Abstract: A single brew system includes a kettle base and a platform is attached to the kettle base. The platform is adapted to receive and retain a kettle. A mug base is spaced from the kettle base and a mug platform is attached to the mug base. The mug platform is adapted to receive a mug.

Abstract: A method for operating a packaging machine having at least one electric drive motor, the drive motor driving at least one functional unit of the packaging machine in a program-controlled manner when producing packaging using the following steps: (a) loading a parameter set into the control of the packaging machine, the parameter set containing at least one load parameter which limits the torque or the current consumption of the drive motor to a maximum when producing packaging; (b) operating the packaging machine for producing packaging, the maximally occurring actual value of the torque mustered at the drive motor or the current consumed by the drive motor being measured during operation; (c) determining a new load parameter as a function of the maximum actual value; (d) saving the new load parameter in a parameter set allocated to the packaging to be produced.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for dosing a product in powder and/or granule form within containers includes a hopper (2) provided with an internal cavity (3) to contain the product, a dosing screw (4) rotatable about, and extending along, a rotation axis (X) inside the hopper and through the internal cavity, and a first driving shaft (5) arranged to rotate the dosing screw; the dosing apparatus also includes a magnetic coupling system (10) to removably connect a first end (6) of the dosing screw (4) to the first driving shaft (5), arranged externally to the hopper (2); the magnetic coupling system includes groups of magnets (21, 22, 23, 24) adapted to magnetically transmit a driving torque from the first driving shaft (5) to the dosing screw (4) and to reversibly fasten, longitudinally along the rotation axis (X), the dosing screw (4) to the first driving shaft (5); the first end (6) of the dosing screw (4) is arranged inside the hopper (2) and the first driving shaft (5) is hermetically separated from the first end (6)

Abstract: A filling nozzle provided with a filling cylinder, an air-injection cylinder, and an air-supply unit. The filling cylinder is configured such that an auger rotates about the axis thereof to discharge powder through an opening provided at the lower end of the filling cylinder. The air-injection cylinder is fitted to the exterior of the filling cylinder to form an annular space between the filling cylinder and the air-injection cylinder. The air-supply unit supplies air in the annular space. A tip portion of the air-injection cylinder extends downward below the opening and has an air-discharge mouth formed in a tapered shape such that the tip portion has a diameter smaller than that of the opening.

Abstract: An automated ice dispenser (30) decouples the action of agitating ice stored in an ice bin (69) and the action of dispensing the ice and, additionally, uses a controlled action to dispense the ice. Agitation is achieved with a horizontally mounted agitator (91). Ice is dispensed with a horizontally mounted auger (124). The ice dispenser (30) uses the force created by the auger (124) to push the ice through an opening (71) and out of the bin (69), making the dispensing more consistent and providing the ability to overcome clumping. By making the agitation action independent of the dispensing action, the incidence of clumping is reduced. Agitation is controlled by software, whereunder the agitator (91) turns on based on the cumulative run time of the auger (124). Auger run time and agitation time (as well as other configurable parameters) are adjustable by DIP switches (134) on a control board (133).

Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.

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: An inkjet cartridge refurbishing apparatus includes a pump assembly with a fluid intake line that can be inserted into a bottle or other reservoir of ink or flushing/cleaning material. Connected to the output of the pump assembly is a fill gun having a fill needle mounted on a handle. The fill gun is operated by inserting the fill needle into an inkjet cartridge and actuating a fill trigger switch on the fill gun. Actuating the fill trigger switch activates the pump assembly to pump ink into the cartridge. An auto-cutoff device may control the volume of fluid pumped into the cartridge.

Abstract: An automatic pet food dispenser at preset times and for a definite quantity includes a dispenser body, a food storing tank, a funnel-shaped receiver, a transporting mechanism. The transporting mechanism consists of a food pipe and a screw conveyer deposited in the food pipe and rotated by a motor for transporting pet food by the screw conveyer to let the food fall down from the storing tank, through the funnel-shaped receiver, and a timer for presetting times of start and stop and thus the period of operating time of the motor. The dispenser body has a food exit formed in a bottom wall and connected to the lower end of the food pipe, and a food trough movably provided in the bottom portion of the dispenser body to pulled out thereof to receive pet food falling down from the food exit.

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 ice bagger comprises an ice maker, an ice bagging unit which includes an automatic sanitation system, and a merchandiser. The ice maker delivers particulate ice into a hopper housed within the ice bagging unit. The ice bagging unit includes a bag carrier which retrieves a bag from a bag supply and opens the bag underneath a delivery chute communicating with the hopper via an auger. A scale supports the bag during its filling to measure the weight of the ice delivered into the bag from the hopper. When the scale registers the desired amount of ice, the auger ceases to deliver ice from the hopper into the delivery chute. The ice bagging unit further includes a sealer arm and heating element wherein, after the bag is filled, the sealer arm pivots to detach the bag from the bag carrier and force both sides of the open end of the bag against the heating element. The heating element then activates to seal the bag closed.

Abstract: An apparatus dispenses dry polyacrylamide (PAM), which is very sensitive to humidity, into irrigation water for stabilizing soil to reduce erosion and maintain porosity. A tank containing PAM discharges the PAM into a feed tube leading to a distribution canister. A fan at the canister blows a stream of air across an outlet end of the feed tube to keep moist air away from the end of the tube and facilitate discharge of the PAM into the canister and out of the open bottom end of the canister into the irrigation water. The apparatus is battery powered for use in remote areas without power lines and is operated periodically by a programmable timer.

Abstract: An ink handling apparatus includes an ink handling module and a base for receiving and supporting the ink handling module. The ink handling module includes a container having a discharge aperture, a moveable member with paddles for moving ink through the discharge aperture, and an ink pump connected to the discharge aperture for receiving and pumping the discharged ink through a supply hose to a desired location. The base includes a pair of motors each having releasably engageable drive connectors for releasably engaging drives on the moveable member and the ink pump. The releasable engageable drive connectors are configured so that the ink handling module can be set on the base with the releasably engageable drive connectors engaged with the drives, whereafter interlocking connectors on the base and the ink handling module can be fastened to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: An improved dispensing apparatus for metering out feed to animals such as pets, or small livestock, such device delivering feed at pre-determined times and in a pattern which is consistent day-to-day so that the pre-selected feeding schedule is maintained. The device comprising a timer having a slowly rotating axial component, a dispenser in the form of a distribution wheel anchored to such axial component and disposed outwardly from the timer for axial rotation upon rotation of the axial component, and such distribution wheel including a series of axially spaced compartments for receiving feed from an associated hopper. The timer preferably rotates the axial component so that one standard rotation is completed in a 24-hour period. Accordingly, within such time period one complete rotation of the distribution wheel occurs.

Abstract: A complete self-contained drink and ice dispensing system which is portable and fulfills all the drink dispensing needs of a drink server is provided. All the components necessary to dispense a drink including ice are housed in a single compact unit which is extremely space efficient. These components include an ice maker which resides above a storage bin and a cold plate resting in the bottom of the storage bin. The ice maker supplies both the ice dispensed with the drinks as well as the ice used to cool the cold plate. Situated between the product source and cold plate are pumps which pump product to dispensing valves for dispensing into cups. Additionally, a water pump and carbonator are positioned between a water source and the cold plate to provide the carbonated water dispensed with the product. The product source, water source, water pump, carbonator, product pumps, cold plate, and dispensing valves are all fluidly connected by product lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for metering a unitary food substance, such as a hard dog biscuit, to a pet during time when the pet may be left alone, more particularly, an above ground-level mounted device, which is mounted on, for example, a door, consisting of an outer holder having a bottom opening which is fitted with an insert that creates equal-sized areas for placement of the unitary food substance. Upon rotation, by a continuous turning means, of either the insert or the holder, the bottom opening of the holder becomes sequentially positioned directly underneath the each unitary food substance holding area causing the unitary food substance to fall to the ground at various times.

Abstract: By method of dispensing vapor, preferably perfumed vapor, to the air in a room from a vapor dispensing substance, vapor is dispensed by means of an electrically controlled control device for controlling the vapor dispensation of the vapor dispensing substance, and an electrical circuit for controlling the current supply to the control device. By the fact that the electrical circuit is supplying a time controlled, gradually increasing current supply to the control device in time periods with intermediate periods of no current supply to the control device is achieved that the concentration of the vapor dispensed is kept at a constant level, until the vapor dispensation substance has been used up.

Abstract: By method of dispensing vapor, preferably perfumed vapor, to the air in a room from a vapor dispensing substance, vapor is dispensed by means of an electrically controlled control device for controlling the vapor dispensation of the vapor dispensing substance, and an electrical circuit for controlling the current supply to the control device. By the fact that the electrical circuit is supplying a time controlled, gradually increasing current supply to the control device in time periods with intermediate periods of no current supply to the control device is achieved that the concentration of the vapor dispensed is kept at a constant level, until the vapor dispensation substance has been used up.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus, especially intended for particulate pet food, comprising a hopper having a metering chamber thereunder. The metering chamber has a tumbler rotatable by a motor and controlled by a control means. The tumbler has a longitudinal cavity to receive and dispense pet food and is journalled to the metering chamber with a flap bearing resiliently on it. The tumbler has a plurality of spaced apart fins radiating from it to prevent accumulation of dust and to inhibit jamming of the mechanism. The tumbler is also easily removable for cleaning. Also disclosed are food and water containers.

Abstract: An automatic food dispensing method, apparatus and utensil primarily for use in fast food restaurants, bakeries, and the like. The method and apparatus comprise a pumping system from a supply through a pump in a controlled amount with a reverse action of the pump after the appropriate amount has been dispensed in order to avoid it dripping. Other drip proof arrangements, such as valving are also utilized optionally. The utensil comprises a handle attached to a container and spreading utensil such as a spoon, ladle, or the like, wherein predetermined portions of a food or substance used in a food may be dispensed either continually or as predetermined quantities. The device consists of a spoon or other appropriately shaped utensil attached to a hollow handle which terminates in a non interfering connection with the interior of the utensil at one end and terminates at the other end in a connection to a food supply source.

Abstract: An automatic fishfood dispenser includes a food container, a dispensing mechanism, and a battery pack. A transparent plastic food container is provided with a removable cover and is integrally formed with a channel through which an outflow of fishfood is communicated to an egress provided in said dispensing mechanism. A grooved spindle positioned in the channel when stationary blocks a flow of fishfood from the channel, but when rotating distributes a quantity of fishfood to the egress. A battery powered motor operating in conjunction with a timer controls the rotation of the grooved spindle. A quantity of fishfood to be dispensed and a time interval preset by the user by means of the timer allows for the automatic dispensing of a quantity of fishfood at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively dispensing discrete quantities of elongated ice pieces from a supply thereof. The apparatus includes a baffle defining an upper edge and mechanism adjacent the baffle for causing ice pieces received from the supply to extend lengthwise generally parallel to the baffle and to be translated upwardly to above the level of the baffle upper edge while concurrently tipping the ice pieces over the upper edge to pass to forwardly of the baffle for dispensing thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer mechanism is defined by at least one helical vane extending from a rearward transfer position to a forward dispensing position defined by the upper edge of the baffle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes extend approximately 105.degree. about an axis of rotation thereof within a tubular drum. The apparatus may include a constant speed dispensing mechanism and a timer control for any one of a plurality of preselected time periods.

Abstract: A cleanser feeding mechanism has a cleanser housing portion, a cleanser feeding member for feeding a cleanser housed in the cleanser housing portion, and a synchronous motor for applying a drive force to the cleanser feeding member, and feeds an amount of cleanser corresponding to the number of revolutions of the synchronous motor. A cleanser feeding amount-setting unit sets an amount of cleanser to be fed from the cleanser feeding mechanism. A driving unit applies an AC source voltage of an AC power source to the synchronous motor. A counter counts the number of cycles of the AC source voltage from a timing at which the AC source voltage is applied to the synchronous motor. A reference cycle number-setting unit sets a total cycle number of the AC source voltage which corresponds to a cleanser amount set by the cleanser feeding amount-setting unit.

Abstract: An ice portion control for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an upper end for receiving ice and a lower end. With the chute filled with ice, to vend a desired quantity of ice a dispensing gate at the lower end of the chute is opened for a selected one of a plurality of timed periods of durations selected to dispense from the chute associated predetermined quantities of ice. Adjusting the lengths of the timed periods varies the quantities of ice vended.

Abstract: A time control device provided in a water conditioning apparatus, and including a control mechanism, a main shaft, a main wheel rotating about the axis of the main shaft at a constant speed, and a skipper wheel rotating about the axis of the main shaft and rotated by the main wheel through a predetermined angle. The control mechanism controls a flow of liquid in the apparatus in accordance with a rotation of the main shaft, to carry out a liquid treatment. A pin engageable with a projection cam formed on a housing is provided at the main wheel to rotate the skipper wheel through the predetermined angle, and a finger member is provided on the skipper wheel to transmit the predetermined angle rotation to the main shaft, so that the main shaft drives the control mechanism to control the flow.

Abstract: A cleanser feeding mechanism has a cleanser housing portion, a cleanser feeding member for feeding a cleanser housed in the cleanser housing portion, and a synchronous motor for applying a drive force to the cleanser feeding member, and feeds and amount of cleanser corresponding to the number of revolutions of the synchronous motor. A cleanser feeding amount-setting unit sets an amount of cleanser to be fed from the cleanser feeding mechanism. A driving unit applies an AC source voltage of an AC power source to the synchronous motor. A counter counts the number of cycles of the AC source voltage from a timing at which the AC source voltage is applied to the synchronous motor. A reference cycle number-setting unit sets a total cycle number of the AC source voltage which corresponds to a cleanser amount set by the cleanser feeding amount-setting unit.

Abstract: An ice dispenser comprises an ice stroage chamber within which an agitator is rotatably mounted. In response to reception of an ice dispensation signal, a motor for driving the agitator is controlled in a predetermined timing sequence independent of a period during which ice pellets are dispensed from the ice storage chamber by means of an auger and a time interval intervening between the preceeding and succeeding ice dispensing operations. To this end, a first timer for driving first the agitator and a second timer for stopping the agitator for a predetermined period are provided in association with the agitator driving motor.

Abstract: An ice dispenser apparatus includes an ice making mechanism (1) and, an ice storage box (5) for storing ice pieces produced by the ice making mechanism. When the ice pieces are dispensed a discharge port shutter (9) normally closing a discharge port (5c) provided in the ice storage box (5) at a lower portion thereof is opened by a discharge port shutter actuator (11). A transient storage chamber (13) is provided in communication with the discharge port (5c), the chamber having a normally closed aperture for transiently storing a predetermined amount of ice pieces discharged from the ice storage box (5) through the discharge port (5c) when the discharge port shutter (9) is opened. A transient storage chamber shutter (10) is provided in association with the transient storage chamber (13) and is adapted to be actuated by a transient storage chamber shutter actuator (12) for selectively opening or closing the aperture.

Abstract: A device for filling in a single operation of several mould spaces in a mould tray with a thick fluid substance such a chocolate, creme, fondant, and similar. The device consists primarily of a tank; a distribution vessel with filler openings; a transport pipe between the tank and the distribution vessel; a constant-flow pump connected to the tranport pipe and intended for pumping the substance from the tank to the distribution vessel and for pumping the substance out of the filler openings; at least one mould tray located under the distribution vessel with filler openings; a means which switches on and off the pump for pumping the substance; and a means which switches on and off the pump for withdrawing and retaining the substance in the filler openings once the mould tray is filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an additive (70) into a stream (14) of well proppant includes a sealed housing (42), (44), (52) containing a first chamber (102), a second chamber (104), and an additive dispenser (64), (72) operably connected to a motor (92). The upper chamber (102) is adapted to contain the additive (70), and the lower chamber (104) communicated with the pressurized well proppant stream (14). The additive dispensing means (64), (72) is disposed between the upper chamber (102) and the lower chamber (104). A pressure equalizing tube (98) within said housing (42), (44), (52) extends from the upper chamber (102) through the additive dispenser (64), (72) to the lower chamber (104) to equalize the fluid pressure existing in the lower chamber (104) with the fluid pressure existing in the upper chamber (102) during the dispensing of the additive (70) from the upper chamber (102) to the lower chamber (104).

Abstract: Method and apparatus to automatically dispense aromatic vapor to a desired area by causing the vapor to be evenly dispensed to the selected area over a pre-determined length of time. The vapor is circulated from the dispenser by a device to which the curent thereto is gradually increased as the vapor producing substance in the dispenser is dissipated.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a filling machine of the type employing a hopper and rotary feed auger determines the exact number of auger revolutions required to deliver a preselected weight of material to be dispensed by weighing the volume of material delivered by a given number of auger revolutions and computing the ratio of the number of auger revolutions to the weight of the volume delivered. The ratio is then divided into the desired weight to determine the actual number of auger revolutions required to deliver the desired weight. The control apparatus also measures the amount of rotation of the rotary auger after the auger is braked at the end of each fill cycle and increments or decrements a preselected set point number of auger revolutions, depending upon whether the actual number of auger revolutions is greater than or less than the set point, to compensate for auger rotation after braking.

Abstract: The invention relates to portable apparatuses for dispensing purified water from conventional five gallon water bottles directly into a spigot mounted on a sink or an ice maker of a refrigerator. The bottle of water does not have to be mounted on any known support or cabinet, but can remain in its upright position. The water is pumped directly from the bottle through a flexible tube upon drop in pressure in the transport line. A sensing mechanism detects this drop in pressure when the spigot is open and activates a motor which drives the pump. Second pressure switch de-activates the pump when the water runs out of the bottle to prevent overheating of the motor. The pump then has to be manually reset. A time release is provided when it is desired to connect the bottle to an ice maker, so that the pump continuously operates for several minutes to fill in the ice maker and then automatically stops.