Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for the production of formulations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In some embodiments, the disclosure provides an automated medicine formulation system comprising a portable and self-contained API formulating apparatus where the API and excipients are formulated to make a drug product meeting drug quality and safety specifications. The automated formulation system produces liquid formulations including, for example, injectable and intravenous medicines. The systems are capable of producing a plurality of individual sterile injectable doses of drug comprising a specific API and excipient(s), which can be formulated on demand in a GMP and FDA acceptable manner.

Abstract: A cartridge and loading system for loading tamper-evident syringe caps into a robotic pharmaceutical compounding device. The compounding device has a syringe finishing station, and can transfer tamper-evident caps from the cartridge to the syringe finishing station. The cartridge has a floor disposed at an angle to horizontal. The device may include a vibratory element for vibrating the cartridge, so that tamper-evident caps are fed to an outlet of the cartridge by gravity.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided. The devices include a conductive substrate having a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the dielectric layer and configured to be connected to a voltage source. The microfluidic devices also include a second electrode configured to be connected to the voltage source. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser having a press-type nozzle that dispenses liquid soap from the nozzle by being pressed by hand includes a dispenser body, a nozzle, a pump, and the like. The dispenser body is supported inside an upper storage portion by a lower bracket and an upper bracket. A connecting member connects a vertically moving member and the nozzle. When a user places a hand below the nozzle, a human body detection unit detects the hand, and a control unit causes a motor to rotate in a forward direction and raise the vertically moving member from a lower limit position to an upper limit position; and by raising the nozzle from the lower limit position to the upper limit position via the connecting member, liquid soap is automatically dispensed from the nozzle.

Abstract: The neck-worn hand sanitizer dispenser comprises a sanitizer vessel, a dispensing mechanism, and a neck strap. The neck-worn hand sanitizer dispenser may be adapted to be worn around a neck of a user via the neck strap such that the sanitizer vessel hangs in front of a chest of the user. The neck-worn hand sanitizer dispenser may be adapted to dispense a sanitizer liquid onto a hand of the user when the user triggers the dispensing mechanism by placing the hand beneath the sanitizer vessel. The dispensing mechanism may be disabled via a lock control to prevent dispensing the sanitizer liquid accidently.

Abstract: A finger moistening assembly for moistening a user's fingertips includes a housing that has a hand space integrated into the housing to accommodate a user's hand. The housing is fillable with a saline solution. A pump is integrated into the housing to spray a predetermined volume of the saline solution into the hand space when the pump is turned on to moisten the user's fingertips. A motion sensor is integrated into the shelf portion and the pump is turned on when the motion sensor senses motion. A stand is provided and the stand is positionable on a support surface. The housing is attachable to the stand such that the housing is accessible to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for controlling a plant, such as a beverage dispensing plant, said plant being comprising one or more apparatuses connected to one another or to other apparatuses external to said plant by electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic lines. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of detection sensors (Spower, SCO2, Tambiente (bevanda), Tambiente (impianto), Sp_Aria) sensor, positioned on at least one of said electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, and a monitoring unit, provided with transceiver means and connected to said detection sensors, is configured to receive the data detected by said detection sensors, determine the values and trends over time of the respective parameters of said detection sensors by comparing them with average variable values and/or trends to verify the operation of said plant. The invention also relates to a method for detecting and monitoring the sanitization of a beverage dispensing plant.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power to a plurality of dispensers. For example, a supply coupler, such as an alternating current to direct current power converter, is coupled to an energy storage component and/or a load coupler of a power distribution apparatus. The supply coupler provides power over the load coupler to one or more dispensers for operation. The supply coupler provides power to the energy storage component for energy storage. Responsive to a load on the power distribution apparatus exceeding a supply current of the power provided by the supply coupler (e.g., multiple dispensers may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events), the energy storage component may discharge energy to provide additional power to one or more dispensers to facilitate concurrent dispense events. Because the power distribution apparatus may connect to multiple dispensers, a cord management device may be used for power cord management.

Abstract: A driver state determination apparatus includes circuitry configured to recognize whether a driver's voluntary function works normally and to recognize whether an involuntary function works normally. On condition that the driver's voluntary function does not work normally, the circuitry is configured to reduce a specified time required to recognize whether the involuntary function works normally.

Abstract: Exemplary foam-at-a-distance systems include a spout, a container, and a foam generator having a suck-back mechanism located within the spout. The system includes a liquid pump chamber, an air pump chamber, a liquid conduit and an air conduit. The foam generator has a differential bore housing. The differential bore housing has a first portion with a first inside bore and a second portion with a second inside bore, wherein the first inside bore has a smaller diameter than the second inside bore. A piston having a seal extending from the piston that is in contact with the second inside bore is also included. A mixing chamber is located in the large bore. Movement of the seal in an upstream direction provides negative pressure in the second mixing chamber and draws in fluid from the outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking, locating, identifying, or mapping movements of persons or personnel within a facility may include badges carried by individuals throughout the facility. These badges can each include a transmitter configured to transmit signals including signature information identifying the badges and also identifying codes of each signal transmitted. In addition, a plurality of dispensers can be positioned at selected locations of the facility and can include receivers that receive the signals transmitted by the transmitters of the badges. These receivers also can be configured to transmit information related to the received signals to one or more processors configured to identify each badge from which signals are received based upon the signature information and also to determine the proximity, range, distance, or zone between the badge identified and the receivers.

Abstract: A dispenser having a projector is disclosed. The projector has a body with a cavity sized and shaped to receive a battery, a lens holders sized and shaped to receive at least one lens for focusing an image, a first protrusion sized and shaped to be received by a first wall of the dispenser, and a second protrusion sized and shaped to be received by a second wall of the dispenser. The projector further includes a lens assembly, a lamp, and a circuit board. The lens assembly is disposed in the lens holder, the lamp is configured to project a light through the lens assembly, and the circuit board is in electrical communication with the lamp.

Abstract: Exemplary dispensers that receive power from a wireless focused power signal and methods of charging such dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser for dispensing soap or sanitizer includes a housing, a receptacle for retaining a supply of soap or sanitizer, a processor, and a focused energy signal receiver. The focused energy signal receiver includes a reflector for reflecting at least a portion of the focused energy signal back to a transmission source and a converter for converting at least a portion of the focused energy signal into an output voltage. The dispenser further includes charge control circuitry and one or more capacitors. The charge control circuitry monitors the output voltage of the converter. If the output voltage of the converter is above a threshold, the one or more capacitors receive a charging current.

Abstract: Various dispensing devices, such as foaming soap pumps, are disclosed. The soap pump can include a fluid storage unit and a fluid handling unit. The fluid storage unit can include a reservoir that is configured to hold a quantity of product, such as liquid soap. The fluid handling unit can include a pumping assembly and dispensing assembly. The soap pump can be configured to withdraw liquid soap from the reservoir, convert the liquid soap to foamed soap, and dispense the foamed soap from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary dispenser includes a base having at least one rail, a cover, and a mounting portion for a refill unit having a container for fluid. The cover is slideable along at least one rail of the base between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for monitoring air quality with multiple sensing devices. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of: obtaining first sensor data from a sensor that is not an air quality sensor, determining that the first sensor data satisfy a first air quality criterion, in response to determining that the first sensor data satisfy the first air quality criterion, obtaining second sensor data from an air quality sensor, determining that the second sensor data satisfy a second air quality criterion, and based on a determination that the second sensor data satisfy the second air quality criterion, activating an air quality device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal according to the present disclosure can include a main body, a touch screen disposed on a front side of the main body, a first sensor disposed on the front side to sense the approach of an object to the main body in a locked state, a second sensor disposed in proximity to the first sensor to be driven in either one of a sleep mode and an active mode so as to acquire a vein image of an object that has approached the first sensor in the active mode, and a controller configured to perform vein authentication using the vein image acquired through the second sensor, and control the touch screen to display security information allowed to access for a pre-registered user when the vein image corresponds to a vein image of the pre-registered user as a result of the authentication.

Abstract: A variable dose dispenser includes a housing, a sensor, a pump actuator, a drive mechanism and an adjustable drive member. The adjustable drive member is configured to connect to the drive mechanism in a first position and a second position. The adjustable drive member has a first surface with a first drive peg and a second surface with a second drive peg. The first drive peg is offset from a center of the adjustable drive member a first distance that is greater distance than the offset distance of the second drive peg. One of the first drive peg and the second drive peg engages the actuator and the other engage the drive mechanism. The adjustable drive member is secured to the pump actuator in a first position to dispense a first dose size and in a second position to dispense a second dose size.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment component located adjacent a vehicle treatment area for treating a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle associated with the vehicle treatment component. The fluid delivery nozzle is in communication with a source of fluid and includes a first state of operation with a first flow rate and a second state of operation with a second flow rate. The first and second flow rates are different. The system allows the fluid flow through the fluid delivery nozzle to be selectively varied while a vehicle is disposed in the vehicle treatment area adjacent the vehicle treatment component.

Abstract: A device for demolding parts includes a slider for housing a figure insert for the molding of a negative of the part to be molded. The slider is associated with a push rod, which can move the slider to an ejection position of a part to be molded. The device also includes a gas cylinder for driving the displacement of the push rod. The device eliminates an inclined guide and a safety wedge, saving a great deal of work and focusing all the machining only on a punch plate.

Abstract: An automatic foam soap dispenser includes a liquid soap dispenser, an activation unit, and an actuation unit. The liquid soap dispenser includes an outlet, a fluid reservoir for containing liquid soap, and a pump being depressed for dispensing the liquid soap in the fluid reservoir to the outlet. The activation unit includes a sensor for detecting a presence of a user of the liquid soap dispenser, and a motor having a transmission shaft, wherein the motor is activated by the sensor for generating a rotational power to the transmission shaft. The actuation unit includes a pressing member and a linkage system arranged to transmit the rotational power from the motor to a linear movement to the pressing member so as to drive the pressing member to depress the pump.

Abstract: A pipetting apparatus (10) having a guidance frame (12) having a first linear guidance rail (52) and having a second linear guidance rail (56), the first and the second linear guidance rail (52, 56) proceeding parallel to one another along a displacement axis (VL) and being provided at a distance from one another orthogonally to the displacement axis (VL), and having a pipetting channel (14) which extends along a channel axis (K14) that is nonparallel, preferably orthogonal, to the displacement axis (VL) and which is guided displaceably along the displacement axis (VL) with a first bearing component (54) on the first linear guidance rail (52) and with a second bearing component (58) on the second linear guidance rail (56), is characterized in that the first and the second bearing component (54, 58) are arranged with a spacing (A) from one another along the displacement axis (VL).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for a networked soda reconstruction appliance, adapted for home or office use, that includes intelligent sub-systems for handling various beverage components, which can be mixed under intelligent control, including local control and control by a remote host system, which may help manage the appliance itself as well as the replenishment supply chains involved in delivering appropriate beverage components to the appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking, locating, identifying, or mapping movements of persons or personnel within a facility may include badges carried by individuals throughout the facility. These badges can each include a transmitter configured to transmit signals including signature information identifying the badges and also identifying codes of each signal transmitted. In addition, a plurality of dispensers can be positioned at selected locations of the facility and can include receivers that receive the signals transmitted by the transmitters of the badges. These receivers also can be configured to transmit information related to the received signals to one or more processors configured to identify each badge from which signals are received based upon the signature information and also to determine the proximity, range, distance, or zone between the badge identified and the receivers.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for the wireless communication of medical devices in an on-body fluid delivery system are disclosed. A system for on-body fluid delivery includes a primary patch pump adapted to attach a first infusion cannula to a user and to perform a plurality of primary patch pump functions, and a secondary patch pump adapted to attach a second infusion cannula to a user. The secondary patch pump is further adapted to perform a plurality of secondary patch pump functions substantially similar to the plurality of primary patch pump functions if an error condition associated with the primary patch pump is determined.

Abstract: A material control device having a housing, a material discharge door that has a left end, a right end, and a central axis and is adapted to be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a means for moving the material discharge door between the closed position and the open position. The means for moving the material discharge door between the closed position and the open position slidingly moves the material discharge door between the closed position and the open position. A method for controlling material discharge including providing a material control device and moving the material discharge door between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that prevent a collision with a hitch accessory are provided. The method includes: detecting an input to open a gate or detecting a gate opening motion, determining whether hitch accessory is present in a path of the gate opening motion, and in response to determining that the hitch accessory is absent from the path, opening the gate.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated hand hygiene/infection control monitoring sensor-based system suitable for improving hand hygiene and multiple infection control measures and ensuring compliance by health care workers as well as visitors to hospitals and clinics. The use of biometric identification devices such as cameras for face recognition and profiling, microphones for voice recognition, etc. permit highly accurate identification without the use of removable identification devices such as identification badges which may include bar codes, magnetic strips or wireless devices such as RFIDS. Identification badges are removable and hence susceptible to being lost, misplaced, etc. Visitors are typically not assigned identification badges and hence enforcement of hand hygiene policies is minimal.

Abstract: A product dispenser may be customized by incorporating a backplane having multiple different electrical contacts points and multiple different connectors for receiving one or more dispenser plug-in circuit modules, where each plug-in circuit module has mating electrical contacts and connector members. Different dispenser plug-in circuit modules may be easily installed, i.e. plugged-in, during assembly and/or during installation of the product dispenser to change the operating features of a particular dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for operating a pump. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that define a selected flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pump based on a flow profile trajectory stored in memory and related to a parameter of the fluid. A motor controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that map the selected flow rate to a selected motor speed via a transformation function stored in memory, and that operate the motor at the selected motor speed.

Abstract: A system for inhibiting the corrosion of pipelines and flowlines. The system includes a solid formulation comprising a corrosion inhibitor; a container structured and arranged to permit the flow of fluids therethrough and confine the solid formulation; and a module structured and arranged to position the container within a flowpath of the pipeline or flowline and maintain its axial position. A method of inhibiting the corrosion of pipelines and flowlines and an apparatus for inhibiting the corrosion of pipelines and flowlines are also provided.

Abstract: An automatic foam soap dispenser, for dispensing a liquid soap contained in a liquid reservoir in form of foam soap, includes a mixing passage, a liquid soap dispenser, an air dispenser, and an outlet nozzle. The liquid soap dispenser has a liquid soap pump communicated with the mixing passage to upwardly pump the liquid soap to the mixing passage, and a first power source associated with the liquid soap pump and used for driving the liquid soap pump, wherein the liquid reservoir is operatively coupled with the liquid soap pump and located below the liquid soap pump to store the liquid soap. The air dispenser has an air pump communicated with the mixing passage to synchronically and upwardly pump the atmosphere air to the mixing passage, and a second power source associated with the air pump and used for driving the air pump. The outlet nozzle is connected with the mixing passage and having at least a foam maker adapted for generating the foam soap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for detecting a delivery volume and/or a delivery flow, with a discontinuously operating pump (1), at least one outlet line (3) and/or one inlet line (2, 2-1, 2-2) and a passive valve (5, 5-1, 5-2), which is arranged in the outlet line (3) or the inlet line (2, 2-1, 2-2) and which has a valve seat (15-1, 15-2) and a valve head (16-1, 16-2), the valve (5, 5-1, 5-2) being closed in a first position of the valve head (16-1, 16-2) and being open in a second position of the valve head (16-1, 16-2) of the valve (5, 5-1, 5-2).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid, said pouring device comprising: a) a housing b) a passage for the liquid within the housing; c) an electrical operated opening/closing mechanism for opening or closing the passage in order to dosing of a predetermined or registerable amount of liquid, characterized in that the passage comprising a flexible tube, and the opening/closing mechanism is to block the tube by squeezing the tube in order to close the passage. The tube inside the spout is the only path for the liquid to go through from the bottle, meanwhile the rest components are protected from liquid. This guaranties a quick and controlled flow of the liquid and avoids any air bubbles to influence the pour precision.

Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided including a housing that removably supports a container. A material is contained within the container. The material is dispensed from the container. The housing includes a wireless communication system that transmits a first set of information related to a user of the dispensing system. An example method of operating the dispensing system is also provided.

Abstract: A method of configuring an eddy current detector to measure a thickness of a coating on a substrate includes measuring an impedance of the coated substrate, and establishing an impedance plane plot using a computer. The method may also include determining a rotation angle. The rotation angle may be an angle of rotation of the impedance plane plot that will make the inductive reactance component of the impedance substantially insensitive to substrate electrical conductivity within a coating thickness range. The method may further include establishing a calibration curve that is substantially insensitive to substrate electrical conductivity using the rotation angle. The calibration curve may be a curve that relates the inductive reactance component of the impedance to coating thickness.

Abstract: A system and method for automated dispensing of a fluid. The system and method includes accounting for ambient light proximate a dispensing location and generating a reference voltage in response to the ambient light. A second voltage is generating in response to a reflected signal from the location. Dispensing occurs if the difference between the reference voltage and the second voltage is greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a hot melt unit delivering heated adhesive through a hose to at least one dispenser gun, which is actuated by an outside source of gun actuation. Rather than directly connecting the source of gun actuation to the dispenser gun, the source of gun actuation is connected to the hot melt unit and then to the dispenser gun. For example, the gun actuation signals may be terminated at a terminal block in the hot melt unit, which enables the hot melt unit to monitor the gun actuation signals. The dispensing system is operable to perform various diagnostics pertaining to the dispenser gun and the system as a whole based on these monitored gun actuation signals.

Abstract: Heating of hot melt adhesive in a hot melt dispensing system is provided by heaters distributed in a plurality of zones of the system. A controller receives input electric power and distributes that electric power to the heaters on a time sharing basis. The controller delivers power to the heaters as a function of the total current target, a temperature set point, the current draw of each of the heaters, and stored priority criteria such as heating priorities of the zones, a history of on and off periods for each heater, and distance from the temperature set point.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for the purchase of and/or free sampling of products. The systems, methods, and/or apparatus may permit push notifications of purchased products and/or free product samples being available and may permit the use of mobile devices and/or mobile device applications to be used to purchase products or dispense free samples of products via a product dispenser or vending machine.

Abstract: A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor at least partially positioned within the housing, a rack operably coupled to the motor for powered translation, and a transmission selectively operably coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an output shaft rotatable in response to rotation of the motor, and an output member drivably coupled to the rack and supported on the output shaft for relative rotation therewith. The transmission also includes a clutch member coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft and movable along the output shaft between a first position, in which the clutch member is engaged with the output member for transferring torque from the output shaft to the output member, and a second position, in which the clutch member is disengaged from the output member to inhibit torque transfer between the output shaft and the output member.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid level gauging mechanism external of a reservoir bottle in a dispenser which mechanism emits electromagnetic radiation and senses the electromagnetic radiation emitted which passes through the bottle or is reflected from the bottle through a wall of the bottle into the bottle at a first height and senses reflected radiation passing outwardly from the bottle at a second different height.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprises a bottle holder, a motor, and a controller. The bottle holder is configured to hold a bottle of a liquid beverage. The motor is connected to the bottle holder to cause the bottle holder to tilt. The controller is configured to control the bottle holder via the motor to experience multiple tilting movements, including multiple tilting movements each causing the bottle to tilt by a predetermined angular amount to bring the bottle into a pouring position to dispense a portion of the liquid beverage from the bottle into a serving receptacle. The liquid beverage may be wine, and the serving receptacle may be a wine glass. The liquid beverage may be liquor, and the serving receptacle may be a shot glass. The portion of the liquid may be an amount of liquid to fill the receptacle to a designated level.

Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertable into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: A faucet-integrated touch-free soap dispensing system includes a soap dispenser and a proximity sensor at least partially integrated with a faucet. A dispensing unit that includes a soap reservoir and a pump can be mounted below the deck that supports the faucet.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to construction systems, assemblies, and methods. The construction systems can include concrete dispensing assemblies. The concrete dispensing assemblies can be configured to dispense a plurality of discrete units. The concrete dispensing assemblies can also be configured to simultaneously dispense two or more concrete mixtures. One or more dispensing parameter may be controllable, for example, by a computer control system. Additives and/or curing agents may also be used. Exemplary curing agents include carbon dioxide containing materials.