Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for blending a foam modifier with foaming agent on-line, e.g., as may be particularly useful for gypsum or cement slurries. The foam modifier comprises a fatty alcohol that is added to a gypsum or cement slurry that includes foaming agent, such as an alkyl sulfate surfactant. The fatty alcohol can be a C6-C16 fatty alcohol in some embodiments. The use of such a foam modifier can be used, for example, to stabilize the foam, reduce waste of foaming agent, improve void size control in the final product, and improve the gypsum board manufacturing process.

Abstract: A modular beverage-dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a housing, a compressed gas tank mounted to the housing, and a plurality of discrete beverage containers, and a multipath gas valve or multipath liquid valve for dispensing a liquid from one or more of the beverage containers.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser ingredient level detection system is disclosed. The system may include a container with a wall, a canister, a capsule, an infrared emitter, and an infrared receiver. The canister may be disposed within the container at a first distance from the wall and may be configured to hold a beverage ingredient. The capsule may be disposed on an interior surface of the wall. The infrared emitter and the infrared receiver may be disposed within the capsule and the infrared receiver may be configured to transmit infrared light rays and the infrared receiver may be configured to detect infrared light rays reflected by the beverage ingredient in the canister to determine whether a pre-determined amount of the beverage ingredient is within the canister. The capsule may absorb infrared light rays that are not indicative of whether the pre-determined amount of the beverage ingredient is within the canister.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit is guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to the dispenser. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing dampening fluid delivery system useful for printing with an ink-based digital printing system, the ink-based digital printing system having an imaging member, includes a supply chamber; and a supply channel, the supply channel being configured to deliver fluid onto a surface of the imaging member, wherein a width of the surface of the imaging member onto which dampening fluid is applied is twenty percent greater, or more, than a diameter of the supply chamber.

Abstract: Provided are an additive injection apparatus and a laundry treatment machine including the same. The additive injection apparatus includes a main body, and additive container, a nozzle, and a floater. The main body is disposed on a path along which a solvent flows and includes an inlet and an outlet for receiving and discharging the solvent, respectively. The additive container holds an additive. The nozzle has a communicating hole for communicating between the main body and the additive container. The floater is disposed in the main body, and rises and falls according to the flow of the solvent to open and close the communicating hole.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a raw water container which can be slid into and out of a loading space, while being placed on a slide table. The slide table has a container holder adapted to restrain the peripheral side wall of the raw water container. The minimum height and the shape of the container holder are determined such that when the peripheral side wall of the raw water container is collapsed, the raw water container is never pulled up by the container holder as a result of the peripheral side wall getting caught on the container holder, and such that when the raw water container becomes empty, the raw water container is received within the container holder. This prevents portions of the peripheral side wall from protruding into spaces behind front distal ends of side plates defining the loading space.

Abstract: An energy efficient 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, and which may be either gravity-driven or pump-fed.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for providing a configurable fluid temperature. The assembly including: an adjustment interface; a mixing valve having a plurality of fluid ingress apertures and at least one fluid egress aperture; the mixing valve being adjustable to dispense fluid at a configurable temperature; and a dispenser element, in fluid communication with the at least on egress aperture of the mixing valve and adapted to selectively dispense water there from.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from a liquid storage container operably associated with the liquid dispenser. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a main housing having a dispensing location at which liquid from a liquid storage container is dispensed and a storage location for storing a liquid storage container. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a removable liquid transport assembly removable from the main housing having a substantially rigid liquid manifold, a valve assembly, a riser tube, a reservoir, a reservoir dip tube, a pump head, a pinch tube and a dispensing nozzle that are removable as a single unit from the main housing. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a single self-priming pump. Preferably, the valve assembly includes a non-return valve and a pressure relief valve that act in concert to control the flow of liquid between the liquid storage container and the reservoir.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.

Abstract: A device for discharging water from an inner space of a temporary water retention tank through a first discharge passage (2), characterized in that it comprises: a conduit (1) laid out for ensuring fluidic communication between the inner space and the first discharge passage (2), the conduit (1) having an inner section (12), the surface area of which increases in the direction of flow of the water in the conduit towards the first discharge passage (2) and an obturator (3) positioned inside the conduit (1), and controlled so as to be moved inside the conduit (1) according to the water level in the inner space, the displacement of the obturator (3) in the conduit (1) allowing regulation of the leak rate through the first discharge passage (2) regardless of the water level in the inner space between a first level and a second water level.

Abstract: A float switch of a humidifier at least includes a main body, a water tank and a float switch. The main body has a base located at a bottom and provided with a water tank groove and a water basin having a projected portion formed at a bottom. The water tank possesses a water outlet with plural ribs to engage with a float, a circumferential wall used to combine with a protective hood of the float switch, and a space formed between the water outlet and the circumferential wall for containing the float. The float switch is set between the water tank and the water basin, used to automatically fill water in the water basin by means of the float. When the water tank is separated from the main body, a compressing end of a pressing plate is to push up the float enabling a water stopper to seal the water outlet to prevent water from leaking outside.

Abstract: Provided are an additive injection apparatus and a laundry treatment machine including the same. The additive injection apparatus includes a main body, and additive container, a nozzle, and a floater. The main body is disposed on a path along which a solvent flows and includes an inlet and an outlet for receiving and discharging the solvent, respectively. The additive container holds an additive. The nozzle has a communicating hole for communicating between the main body and the additive container. The floater is disposed in the main body, and rises and falls according to the flow of the solvent to open and close the communicating hole.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.

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: 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 dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.

Abstract: A mixed beverage dispense system and method for pumping a first liquid and a second liquid using a controlled gas source. The dispense system can include a first pump that pumps the first liquid and a second pump that pumps the second liquid. The first pump and the second pump can each include a gas inlet, an inlet gas connection, and an outlet gas connection. The dispense system can also include connector tubing connecting the controlled gas source to the first pump and the second pump in series. The dispense system can include a bag-in-box package with chambers that hold the liquid bags and a fitment with fitment openings open to each one of the chambers for receiving the liquids from the liquid bags. The dispense system can also include an outlet connector coupled to the fitment for receiving the liquids from the fitment.

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 fluid dispensing assembly for providing a configurable fluid temperature. The assembly including: an adjustment interface; a mixing valve having a plurality of fluid ingress apertures and at least one fluid egress aperture; the mixing valve being adjustable to dispense fluid at a configurable temperature; and a dispenser element, in fluid communication with the at least on egress aperture of the mixing valve and adapted to selectively dispense water there from.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.

Abstract: A beverage maker for making a hot beverage includes a boiler for heating a quantity of water, and a pump. When the beverage maker is operated, a heating element of the boiler is activated, and the water inside the boiler is heated. When the temperature of the water has reached a predetermined value, a thermostat which is arranged in an electronics circuit for energizing the pump is closed, and a pumping action is started. As a result, water exits the boiler, and passes a thermostat which is arranged downstream of the boiler, and which is arranged in an electronics circuit for energizing the heating element. Under the influence of the hot water, a set point of this thermostat is reached, and this thermostat opens, so that the electronics circuit for energizing the heating element is interrupted, and the heating element is deactivated.

Abstract: A pouring device for a liquid filled container that fits into the neck of a container opening. The pouring device has a buoyant hollow ball valve that when the container or bottle is seated in its normal vertical storage position is pressed against an inner lip of the pouring device to form a seal by a spring that is seated on a distal inner lip of the pouring device. The valve opens when the container is inverted as the hollow ball valve is so buoyant that it overcomes the spring bias, thereby allowing the container's fluid contents to pour out. The hollow ball valve's movement is controlled by at least one vertical projection along the length of the pouring device.

Abstract: Bottom loading water dispensers are disclosed. The water dispensers include a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The interior portion of the cabinet is configured to house a water bottle, in a bottom half of the cabinet. The dispensers also include a set of water dispensing actuator buttons, which include at least one child safety latch. The dispensers further include a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet, which is configured to receive a bottom surface of the water bottle in the upright position. Importantly, the bottle tray is slanted from a front side to a backside of the tray. A front door of the water dispensers also include a drip tray assembly, which is located beneath an external tap and is integrally formed with a top portion of a front door of the cabinet.

Abstract: A liquid appliance (1) has a liquid reservoir (20), a liquid inlet (24) for supplying liquid to the liquid reservoir (20), a float system (3) provided with a float (2) and a valve system (5). A transport lock (8) switchable between a first position in which the transport lock (8) blocks the float system (3) relative to the liquid reservoir (20), and a second position in which a cooperation between the float (2) and the valve system (5) for opening and closure of the liquid inlet (24) is unimpeded by the transport lock (8). The transport lock (8) is switchable between said first and second positions by an installation prevention element (12). The element (12) can be switched to a prevention position, wherein installation of the appliance into an operational position is impeded by the element (12). In the prevention position the first position of the transport lock (8) is established.

Abstract: The present invention is a bottled water cooler with a hot water sterilization system. A bottled water cooler with a hot water sterilizing system having a cold tank installed on the top of the cooler. There is a bottle receptacle in it, and the bottle receptacle groove having a probe connecting with water bottle and the cold tank inside. There is a baffle on a hollow baffle leader under the probe. The end of the baffle leader connects with a hot tank installed under cold tank by the cold and hot tank connecting tube, hot tank draining three-way pipe or draining pipe.

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: 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: Bottom loading water coolers are disclosed, which include (1) a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion; (2) a water bottle disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; (3) a cold tank disposed in the top half of the interior portion of the cabinet and above the water bottle; (4) a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet that is configured to receive the water bottle in an upright position, such that the bottle tray may be reversibly pulled out of, and pushed into, the interior portion of the cabinet; (5) a pump that injects air into the water bottle at defined and periodic intervals; and (6) a specialized probe for transferring water from the water bottle to the cold tank (and for delivering air from a pump to the water bottle).

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing bottled water coolers and water dispensed therefrom. According to certain embodiments, the invention includes a bottled water cooler, which comprises a water bottle, an exterior cabinet, a cold tank, a bottle receptacle located on top of the cold tank that is configured to receive the water bottle in an inverted position, and an ozone generator. The ozone generator is capable of dispensing ozone gas within the space located above a volume of water contained within the cold tank, such that the ozone gas will be effective to sterilize the interior portions of the cold tank located above the volume of water.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a beverage from concentrate. A mixing chamber is included. A water tank and a concentrate container provide water and concentrate. A water conduit is horizontally oriented and is connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity. A concentrate conduit extends from the concentrate container and at an acute angle to the water conduit and then extends generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit. The mixing chamber is connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit. Both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end. Each outlet end is remote from the water tank and the concentrate container. The outlet end of the concentrate conduit is adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) for making a hot beverage comprises a boiler (30) for heating a quantity of water, and a pump (40). When the beverage maker (1) is operated, a heating element (32) of the boiler (30) is activated, and the water inside the boiler (30) is heated. When the temperature of the water has reached a predetermined value, a thermostat (63) which is arranged in an electronics circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40) is closed, and a pumping action is started. As a result, water exits the boiler (30), and passes a thermostat (62) which is arranged downstream of the boiler (30), and which is arranged in an electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32). Under the influence of the hot water, a set point of this thermostat (62) is reached, and this thermostat (62) opens, so that the electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32) is interrupted, and the heating element (32) is deactivated.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, includes a pressurizable tank, a compressed air source, and a float disposed inside the tank, the float rising or falling in response to a level of fluid in the tank; and a float-actuated switch assembly connected to the float. The float-actuated switch assembly starts introduction of compressed air into the tank from the compressed air source. A purge valve may be provided to allow fluid to flow out of the tank during the introduction of compressed air into the tank. The float-actuated switch assembly may include a magnetic switch.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) comprises a water tank (20) for containing and supplying water during a beverage making process, and a pump (40) for pumping the water out of the water tank (20). In order to terminate a pumping action at a predetermined point, the beverage maker (1) comprises a switch (64) which is arranged in a pumping circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40), a float (70) which is located in the water tank (20), and a coupling arm (71) attached to the float (70). During a pumping action, when a water level (21) in the water tank (20) is above a predetermined minimum level, the coupling arm (71) couples the float (70) to the switch (64), and the switch (64) is held in a closed position. However, as soon as the water level (21) reaches the minimum level, the coupling of the float (70) to the switch (64) is lost, and the switch (64) switches back to an opened position, as a result of which the pumping action is terminated.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dispensing bottled water are provided. More particularly, devices and methods for preventing water from overflowing out of bottled water coolers are provided. According to certain embodiments, a bottled water dispenser is provided which comprises: (1) a water bottle; (2) a pump; (3) a control unit which instructs the pump to inject air into the water bottle (or, under certain circumstances, to cease injecting air into the water bottle); (4) a cold tank that receives water from the water bottle through an inlet tube and one-way valve; and (5) a baffle disposed within the cold tank. The invention provides that upon a volume of water within the cold tank exceeding a threshold level, a surface of the water contacts and exerts a force on the baffle, which causes the baffle and the one-way valve to close the inlet tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a beverage includes a water tank, a concentrate container, and a mixing chamber. A water conduit supplies water by gravity from the water tank to a water discharge mixing opening and a concentrate conduit supplies the liquid concentrate by gravity from the concentrate container to a concentrate discharge mixing opening. The discharge openings open directly and separately into the mixing chamber. A dispenser assembly opens and closes the discharge openings and the released water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce the beverage. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a sealable chamber, and an air pump for pressurizing the sealable chamber and the concentrate container. A dispenser and methods for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, sequential, and cyclic, if desired, liquid feed to a processor from a plurality of containers, which comprises feeding the liquid from a first of the containers through a first conduit to a reservoir having a float valve, to keep the level of the liquid in the reservoir high enough to maintain the float valve in an upper floating position that closes the float valve. The first conduit is uncontrolled by the float valve. The float valve controls a second conduit which connects with a second container. As liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir for processing, liquid from the first conduit and container replenishes the reservoir until it is exhausted. Then, the liquid level drops, and the float valve opens the second conduit for replenishing the reservoir with liquid from the second container. A crossover valve may be used so that the float valve controls flow from either container connected to the second conduit.

Abstract: The valved container assembly comprises a container positionable on an adjustable stand. The container incorporates an outlet tube adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet tube incorporating an inline flow control valve and an end valve which stops flow through the tube when flow into a receptacle for fluid from the container reaches a height below overflow.

Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes an uprightly oriented bottle having an open end and a close end. Mounted inside the bottle adjacent the open end is a valve connected to a float by an actuating arm. There is also a pressure-vent unit insertably disposed near the open end of the bottle for maintaining atmospheric pressure above the fluid inside the bottle. During normal use, fluid extracted out of the bottle is replendished by an external fluid source which is in fluid communication with the bottle through the valve. The valve in turn is controlled by the float which buoyantly floats on the fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle.

Abstract: A timed-release irrigation device is disclosed. The device includes a first fluid reservoir having an upper cover portion adapted to enclose a first body of liquid. A liquid discharge member projects from the first fluid reservoir for enabling selective release of liquid therefrom. A second fluid reservoir is provided for containing a second body of liquid in fluid communication with the ambient environment. The second fluid reservoir has a closed bottom portion and a mechanism for regulating the evaporation rate of the second body of liquid to the ambient environment. Finally, a trigger mechanism is provided for releasing the liquid from the first fluid reservoir through the discharge member, the trigger mechanism being actuated by the evaporation rate regulating mechanism.

Abstract: A developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier with a developing liquid includes a liquid storing section for storing the liquid including a developing substance and a carrier liquid. A developer carrier deposits the liquid fed from the liquid storing section thereon. A float type liquid level sensor senses a liquid level in the liquid storing section. The liquid level sensor includes a magnetic force generating member for generating a magnetic force, a magnetic force sensing device for sensing the magnetic force, and floats movable up and down in accordance with the liquid level in the liquid storing section. A distance between the magnetic force generating member and the magnetic force sensing device varies in accordance with the movement of the floats, allowing the liquid level to be determined on the basis of the output of the magnetic force sensing device.

Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.

Abstract: A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent is provided. The device includes a solid detergent reservoir for holding solid detergent, a stock solution reservoir for holding stock solution, and a hot water heater for controlling the temperature of water used to generate the stock solution from the solid detergent. A method for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent and a method for washing a vehicle are provided.