Abstract: A liquid supply system capable of being serviced and hygienically maintained easily. A beer storage barrel switching device (12) uninterruptedly supplies beer by switching between beer storage barrels (21-1, 21-2). A first connection tube (23-1) is provided with a fluid stopper device (31-1) including a loop section. The fluid stopper device (31-1) switches between a suppliable state in which it is possible to supply the beer to a dispenser (11) through the first connection tube (23-1) and a non-suppliable state in which it is not possible to supply the beer. Using the fluid stopper device (31-1) eliminates the need to provide a conventional valve in the middle of the first connection tube (23-1), the conventional valve having a structural element which comes in direct contact with the beer. Accordingly, the case that a cleaning member, such as a sponge, is caught by the valve does not occur, and this enables the inner wall of the first connection tube (23-1) to be cleaned using the cleaning member.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A system for providing power to a plurality of soap or disinfectant dispensers through a power over ethernet (PoE) network and for sensing various operational parameters of the dispensers and communicating those parameters through the network connection to a central computing device. The system includes a Data/Power controller associated with the dispensers for providing power to the dispenser and for sending and receiving data between one or more sensors in the dispensers and a central computer device.

Abstract: Method for transport of suspensions containing mechanically sensitive material with a sample-transporting device comprising transport conduits and at least one system for accelerating a sample or aliquot through the transport conduit from at least two burets.

Abstract: The apparatus for preparing carbonated refrigerated beverages comprises at least one containment tank (2) suitable to contain the product to be dispensed and closed by a pressure tightening lid (4); means for feeding the product to be dispensed inside said containment tank (2); and means for feeding a pressurization gas inside said containment tank (2) to maintain the same tank (2) under pressure. The feed means of the pressurization gas comprise single feed and discharge ducts (21, 22) for the pressurization gas, separately connected to said tank (2) and provided with respective valve members (23, 24) for controlling the flow of the same pressurization gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for dosing powdery or granulated materials in capsules, or the like. The apparatus comprises an engine associated with a transducer controlling chuting means. The engine imparts to the chuting means movements which are proportional to an electric signal controlled by an electronic control unit. The movements of the chuting means, together with the regulation of the spatial position assumed by the chuting means, are such to accurately dose the powdery or granulated material in the bases of the capsules.

Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a fluid to a location includes a mechanism for supplying fluid connected to a reservoir. The reservoir has a variable volume and includes an outlet via which fluid may be delivered to the location.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A resin fluid dispensing apparatus includes a container having a first volume arranged to receive a resin fluid, a first connection unit connected to the container, a pressure chamber having a second volume configured to connect to the first connection unit and to contain the resin fluid transported from the first volume through the first connection unit, a pressure unit including a pressure plate directly pressurizing the resin fluid in the second volume, a dispenser having a syringe arranged to receive the pressurized resin fluid transported from the second volume through a second connection unit connected to the pressure chamber and to dispense the received pressurized resin fluid through the syringe.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing and reporting system for bar keepers is proposed, having a liquid level sensor in wireless communication with a remote computer having software algorithms for calculating and reporting volume. The sensor is substantially in the form of a liquor bottle spout, and includes a means for measuring the height of the liquid in a bottle, sensing inversion of the spout, and sending the data wirelessly to a receiver. The receiver is associated with the computer, and transmits the data to the computer which calculates liquor volumes based on the changing height of the liquid in a bottle from pre-pour to post-pour status. The software extrapolates this information to produce a variety of real-time beverage consumption reports, including error reports caused by over pours, under pours, and skimming.

Abstract: A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, capable of accurately discharging the material even if the material is sent under high pressure. A device for discharging a constant amount of a high-viscosity material, provided with: a discharge unit (400) having a discharge opening which discharges the high-viscosity material; a holding unit (300) having a holding area which holds the high-viscosity material, a receiving opening which supplies the high-viscosity material to the holding area, and a delivery opening which delivers the high-viscosity material to the discharge unit; and a high-pressure supply pump (100) for supplying to the holding unit under a first pressure the high-viscosity material having been filled into a container.

Abstract: In the method of optimizing the dosage-dispensing process of a dosage-dispensing device, an examination takes place prior to a first dosage delivery, whether at least one flow parameter relating to the dosage-dispensing process is stored in the memory module of the dosage-dispensing unit. If a stored flow parameter is found to be present, said flow parameter is called up from the memory module. If no store flow parameter is present, a flow parameter is requested by the user by entering a request, a flow parameter is called up from a central database, or at least one flow parameter is determined by means of the first run of the dosage-dispensing process based on a default setting of the dosage-dispensing program. With the at least one flow parameter, the dosage-dispensing program is directly adapted, at least one run of the dosage-dispensing process is performed with the adapted dosage-dispensing program, and/or the at least one flow parameter is stored in the memory module.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid.

Abstract: A method of generating ozone containing fluid comprising: drawing atmospheric air into an air compartment, generating ozone within the air compartment from air in the air compartment by conversion within the compartment of oxygen in the air within the compartment into ozone to form ozonated air, discharging the ozonated air from the air compartment, mixing the ozonated discharged air with a flowable fluid to form a ozonated fluid-air mixture, and passing the ozonated fluid-air mixture out a discharge outlet. Preferrably the method is carried out in a dispenser utilizing a piston pump to draw air through a corona discharge ozone generator and to draw liquid from a liquid reservoir and simultaneously pass both the ozonated air and liquid through a foam generator to generate foam.

Abstract: An ice level sensing system for an appliance having a cavity with a cavity wall. An ice storage bin and an ice maker are disposed within the cavity. The ice storage bin is configured to hold ice discharged from the ice maker. The ice level sensing system includes a transmitter for transmitting a light beam and a detector for detecting the light beam. The transmitter and the detector are disposed on the cavity wall. A reflector is disposed relatively remote from the transmitter. The transmitter is operative to project the light beam toward the reflector. The transmitter and the detector are angled relative to each other so that the light beam reflected by the reflector is directed toward the detector.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler. Additionally, various other, alternative features may be included, such as: a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and various programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: Systems are described for delivery of a wide variety of materials in which liquid and gas or vapor states are concurrently present, from a package preferably including a fluid-containing collapsible liner. Headspace gas is removed from a pressure dispensing package prior to liquid dispensation therefrom, and ingress gas is removed thereafter during dispensation operation. At least one sensor senses presence of gas or a gas-liquid interface in a reservoir or gas-liquid separation region. A gas removal system including an integral reservoir, at least one sensor, and at least one flow control elements may be included within a connector adapted to mate with a pressure dispensing package, for highly efficient removal of gas from the liquid being dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A combination beverage and water dispenser includes a housing having a liquid-beverage-concentrate storage reservoir, a hot water storage tank and a cold water storage tank received therein. The cold water storage tank is in fluid communication with both a domestic water supply line and a dispensing cavity for receiving an inverted water bottle. Level sensors within the cold water storage tank communicate with a control valve on the domestic water supply line to control incoming domestic water supply. Alternatively, the domestic water supply may be disabled and a water bottle may be installed within the cavity to use bottled water in lieu of domestic water, if desired. The hot water tank, the cold water tank and the beverage concentrate reservoir are in selective communication with a mixing valve wherein hot or cold water and beverage concentrate are mixed to produce a desired hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of fluid into receptacles receives the fluid to be dispensed from a fluid supply into a reservoir. A fill tube is connected to the fluid reservoir such that it forms a closed loop with the reservoir. The fill tube minimizes the fluid turbulence that occurs inside the reservoir while the reservoir is being re-supplied with fluid from the fluid source. Additionally, the fill tube holds the predetermined volume of fluid to be dispensed into the receptacle. A fluid level sensor is disposed along the fill tube to control the volume of fluid flowing into or out of the fill tube, while a timer controls a dispense valve to meter the flow of fluid into or out of a dispense tube.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a first treating agent and a second treating agent into the washing tub of a dishwasher includes providing each of first and second reservoirs with a sensor for monitoring its fill level. After a first dispensing operation, a controller compares the sensor signals and determines whether a ratio of the fill levels deviates from a ratio of the capacities of the reservoirs. The controller elects either a standard or an alternative subsequent dispensing operation based on whether the fill level ratio deviates from the capacity ratio. The controller chooses the standard subsequent dispensing operation if the fill level ratio does not deviate from the capacity ratio and chooses the alternative subsequent dispensing operation if it does. The alternative subsequent dispensing operation includes changing at least one amount dispensed by dispensing devices compared to a corresponding amount dispensed in the first dispensing operation.

Abstract: An autofeeding low application temperature hot melt application system comprises a hot melt tank, a compact integrated auto feed, and operates at temperatures of not more than 260° F.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a beverage dispensing machine. The apparatus performs the method and the method includes steps of monitoring, through a sensing device, the ingredient amount/level and/or the shape of the surface of the ingredient within the container, comparing the monitored value with a reference value stored in a machine control unit, and changing one or more operative parameters of the beverage dispensing machine, when necessary on the basis of the comparison. The monitoring may include detecting a distance between the sensing device, which is positioned above the ingredient, and at least one point of an upper surface of the ingredient. The operative parameters may be operating time of the machine to draw the ingredient from the container, an amount of ingredient drawn from the container, and an operating time or condition of other machine units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves and closing of a second of the plurality of valves for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers based on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.

Abstract: A feed dispensing machine for delivering ready access feed to farmers, horse owners and the equivalent. The feed dispensing machine having a controller, a storage container, a surge container, a first conveyor system, a level sensor, a weighing mechanism, and a second conveyor system. The first conveyor system connects the storage container to the surge container while the level sensor is positioned within the surge container to signal capacity of bulk material within the surge container. The weighing mechanism includes a scale and connects to the controller. The second conveyor system connects the surge container to the weighing mechanism, and is positioned above the scale.

Abstract: Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones.

Abstract: A method includes receiving information associated with a level of material in a tank, where the tank has a hatch. The method also includes determining whether the level of material in the tank experiences a specified variation within a critical zone associated with the hatch. The specified variation is indicative of the hatch being open while the tank is being filled. In addition, the method includes generating an alarm when the level of material in the tank experiences the specified variation. Determining whether the level of material in the tank experiences the specified variation could be based on an entrance level speed of the material, which identifies a rate at which the level of material in the tank is increasing when the material level crosses a lower bound of the critical zone. Also, no alarms could be generated when the level of material in the tank is outside the critical zone.

Abstract: A liquid supply system capable of being serviced and hygienically maintained easily. A beer storage barrel switching device (12) uninterruptedly supplies beer by switching between beer storage barrels (21-1, 21-2). A first connection tube (23-1) is provided with a fluid stopper device (31-1) including a loop section. The fluid stopper device (31-1) switches between a suppliable state in which it is possible to supply the beer to a dispenser (11) through the first connection tube (23-1) and a non-suppliable state in which it is not possible to supply the beer. Using the fluid stopper device (31-1) eliminates the need to provide a conventional valve in the middle of the first connection tube (23-1), the conventional valve having a structural element which comes in direct contact with the beer. Accordingly, the case that a cleaning member, such as a sponge, is caught by the valve does not occur, and this enables the inner wall of the first connection tube (23-1) to be cleaned using the cleaning member.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A system and method delaying refilling of a reservoir in a beverage dispensing system or dispensing of a mixed volume to prevent undesirable characteristics in the dispensed beverage. First, a volumetric freezing rate is determined for the product. Next, a volume of frozen product is dispensed. The rate the dispensed volume is refilled is controlled to be no faster than the volumetric freezing rate.

Abstract: A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.

Abstract: A method serves for discontinuously emptying a container in which liquid collects. The container is emptied via a valve or other such emptying device. The container must never be completely emptied and never overflow. A sensor is arranged in the container to detect a first state in which liquid is present in a predetermined region and a second state in which no liquid is present in the predetermined region. The valve or other emptying device is activated as soon as the sensor detects the first state, and is stopped as soon as the sensor detects the second state.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: A dispensing system for an appliance has a main tank for holding a fluid. The main tank controls the temperature of the fluid. A dispenser outlet fluidly is connected to the tank by a dispenser fluid line. An auxiliary tank holds a volume of the fluid. A flow control device selectively moves the fluid held in the auxiliary tank to the main tank then through the dispenser fluid line to the dispenser outlet and selectively removes the fluid remaining in the dispenser fluid line after dispensing.

Abstract: A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for discharging pretreated biomass from a pressurized reactor. Pretreated, hot biomass is added under high pressure at the top of a discharge vessel, which is partially filled with water or aqueous solution. The vessel comprises water jets situated on its sides through which water or aqueous solution is injected in order to establish a strong turbulence in the lower part of the vessel. This turbulence, preferably a vortex turbulence or “hydrocyclone,” blends biomass and water and disintegrates any clumped material prior to its ejection at high speed as a slurry through an orifice or valve at the bottom of the vessel. A stable temperature stratification is established within the discharge vessel, whereby hot water remains at the top of the vessel, reducing heat and steam loss from the pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.

Abstract: Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones.

Abstract: A dispensing device capable of no-leak dispensing of a liquid when the dispensing device is in fluid communication with a defective liquid container, including an apparatus enabling the movement of liquid from the liquid container to a holding tank in fluid communication with the liquid container and associated with the dispensing device. The apparatus includes one or more sealing mechanisms which permit ambient air to enter the liquid container through an air path as necessary to enable uninterrupted dispensing, and also permits substantially none of the liquid or only minimal amounts of the liquid to flow out of the holding tank and through the air path, in a no-leak manner, during periods when there is no dispensing.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device, suitable for dispensing fluid from a fluid supply to a receptacle, is disclosed, wherein a pliable fluid reservoir is located between the fluid supply and the receptacle, and wherein peristaltic pumps are used to supply and dispense said fluid from the pliable fluid reservoir. The fluid level in the pliable fluid reservoir is electronically monitored with data being transmitted to either or both pumps for the operative control thereof. The pliable fluid reservoir is configured, together with certain connected conduits, as a disposable, easily-installable, single-use unit.

Abstract: An automatic water cooler replenishing system for a free standing water cooler, having an internal reservoir. The system includes a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port configured for collecting water from a supply bottle and dispensing water into the reservoir. The pump is selectively powered and automatically controlled. A relay is provided for automatically controlling the operation of the pump. The relay is configured to receive an electric signal and control the pump. A fill control assembly and a low water shut-off assembly are electrically connected to the relay. The fill control assembly is configured to detect at least one water level, in the reservoir and signal the relay to energize or de-energize the pump. The low water shut-off assembly is configured to detect a low water condition in the supply bottle and signal the relay to de-energize the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for emptying and filling a fluid container. A flow-actuated valve inside a fill tube regulates the flow through the fill tube. A cap containing the valve and a vent tube can be installed on a modified bottle used to supply water dispensers, thus enabling a user to continuously replenish the bottle from a remote supply. Alternatively, a cap containing the valve, a vent tube, and two fluid level sensors can be installed on a conventional bottle. A user is thus relieved of the burden of repetitive bottle changing, and is able to treat the water to his own specifications.

Abstract: A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid.

Abstract: An airpot beverage dispenser (10) having a composite dispense tube (40) with an exterior outlet (44) adjacent a top of a hollow body (20) and an interior inlet (110) located adjacent a bottom (16) for passing beverage (36) from adjacent the bottom (16) to the outlet when the interior of the hollow body (20) is pressurized has a brew-through assembly with a cover body (24) for substantially closing the open top (18) except for a centrally located brew-through passageway (95) substantially smaller than the open top (18) and extending between an upwardly facing exterior brew-through inlet (30) and an interior outlet (102) that passes through a central passageway extending through a double-walled bellows (74) or extends past a plurality of bellows (FIG. 16, 114) that are laterally spaced from the passageway has an electronic display (48) for indicating a plurality of levels of the beverage (36) within the hollow body and a resistive (FIGS. 11-14) or capacitive (FIG.

Abstract: An ice supplier includes an ice maker configured to make ice, a case configured to store ice made by the ice maker, a sensing unit configured to sense a quantity of ice stored in the case, and a controller configured to control the ice maker according to a result of sensing from the sensing unit.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.