. The control unit is fixed on the cover, having a jointing portion, two grooves formed in the jointing portion and reversely shaped to correspond to the notches of the cover, and a sucker bored with an outlet. The valve is installed in the control unit, having a bar to correspond to the outlet, and a guiding rod transversely extended out from its bottom to extend through the grooves and the notches of the cover. When rotating the control unit, the valve is moved up and down to be separated from or to clog the outlet, convenient for using and preventing the suction portion from contaminated.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.

Abstract: [Problem] It is an object to provide a coating container that can be degassed in the case in which a cap member is detached and removed from the mouth part of a container body for a use. [Means for Resolution] A guiding means for guiding an outer cap member to be movable in the axial direction with respect to an inner cap member is provided. In the state in which the cap member is fixed to the mouth part of the container body, the outer cap member is located in the direction of separating from the inner cap member in the axial direction, and the inner face of the top wall of the outer cap member is separated from the valve element to urge the valve element in the direction of projecting from the discharge hole of the inside plug member, thereby causing the discharge hole to be in the closed state.

Abstract: A dispensing measuring device. The device correlates the relative proximity a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. One is held stationary, while the other is in response to ordinary actuation which occurs during dispensing. Detection of in the proximity are correlated to the amount of material dispensed.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a main body (13,24) with a cavity (25) having an aperture (35a) formed through the main body and channels (26) formed radially in the cavity wall. A seal member (18) is shaped to fit within the cavity such that when the seal member moves away from the aperture flow is permitted in the channel toward and through the aperture. The valve is for incorporation with a tap device, particularly for use with a “mini-keg” of beverage.

Abstract: To meter catalysts into a reactor, the catalyst is firstly suspended in a hydrocarbon in a reservoir and the suspension obtained is kept in motion by stirring and then fed via a three-way metering valve and an ejector into the actual reactor, wherein the suspension containing the catalyst is firstly discharged from the reservoir by means of a pump and continuously circulated by returning the suspension via the three-way metering valve within a closed piping system to the reservoir, subsequently setting a pressure in the reservoir which is from 0.1 to 30 bar higher than the pressure in the reactor and then continuously introducing the suspension into the reactor via a flow meter which controls the three-way metering valve and via a downstream ejector by pulse operation of the now open three-way metering valve.

Abstract: A portable ice bucket apparatus for storing and dispensing ice includes: (a) an upper bucket portion including an insulated bucket with an opening at the top of the bucket and an ice body chute opening in a bottom wall of the bucket; (b) a motorless lower stand portion, the upper bucket portion being detachably attachable to the stand portion; (c) a dispensing mechanism including a movable gate flap within the bucket portion, a spring-loaded lever, and a gate shaft and a dispensing lever within the stand portion, the dispensing lever being coupled to the gate shaft, the gate shaft being coupled to the spring-loaded lever, the gate shaft being coupled with the gate flap; and (d) a water drainage and collection mechanism including a reservoir in the stand portion, and preferably a drain valve; wherein the movable gate flap in a closed position substantially covers the ice body chute opening.

Abstract: A spigot assembly for use in a fermentation vessel, such as the type used in wine making, is provided. The spigot assembly is of a multiple part construction such that it substantially avoids entrapment of either sediment or air in or on the assembly as the spigot operates to remove liquid from the vessel.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water chamber, a brewed beverage tank, and an actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator means is connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage. The dispenser actuator includes a plug that further includes a stem and a seal ring mounted on the stem. The bottom of the stem has a substantially inverted conical shape.