Abstract: A gravity-fed protein feeder improvement comprising a timed-access control system configured to increase opportunities to attract or harvest a target animal at a protein feeder site during daylight hours, said timed-access control system comprising a programable timer switch, a battery, a solar panel, a feed access control door assembly, an electromagnetic coil relay, a linear actuator, actuator alignment bracket and assembly mount.

Abstract: A set including a pump dispenser for discharging pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids and an external evaluation unit, which is designed to be exchangeable so that, after the pump dispenser has been emptied, the evaluation unit can be attached to a new pump dispenser. The evaluation unit can be attached to the discharging head of the pump dispenser such that the evaluation unit detects an actuation button and can be partially displaced with same. The evaluation unit can alternatively have a receiving container which is open on at least one side and into which the pump dispenser can be inserted and the force application of which is detected on actuation.

Abstract: A fuel station controller to dispense fuel and drinks, a fuel station including the fuel station controller, and a product management subsystem including sensors communicatively coupled with the fuel station controller. The controller includes a housing comprising product modules having connectors adapted to connect conductors from an ingestible product dispenser, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled with the product modules and comprises processing instructions operable to receive a value indicative of a quantity of an ingestible product in a box to be dispensed by the ingestible product dispenser and to generate an empty box alert if the value is below an empty box setpoint.

Abstract: A chemical diluter system includes a housing. A container is mounted in the housing and is adapted for storing soluble flowable chemical solids. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and adjacent to the container. A disposable dispenser is attached to the container for automatically dispensing a measured amount of the chemical solids from the container into the mixing chamber via gravity flow. The mixing chamber is adapted to receive fluid for dissolution of the chemical solids and for dispensing a diluted chemical solution of the chemical solids.

Abstract: Individual portions of ice cream are dispensed from a bulk container. A motor drives a lead screw, to expand a scissor linkage and drive a dispensing head against the bulk container. Pressure applied to the container causes it to collapse and discharge ice cream from an outlet. The lead screw is orthogonal with the movement of the dispensing head and the axis of collapse of the container. The container, motor and lead screw are carried on a drawer which is slidably mounted in a refrigerated housing. Pressure is monitored to regulate operation of the motor. An encoder controls the motor for a specific portion size.

Abstract: The invention is a method of dispensing a fluid and a dispenser which will dispense an appropriate amount of fluid to effectively clean a user's hand, even if the dispenser is inactive for a period of time.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a pump that, upon actuation, progresses through a discrete dispense cycle to dispense a discrete dose of product. The dispenser further includes an actuating mechanism serving to actuate the pump, and a dispenser controller that controls operation of the actuation mechanism. The discrete dose is less than a desired dose. When the dispenser controller receives a single dispense request, the dispenser controller causes the actuating mechanism to actuate the pump through multiple discrete dispense cycles so as to dispense multiple discrete doses to achieve a dispensing of the desired dose.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic soap dispenser with notification function, which comprises an outer casing; a soap container; a plunger driven by a plunger driving means to move up and down between a default position and a dispensing position where the pump dispensing means is depressed to dispense liquid soap; a plunger position sensor which is configured to be triggered when the plunger is at the default position; and an integrated circuit with timing function which is programmed to operate in such a way that when the user sensing means is triggered, the integrated circuit activates the plunger driving means and initiates the timing function in order to activate the notification means after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and when the plunger position sensor is triggered, the integrated circuit deactivates the plunger driving means.

Abstract: An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or above a preset elevated temperature through a dispensing outlet. Such an apparatus includes a pot in which to house the product. The dispensing apparatus also includes a pump coupled between the pot and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the pot to the dispensing outlet. A rope heater configured to heat the pot may also be included in the dispensing apparatus. The pot may have a movable lid, which may vacuum seal the product against the exterior environment. The lid is designed to scrape any food product residue off the vertical walls of the pot, while also maintaining the vacuum as it moves into the pot. The pot may have a check valve to prevent product spilling when the pot is lifted out of the housing.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: A touchless dispenser is provided for a pressurized container including a valve member. The dispenser comprises a housing mountable to the container. An electrically controlled valve in the housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet maintains the valve member in an open position incident to the housing being mounted on the container. A nozzle extends between the valve outlet and a discharge orifice. A sensor senses a user's hand proximate the discharge orifice. A control in the housing is operatively coupled to the sensor and the electrically controlled valve. The control controls operation of the electrically controlled valve to dispense a select dosage of product from the container responsive to the sensor sensing presence of a user's hand proximate the discharge orifice.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dispenser for periodically spraying an amount of liquid from two aerosol containers. (A, B) Preferably the two aerosol containers (A. B) contain liquid of different nature, such as different perfume or active substance composition, so that the same device is capable of dispensing alternatively two or more different substances.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a pump that, upon actuation, progresses through a discrete dispense cycle to dispense a discrete dose of product. The dispenser further includes an actuating mechanism serving to actuate the pump, and a dispenser controller that controls operation of the actuation mechanism. The discrete dose is less than a desired dose. When the dispenser controller receives a single dispense request, the dispenser controller causes the actuating mechanism to actuate the pump through multiple discrete dispense cycles so as to dispense multiple discrete doses to achieve a dispensing of the desired dose.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitary dispensing of holy water including a cross-shaped housing having one or more compartments. A front support plate and lower sensor/dispenser plate assembly form an L-shaped support bracket. A refillable contain, a micro pump and a dispenser nozzle are stacked on the support bracket. The support bracket pivots from a closed position, to an outwardly angled open position to facilitate refilling of the container.

Abstract: A liquid scent dispenser for spraying droplets of liquid scent under control of a controller. In a manual mode, the controller is programmed to dispense droplets at intervals on signal of a tilt switch such that the times of spraying can be keyed to a hunter's walking rate. In an automatic mode, the controller is programmed to dispense droplets at preset intervals. LEDs are provided on the dispenser to indicate the mode in which the controller is programmed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquid additive into an alcoholic beverage is characterized by an alcoholic beverage dispensing faucet and at least one liquid additive delivery line routed between a supply of liquid additive and the faucet. Liquid additive may optionally, incident to dispensing alcoholic beverage and under control of a user of the faucet, be delivered through the at least one delivery line for introduction into the dispensed alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: An improved concentrate/extract cartridge is provided for dispensing a liquid in an accurate and repeatable manner. The cartridge includes an electromagnetically actuated piston connected to a valve. The piston includes an exterior ring supported by a hollow interior web that is configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat. A membrane is located below the web and is in sealing contact with the internal ring when the piston is activated. This allows a precise and repeatable amount of the liquid to be dispensed with each stroke. Dispensers for dispensing the liquid from the cartridge for a number of applications are also provided. The dispensers each include an actuating coil into which the dispensing tube is inserted. A controller is connected to the coil for controlling the actuation of the piston/valve assembly for dispensing the fluid in the cartridge as required for the particular application.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for fragrance dispenser is disclosed. The driving mechanism comprises a press mechanism and a control circuit characterized in that the press mechanism is provided with a base seat having a protruded circular recess at the lower section thereof for the mounting of a fragrance bottle, the surface of the base seat is mounted with engageable main and driven gears, and the bottom of the base seat is provided with a motor such that the axle of the motor and the main gear are engaged with each other, and the driven gear is engaged with a press rod having a plurality of teeth such that the driving by the control circuit will drive the gear to rotate and the press rod is driven to move up and down, thereby the dispensing head of the fragrance bottle is pressed and the fragrance is dispensed at a specific timing.

Abstract: A device for dispensing liquid scent includes a reservoir for containing liquid scent and a reducer tee disposed in an opening in the reservoir. The reducer tee has first, second and third orifices in fluid communication with one another, and the first orifice is located in the reservoir opening so as to be in direct fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir. The device also includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet. A first tube connects the interior of the reservoir to the pump inlet, and a second tube connects the pump outlet to the second orifice. Operation of the pump can be controlled, by a timer for example, so that a predetermined amount of liquid scent is dispensed through the third orifice at a predetermined time. An additional amount of liquid scent is returned to the reservoir via the first orifice.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is described, the operation of which involves installation thereinto of a single-use fluid dispenser cartridge. The cartridge itself comprises a pliable fluid reservoir and a fill tube assembly. The fill tube assembly—the component which most immediately acquires and delivers a definable volume of fluid into a vial or other container—is characterized by its incorporation of means for continuously measuring fluid volume therein, particularly, as a function of electrical capacitance. Accuracy, precision, and reliability are improved. The apparatus can be used to dispense a broad range of fluids, including viscous fluids. No moving mechanical parts are required in the measurement of capacitance.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.

Abstract: A housing mounted to the ductwork of a hot air heating system or a central air conditioning system includes a pressure differential switch to sense the forced air flow in actuating a spray dispenser to discharge a freshening, deodorizing and/or disinfecting spray through a nozzle and provided hose into the ductwork, for a duration and at a repetition rate predetermined in accordance with the cleansing results desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing fluids includes first and second fluid pumps coupled with a source of the fluid. Each of the pumps includes a flow switch for sensing output flow from the associated pump. When one of the pumps malfunctions, the associated flow switch produces a fault signal which triggers a controller to activate the second pump to complete the dispensing of a dose of fluid from the source. A timer measures the duration of the flow from each of the pumps so that a full dose of fluid is dispensed from the two pumps in the event that one of the pumps malfunctions.

Abstract: In a dispenser, particularly an atomizer, which is used for flowable substances, particularly pharmaceuticals, use is made of a pump, which must be actuated one or more times for priming purposes. Its discharge nozzle (14) is covered by a protective cap (38), which is suitable to collect and store the medium, which is discharged during the priming strokes and before the start of the useful strokes. During the priming strokes the protective cap (38) is secured on the dispenser (11). This is brought about in that a locking (40) for the protective cap is only released when the priming strokes have been performed. This can take place by electrical actuation or by material change under the influence of the medium to be discharged. According to a variant the protective cap is not itself locked, but an actuation locking takes place if the protective cap has not been fitted for the priming strokes.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: The problem of the invention is to so further develop a discharge apparatus according to the preamble that it is possible during each individual actuating stroke to reliably discharge a predetermined volume of medium. A discharge apparatus for media according to the invention has a casing, on which is located an actuator. During each actuator actuation an actuating stroke takes place and consequently a given volume of the medium stored in the casing is discharged. According to the invention the gravity dependently operating blocking means are constructed in such a way that they can block the performance of an actuating stroke as a function of the spatial position of the discharge apparatus.

Abstract: A sandbagging manufacturing apparatus designed to be used with standard sanding trucks normally used with a broadcast spreader. The truck includes a large hopper with a hydraulically controlled conveyor belt located longitudinally inside the large hopper that delivers sand to a rear opening. Located below the rear opening is rigid framework used to hold the broadcast spreader. The apparatus includes a small hopper selectively attached to the framework below the hopper's rear opening. The small hopper is designed to slide into brackets formed on the framework so that the small hopper and broadcast spreader may be easily exchanged. A vertically aligned chute is attached to the small hopper through which sand falls to fill sandbags. The apparatus also includes a control box designed to control the operation of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.

Abstract: A medium dispenser (2) includes an electric drive (30) and a mechanical lock (23) which is operated by the electrical drive (30) in response to a timed schedule stored in a memory device (36). The electric drive (30) and associated parts may be removably inserted into the medium storage portion of the unit (1). An indicator (40) is provided to signal the user through a visible or audible signal, or both, when the dispenser (1) is available for dispensing operations.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid upon actuation of a start switch is described herein. The machine includes a timer and at least one peristaltic pump connected to the timer. Upon actuation of the start switch, the timer energizes the peristaltic pump for a predetermined period of time to therefore transfer a predetermined quantity of liquid from a main reservoir to a cup.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.

Abstract: A fluent dispensing apparatus with a timer control valve that controls the amount of fluent material dispensed into the bag or flexible container. The apparatus includes a holding tank filled with fluent material, such as sand. Formed in the tank is at least one hopper having a lower chute. A sliding gate is disposed over the lower opening of the chute which is coupled to a pneumatic arm. Movement of the pneumatic arm is coupled to an adjustable timer so that the sliding gate automatically opens and closes after a pre-determined length of time. By adjusting the timer so that after a pre-selected length of time the sliding gate is opened, the same quantity of sand may be deposited into each bag. By adjusting the timer so that a sliding gate is closed after a selected length of time, the number of bags produced over a specific period of time may be controlled. The hopper is designed for side-filling for easier filling and an optional vibrator is disposed inside the hopper to facilitate the filling process.

Abstract: A dispenser for volumetrically controlling the amount of lubrication which is fed into the shot sleeve of a die casting machine. Lubrication beads are fed into a hopper. The beads gravitationally travel through a port in the base of the hopper and into a screw extruder. The beads are then moved through a screw extruder both mechanically and pneumatically. The beads are moved mechanically by the rotation of the screw shaft in the screw extruder with a rotary motor. The beads are moved pneumatically by injections of air fed into the screw extruder. The air flow serves the additional purpose of cooling the beads as they move along the screw feeder so that they do not melt and become coagulated. The rotary motor and the air flow are both activated and deactivated by the use of adjustable timers. The timers are synchronistically metered so that the lubricating beads move through the shot bead dispenser and into the die casting machine at predetermined rates.

Abstract: An autonomously operated automated food dispenser provides sustenance to one or more animals at prescribed intervals. The dispenser is portable and suitable for use for animals in space vehicle life support systems. A micro-controller controls operation of the outlet valve of a food reservoir that contains a food paste maintained under pressure by a pressurized gas source. Predetermined volume of food paste are extruded through the outlet upon the micro-controller's command. The food cannister is characterized by a novel two part assembly and houses a rolling diaphragm. Pressurized gas is applied to the bottom of the diaphragm, allowing the diaphragm to roll against the food paste, when the outlet valve is opened.

Abstract: A soap dispenser includes a soap supply, a motor driven pump connected by tubing to the soap supply and a soap output device connected by tubing to the motor driven pump. The electric drive circuit for operating the pump motor includes a sensor for detecting a user's hands positioned to receive soap from the output device. There is a forward motor control circuit connected to the sensor and to the pump motor and responsive to a start signal from the sensor to drive the pump motor in a forward direction to supply soap to the output device. There is a volume adjust circuit connected to the forward motor control circuit and to the sensor to provide a stop signal to the forward motor control circuit a predetermined time period after receipt of a start signal from the sensor.

Abstract: The invention includes an actuator system for a chemical dispensing apparatus where the chemical dispensing apparatus includes a chemical-containing vessel and a housing. The invention also includes an actuator nozzle having a receiving aperture and a dispensing aperture where the receiving aperture is operatively coupled to the vessel to receive the chemicals contained within the vessel. The dispensing aperture is coupled to the receiving aperture and is also connected to a conveying tube to direct the chemical from the vessel, through the tube and into a chemical receiving receptacle. Also included is a structure for ejecting the chemical from the vessel into the actuator nozzle. The actuator nozzle is slidingly and pivotally mounted in the housing and is configured to slide vertically relative to the housing and is also configured to pivot outwardly relative to the housing to permit reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the vessel while maintaining communication with the conveying tube.

Abstract: An automatic feed supply machine comprising a housing containing a feed container. The feed container has a flexible bottom wall and a pushing plate for moving feed to an outlet. The outlet is closed by a disk. A motor vibrates the flexible bottom and moves the pushing plate. A common actuating lever moves the disk to an open position and operates the motor to dispense feed through the opening and into and through a nozzle.

Abstract: A water cooler and dispensing system comprises a housing, a pump, a cap, a siphon tube, a reservoir, a cooling unit, control circuitry and a faucet. The housing includes a frame and detachable panels for supporting the reservoir above a water bottle. The cap substantially seals the bottle and is coupled to the pump. The pump forces air into the bottle and water upward through the siphon tube to the reservoir. A liquid pumping system may also be used. The reservoir is divided into two portions, and the lower portion contains a cooling unit for chilling the water. The reservoir has an output port from each portion of the reservoir coupled to a faucet formed by a manifold, two valves and a nozzle. The dispenser also includes control circuitry for selectively operating the pump to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. The controller also lights an indicator when the bottle is empty.

Abstract: A liquid soap supplying device of the present invention includes a tank for storing liquid soap, a discharging nozzle communicating with the tank through a pipe, a liquid soap supplying device for supplying liquid soap in the tank to the discharging nozzle, an air supplying device communicating with the discharging nozzle through a pipe and a mixing chamber for liquid soap and air arranged in the discharging port of the discharging nozzle. The liquid soap and air supplied under operation of each of the supplying devices are mixed and agitated in the mixing chamber so as to discharge the bubbled liquid soap. A pressuring device communicates with the air accumulation part at an inner upper part in the tank. An air feeding pipe is connected to the air accumulation part, and the liquid soap and air in the tank are fed to the discharging nozzle under an operation of the pressurizing device.

Abstract: A frozen dessert dispensing apparatus is provided with a metering chamber having a predetermined volume into which a frozen dessert product is issued at a uniform constant rate from a bulk source. The time period required to fill the chamber volume determines a characteristic viscosity value of the dessert product which is advantageously used to time the flow of additional frozen dessert product from the source into and through the chamber to a selected point. The total time required to dispense a desired volume is based upon the viscosity measurement. A reciprocating piston arrangement provides gating of the frozen dessert product from the bulk source when in a first position and further acts to extrude frozen dessert product from the metering chamber when set in motion under the command of a controller. The piston arrangement includes a compressible plunger portion which deforms as necessary to prevent accidents or other mishaps from occurring in pinch-off regions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser system for dispensing a cleaning liquid to a remote bathroom fixture includes a bathroom wall having a storage unit mounted in the wall and having an access cover or door covering the storage area and a liquid storage container located therein. An electric pump is located in the wall storage unit and is operatively connected to the liquid container for pumping the cleaning liquid through a conduit connected from the pump to a bathroom fixture for delivering a cleaning liquid to the fixture. A pump actuating switch is electrically connected to the pump and to a timer and to the end of the conduit for actuating the pump remotely to thereby pump liquid from the liquid storage container to the remote fixture. A method is provided which includes attaching a wall storage unit in a bathroom wall and placing a storage container therein behind an access cover. The liquid storage container is connected to an electric pump located in the wall storage area for pumping the liquid from the container.

Abstract: A device for feeding animals moist and semi-moist food at selected times including a tubular casing having a convergent outlet and an open inlet. An extrusion assembly including a piston longitudinally movable in the tubular casing is provided and sized to be received in the tubular casing to travel a portion of the length thereof. A drive arrangement is provided to extend the piston into the tubular casing to extrude food through the outlet at selected intervals and for removing the piston from the tubular casing for refilling the tubular casing. Interval operational timing devices are provided for selecting the frequency and duration of the operation of the feeding cycles and can be operated by programmable time control devices. Additionally, solid state heating/cooling devices can be provided so that the food extruded from the tubular casing can be heated or cooled as desired for emission from the feeder.

Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing condiments for items of food, including a plurality of condiment containers, a dispenser head having a plurality of input passages, an outlet nozzle, and valves for controlling fluid flow from each of the input passages to the outlet nozzle, a plurality of fluid flow lines, with a line connecting each condiment container to a corresponding dispenser head input passage, and a fluid pump in each of the fluid flow lines whereby an operator can dispense selected condiments from the nozzle onto a food item. Arrangements for daily and bi-weekly sanitizing of the system.

Abstract: A soap dispenser utilizes an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of an object upon which soap will be dispensed. There is a source of soap and a pump connected thereto. A voltage regulator having an adjustable output voltage to control the force at which soap is dispensed, and which may be considered a method of accommodating viscosity of soap, is connected to the pump. The sensor controls operation of the pump and there is an adjustable timing circuit to control the amount of time the pump operates and hence the volume of soap dispensed. A prime circuit is included to prime the pump as conditions require.

Abstract: Programmable additive controllers control flow of fluid additives from a fluid supply line. A flowmeter is connected to the solenoid control valve for measuring flow of fluid. A controller opens and closes the control valve. The control valve is positioned downstream from the flowmeter, leaving the meter full upon shut off. A settable input controls cyclic operation of the controller. The controller further incorporates an input for required quantities of additive to be added on each cycle. A comparator in the controller compares a required quantity with signal output indicating flow through the flowmeter. The difference, if any, between actual flow and target flow is continuously sent, and the target flow is continuously adjusted up or down when necessary to compensate for the previous difference. The comparator connects to a closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having an actuating mechanism for operating a pump-type spray container is provided for quiet operation and improved reliability. The actuating mechanism includes a cam/lever arm assembly having a lever tip which slides down the sloping surface of the cam such that it controls the downward impact force of the lever arm on the spray head.