Abstract: A method for controlling a paste squeeze device includes: identifying identity information of a user approaching the paste squeeze device; acquiring target usage information corresponding to the identity information, the target usage information including a target paste type and a target usage amount; and controlling the paste squeeze controller on the storage part storing a paste of the target paste type to squeeze out a paste of the target usage amount. The paste squeeze controller on the corresponding storage part can be controlled to squeeze out the paste of a target usage amount based on the identity information of different users, thereby providing accurate amount of paste specific to the individual user.

Abstract: A central fuel management system includes a pre-authorization module arranged to receive carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; match, for each meter under a truck rack, one or more loads associated with the carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; query for each of the one or more loads: a nomination system containing information on book stock; a terminal automated system containing information on physical inventory at two or more terminals; and a third party allocation management system containing information on loading quantity limits. On the basis of the query the pre-authorization module decides whether each load of the one or more loads is authorized prior to its loading. Where authorized, the driver loads at the truck rack.

Abstract: A detector detects an overall fill level of a receiving vehicle. A mobile device on the receiving vehicle includes a mobile application that receives and displays the overall fill level of the receiving vehicle. The overall fill level can be overlaid on a geographic map that shows locations of multiple receiving vehicles, in which case an overall fill level indicator for each receiving vehicle is displayed on the geographic map as well.

Abstract: A device for transferring a fluid from a supply tank to a receiver tank includes at least one duct for charging the receiver tank with liquid and at least one duct for return of the gas. The gas return duct is configured to transfer the gas contained in the receiver tank at a pressure close to or significantly different from the pressure of the supply tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a filling product, for example in a beverage bottling plant, includes a plurality of filling members, which respectively have a filling product line for feeding the filling products into an appropriate container; and at least one distribution line, to which the filling product lines of the plurality of filling members are linked.

Abstract: A base made from plastic material for a motor vehicle tank accessory, including protrusions to be welded to a preform during production of the tank by blowing the preform, wherein: the base includes a solid surface recessed from the protrusions, the solid surface including a part without protrusions and a part taken up by the protrusions, the area of the part of the solid surface without protrusions is at least equal to one times the area of the solid surface taken up by the protrusions, the height of the protrusions relative to the solid surface is between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm.

Abstract: A piston pump for dispensing fluid from a reservoir, an improved vacuum relief arrangement in which a passageway for flow of air from the atmosphere into the reservoir is provided at least in part through a piston-forming element of the piston pump.

Abstract: A household refrigeration apparatus has a door with a rear side and an overhang. The overhang is arranged on the rear side and is formed with a top side wall. A water and ice dispenser is arranged in the door. The water and ice dispenser includes an elongated, or lengthened, ice chute. The ice chute is arranged in the overhang at least with an ice chute section. The ice chute is passed through the top side wall and the ice chute includes an entrance, which overhangs upwards beyond the top side wall in height direction of the household refrigeration apparatus and which is arranged above the top side wall at a distance to the top side wall.

Abstract: A hydrogen water generator includes a water tank for receiving and storing water, an electrode module coupled to the water tank for generating hydrogen water, a movable water discharger, a transfer tube for transferring the hydrogen water from the water tank to the movable water discharger, a sensor, and a controller. The controller moves the movable water discharger from an original position to a height with respect to a water container based on a sensing by the sensor.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.

Abstract: A pressure tank for storing high- and low-pressure fluids/gases includes a hollow body with at least one outlet having a surrounding contact area, a boss connected to the outlet, and a static eliminator wall disposed inside the hollow body. The boss has at least one aperture extending into the interior of the hollow body and is connected over its entire surface with a complementary contact area to the contact area of the outlet. The aperture has a diffuser disposed at a bottom end thereof. The diffuser is one of part of the boss, part of a neckring, and part of a coupling piece. The diffuser seals the aperture in an axial direction and has diffuser openings pointing primarily only in a radial direction. The static eliminator wall surrounds the diffusor and is one of part of the boss, part of the neckring, and part of the coupling piece.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided. The water dispenser may include a main body, a rotator installed to be rotatable in a horizontal direction in the main body and including a water discharger, a rotation guide rail having a predetermined curvature within the main body, and a rotation guide protrusion provided in the rotator and slidably coupled to the rotation guide rail to guide rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.

Abstract: An example fuel cap assembly includes a fuel cap, a sensor element extending from the fuel cap, and a fuel tube extending from the fuel cap next to the sensor element. The fuel tube includes an outlet end having at least one side-diverting fuel outlet that extends through a sidewall of the fuel tube. A fuel cap assembly kit and method of filling a fuel tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for filling tanks with pressurized gas via a filling station comprising at least one source of pressurized gas and a fluid circuit for transferring the gas, comprising a first end linked to the at least one gas source and a second end provided with a transfer line intended to be removably connected to the tanks to be filled, the circuit comprising a first isolation valve, a flow or pressure regulation member, a heat exchanger for cooling the gas transferred to the tank to be filled and a second isolation valve, the method comprising successively filling a first tank then a second separate tank, characterized in that, on completion of the filling of the first tank, the first and second isolation valves are closed to trap a reserve supply of pressurized gas in the circuit between said two valves and in that the reserve supply of gas is used to fill the second tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food products, comprising a main body, a containing chamber suitable to contain a cooking liquid, an exit element of the cooking liquid from said containing chamber, and a removal device.

Abstract: A filling method includes adjusting a start of a filling phase on a filling machine so that the container completes filling within a detection region at which an optical sensor is able to inspect the container to determine the actual fill-level and to send a signal to a controller to cause the container to be topped off if need be.

Abstract: A dispenser control device, comprising: at least a first light emitter and at least a first light detector, a memory component, a calculation component and a signal transmitter. The dispenser control device configured to conduct one or more of (1) calibration, (2) receptacle-type conjecturing, (3) stopping-intensity value determination, (4) receptacle filling status assessment, and (5) dispensing-termination signal transmission. Also methods comprising one or more of (1) calibration, (2) receptacle-type conjecturing, (3) stopping-intensity value determination, (4) receptacle filling status assessment, and (5) dispensing-termination signal transmission.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a smart water dispenser and a control method thereof. The smart water dispenser includes: an electronically controlled switch for starting adding water to a cup when it is turned on and stopping adding water when it is turned off; a cup detection module for detecting a cup placed under an outlet of the smart water dispenser; and a water level detection module for detecting a water level of water in the cup when the water is being added to the cup under the outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.

Abstract: A foam and liquid fill level detection system includes a first signal emitter operable to emit a signal at a first wavelength towards a dispensing area, a second signal emitter operable to emit a signal at a second wavelength towards the dispensing area, and one or more signal receivers operable to detect the signal at the first wavelength and the signal at the second wavelength from the dispensing area. The first wavelength is selected such the signal at the first wavelength reflects from liquid, and the second wavelength is selected such the signal at the second wavelength reflects from foam.

Abstract: A moving assembly of a coffee maker has a body, a first moving module, and a second moving module. The first moving module is mounted to the body, and has a first slide rail and a feeding component. The first slide rail is connected to the body. The feeding component is slidably mounted to the first slide rail and has a nozzle. The second moving module is mounted to the body below the first moving module, and has a second slide rail and a platform. The second slide rail is connected to the body and located below the first slide rail in a direction intersecting with the first slide rail. The platform is slidably mounted to the second slide rail. Therefore, the nozzle may move against a coffee cup put on the platform in two directions with the two independent moving modules.

Abstract: A filling element includes a filling-level sensor having an oscillating body disposed to interact with fluid that is in a container being filled. A change in the oscillation of the body, triggered either electromechanically or by fluid flow, provides information indicative of filling level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a non-traceable vent tube and a traceable vent tube cap apparatus, system and methods incorporating a traceable material such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or a magnet for use in conjunction with a filling machine during container filling operations for a quicker and more accurate detection of the location of the non-traceable vent tube or the traceable vent tube cap after becoming detached from a filling machine during filling operations, and to increase the safety of the filling operation and reduce costs and time when a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A fuel tank inerting system is disclosed. The system includes a fuel tank and a catalytic reactor with an inlet, an outlet, a reactive flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a catalyst on the reactive flow path. The catalytic reactor is arranged to receive fuel from a fuel flow path in operative communication with the fuel tank and oxygen from an oxygen source, and to catalytically react a mixture of the fuel and oxygen along the reactive flow path to generate an inert gas. An inert gas flow path provides inert gas from the catalytic reactor to the fuel tank. An adsorbent is disposed along the fuel flow path or along the reactive flow path.

Abstract: A method for use with a pumping system includes receiving a pump command signal for starting a pump; initiating a valve command signal for opening a valve, in response to the receiving the pump command signal; receiving a valve sensor signal indicating that the valve is open; and initiating a pump start command signal, in response to the received valve sensor signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that, in some aspects, provide for a cost-reduced touch sensitive user interface including a static printed display. The methods and systems may include providing illumination to guide a user through interaction with a touch sensitive user interface. The methods and systems may include a configurable printed display. Further aspects are disclosed providing use of a cost-reduced touch user interface in a beverage dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that, in some aspects, provide for a cost-reduced touch sensitive user interface including a static printed display. The methods and systems may include providing illumination to guide a user through interaction with a touch sensitive user interface. The methods and systems may include a configurable printed display. Further aspects are disclosed providing use of a cost-reduced touch user interface in a beverage dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A gravity-fed fuel delivery system is provided. A central storage tank holds fuel to re-supply a number of pump trucks or other mechanized equipment, such as on a hydraulic fracturing location, and can be selectively raised or lowered. Hoses or other conduits extend from the central storage tank to individual fuel tanks of the equipment to be refueled. Adapters allow connection of the distal end of each hose or conduit to an inlet opening of a fuel tank. A float valve assembly senses when fuel inside an individual fuel tank is below a predetermined level, thereby mechanically opening a valve assembly to permit fluid to flow from the central storage tank, through a conduit, through the float valve assembly and into the fuel tank.

Abstract: A book inventory monetary value of a selected product in the retail store is received. The book inventory monetary value is the monetary value of the selected product according to the accounting records of a retail store. A perpetual inventory (PI) monetary value is also received from the retail store. The PI monetary value is a product of multiplying a PI value for the selected product with the cost of the selected product. The book inventory monetary value and the PI monetary value are stored in a database. Subsequently, the book inventory monetary value and the PI monetary value are retrieved from the database. A difference between the book inventory monetary value and the PI monetary values is determined. An adjustment of the PI value is determined based upon the difference.

Abstract: An automated consumable dispenser with a precision method for delivering consumable ingredients in specific proportions to a container up to a specified volume. This method involves the use of a system of sensors and a micro-microprocessor, which detects, digitizes and develops a three dimensional rendering of the container, calculates the container volume and dispenses specific amounts of consumable ingredients. A user is able to pick the level in the vessel to which the consumable ingredients should be dispensed and displays the selected desired level. The embodiments described include an automated dispenser capable of dispensing beverages and food items, either separately or together.

Abstract: A kit of parts is provided that can include a plurality of hose connection parts selectable from, first hose connection parts comprising one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet, second hose connection parts comprising two fluid inlets and one fluid outlet, and third hose connection parts comprising three fluid inlets and one fluid outlet. The kit of parts can be suitable for assembling a hose connection having at least a first and second fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, according to any one of three configurations. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles and a method for assembly a hose connection.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejection portion and a circuit. The ejection portion has a plurality of ejection ports configured to eject liquid supplied from a liquid storage portion defining a liquid storage space configured to store liquid. The circuit is electrically connected to at least one of a bottom electrode and a side electrode. The circuit is configured to detect a capacitance between the bottom electrode and the side electrode. The bottom electrode is provided at a bottom surface of the liquid storage portion. The side electrode is provided at one side surface of the liquid storage portion and electrically isolated from the bottom electrode.

Abstract: An enhanced bottle filler assembly for filling bottles with a liquid from a pressurized vessel into an unpressurized vessel. In a preferred embodiment a molded body has a fitting housing and a grip formed perpendicular to one another. A grip passage interposing the grip, a valve actuator interposing the grip passage, a housing passage interposing the fitting housing, wherein said housing passage is fluidly connected to the grip passage. Two tubes are placed inside each other forming an annulus where a compressed gas can be forced to the bottom of a vessel to purge the vessel of oxygen. A sealing mechanism allows a liquid to flow into the bottle when trigger is pulled.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: A filling needle for filling a container with a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic fluid, having a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis and has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, having a core element arranged within the housing so as to be displaceable between an opening position and a closure position, having a plunger element coupled to the core element that closes and opens the outlet opening, and having an actuating arrangement for the displacement of the core element between the opening position and the closure position. The core element has at least one core magnet, wherein the actuating arrangement is arranged outside the housing and has at least one actuating magnet, and wherein core actuating magnets are arranged such that they interact with an attractive action and the core element and the actuating arrangement are displaceable jointly parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A filling element for filling containers includes a liquid valve disposed to control flow into the container. The valve has an elastic diaphragm and a valve surface. An actuator causes the diaphragm to transition between a first state, in which it butts against the valve surface, and a second state, in which it is spaced apart from the valve surface.

Abstract: A filling system includes filling elements, each of which has a channel formed in its housing. During filling, filling material, under a liquid valve's control, passes through the channel and exits through an opening and into a container held on a vertically displaceable container carrier. During pressure filling, the container carrier seals the container against the filling element. During cleaning and sterilization, rinsing caps seal each opening. Each filling element is associated with an extension that seals the outlet. Each extension has a filling-material through-passage that, when the extension is sealed against said outlet, extends the filling-material channel.

Abstract: A tube extends through an attachment section and defines a vapor passageway. A housing is supported to the attachment section for movement between several positions relative to the attachment section. The housing defines a float chamber below the tube. A valve seat portion is located within the float chamber and has an engagement part, a sleeve part and a seat surface. The engagement part is connected to the housing. The sleeve part telescopically engages the tube and is movable along the tube with the housing. The valve seat portion defines a central bore open to the vapor passageway and the seat surface. The float moves within the float chamber. When to fluid enters the float chamber the float floats up against the seat surface closing off the central bore and the vapor passageway. In the absence of fluid the float moves downward exposing the seat surface.

Abstract: An inter-flap space 36 between an outside flap 24 and an inside flap 44 of a filler pipe 16 is placed in communication with the inside of a fuel tank 14 using a communication pipe 62, and an open and close valve 64 is provided to the communication pipe 62. Further provided are a pressure reduction pump 82 that depressurizes the fuel tank 14, an internal tank pressure sensor 68 that detects an internal tank pressure of the fuel tank 14, and a controller that controls opening and closing of the open and close valve 64 and driving of the pressure reduction pump 82, and that determines an outside flap seal state of the outside flap 24 based on the internal tank pressure.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus includes a spout, an ultrasonic sensor, and a capacitive sensor. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user adjacent the spout when enabled. The capacitive sensor is configured to define a capacitance sensing field in an area near the spout and also to detect a presence of a user. A controller is coupled to the capacitive sensor and the ultrasonic sensor. The controller is programmed to detect the presence of a user in the capacitance sensing field based on an output signal from the capacitance sensor. The controller is also programmed to enable the ultrasonic sensor in response to detecting the presence of the user in the capacitance sensing field with the capacitive sensor, thereby reducing the amount of power used by the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: Climate control devices and methods are disclosed. A climate control device includes a housing, an ultrasonic emitter, an ultrasonic receiver, and a controller. The housing defines a receptacle for receiving liquid. The ultrasonic emitter is positioned to emit an ultrasonic wave toward a surface of the liquid received in the receptacle. The ultrasonic receiver is positioned to receive the ultrasonic wave after the ultrasonic wave reflects off of the surface of the liquid. The controller is configured to provide a liquid level indication based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver. A climate control method includes receiving liquid in the receptacle, emitting an ultrasonic wave toward a surface of the liquid in the receptacle, receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic wave after the ultrasonic wave reflects off of the surface of the liquid, and providing a liquid level indication based on the received ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure dispensing nozzle for providing cryogenic fuel such as liquid natural gas (LNG) from a source to a filling receptacle, such as on a vehicle. The nozzle has a gun-style nozzle construction and a plurality of jaw members provided near a distal end for locking engagement with the filling receptacle. The nozzle further has a movable internal poppet to establish a fuel passageway through the nozzle for delivery of fuel therethrough. Two different triggers enable separate steps of locking of the nozzle onto the filling receptacle and initiating gas flow for ease of use. The two steps may also me combined and actuated by a single trigger. One nozzle disclosed includes a safety button for dispersing residual gas in the nozzle prior to disengagement to help avoid injury to the user.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for a forage harvester. The sensor arrangement includes a frame, a CCD or CMOS camera mounted to the frame in a first position, and a time-of-flight camera mounted to the frame in a second position. The CCD or CMOS camera is mounted to the frame in the first position such that, when a filling wagon is located with respect to the forage harvester in a filling position, a first image of at least a portion of the filling wagon is capturable by the first camera. The time-of-flight camera is mounted to the frame in the second position such that, when the filling wagon is located with respect to the forage harvester in the filling position, a second image of a segment of the portion is capturable by the second camera.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a control system electrically connected with a beverage dispenser, a proximity sensor, and a touch-sensitive display. The control system causes the touch-sensitive display to display an advertising state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is not present at the beverage dispensing system and a beverage selection state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is present. The control system further causes the touch-sensitive display to display a pour state after a beverage choice selection is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the beverage selection state. The control system still further causes the beverage dispenser to deliver the beverage choice after a pour request is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pour state.

Abstract: A method for distributing product using a consumer refillable packaging in a retail environment comprises manufacturing a liquid product at a point of manufacture. The liquid product is then transferred to a retail location in a refillable canister, which is mounted in a storage room as part of a delivery subsystem for communicating the liquid product from the storage room to a refill station in a retail floor space. Consumers operate the refill station to refill a refillable container with the liquid product from the canister in the storage room via the refill station.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a multi-jointed robot which is capable of transferring a vial and a syringe, and a syringe driving apparatus. The syringe driving apparatus includes a cylinder body holder which holds a cylinder body of the syringe, an actuator which pulls and pushes a plunger of the syringe, and a rotation mechanism configured to make the cylinder body holder and the actuator freely rotatable about an axial line intersecting with a center axial line of the syringe.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a multi-jointed robot, a syringe actuator configured to pull and push a plunger of a syringe, and a controller. The controller performs control of the multi-jointed robot so as to reverse a vertical relation between the vial and the syringe in a state where a vial containing a liquid is disposed on a lower side of the syringe and a needle of the syringe punctures the vial, and control of the syringe actuator so as to absorb a liquid in the vial into the syringe by pulling the plunger in a state where the vial is disposed on an upper side of the syringe.

Abstract: A method for processing containers includes introducing flushing gas into a container's interior while the interior remains connected to a vacuum source, and adjusting flow of the flushing gas and an underpressure of the vacuum source such that, while flushing gas flows through the interior, a flushing pressure in the interior lies between 0.46 and 0.9 bar.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door opening or closing the storage chamber, and a dispenser provided at the door. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing that is recessed backward into the door to define a container accommodation space. A control panel unit includes a display part and a dispensing mode selection part. An image corresponding to the dispensing mode selected through the dispensing mode selection part is displayed on the display part as a moving picture by a control from a controller.