Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operation of a start/stop vehicle having an FEAD-driven AC compressor. During an engine idle-stop, fragrance is dispensed into a vehicle cabin via a fragrance dispensing device integrated with a vent of a vehicle AC unit. The dispensed fragrance masks must smells attributed to an evaporator when the engine is shut-down, thereby extending the duration of idle-stop.

Abstract: A combination air freshener and security alarm includes a housing having a touch-screen display that programs and controls a plurality of sensors, a cellular-transmission module and a fragrance-dispersal mechanism. Therefore, a user can designate which of a plurality of desired fragrances will be dispersed at select intervals. In addition, if the sensors detect any unusual noise, airborne contaminants, excessive heat or motion in the surrounding area, a distress signal is wirelessly transmitted to a remote electronic device.

Abstract: A liquid transporting apparatus includes a driving section that transports a the liquid; a control section that controls the driving section, based on a control pattern; and an operation section that is operated to change the control pattern for controlling the driving section.

Abstract: Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.

Abstract: A method of operating a volatile material dispenser includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser according to a pre-defined algorithm for a first operational cycle. The method further includes the steps of sensing a change in an emission parameter initiated by a user and storing information related to the change in emission parameter. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser for a second operational cycle according to a new algorithm, wherein the new algorithm comprises the pre-defined algorithm with modifications according to the change initiated by the user.

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: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.

Abstract: A discharging device for dispensing liquids having a housing, control electronics, a liquid storage receptacle, a discharge orifice, a conveying device actuable manually by a first actuator which transports the liquid to the discharge orifice from the storage receptacle and a blocking device, which in a blocked state blocks the actuation of the conveying device and in a released state allows actuation of the conveying device. The blocking device includes an interlock device movable relative to the housing between first and second positions and a movement of the interlock device from the first to the second position causes the blocking device to assume the released state. The interlock device is biased by a spring device in the direction of the second position and a first retaining device is provided which retains the interlock device in the first position and which is releasable by a signal from the control electronics.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein and an actuator arm attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The automatic discharge device also includes a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions and the actuator arm is adapted to spray the contents of the two containers.

Abstract: A device for removing condensation from an ice duct of an ice dispenser for a refrigerator. The device may include a flap, which is arranged to seal an output opening of the ice dispenser and a controller for the flap, which is designed to move the flap between a closed position, in which the inner side of the flap contacts the edge of the outlet opening and a dispensing position in which the flap is withdrawn from the edge of the outlet opening to permit the dispensing of ice cubes. Further, the controller is designed to open the flap after expiry of a first time period, during which the flap is not moved by the action of a user or by the controller and to close the flap after expiry of a second time period.

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: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dispensing a selected volume of liquid. The system includes an apparatus that has a reservoir having an inlet tube and outlet tube coupled thereto, and a controller for controlling at least a portion of the apparatus. Two level sensors are positioned along the reservoir and are in communication with and controlled by the controller. The method includes steps for measuring a time a liquid level in the reservoir falls from an upper level to a lower level to calculate a flow rate. The calculation flow rate may then be used to determine and compare a dispensed volume versus the selected volume. Dispensing may then continue until the selected volume has been dispensed.

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: A power source is provided to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein. A sleep period interval between spray operations is selected and a motion sensor is activated to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor after completion of the sleep period interval. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor a fluid is automatically discharged from the aerosol container and the sleep interval is reset and if motion is detected by the motion sensor a delay time interval is initiated and fluid is not discharged from the aerosol container. The dispensing unit alternates between activating the sensor to detect motion and resetting the delay time interval until no motion is detected by the motion sensor at the expiration of the delay time interval, which results in the automatic discharge of fluid and a resetting of the sleep period interval.

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: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein and an actuator arm. Other steps include activating the dispensing unit in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor and selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations. Yet another step includes moving the actuator arm after completion of a startup delay period from a pre-actuation position to a discharge position along a path substantially parallel to an axial length of the container to actuate a nozzle of the container to discharge a fluid from the container. The method also includes the step of alternating automatically between the sleep period having a duration commensurate with the selected sleep period interval and a discharge period during which the fluid is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing food items at pre-selected time intervals is provided. The apparatus may include a dispensing member, a receiving member, a timer and a locking member. The dispensing member may store at least one food item therewithin. The dispensing member may dispense a predetermined quantity of the at least one food item. The receiving member may receive the predetermined quantity of the at least one food item dispensed from the dispensing member. The receiving member may be accessed in an open state thereof for retrieving the dispensed food item. Further, the timer may measure a pre-selected time interval. The timer may be activated based on one of a user input and accessing of the receiving member for dispensed predetermined quantity of the at least one food item. The locking member may be configured to lock one of the dispensing member and the receiving member.

Abstract: An automatic discharge device comprises a housing adapted to receive a container therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The actuator arm includes a dispensing bore therein. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The actuator arm is adapted to engage and actuate a nozzle of the container in the first position and allow a fluid disposed in an interior of the container to be dispensed through the nozzle and the dispensing bore of the actuator arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A metering device with an applicator housing having an application orifice for medium discharge. A metering pump conveys medium from a medium store to the applicator. An electronic counting module having a stroke detection means operatively engageable with a relatively movable pump portion of the metering pump. A data processing processor evaluates signals from the stroke detection means, and an indicator unit indicates data produced by the data processing processor. A current source supplies the data processing processor with current. A module housing houses an electronic counting module. The external dimensions of the module housing are conformed to the internal dimensions of a reception space. The reception space is open on one side of the applicator housing, so that the module housing can be inserted completely into the reception space through the opening and be fastened therein.

Abstract: The actuating device for a sprayer contains a control circuit to provide scheduled operations, a driving member to provide a torque, a power member to provide electricity to the control circuit and the driving member, an actuating member to exert pressure to the nozzle of the sprayer, a gear set to deliver the torque to the actuating member, and a casing member to house the foregoing components. The actuating member has a roughly quadrant shape with gear teeth on the arc and a peen besides the gear teeth. An adaptation member can be provided on top of the nozzle. The adaptation member has a socket to fit on the nozzle and a diametric elongated ridge interacting with the peen to provide closer and longer period of interaction to avoid insufficient exertion of pressure to the nozzle.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

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: An apparatus, system, and method for precise dispensing of a desire volume of liquid. The present system allows incorporation of brewer control and a faucet in an accurate volume dispensing system. The dispensing apparatus is used in combination with a beverage maker and includes a liquid reservoir with a level sensor associated therewith for sensing a liquid level in the reservoir. An inlet tube communicates with the reservoir and a constant line pressure source. An inlet valve positioned along the inlet tube is controlled by a controller. The controller also controls an outlet valve communicating with an outlet tube extending from the liquid reservoir. The controller operates the outlet valve to remain open for a time period which is the longer of an initial set time period and one or more refill periods. The controller may also controllably adjust the outlet time period by monitoring for reductions in the time the inlet valve remains open.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting door handles and knobs comprising a dispenser for soap or disinfectant adapted to spray the soap or disinfectant on the door handles or knobs when triggered by the motion of a hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reblending sand whereby multiple reblending tanks with a plurality of reblending stations have thin respective outputs joined through a single control system.

Abstract: A method of reblending sand in a classification tank having multiples stations and discharge valves within each station includes the steps of delivering sand to the tank; calibrating the tank to analyze the raw feed material and develop discharge rates, flow multipliers, and a mathematical model of the tank; and inputting a specification or quantity and sieve size distribution for a reblended sand product into a computer for controlling the tank. Then the tank is operated in a production mode and the discharge valves at each station of the tank are adjusted by the computer for percent open time and discharge rate. With one algorithm, the computer identifies which station has the most of a sieve size that is out of specification and diverts material at that station by closing the appropriate discharge valve(s).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and system for electromechanical liquid dispensing. The system includes a bottle for holding liquid to be dispensed, the bottle having an inlet port and an outlet port, a one-way outlet valve on the outlet port through which liquid is dispensed from the bottle, and an electronic control system for controlling dispensement of the liquid from the outlet port such that a controlled quantity of liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: A counter for counting delivered doses from a spray dispenser of a type having a main body holding a fluid substance to be dispensed and a cap with a pump and nozzle mounted on the main body, the counter including: a counter body having an upper recess for receiving the main body; a button in an arcuate lower depression on the counter body for actuation by a person's thumb when a dose is dispensed; a display on the counter body for displaying a number of doses dispensed from the main body; a circuit which changes the number of doses display each time that the button is depressed; a set button for setting a starting number which is displayed on the display, corresponding to a predetermined number of doses remaining in the spray dispenser; and a sound generator which generates an audible sound upon each depression of the button.

Abstract: A device for detecting the operation of a dispenser (11) includes a medium container (12) for storing a dischargeable medium, a discharge mechanism (13) operated by a relative movement between an operating element (14) and the medium container, the operating element (14) containing a detecting device (20) for detecting operations which have taken place and for generating an electric counting signal in response thereto, the operating element (14) also containing a display element (22) for displaying a numerical value determined in the counting mechanism (21) as a function of the number of counting signals which have occurred and the display element (22) only being activated for a period of time.

Abstract: A deer scent emitter including a housing, a scent container in the housing, at least one first opening in the housing, at least one second opening in the scent container, a timer in the housing, and a linkage coupling the timer to the scent container for periodically effecting communication between the first and second openings.

Abstract: A method of reblending sand in a classification tank having multiples stations and discharge valves within each station includes the steps of delivering sand to the tank; calibrating the tank to analyze the raw feed material and develop discharge rates, flow multipliers, and a mathematical model of the tank; and inputting a specification or quantity and sieve size distribution for a reblended sand product into a computer for controlling the tank. Then the tank is operated in a production mode and the discharge valves at each station of the tank are adjusted by the computer for percent open time and discharge rate. With one algorithm, the computer identifies which station has the most of a sieve size that is out of specification and diverts material at that station by closing the appropriate discharge valve(s).

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring valve dispensing time. In the apparatus, an optical fiber sensor is located arranged in the vicinity of an outlet of a nozzle. A magnetic field is generated in coils of a first relay by an ON signal from an electromagnetic valve, such that contacts thereof are connected to each other. A magnetic field is generated in coils of a second relay by an OFF signal from the electromagnetic valve, such that contacts thereof are connected to each other. A stopwatch has a start terminal connected to the first relay and a stop terminal connected to the second relay. When the electromagnetic valve transmits a signal to the suckback valve to dispense the photoresist from the nozzle, a ON signal is transmitted to generate a magnetic field in coils of the first relay, while contacts of the first relay are connected to start the stop watch.

Abstract: A method of reblending aggregate includes delivering aggregate of various sizes to the classification tank having a plurality of stations with primary and secondary discharge valves. The tank is then calibrated to determine raw feed analysis, discharge rates and the flow multipliers needed to develop a mathematical model of the tank. Inputting the calibration information data and the desired production specification into a computer allows the tank to be operated and controlled with appropriate adjustments in discharge rates and valve percent settings at each station. This method provides more accurate control than the existing min-max control methods. The apparatus for this method includes the tank, a pumping device, and a computer interconnected with a PLC and electrohydraulic mechanisms for valves at each tank station such that both the discharge rate from each station and the valve percent settings of the individual valves at each station are variable and controllable.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: Beverage servers for retaining beverages at a desired heated temperature. Prior art beverage servers have attempted to maintain the temperature of a brewed beverage retained therein in a variety of ways. One form of beverage server utilizes a heat resistant and heat conductive material for a beverage reservoir and places an exposed flame using a product such as gelled fuel thereunder to provide heat. One problem with this type of beverage server is that an exposed flame is presented to the customers and that the flame does not necessarily maintain a consistent or desired beverage temperature.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser wherein a fixed threaded shaft carries a moveable microprocessor-controlled electric drive motor integrally provided with a shaft extension carrying a plunger for directly contacting and compressing fluid in a syringe barrel to dispense the fluid in accordance with programmed shot volume increments (as small as 0.

Abstract: A drink dispenser can sell or reserve a drink even during a sale of a drink, thereby ensuring the sale of drinks. Namely, if any one of drink sale buttons is pressed while any one of drink discharge valve relays is opened to sell a drink, this request for a sale is stored in a memory. Once the current sale of a drink has been completed, an interval timer starts counting down and after a specified period of time, a valve corresponding to the request for a sale stored in the memory is opened to start a sale. A plurality of drinks may be supplied simultaneously.

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: The invention relates to multifunctional apparatus for spraying and fumigating a vaporizable fluid, the apparatus comprising an actuator head (1), a tank (100) containing said fluid, and a pump mounted on the tank, wherein the actuator head (1) includes electromechanical means for actuating the pump and an electronic control and power supply circuit (101) having a microprocessor.

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: A measured fluid pour method and device consisting of a container such as a drinking cup, a bottle, a large fluid drum or a container of chemicals wherein a predetermined volume of fluid is poured into another vessel or into the mouth. The device is comprised of a vessel such as a drinking cup or a container such as a bottle, an inner cup of a predetermined size, a tube fixed to the inner cup and extending to the upper end of the cup or container wherein the tube is fixed to the top of the cup or container and wherein a limited volume of fluid may enter the inner cup or container and wherein when the drinking cup or container is tilted to a pouring or drinking position, and only the amount of the fluid contained in the inner cup will flow out of the drinking cup or container.

Abstract: A process for decontamination and detoxification of a room wherein an atomizer is used to diffuse a product containing essential oils as a mist. The outer openings of the room to be decontaminated and detoxified are closed and the product is diffused as a true aerosol from the center of the room. After the diffusion is stopped, the mist is allowed to decontaminate and detoxify room and the room is then aired.

Abstract: A process for delivering a selected effective amount of a dry granular antimicrobial composition to an aqueous system is provided comprising (a) adding the composition into sealed rigid container means, wherein the container means has at least one resealable opening; (b) establishing sealed communication of at least one of the resealable opening(s) with discharge means for effecting the delivery of the composition from the container means to the aqueous system wherein the discharge means has discharge valve means for effecting the discharge of the selected effective amount of the composition from the discharge means; (c) removing at least one seal from at least one of the resealable opening(s) that is in sealed communication with the discharge means for effecting the discharge of the composition through this resealable opening(s), and into the discharge means; (d) operating the discharge valve means for effecting the discharge of the selected effective amount of the composition from within the discharge means

Abstract: A dispenser of a flowable medium, especially a lubricant, with a flexible wall tube forming the pumping chamber which is connected to a container for the flowable medium by a check-valve and feeds a dispensing nozzle. The pumping chamber is deformed by a plunger actuated by a lever in turn displaced by a solenoid whose linearly displaceable rod bears upon the lever.