Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector device suitable for connecting an enteral administration set to a laminated paper packaging system comprising enterally administrable medical or nutritional food.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container with pour-out container fitment for frictional engagement within the cylindrical neck of a container to control and meter the flow of liquids out of the container. The fitment includes a top flange sufficient to cover the mouth of the container and a coaxial cylindrical insert extending from the top flange into the neck. The fitment is held into the neck by friction and a ring extends from the insert for enhanced frictional engagement. Apertures are provided in the insert to allow fluid to pass into the interior of the insert, and channels are provided along the walls of the interior from the apertures to the top flange to guide the liquid from the apertures to the flange.

Abstract: A dispenser head for mounting on a fluid dispenser, said dispenser head comprising a body (1) provided with a dispenser orifice (10), said head being provided with a cap (2) that is displaceable between a closed position, in which it covers said dispenser orifice (10), and an open position, in which it does not cover said dispenser orifice, said cap (2) being connected in permanent manner to said body (1), regardless of the position of said cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow control device (1) for a container (20) for fluids, wherein the flow control device is attachable to an opening of the container for fluids. The flow control device comprises a top cover section (2) with an outflow orifice (7), wherein a connection is formed between the container and the outflow orifice. The device is provided with a valve retaining element (5) with a through-flow orifice (8), and a movable valve (4) for alternately opening and closing the through-flow orifice. The flow control device comprises an actuator element (3), which is arranged to open the valve. A first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12) are formed in the flow control device, which are separated from one another by means of the actuator element. The actuator element is made to move in an upstream direction by an underpressure in the second chamber for bringing the valve into an opened position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to a printing apparatus. The solid-ink pellets are held in a collapsible, hermetic bag, which is carried in the container. The bag is partially or fully transparent. A vacuum interface provides an access point to the bag. Further, a perforated nozzle, adapted to engage the vacuum interface, provides airflow within the bag and is configured to apply a suction force to extract solid-ink pellets from the bag.

Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.

Abstract: A modulator (10, 10A) for changing a constant flow of gas to a pulsed or intermittent flow of gas, said modulator (10, 10A) including a housing component (11) and an insertion tube (15) for insertion into a hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) wherein after insertion of the insertion tube (15) into the housing component (11), gas is generated either in situ within the hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) and be caused to flow out of an outlet (23A) of the modulator (10, 10A) in pulses or alternatively gas is passed into the insertion tube (15) in a constant flow and upon reaching the hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) is released therefrom through the outlet (23A) in a pulsed flow.

Abstract: The present invention includes substance delivery control system having a first conduit defining a lumen for the passage of a substance therethrough; a first delivery control element defining a first conduit state selection element; a second delivery control element defining a second conduit state selection element, where the alignment of the first and second conduit state selection elements places the conduit in a first state, and where misalignment of the first and second conduit state selection elements places the conduit in a second state.

Abstract: A cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agents for use in a dispenser includes at least two elements, each having a connecting edge by which the at least two elements are connected and bonded together to define an interior space; a plurality of chambers within the interior space for spatially separate accommodation of different preparations of a flowable washing or cleaning agent; a cartridge bottom surface which in a service position is directed downwards in the direction of gravity; and at least two chambers, each of which comprises at least one outlet orifice arranged on the cartridge bottom, wherein the connecting edge of the elements extends across the cartridge bottom surface at a distance from the outlet orifices such that the connecting edge does not intersect with or come into contact with the outlet orifices.

Abstract: Filling device (1, 101) including a reservoir (3, 103) intended to contain liquid, a valve (4, 104) connected to the reservoir and a spout (20, 120), in which the valve has a shutter (10, 110) and a shutter seat (11), a flow circuit having a liquid inlet adjacent to the shutter seat and a liquid outlet adjacent to the spout, the liquid outlet being located lower than the liquid inlet, and an air intake circuit separate from the flow circuit, in which a pushrod (22, 122) has an upper end adjacent to the shutter. The pushrod includes a first duct (27) and a second duct (28), the air inlet circuit including the first duct, the flow circuit including the second duct.

Abstract: A beverage dispense apparatus is provided having a tap casing (20) movably mounted to a font housing (1) to enable access between openings in the font housing (1) and tap casing (20), to facilitate insertion of a beverage delivery line (4) into the tap casing (20).

Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.

Abstract: Provided is a hair-styling composition, which preferably includes a poly(vinylamine-vinylformamide) copolymer, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, and water, wherein the composition when applied to human hair, exhibits at least about 50% curl retention after about 2 hours under conditions of about 90% relative humidity and about 75° F. Also provided are methods for styling mammalian hair and controlling frizz with the composition of the present invention, and a personal care product that includes the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.

Abstract: Holder (1) for beverage, comprising a container (2) manufactured substantially from plastic, provided with a neck (6), wherein in an inner space of the container liquid (3) is provided and on or in the neck a valve (23) is provided, through which valve extends a dispensing means, wherein the valve is fixed in or to the neck and wherein a pressure device (9) is provided for pressurizing the liquid in the container, wherein in or on the neck an element is suspended which at least partly extends in the inner space of the container and at least partly surrounds the dispensing means.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for the delivery of controlled, metered amounts of any of numerous different substances to humans or animals, such as medicaments, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, or to deliver materials that may react upon exposure to air, such as glue. Means are provided in the dispenser to effect controlled delivery of a pre-determined amount of the substance contained in the dispenser. A one-way valve is provided to hermetically seal the portion of the dispenser containing the substance to be dispensed.

Abstract: A pump or valve gasket for a fluid dispenser device, said gasket comprising at least one elastomer and at least one basic inorganic filler having pH that is greater than or equal to 8.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid supply assembly fluidly connectable to a source of fluid is provided. The fluid supply assembly includes a housing (702); a hydraulic assembly (710) supported within the housing (702), wherein the hydraulic assembly (710) is configured and adapted to pressurize the fluid which is supplied to a solenoid shut-off valve (724); a tank assembly (714) supported within the housing (702) for retaining a quantity of pre-conditioned fluid therein; and a filter assembly (720) supported within the housing (702) and in fluid communication with the hydraulic assembly (710).

Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a valve for a container, the valve comprising: a grommet defining a channel with an inlet end and an outlet end; a stem, slideably arranged in said channel; the grommet comprising a first part provided at said inlet end and a second part provided at said outlet end, wherein the first part has a hardness greater than the hardness of the second part.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a fluid comprises providing a container made from flexible material and having an outer surface, a first opening and an interior fluid storage region therein. The method further comprises providing a volume of fluid within interior fluid storage region and providing a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid communication with interior fluid storage region. The method further comprises providing an intake valve disposed between container and flexible metering housing permitting unidirectional fluid flow from interior fluid storage region into metering chamber. The method further comprises providing an exit port in fluid communication with container with an output valve disposed between exit port and metering chamber, depressing and releasing flexible metering housing, and filling the metering chamber with a volume of fluid by vacuum force in an amount by the volume of the metering chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for dispensing small quantities of solid material in powder or granular form. The valve includes a valve housing defining a generally vertical flow passage through the housing, and a valve member rotatable in the valve housing about a generally horizontal axis of rotation between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, a slot is provided in the valve body. The valve body and slot are configured such that the slot communicates with both the inlet and the outlet of the flow passage when the valve member is open, and such that the slot communicates with the inlet but not the outlet of the flow passage when the valve member is closed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A package includes a container and a removable cap coupled to a filler neck of the container. The package also includes a fluid dispenser coupled to the filler neck to regulate discharge of fluid material from an interior region of the container.

Abstract: A bag construction filled with dispersible material. The bag construction has first and second panel sections, first and second side gusset sections and a bottom gusset panel section. The various panel sections are fastened together to form a generally rectangle shape with a flat bottom. The bottom gusset panel section has one or more distribution apertures in it. A removable panel layer is provided for covering the one or more apertures. When the removable panel layer is removed, the bag can be held so that the dispersible material disperses through the apertures as appropriate.

Abstract: A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, in particular in a refrigeration device. Said dispensing device has a feed pipe for a pourable product, comprising an exit opening and a shut-off flap that is situated at the exit opening, and an outlet for the free-flowing product, said outlet being attached to the flap and displaceable with the latter.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments of a handling apparatus for plant growth substrates and associated methods of use. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus for separately and automatically dispensing plant growth media includes a media guide and a media guide regulator. The media guide can define a channel through which media is movable. The media regulator can include a media penetrating member that is positionable within the channel at a first location and a media stopping member that is positionable within the channel at a second location spaced-apart from the first location. The media regulator can be operable to reciprocate between a media penetrating position in which the media penetrating member is positioned within the channel to penetrate media and a media stopping position in which the media stopping member is positioned within the channel to restrict media from movement in at least one direction along the channel.

Abstract: Detergent compositions of the present invention are flowable powders comprising an alkali metal salt and a builder. Optional ingredients may include an oil and/or a surfactant. The ingredients making up the detergent composition are combined into flowable powders that may be added to a wash solution. The detergent compositions may be particularly suited for use with automated metering and dispensing devices for granulated materials.

Abstract: A closure with an additive reservoir is mounted on a container for a consumable liquid such as a beverage liquid or health drink. The closure has four components; a base, which includes the additive reservoir; a spout mounted on the base; a plunger positioned in the additive reservoir, and a tamper proof, dust resistant outer cap. Upon advancing the plunger, an additive in the reservoir is released into the consumable liquid upon the additive or plunger rupturing a membrane barrier. Upon moving the spout from a first position on the base to a second position on the base, a passageway through the base is opened so that the consumable liquid can flow to the consumer without having to remove the closure. Preferably, the additive chamber is mounted in a support column of the base with the passageway for the consumable liquid disposed between the additive chamber and the support column.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a beverage product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the beverage product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product.

Abstract: A refrigerator which supplies water by driving a water valve installed on a flow path connected between a water supply source and a dispenser and a control method thereof are disclosed. A driving voltage is applied to the water valve in a start-up operation and the phase of the driving voltage applied to the water valve is controlled after the start-up operation to reduce an average voltage, thereby preventing a malfunction due to overheat of the water valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is fluid dispenser valve for managing a streamlined flow of fluid. The fluid dispenser valve includes a valve chamber and a fluid inlet. The valve chamber is capable of circulating the fluid. Further, the fluid inlet is configured tangentially to the valve chamber. The fluid inlet is capable of enabling the flow of the fluid into the valve chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A storage system comprising: an evacuable and reclosable bag comprising a wall made of a flexible material and a one-way valve attached to said wall of said bag; a container having walls made of a material less flexible than the flexible material; and an attachment device that attaches the bag to the container such that at least a portion of the bag resides within the container. To use this storage system, compressible articles are placed inside the evacuable bag. Then the bag is hermetically sealed and evacuated. During evacuation, the shape of the compressible articles inside the bag conform to the shape of the container interior volume. In one embodiment, when the bag with compressed articles is removed from the container, its shape facilitates stacking. In another embodiment, the storage bag with compressed articles remains inside the container.

Abstract: A dispensing spout for dispensing pourable contents from a package is described. The spout comprises a shaft having a mouth at its distal end and a flange extending radially around an aperture at its proximal end. The spout is characterized by the flange having an adhesive layer upon its underside for retrofitting the spout to an outer surface of the package. Pourable contents are dispensable from the package in a controlled manner after puncturing the surface of the dispensable package through the aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a regulator 6 for regulating flow of a liquid from a dispenser 1 that dispenses the liquid from a container 3 containing the liquid 4. The regulator has an inlet 9 to receive the dispensed liquid and an exit 16 through which the liquid is delivered to the user. The inlet 9 receives the liquid receives the liquid at a first speed and delivers it to the user at a second speed which is substantially less than the first speed. The invention also encompasses a dispenser for dispensing the liquid including such a regulator.

Abstract: The sample preparation device includes a vessel, such as a sample tube, having a bottom end with a bottom opening. A valve for control of the flow of any liquid outwardly of the vessel through the bottom opening is located at the bottom end of the vessel. The valve includes a deflectable membrane positioned against the bottom opening to close the bottom opening when the valve is in its normally closed condition. The membrane is deflectable away from the bottom opening when the valve is in an open condition to permit any liquid in the vessel to flow through the bottom opening to an outlet port of the valve for dispensation into a suitable collection vessel.

Abstract: An electronically controlled actuator in a plumbed water line within a water conditioning management system, having an at least one valve with a valve stem in a plumbed water line within the water conditioning management system, an at least one actuator, an at least one actuator housing, an at least one electronic controller in communication with the actuator, an at least one shaft coupled to the actuator and said valve; an at least one shaft encoding device; and an at least one user interface with multiple indicator elements indicating the position of valve.

Abstract: An improved fluid dispenser specially adapted to provide sample-size amounts of a fluid mixture is shown and described. An automated closure and seal system is provided for the manifold that moves, on command from a controller, from a closed or sealed position thereby limiting exposure of the manifold and fluid outlet nozzles from the ambient atmosphere, to a dispense system where a sample-size container is held up against and engaging a lower end of the manifold for a sealing element disposed on a lower portion of the manifold. When the dispense is complete, the system automatically moves back toward a closed position where the filled container is held open and ready to be removed by a technician before it is capped and labeled.

Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided with two or more dispensing apertures and two or more pivotable lids. Each lid can be selectively opened and retained in a fully opened orientation. In a preferred form of the invention, the lids are incorporated in a top that is snap-fitted into a closure body which defines the dispensing apertures.

Abstract: Provided is a pesticide spraying cart. In one embodiment, the comprises a pesticide tank, a retractable handle, two wheels, a recess provided between the wheels, a longitudinal hose compartment provided in a rear of the tank, a coil hose adapted to either extend out of the hose compartment by pulling or retract thereinto automatically after the force exerted on the coil hose has been released, a spray gun provided at an open end of the coil hose, a hook for holding the spray gun in an unused position, a pipe is extended from the coil hose into the tank, and a foot operated pump assembly provided in the recess. Repeatedly pressing a foot pedal to pressurize the tank, pulling the coil hose out of the hose compartment, and activating the spray gun will shoot out a uniform spray of liquid pesticide.

Abstract: A flip-top type tamper evident closure for dispensing material from a container includes a body portion having a dispensing opening, a lid portion hingedly connected to the body portion and a tamper evident band that is frangibly connected to the body portion. The tamper evident band is constructed and arranged to engage structure on the lid portion in an interlock arrangement in order to retain the lid portion in a closed position prior to the closure first being opened by a consumer. Advantageously, as an additional security measure the tamper evident band is further lightly spot-welded to the lid portion, which prevents or makes evident any attempt to overcome the interlock arrangement. A method of making the closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tip cap for a luer of a polymeric medical solution container. The tip cap has an integral body having an outer portion and a cavity extending to an inner portion. The cavity has a frustoconical inner surface and an annular ring extending from the inner surface radially toward a centerline of the tip cap.

Abstract: As storage and dispensing system for the storage of dispensable products under atmospherically modified conditions and for the dispensing of such products from the system. The system is for use with dispensable products, more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the product. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container, a valve for enabling a fluid communication between the container and an atmosphere modification source (vacuum pump, inert gas insertion device or other oxygen depletion mechanism), and a gateway for opening the container to the atmosphere and dispensing the product therefrom. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.

Abstract: A dispensing closure that has a cover which is provided with a scrubbing structure that includes protuberances. In a preferred embodiment, the scrubbing structure is a resilient flexible material which has been molded on a generally rigid base. The base is injection molded in an initial injection molding step from a first material, and the scrubbing structure is injection molded in situ in a subsequent molding step from a second material onto said first material to become bonded thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a dispenser for dispensing a medicament in a fluid propellant comprising a reservoir for housing the medicament and a drug-dispensing mechanism. The drug-dispensing mechanism may be a valve made wholly or substantially of metal. The metal surfaces of the reservoir and/or valve have been finished by electropolishing. The finished surfaces of the reservoir and/or valve reduce the tendency of drug to adhere thereto.

Abstract: A divot repair device for transporting a mixture of fill material and dispensing the fill material into divots in order to fill and thereby fix the divots by promoting turf growth in the location of the divots, including a hopper for carrying a predetermined mixture of fill material, the hopper having an inlet and an outlet; a wheeled carrier connected to the hopper for transporting the hopper by an individual across an area from one divot location to a second divot location; a dispensing valve connected to the hopper for selectively dispensing the fill material; and a smoother connected to the hopper.

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.

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.