Abstract:
Devices of this invention include replaceable cartridges for delivery of doses of fluids. Cartridges having a fluid supply reservoir comprising an expandable element are designed to be connected with non-disposable actuating module supplied with a sensor, a mechanism to apply a force to the fluid, thereby forcing a predetermined dose out of the reservoir, and a processor providing control outputs from a sensor system according to preprogrammed instructions. Methods of this invention include delivery of microdoses of fluids using devices of this invention.
Abstract:
A dispenser niche for a refrigerator is provided. The dispenser niche includes an illuminator to at least partially illuminate the niche. The illuminator has LEDs that are arranged on a common circuit board with first electrical contacts. A wall of the dispenser niche has second electrical contacts and a recess that receives the common circuit board in a single orientation. The first electrical contacts of the common circuit board and the second electrical circuits of the wall touch each other in the single orientation.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of the drink supply canisters, and a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
Abstract:
An antimicrobial, push button switch assembly for use at a self-service, dispensing or charging station is provided. The assembly includes a housing and a selection button supported for bi-directional movement within an opening in the housing. The selection button includes a plastic substrate and a plastic film sheet bonded to the substrate in a molding process. The film sheet has an outer touch surface configured to be pressed by a customer to initiate a dispensing or charging transaction. The film sheet is configured to allow at least one of germicidal light and antimicrobial agents to travel therethrough to the outer touch surface to disinfect the outer touch surface of pathogenic microorganisms.
Abstract:
Systems for deterring improper fueling and charging of vehicles at vehicle fueling and electrical charging stations, respectively, are provided. Each system includes a stationary communication device configured to receive wireless signals transmitted by a mobile communication device located proximate its station. Each signal contains identification data. A plurality of pushbutton switch assemblies are included at each station. Each of the assemblies is manually operable to allow a customer to initiate a fuel dispensing or charging transaction. One or more sensory indicators are located at each station and are configured to provide an alert to assist the customer to make a proper selection of either fuel or charging connector. A controller or processor is configured to determine the proper grade or type of fuel by processing the identification data and to activate or alter the one or more sensory indicators thereby assisting the customer in his or her selection process.
Abstract:
Fuel management systems for a fuel dispensing facility including a fuel delivery system are disclosed. The fuel delivery system includes at least one storage tank configured to contain a fuel, at least one dispenser configured to receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, and a fuel handling system which is configured to one of (1) deliver the fuel to the at least one storage tank, (2) receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, (3) monitor for a leak within the fuel delivery system, and (4) monitor for a fuel inventory within the fuel delivery system. The fuel management system may include installation records of the fuel handling components. The fuel management system may monitor cameras positioned in sumps of the fuel delivery system. The fuel delivery system may include a camera positioned to monitor an interior of a sump, the interior of the sump being provided by a sump basin and a sump cover. The sump cover may be a sump lid. The sump cover may be a dispenser. The sump cover may be another portion of the fuel delivery system.
Abstract:
A soap dispenser system for dispensing soap in response to a user's action, such as pumping force to a dispenser pump of a soap container. The soap container has a theme identifier device corresponding to the soap container. A supportive base detachably connects to the soap container. The base includes a receiver device for detecting the theme identifier device of the soap container when the soap connector is connected to the base. A readable data storage is connected to the receiver device. The storage contains data representing a variety of different human perceptible media, such as audio (e.g., animal, people, or musical sounds). At least one of the variety of media corresponds to the theme identifier device of the soap container. An output device delivers the media to a user of the soap container. A processor connected to the receiver device, the storage, and the output device responds to the receiver detecting the theme identifier device and dispensing action by a user to obtain soap from the container. The processor selectively controls the output device to deliver specific media (from among the variety) to the user corresponding to the theme identifier device of the soap container. The system can encourage frequent and efficacious washing. The media encourages washing for recommended wash times, for example, the system delivers 20-30 seconds (or such other period as desired for the particular embodiment) of animal sounds for entertainment and measure of recommended wash time when an animal themed soap container is used.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing cooled alcoholic drinks. In accordance with the invention, the dispenser comprises a alcoholic drink container, a cooler for cooling the alcoholic drink, a display container for displaying the served alcoholic drink, a pump for circulating alcoholic drink from the alcoholic drink container through the cooler to the display container and back to the alcoholic drink container, and a dispensing device connected to alcoholic drink circulation for dispensing a drink.