A package including a fitment for dispensing a liquid from a flexible bag is disclosed. The fitment is secured to the bag and includes a compressible bulb and a piercing member that are coupled together. In two embodiments the fitment is configured so that the piercing member pierces through a wall of the bag to dispense the bag's contents through an outlet port of the fitment. One of those embodiments includes a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. Another embodiment does not include a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. A third embodiment makes use of a fitment connected to a filling gland of the bag and which is in communication with the interior of the bag. That third embodiment includes a frangible seal forming part of the fitment and which is pierced by the piercing member to dispense the liquid from the bag.

We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

An apparatus for grasping a jar and aiding in lid opening includes a base element that may be placed on a surface, and a top housing that is rotatably secured to the base element. The top housing includes a raised outer periphery having at least one recess extending at least partially through the raised outer periphery, each recess allowing an increased maximum outward movement of a corresponding movable jaw member compared to a raised outer periphery lacking the recess.

An installation (1) comprising a storage zone (5) for storing the container (40) of the beverage for preparation; a liquid flow circuit (2) provided with at least one feed inlet (3) for feeding a beverage for preparation extending in said storage zone (5) and being provided with a perforation member (7); cooling and/or heating means (8) arranged along the liquid flow circuit (2); a sensor (13) for measuring the circuit temperature of the liquid flow circuit (2); and means (14) for providing a setpoint temperature corresponding to the tasting temperature desired for the beverage. The installation (1) further comprises a sensor (6) for measuring the temperature of the container (40); a control unit (17) configured to control the cooling and/or heating means (8) as a function of the setpoint temperature, and of the measured temperatures; a closure member (18) for at least partially closing access from the storage zone (5) to the perforation member (7), the closure member (18) being mounted to move between a closed position at least as a function of the measured temperature of the circuit.

A refill adapter cap (100) is provided for a refill receptacle adapted to refill the liquid reservoir of an electronic smoking device via the refill adapter cap, wherein the refill adapter cap comprises a first end (101) with an opening (110) and a connection portion (120), adapted for the connection to a refill receptacle. Furthermore, the refill adapter cap comprises a second end (102) with an injection portion (130) that protrudes from the second end and defines a liquid outlet hole (131). Moreover, the refill adapter cap comprises a liquid flow channel (140) interconnecting the first end and the second end, allowing for liquid to flow through the refill adapter cap. The liquid flow channel comprises a slope section (160) adapted to reduce the flow rate of liquid passing the liquid flow channel.

A device for puncturing a metal can having a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom portion with an annular concave central portion terminating in an annular base portion. The base has an annular inclined connecting wall portion extending outward from the annular base portion to the sidewall. The device includes a frame with vertical walls extending above a supporting surface to a height at least equal to the height of the metal can, and an arm rotatably attached to the walls. The arm has two or more puncturing elements extending downward when the arm is in a puncturing position in which the arm extends laterally. The puncturing elements are configured so the can is positionable upside-down on a supporting surface so that when the arm is rotated into the puncturing position, the first puncturing element punctures the connecting wall and the second puncturing element punctures the concave central portion.

An apparatus comprises a body shell including a proximate end, a distal end, and a cylindrical passage. The apparatus also includes a piercing tube, which is slidably positioned within the cylindrical passage of the body shell. The piercing tube includes a proximate end including a piercing element with a central opening. The piercing tube also includes a distal end including a drinking spout. The piercing tube also includes a drink passage between the central opening of the piercing element and the drinking spout.

A film-uncovering and material-feeding mechanism includes a food material box, a film-uncovering assembly, and a connection housing assembly configured to support the food material box and the film-uncovering assembly. The connection housing assembly is provided with a feed port. The food material box includes a box body movably connected to the connection housing assembly and configured to accommodate the food material and a seal film provided between the box body and the connection housing assembly and configured to seal the box body. The seal film is provided with a hitching opening. The film-uncovering assembly includes a film-uncovering rotation shaft and a drive device configured to drive the film-uncovering rotation shaft to rotate. The film-uncovering rotation shaft is provided with a hook configured to be hitched with the hitching opening to uncover the seal film via rotation and to drive the box body to move towards the feed port.

A clamp of the dispensing device may include a container engagement surface arranged to engage and/or disengage the clamp from the container neck when the clamp is pushed downwardly or pulled upwardly relative to the container neck. The container engagement surface may include a surface with a lower portion that slopes upwardly and inwardly, and an upper portion that slopes upwardly and outwardly relative to the container neck and that moves the clamp radially outwardly and away from the container neck as the clamp is moved vertically relative to the container neck. A latch may maintain a body portion of the dispensing device in an upper position, preventing needle insertion, until a container is suitably engaged with the base portion of the device, e.g., by a clamp. Sensors may detect engagement of a container with the device and/or insertion of a needle into the container.

Embodiments are directed to a puncture device that is adapted to puncture an array of beverage cans with a single actuation. A pivot arm rotates relative to a base that holds the array of beverage cans. The arm may include teeth that may be advanced or pushed into the array of beverage cans when the arm is rotated, thereby forming auxiliary openings in each of the cans. The punctured cans may be removed from the device and opened by a tab at a top end. This may create a vent that allows fluid to quickly expel from the auxiliary opening.