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: The dispensing of substances from multi-chamber containers, such as tubes, can be controlled by the placement of a flow modifying unit in the dispensing nozzle of the container. The dispensing nozzle will have a plurality of channels, usually one for each chamber. The flow controlling unit is a constriction at an intermediate point, a point between the channel inlet and exit, in at least one of the channels. This constriction is sized to adjust flow so that the viscous substance from each chamber is dispensed at a set flow rate and in a set ratio, one to the other. The constriction is formed at the time that the nozzle is formed. In the compression molding process a mold pin is used, the mold pin meeting a mold base at an intermediate point in at least one channel. The mold pin and or mold base has a recess that is the size and shape of the flow modifying constriction. Plastic is injected into the mold and the flow modifying unit is formed at the same time as the nozzle.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.

Abstract: Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with suction means, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapour and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing, as well as an extraction duct.

Abstract: A dispensing container fillable with a liquid includes a squeezable reservoir for holding the liquid prior to dispensing, a dispensing outlet for expending the liquid, and a flow control system for regulating the velocity of the liquid exiting the outlet when a squeezing pressure is applied to the liquid-holding reservoir.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator with an ice dispenser is shown. The ice dispenser has a user dispense panel. The user dispense panel comprises a dispense control and an ice outlet. A ice storage compartment defines a first interior volume. An ice chute flow connects the ice storage compartment and the ice outlet. The chute comprises a first end in flow communication with the ice storage compartment and a second end in flow communication with the ice outlet. A member is configured between the first and second ends. The member comprises an interior volume in flow communication with the first and second ends. A flow axis is formed from the first end to the second end. The member has a restriction.

Abstract: A container (1) with a liquid-squeezing nozzle has a main body (2) having an opening (21) and collecting liquid (L), a nozzle (3) mounted on the opening (21), and a cap (4) covering the nozzle (3) and being mounted on main body (2) removable. The nozzle (3) has a storage part (33), a liquid supplying path (34), and a valve (35). The storage part (33) has rubber elasticity, and collects liquid (L) without posture of the main body (2). The liquid supplying path (34) communicates from the opening (21) to the storage part (33). The valve (35) is usually shut, and is opened to spout liquid (L) of the storage part (33) when internal pressure of the storage part (33) exceeds constant pressure by shutting the communication between the storage part (33) and the liquid supplying path (34).

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: A conduit (200) is adapted to pass a fluid there-through and provides a flow restriction (201) across an operational pressure drop between a liquid inlet into and outlet from that restriction. The conduit comprises a cooperative plurality of mutually inter-fitting longitudinal sections (202) of an elongated tubular body (203) enclosing a longitudinally-extending passage (204) for the fluid to pass between respective mutually opposed surfaces (204a, 204b) thereof. The surfaces are conformed so that with the sections arranged in conjoined relation and the portions engaged in cooperative inter-fitting register, the flow restriction is defined between the respective conformed surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin is disclosed wherein 1) said container can comprise a component of a bulk transport system further comprising a container assembly, and 2) said container includes a body defining a cavity, at least one opening, at least one vent, and a material delivery system assembly wherein a) the body is flexible and capable of positioning within the container assembly, b) the opening provides communication with the cavity, and c) the material delivery system assembly comprises at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and said manifold includes a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container and at least one passageway extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for delivering or dispensing substances. The delivery apparatus comprises a housing, a cartridge for containing the fluid or liquid to be delivered, a conduit system, a nozzle, a pump and an actuating mechanism for actuating a stream of fluid or liquid. The delivery apparatus may include a motor and power source adapted to power the pump. The cartridge containing the fluid or liquid is typically an off-the-shelf container that may be purchased in stores, such as insecticides or household cleaners. The conduit system has an intake opening in fluid communication with the fluid inside the container and another portion in fluid communication with the intake of the nozzle. The conduit system further includes a structure for causing the stream of fluid or liquid to be generally laminar.

Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of systems for storage of containers, particularly plastic bottles or empty lightweight containers. The invention relates to a silo (1) or box of the type including a closed structure (1a) having a container loading inlet in an upper portion, either at the top or at the side thereof, and a bottom (1b) having at least one unloading outlet, which can be controlled by suitable elements, including a plurality of sheets (21) for dividing the structure (1a) into a plurality of bottle guiding channels (22) in alternating directions to define a zigzag path with respect to the bottle falling direction, the sheets (21) being mounted and held under tension by fixing rollers (13), return rollers (13a) and tension rollers (14); the arrangement of the rollers (13, 13a, 14) being adapted to allow positioning of the sheets (21) according to the above desired zigzag path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fat separator device having a container with a spout portion and a cover portion releasably attached to the container. The cover portion including a surface having at least one aperture to allow for passage of a liquid through the cover portion and a plug portion extending down from the surface, the plug portion being operable to releasably cover the spout portion of the container.

Abstract: A hopper-type tank (1) for storing and dispensing solid bodies, the tank having a wall (3) on the inside face of which is fastened a plurality of obstacle members (4) situated in different planes and forming a mesh inside the tank (1), each obstacle member (4) having a substantially long and thin general main shape extending across the inner space of the tank, the obstacle member (4) extending between two locations of the inside face of the wall (3) of the tank (1); the tank has at least one first set of obstacle members (4) placed along a first direction in a first plane, and at least one second set of obstacle members (4) placed along a second direction, different from the first direction, in a second plane, thereby enabling the fall of solid bodies tipped in bulk into the top portion of the tank (1) to be slowed down.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling beverage flow includes a dispensing tube having a distal end. The apparatus also includes a ball plug configured for linear reciprocal motion between a first position and a second position so that the ball plug abuts the distal end of the dispensing tube in the first position and is separated from the distal end of the dispensing tube in the second position. A flow rate controller for compensation of flow in a fluid dispensing system includes a body portion and a first set of flow restricting nodes and a second set of flow restricting nodes formed in the body portion. The controller also includes a first channel formed in the body portion and configured to receive and partially surround a portion of a first fluid conduit such that the first fluid conduit is in contact with the first set of flow restricting nodes.

Abstract: An elongate gas distributing tube, which extends in a longitudinal direction of a container, is accommodated within the container that constitutes a gas storage container. Discharge ports, through which the gas is discharged, are provided only on a side circumferential wall of the gas distributing tube. Therefore, the discharged gas advances while being directed toward the inner side wall of the container. The gas distributing tube is surrounded by a gas absorbing/adsorbing material. On the other hand, the gas absorbing/adsorbing material is surrounded by a mixture, which is prepared by mixing the gas absorbing/adsorbing material with a heat storage material, such that heat is absorbed by the heat storage material contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packaging assembly for flowable materials comprising a casing (1) having at least one opening (9), a valve assembly (7) mounted in the opening (9) of the casing (1) and a flexible liner (23) for accommodating the flowable material, said flexible liner (23) being housed in the casing (1) and connected to the valve assembly (7), whereby the valve assembly (7) comprises a dry break extractor valve (17) for closed transfer dispense of the flowable material.

Abstract: A fluid flow stabilizer for use in a flow of fluid in a conduit between a source of turbulence and a fluid control device. The stabilizer comprises a fluid conduit section having a first end with a mounting arrangement for mounting the first end to the fluid conduit and a second end with a mounting arrangement for mounting the second end to the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit section having a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first end to the second end, and a flow straightening device positioned in the fluid conduit section. The fluid conduit section may be constructed to absorb at least one of shock, vibration and alignment in the conduit.

Abstract: A dispensing closure has a flow conduit that provides a sufficient flow restriction to prevent unwanted spurting of the product when the container is initially opened. The dispensing closure includes a closure body with an upper deck and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck. The flow conduit includes an entry orifice having an entrance axis and an exit orifice having an exit axis. The entrance axis is parallel to, but not co-linear with, the exit axis to provide a non-linear flow path from an interior of the closure to the exterior of the closure.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a pump for pumping fluid from a container. The pump has a vent opening for venting air into the fluid in the container to normalize pressure inside the container as the fluid is pumped. An intake shroud is coupled to the pump, and the shroud includes a channel opening to draw fluid from the container into the pump in a straw-like manner. A baffle is positioned between the vent opening and the channel opening of the shroud to reduce ingestion of the air into the pump so as to reduce short or inconsistent dosing of the fluid when pumped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a pourable product has a first hollow body member, a second hollow body member, and a pouring spout. The first hollow body member has a first exterior surface and opposite therefrom a first interior surface which defines a first internal volume. The second hollow body member has a second exterior surface, a second interior surface, a flow-regulating passage, and a dispensing passage separate from the flow-regulating passage. The second exterior surface defines a second external volume smaller than the first internal volume. Opposite the second exterior surface, the second hollow interior surface defines a second internal volume. A fastener is formed on the second interior surface. The pouring spout is operatively connected to the dispensing passage.

Abstract: There is a pneumatic mud stamp including an applicator, a tube-like member, a stopper, a retraction mechanism, ad a pneumatic control. The applicator is configured to apply mud in a pattern and includes a boot and a faceplate with a slot. The tube-like member is coupled to the applicator and includes a first chamber configured to hold mud, a second chamber configured to hold pressurized air, and a decoupling mechanism configured to open the tube-like member for insertion of mud therein. The stopper is slidably disposed within the tube-like member between the first and second chambers. The stopper provides a fluid tight seal therebetween. The retraction mechanism is configured to facilitate moving the stopper away from the applicator. The pneumatic control is configured to selectably dispose pressurized air into the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and pouring liquids, which comprises an internal volume and a pouring opening (8). The interior volume is subdivided into a storage volume (3) and a withdrawal volume (4) which communicate with each other (10), said withdrawal volume (4) leading to the pouring opening (8) in such a manner that the pouring opening (8), when the container (1) is tilted between the critical angle and the overend position of the container (1), invariably is the bottom-most point of the withdrawal volume (4). The container has a ventilation pipe (17) that extends from the pouring opening (8) and leads to the storage volume (3).

Abstract: A dispenser bottle comprising two receptacles for two (preferably different) fluid active substances wherein both receptacles have outlets arranged next to one another in such a way that both active fluids can be applied to a common application field. The receptacles are compressible and provided with discharge nozzles so that the active fluids are mixed with one another only after exiting from the discharge nozzles. The nozzle channels of the discharge nozzles taper towards each other and are preferably substantially parallel. The nozzle channels have an annular construction below the outlet on the inner periphery and have edged transitions with a chamfer forming a bevel on the influx side.

Abstract: A small slender container that may be used to store small quantity of fluid, such as perfume, in a sealed environment and easily dispenses the fluid as desired is disclosed. The content of the slender container is completely sealed and will not leak or evaporate from the container. The slender container is a small diameter slender container with a member affixed within the slender container. The member affixed within the slender container disrupts the surface tension of the perfume and allows the content to flow easily from the small diameter slender container. The slender container can be used as the body of a swab applicator and also for storing fluids wherein the fluid in the slender container may be released into a brush or an absorbent material attached to the ends of the swab applicator when desired.

Abstract: A dispenser having an agitator for bulk product. The dispenser comprises a housing, a handle pivotally connected to the housing, a door connected to the handle and adapted to pivot between a closed position and an open position to selectively dispense the bulk product through an opening in the housing, and an agitator disposed within the housing and connected to the door. The agitator moves when the handle is pivoted, enabling the bulk product to flow by gravity toward the opening.

Abstract: Floor cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a dispenser (50) for dispensing particulate cleaning material onto a floor surface. Particulate material is held in a hopper (52). Movable part (70, 71) is movable with respect to the hopper (52) to define a dispensing aperture (75) and for imparting movement to particulate material in the hopper towards the dispensing aperture (75). Adjustment means (80) are provided for adjusting the operational width of the dispensing aperture (75) so as to provide a range of dispensing settings. Adjustment means (80) is pivotally mounted to the movable part (70, 71) about a rotational axis (82) and has an outer surface which acts as a camming surface. The radius of the outer surface varies in value in different angular directions about the rotational axis (82). Adjustment means (82) provides a discrete set of different spacings between the cam (40) and movable part (71).

Abstract: A faucet comprises a valve body having a bore, an inlet port and an outlet port. A plunger is disposed in the valve body and is reciprocated in the bore. The inlet port opens into a fluid passage adapted for connection to a pressurized source, and the outlet port opens into a dispensing spigot adapted to discharge materials from the faucet. A handle having a pivotal lever is disposed in the valve body and engages the plunger to reciprocate longitudinally through the bore. A plug is mounted on the plunger and has axial and radial sealing surfaces. The plug is forced against the axial valve seat when the valve is closed to deform in both axial and radial directions.

Abstract: A floatable barrier suitably adapted for use with a beverage container having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending vertically therefrom. The floatable barrier comprising top and bottom planar surfaces for displaying advertising material thereon and for floatingly engaging a substantial portion of a comestible liquid contained in the beverage container, respectively; an outer wall integrally connecting the top and bottom planar surfaces along the periphery thereof principally serving as means to space apart and maintain a parallel relationship of the surfaces to form an inner chamber possessing thermal retaining and buoyancy characteristics; and a plurality of apertures collectively located along the periphery of and extending from the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface, through the inner chamber, to assist in promoting the condition of laminar flow over the floatable barrier as the beverage container is being filled with the comestible liquid.

Abstract: A plastic closure for a container mouth is provided with a flow regulator for selectively controlling the flow of contents during dispensing. The flow regulator includes at least two parts which can be moved relative to each other. Each part has at least one dispensing orifice. The parts are constructed such that respective orifices can be aligned at least partially with respect to each other and with respect to the container mouth. The degree of overlap between the respective orifices defines a common dispensing area to control the flow rate during contents dispensing.

Abstract: A dispenser and a control method thereof, and a refrigerator using the same. A method of controlling a dispenser having a driving part discharging objects, and a switching part controlling the driving part to operate and stop, including sensing whether the switching part is turned on or off; and controlling the driving part to operate after a lapse of a predetermined delay time since the switching part is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention is a container dispenser device for handling separated flowable contents of a container. This device is placed under a cap of a container, or, alternatively, replaces a cap of a container and includes cap features itself. The present invention device includes: (a) a base member, the base member having a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint with a perimeter adapted to fit onto and seal a dispensing opening of a container, the base member having a dispensing orifice located thereon; (b) a separator tube connected to the bottom of the base member at the dispensing orifice and extending downwardly therefrom; and (c) at least one mixing rib external from the separator tube and connected to at least one of the separator tube and the base member, and extending downwardly away from the bottom of the base member. It may also include a side wall with cap features.

Abstract: A vertical blade in the spout of a container, on the inside lip of a container or across the top diameter of a container. The blade forms a triangle in the center of the spout. In a spoutless container, the blade extends from the top lip horizontally inside the container for up to two inches, then diagonally down to the inside of the container. Placed across the diameter of a container, the top of the blade is flush with the top of the container and extends down to a maximum of two inches, making a rectangle across the container. Splattering is prevented because liquid is cut, then pulled toward the center. Cohesion pulls liquid toward the blade. Adhesion brings the liquid together after it passes the blade.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container having a circular spout and a liquid guiding neck portion with a curved, generally U-shaped pouring anti-glug ledge. A plurality of vertical reinforcing columns extend between the ledge and top wall of the container to hold the spout in a level position.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser that dispenses liquid via the action of a collapsing tube. The illustrative dispenser includes a liquid-carrying tube, a wire, and a magnet. The magnet is shaped to receive the tube and the wire between an elongated North pole and an elongated South pole. A pulse of current of controlled amperage and duration is sent through the wire, which causes it to deflect. This causes the tube to collapse with the result that a portion of the liquid that is contained in the tube is ejected.

Abstract: An orifice reducer with crumple zones well suited for use with an extrusion blow molded bottle having an uneven surface finish. The device includes a circumferential wall having a number of vertically extending reduced thickness regions, preferably spaced symmetrically about the circumferential wall. The reduced thickness regions deform upon insertion of the orifice reducer into the neck of a bottle to account for irregularity of the surface finish of the bottle. This allows the orifice reducer to be more easily inserted into standard extrusion blow molded bottles.

Abstract: A self-standing type bag-shaped vacuum container has a self-standing container including a wall formed of a soft sheet, a pouring port, and a check valve mounted in the pouring port. The check valve is opened to allow the migration of a content of the container when subjected to a pressure in the pouring direction, but is closed when subjected to a pressure in a filling direction, so that the inside of the container is evacuated. The self-standing container can be optimized for storing beverages or the like which are negatively effected by contact with air, because the content will be oxidized with the air. The vacuum type container will not lose its self-standing property even if the content is reduced, and can stand stably by itself.

Abstract: A spill-proof pouring device for fixing inside the neck of a bottle includes a skirt sealing to the inside of the neck on its outer surface and having an internal channel. An upper flared portion of the skirt protrudes beyond the lip of the neck, and is formed of a flexible material. The flared portion joins the skirt at a point of union of reduced thickness to permit flexing action by the protruding portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a blank and a container constructed from containerboard material cut and scored to form an inner and an outer housing. The outer housing includes opposing side and end walls that are hingedly attached to a plurality of bottom panels that form a container bottom. The bottom panels include a hopper bore defined therethrough. An inner housing includes an interior upper region and an interior lower region. At least a portion of the interior upper region is substantially rigidly attached to an inner surface of the outer housing. The interior lower region is configured to form a plurality of inwardly angled interior panels that are angled substantially in the direction of the hopper bore. A removable closure panel is configured to close or otherwise substantially selectively seal the hopper bore.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: An improved dropper cap, for use in controlled dispensing of liquid from a container, comprises an antechamber, a baffle and an elongated nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a flared spout to ensure clean separation of the liquid from the dropper cap, reducing dripping and smearing of the liquid on the dropper cap, as well as precise dispensing of the liquid. The baffle physically prevents splashing of the liquid from the container, and includes openings to control the flow of liquid into the nozzle. The baffle and antechamber cooperate to draw back undispensed liquid from the nozzle and prevent spurting of the liquid from the container between uses. Further, the dropper cap is threaded to allow easy attachment and removal from the container.

Abstract: The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.

Abstract: A multiple spout pitcher which allows selectively pouring a beverage alone or the beverage and ice contained therein. The pitcher includes a bottom wall and upwardly dependent side wall which terminates at an open upper rim. A handle extends outwardly from the side wall to facilitate picking up the pitcher container by hand. An ice restricting spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim opposite the handle. The ice restricting spout includes a pair of opposing inwardly extending restrictor flaps to hold the ice back without unduly restricting the flow of beverage while pouring. A larger and wider ice passing spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim between the handle and the ice restricting spout which allows the ice as well as the beverage to pour. The pitcher may be constructed with the ice passing spout disposed to the left or the right of the handle as desired for use by right-handed or left-handed persons.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. A fitment is attached to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The fitment has an opening therethrough which has an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A plurality of objects on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall defines a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for gravity discharge of flowable particulate material through an outlet (2) of a container (3) (shown dashed) for such material which outlet (2) is normally obturated by a hollow cone valve member (4), the apparatus (1) comprising actuator means (5) having a flat surface (6) and being adapted to engage the cone valve member (2) adjacent the base (7) thereof for raising and lowering same whereby to provide that the interior volume of the cone valve member (4) remains substantially empty. In the embodiment, the apparatus (1) is a component of a materials handling system in the form of a discharge station “D”, which is fixed for example in the floor of a facility for transferring flowable material from a (transportable) IBC (3) to a process “P” such as mixing, blending, tableting the like which is below the discharge station D.

Abstract: A silo stores bulk, particulate solids within a vertically oriented, elongated hollow body section. The lower end of the body section is joined to the top of a hollow bottom section and extends downwardly, tapering to a bottom of the bottom section. Solids are introduced into the silo through an inlet and withdrawn through an outlet port proximate the bottom of the bottom section. A perforated, hollow, flow-directing tube is disposed vertically within the body and bottom sections and secured within the silo, so that the bottom of the tube straddles the outlet port. The perforated tube substantially eliminates the formation of arches or bridging during withdrawal of particulate solids from the silo. Bursts of noise known as “silo honking” which accompany the collapse of such bridges are thereby eliminated. The noise reducing method and mechanism are readily applied during construction and operation of new silos.

Abstract: The invention relates a Bottle Insert comprising an insert that (optionally, removably) resides inside the uppermost portion of a wide mouth bottle. The insert is circular in shape and has sidewalls and an integral base portion. The base portion rises in one or more locations to a flat plane located near the top of the circular shape and extending approximately one third of the diameter distance into the circular shape. The raised flat portions comprise one or more cut out areas for the purpose of drinking liquid contained within the bottle. Each such cut out area follows the inner diameter of the circular shape at one edge and following the contour of the rest of the raised portion of the flat area. The lower base portion has one or more drain holes. The insert is constructed of injection molded, food grade plastic.

Abstract: A flow promoter to promote flow of material in a hopper or bin container comprises a body having an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and an arrangement of peaks, ridges, slopes and radial lobes provided at the inlet end to cooperatively create stress points in the material. An embodiment of the invention comprises a removable flow promoter that can be inserted into a container.

Abstract: A connector for a reservoir has a body and a guiding member. A passage is defined through the body and communicates with the reservoir. The guiding member is mounted in the passage and has a post and multiple spiral leaves. Accordingly, a vortex flow will be caused as the fluid passes through the guiding member. This can prevent stagnant areas forming in the fluid, and thus germ-breeding areas are eliminated. In addition, the post will abut against the diaphragm of the reservoir to avoid the diaphragm being pushed into the passage when the water chamber of the reservoir is empty. This can ensure that the fluid can be pumped efficiently into the reservoir, and the useful life of the reservoir is prolonged.