Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable 3D printer cartridge for inserting into an exposure device for producing an object which is constructed in additive layers, wherein the cartridge contains at least one polymerizable liquid, or a polymerizable liquid can be filled into the cartridge. The cartridge comprises: a first lower housing part, a second upper housing part which can be removed from the first housing part, a support platform which forms the lower face of the second housing part, the object constructed in additive layers being arrangeable on the exterior of the support platform during the construction of the object, and a construction element which corresponds to the base of the first housing part. The layers of the object can be polymerized on the inner face of the construction element, and the inner face of the construction element has a non-stick coating.

Abstract: A powder feeding device includes: a hopper including a discharge port for discharging powder; and a conveyance device configured to move a conveyance surface disposed below the discharge port in a first direction and invert the conveyance surface in a front end portion. The hopper includes a front wall portion positioned on a downstream side of the discharge port in the first direction. A predetermined gap is formed between a lower end of the front wall portion and the conveyance surface. In the powder feeding device, powder deposited on the conveyance surface is conveyed in the first direction by the conveyance device with a thickness corresponding to the gap and dropped from the front end portion.

Abstract: A dispenser pump has a plunger operable in a body including an outer cylinder body having a vent opening in its sidewall and a body insert fitting into the top of the body cylinder and providing an external collar through which the plunger stem operates. The body insert has a lock-down thread to lock down the plunger for shipping. The insert also has an undulating annular vent-control bead extending right round its cylindrical outer surface, engaging the cylinder wall with interference for either blocking or unblocking the vent opening, according to whether the vent-control bead lies above or below the interior vent opening, by rotation between the body cylinder and body insert. The rotation can be driven by rotation of the plunger head, which makes a catch engagement with the top of the body insert. Blocking the vent during shipping reduces leakage.

Abstract: A dispensing system (100) includes a pour cap (102) which may be connected with the neck of a container (900). The cap base includes a main deck (108), a dispensing spout (110) and a venting tube (112). A flow regulator is mounted on the underside of the main deck such that the flow regulator restricts flow through the opening of the dispensing spout. In some embodiments, the flow regulator is a hinged spring-loaded baffle plate (116). In some embodiments, the flow regulator is a gravity ball valve (316). A visual timing device (200) may be advantageously located on the pour cap (102) so that the timing device is easily visible to a user during operation or use of the dispensing system. The constant flow rate provided by the flow regulator allows the timing device to more precisely measure each pour regardless of how much fluid is in the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during three-dimensional printing of the object. The apparatus may include a controller; a transparent substrate for receiving a deposited layer of liquid materials on an upper surface thereof; a selective deposition unit that deposits at least one liquid body material and a liquid support material different from the at least one liquid body material, on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller; and a selective curing unit that selectively solidifies, by curing irradiation, a portion of the deposited layer of liquid body materials on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured.

Abstract: A timing device is integrated into a pour cap to visually indicate when a dose has been dispensed from the container. The timing device may be secured to either the pour cap or the container and timing is configurable based on a product being dispensed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a main and a subsequent stage. At the main stage, the medium is pumped into a first instrument line. This first instrument line is mounted in a main pipeline system and is equipped with an inlet mass meter with a first flow rate range. After reaching of a set value from the instruments, an automated control system (ACS) stops the first line pump, ensures operation of its driving isolation valves, thus, completing the main stage measurement cycle, and switches the system into the subsequent stage mode. At the subsequent stage, the medium flow is collected from the tank and cavities of the measuring system. It flows by gravity into the bottom of the system inner volume (9) and is then supplied by a to a second instrument line equipped by a mass meter with a second and lower flow rate range.

Abstract: A custom blending hose for manifold mixing of various fuels for a fuel dispensing system, including a pair of fuel dispensing hoses, generally concentrically or coaxially arranged, for passing at least a pair of fuels into a manifold assembly, for blending and intermixing of said fuels, for further delivery through a dispensing hose assembly, to a nozzle, for refueling of a vehicle. The manifold includes a housing, incorporating internally a series of apertures, through which the fuels are passed, and blended, for delivery as a uniform fuel to a vehicle during dispensing. A vapor return line may locate through the manifold.

Abstract: A method for preparing a three-dimensional object, in layers is described. The method may include forming a layer on a transparent substrate by selectively depositing liquid material on a transparent substrate based on image data of a cross section of the layer, the image data including at least a body region, wherein the material extends on the transparent tray outside a contour defining the body region; contacting the layer to a previously solidified layer attached to an elevated fabrication platform; and selectively curing the liquid material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to high-resolution image data of the cross section such that the material that extends outside the contour remains uncured.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measuring a mass flow composed of bulk material, in particular grain, in a continuous, circulating conveyor enclosed in part by a housing, having planar conveyor elements, which conveys the bulk material from a lower bulk material receiving area to a higher bulk material delivery area. A substantially circular movement course is imposed on the bulk material delivered by the respective conveyor element in a substantially radial direction of an inner surface of a cover section of the housing by a guide surface formed in the upper region of the conveyor. The bulk material is deflectable toward a sensor surface of the measuring device. At least the sensor surface of the measuring device is disposed in the upper region of the conveyor such that there is a tangential course in the transition from the guide surface to the sensor surface.

Abstract: A grain mass flow sensor assembly of an agricultural harvester has a continuously curved sensor plate positioned to receive a grain flow from an exit of the grain elevator. The continuously curved sensor plate is configured to change the direction of the grain flow in order to generate a reaction force for measuring the grain mass flow rate of the grain flow. The continuously curved sensor plate is attached to a sensor plate to load cell mounting bracket. The sensor plate to load cell mounting bracket is attached to a single point load cell torque or moment compensated force transducer at a single mounting point. The single point load cell torque or moment compensated force transducer produces a mass flow sensor signal that is proportionate to the grain mass flow rate.

Abstract: A photointerrupter includes a light emitter and a light receiver integrally formed with each other. The light emitter includes at least two light sources and emits light. At least one of the at least two light sources are individually tunable in light intensity. The light receiver receives the light from the light emitter.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an impact flowmeter for powders and granules which can be installed with a smaller investment by removing a part of components in an existing process and improving the process with a minimum cost, without involving relocation, especially in the vertical direction, of devices composing the process, in order to meet a recent demand. Provided is an impact flowmeter for powders and granules, wherein a flow straightener is omitted by adopting a multiple detection plate structure in which detection plates of the multiple detection plate structure are coupled together through a side plate and are suspended inside a casing by four leaf springs.

Abstract: A brewing unit includes a brewing chamber having at least two brewing chamber portions movable one with respect to the other, a water heater, a hot water duct for feeding hot water from the water heater to the brewing chamber, and a beverage dispensing duct from which a beverage is dispensed. The water heater has a cavity through which the beverage dispensing duct extends for connection to an outer beverage dispensing spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a container with solid particles, the device having annular ducts for passing particles, which ducts are defined by a plurality of vertical nozzles arranged coaxially relative to one another, and a diaphragm arranged upstream from the annular ducts for regulating the flow rate of particles in the annular ducts, the diaphragm has a plurality of shutter flaps for shutting off the annular ducts, each flap shutting off an angular sector of a single annular duct and the diaphragm having control means for controlling movement of the shutter flaps that are configured to be capable of partially shutting off any one of duct independently of the other ducts. The invention also relates to a method of shutting off a filler device.

Abstract: Laser cladding filler material is introduced in a pattern on a on a substrate by a filler distribution apparatus having a linear or polygonal array of dispensing apertures for uniform distribution in advance of or during a laser beam transferring optical energy to the substrate. The distribution apparatus includes a housing (or assembly of coupled housings) that defines the distribution aperture array and an internal chamber in communication with the apertures that is adapted for retention of filler material. A mechanical feed mechanism, such as an auger, is adapted for feeding filler material from the internal chamber through the distribution apertures. A feed mechanism drive system is coupled to the mechanical feed mechanism, adapted for selectively varying filler material feed rate. The distribution aperture array may be selectively reconfigured to vary selectively the filler material distribution pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage mixing and dispersing apparatus comprising: —a metering device, —a mixing chamber, —at least one diluent feeding means, —means for moving the mixing chamber, characterized in that the mixing chamber is movable between: —a metering position, where the metering device outlet emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and —a mixing position, where the diluent feeding means are able to inject the diluent in the mixing chamber and the metering device outlet does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.

Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural products includes: a master controller, sets of agricultural product containers, meter devices, and secondary controllers. The meter devices are operatively connected to the product containers and configured to dispense products from the containers to rows in a field wherein each of the sets of containers is associated with a respective row in the field. The secondary controllers actuate the meter devices. Each secondary controller receives command data from the master controller and controls the meter devices for dispensing in response to the command data. Agricultural product from each product container is dispensed in accordance with operator defined instructions to the master controller. The instructions are capable of being provided to the master controller during the planting allowing the dispensing of individual containers to be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing dispenser having a dosing piston, for dosing formulations of a drug or nutritional supplement in the form of a free-flowing bulk material having a particle diameter in the range of 100-1000 ?m.

Abstract: Filling a container with a filling material having a first and second liquid components in a predetermined ratio includes supplying the first component from a tank to the container through a filling material line that defines opposite first and second directions, the line being closable by a valve. A flow-rate measuring unit determines an amount of first liquid component fed through the line in the second direction. The method also includes feeding the second component into the line, the line having been at least partially filled by the first component, and detecting an amount of the second component fed therein. Detecting the amount of the second component includes using a flow-rate measuring unit to detect motion of the first component caused by feeding the second component. The method then includes displacing at least a portion of the first component from the line along the first direction.

Abstract: A treatment agent metering information evaluator of a washing machine includes a reader that reads portion-wise metering information from an information carrier of a storage container that is in close proximity to the reader, a controller that receives the portion-wise metering information from the reader, a meter that meters portions of treatment agent from the storage container into a treatment process of a washing treatment program, and storage that stores empirical information about experiences of the use of the treatment agent during the treatment process for subsequent application of the treatment agent. The reader includes a transmitter for transmitting the empirical information.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a two-component filling material includes separate liquid channels for the two components. Each channel has a controllable valve. A flow meter is configured for directly measuring an amount of the first component fed to the container and indirectly measuring an amount of the second component fed to said container. It does the indirect measurement by measuring a flow rate of the first component resulting from a flow rate of the second component. Each component has an associated variable-volume chamber configured so that a volume change in one leads to an inverse volume change in the other. This affects flow rate of the first component.

Abstract: A metering wheel includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of first wheel sections, and a plurality of second wheel sections. Each first wheel section has a fluted exterior surface and is rotatably coupled to the shaft. Each second wheel section has a cylindrical exterior surface and is co-axial with the shaft and rotatable independently of the shaft. In another aspect, at least one of the plurality of first wheel sections has a plurality of protrusions on the exterior surface defining a plurality of valleys therebetween, wherein at least one protrusion does not extend an axial length of the first section. In yet another aspect, a metering assembly comprises a metering wheel and a chute divider. The chute divider comprises a wall positioned proximate a longitudinal mid-point of one of the plurality of first sections or one of the plurality of second sections.

Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes a liquid chamber, a volume varying unit, a liquid supplying unit, and a control unit. An interior volume of the liquid chamber can be varied. The volume varying unit varies the volume in the liquid chamber. The liquid supplying unit supplies liquid to the liquid chamber. The control unit controls the volume varying unit and the liquid supplying unit to thereby adjust the pressure in the liquid chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site, continuous generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved seed metering wheel assembly is provided to deliver a substantially constant flow of seed to a downstream treating device or the like, without any substantial surging of seeds. The seed metering wheel assembly includes an axially rotatable metering wheel having a plurality of strategically sized and arranged seed metering openings therethrough, arranged in circular arrays of differently sized metering openings. In another embodiment, the seed metering wheel includes a central hub section and an outermost rib, with a series of ribs between the hub section and rim, which lie along respective non-diameter chords. Incoming seed is delivered from a seed hopper outlet by gravitation to the metering wheel, which preferably provides a substantially constant open area while preventing wholly unobstructed flow of seeds.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a beverage from a bottle that includes communicating a dispensing authorization message from a control unit to at least one of a server interface carried by a beverage server and a pour spout secured to a bottle, wherein the dispensing authorization message at least one of includes or initiates a dispensing command, and wherein the pour spout responds to the dispensing command by opening a spout valve through which a beverage flows from the bottle and out of the pour spout.

Abstract: The liquid material ejector has a liquid material supply port through which the liquid material is supplied, a nozzle for ejecting the liquid material, a valve block having a metering bore to be filled with the ejected liquid material and a liquid material supply channel communicating with the liquid material supply port, a selector valve having a first channel for allowing communication between the metering bore and the liquid material supply channel and a second channel for allowing communication between the metering bore and the nozzle, a plunger advancing and retracting in the metering bore, a plunger driving section for driving the plunger, a valve driving section for driving the selector valve, and a transmission section for transmitting driving power from the valve driving section to the selector valve. The plunger driving section, the valve driving section, and the valve block are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The pump block of a metering pump for metering liquids including a first feed duct system for the liquid to be delivered; a metering chamber connected to said feed duct system; a pump duct; a metering piston arranged in the metering chamber such that it can slide along an axis, said metering piston being set up to pump a certain quantity of a liquid present in the metering chamber through a stop valve into the pump duct when moved in a direction along said axis; and an actuator device for moving the metering piston along said axis.

Abstract: A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprises a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, wherein at least one slit is provided in the flexible portion for dispensing the product, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric. The slit is (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied. The opening is substantially closed when said pressure stops.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to cleaning a portion of a beverage line of a beverage distribution system based upon a signal received from a remote source. An administrative (also referred to as “admin”) system can manage a cleaning system from a remote location in which a remote signal can drive a cleaning system and at least one or more electric valves within the beverage distribution system. A controller component (local to the beverage distribution system) can receive the remote signal from the admin system, wherein a cleaning system (e.g., via a cleaning line) or a dispensing system (e.g., via a hose) can be selected to enable a cleaning mode or a dispensing mode.

Abstract: A reciprocating metering device is disclosed. The metering device provides a mechanism for discharging a metered amount of material, such as rice seeds, into a reservoir formed by plunging the metering device into soil. The metering device operates in a reciprocating motion wherein, in a first position, the spear extends from the device to form the reservoir and the seeds are retained within the device and in a second position, the spear is retracted into the device and the seeds are able to be discharged out of the device and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further has a control system, at least one controllable valve and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further has a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A cereal dispenser includes a base, a container, and an actuation mechanism. The base supports the dispenser, provides a cradle for receiving a food receptacle, and a trigger for interacting with the actuation mechanism. The container includes a lateral surface formed around an interior volume and a dispensing mechanism with a chute, an outlet, and a portioning mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is activated by the trigger by means of the actuation mechanism. The dispensing mechanism allows cereal to flow from the interior volume, through the chute, and out of the outlet. The portioning mechanism controls how much cereal is dispensed each time the trigger is engaged, ensuring a consistent volume of cereal deposited in the food receptacle. The amount of cereal in the container is indicated by measurement markings on a transparent section of the lateral surface.

Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which at least partly encloses an inner space for multiple dosages of coffee beans, and a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and an apparatus provided with a coffee bean grinder, a coffee bean inlet for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the apparatus, so that the coffee bean outlet can be connected to the coffee bean inlet, and a dosing device provided with a dosing space which is arranged for feeding-through one predetermined dose of coffee beans from the coffee bean outlet to the coffee bean inlet.

Abstract: Method of estimating the volume (Vtk) of a tank (1), comprising: a step of calculating the volume (Vtk) of the tank (1) by applying the law of conservation of enthalpy (H) of the gas, considering that the transfer of the checking stream of gas is adiabatic (Ttk(t1)=Ttk(t2) and Tsi(t1)=Tsi(t2)), expressing the enthalpy of the gas in the tank as a function only of the temperature Ttk(ti) of the gas and the pressure Ptk(ti) of the gas (Htk=function of (Ttk(ti); Ptk(ti)), using the perfect gas law or a Van der Waals equation of state expressing the volume of the tank Vtk(ti) (in cubic meters) only as a function of the known or previously estimated variables.

Abstract: A household device for treating objects with a treatment agent is provided, in which the household device includes a first part of an identification system to identify data of a second part of the identification system, the data of the second part of the identification system comprising information on a dosing parameter of a dosing device, and the data of the second part of the identification system being associated with of a packaging for the dosing device, and means for adapting one of the treating of objects by the household device and a dosing the treatment agent by the dosing device based upon the identified data.

Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a vessel into which a liquid chemical is to be dispensed. The volume of the vessel may be known and a control device may determine an initial pressure of the vessel using the pressure gauge. A volume of liquid chemical may be dispensed into the vessel which may cause the pressure within the vessel to increase to a second pressure. The control device may determine the second pressure using the pressure gauge may calculate the volume of liquid chemical dispensed into the vessel using the volume of the vessel, the initial pressure of the vessel, and the second pressure of the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing a product are provided. A plurality of product ingredients are associated with a product dispenser that is operable to form a plurality of selectable products from the plurality of products ingredients. Input for a selected product is received and a recipe that defines the ratio of product ingredients for forming the selected product is identified. The dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is commenced based at least in part on the identified recipe, and the dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is independently monitored during the dispense of the selected product.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a coriolis flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the coriolis flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device stores and meters a powder and mixes the powder with a diluent to prepare a food product. The device is able to be connected to a tank containing the diluent and to a source of air. The device includes a multidose container to form a reserve of powder, a powder dosing system, a powder duct integrated in an air chamber that can carry air around the powder duct outlet. The powder duct outlet emerges in a mixing chamber that includes a diluent inlet and a food product outlet, the whole forming a single piece disposable device.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The system has a fluid flow meter, a pulser operatively coupled to said fluid flow meter, and a control system in electrical communication with the pulser. The control system is configured to calculate a flow rate of fuel being dispensed from a gasoline dispenser during a single dispensing transaction. The flow rate is sampled at predetermined time intervals during the single dispensing transaction. The system then compares the sampled flow rates to a predetermined flow rate pattern indicative of potential fraud. A shutoff signal is then provided to the dispenser to stop fuel flow through the dispenser if the sampled flow rates are substantially similar to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between reagents and attaching a lid to a reagent container is provided. The dispensing device of the present invention includes a dispensing nozzle 10 that aspirates and discharges liquid, a lid opening and closing part 26 that projects downward to be lower than the dispensing nozzle 10, and a drive unit that makes the dispensing nozzle 10 and the lid opening and closing part 26 drive in the vertical direction, in which the dispensing nozzle 10 drives in the vertical direction independently of the lid opening and closing part 26. The dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between the reagents and attaching the lid to the reagent container can be provided.

Abstract: A slurry dispensing system (10) is disclosed. A peristaltic pump (28) may direct a flow of slurry out of a horizontal mixer (20) to a slurry dispenser (140). This slurry dispenser (140) may be operated on a programmed manner by a controller (260) to dispense slurry into a container (36). Both a bypass valve (172) and a dispensing valve (204) of the slurry dispenser may be opened/closed on a programmed basis by the controller (260) to deliver slurry to a container (36), such as a glass column. Slurry may be intermittently directed into a metering chamber (194) of the slurry dispenser (140), while the remainder of the slurry being directed into the slurry dispenser (140) may be recirculated back to the horizontal mixer (20).

Abstract: An integrated design for dispensing lubricants and similar fluids from bulk containers incorporates a dispense valve (8), a meter (1), a hose (7), a DC powered electric pump (2), power cord (18) and adjustable fluid suction tube (5), all packaged in one portable unit The unit is capable of dispensing fluids such as standard SAE grade automotive motor oils, automatic transmission fluid, gear lube, hydraulic oil and engine coolant (antifreeze) The pump motor will shut down at completion of dispense; and emergency shut-off to be provided.

Abstract: A packaged product and a method for monitoring usage in a consumer test is reported herein. The packaged product includes a bottle having a container body with an open end and a closed end, the open end being formed with a neck and a mouth at a terminus of the neck. A flowable material is held within the container body. A monitoring unit immersed at least partially within the flowable material includes: (1) at least one support rod, the rod contacting the neck thereby inhibiting movement of the monitoring unit; (2) a logger device to sense and record motion of the bottle, the device including a circuit board fitted with at least one computer chip; (3) a retention unit arranged on the support rod inhibiting travel of the logger device relative to the support rod. According to the method of the invention, compliance to a test protocol can be certified through records extracted from the logger unit after evaluation is completed by the consumer.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.