A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.

A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.

A dispensing mechanism for an appliance includes an operable paddle having a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached to a dispenser wall between outward and inward positions. An actuator has a switch positioned proximate a pivot defined by a first end of an actuator lever. A second end of the actuator lever is positioned proximate the lower portion of the operable paddle, wherein operation of the operable paddle to the inward position engages the lower portion of the operable paddle with the bottom portion of the actuator lever and operates the actuator lever from an idle state to a use state. Movement of the bottom portion of the actuator lever operates the switch from a deactivated state to an activated state, wherein the activated state of the switch activates the at least one of the ice dispenser and the water dispenser.

A dispensing mechanism for an appliance includes an operable paddle having a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached to a dispenser wall between outward and inward positions. An actuator has a switch positioned proximate a pivot defined by a first end of an actuator lever. A second end of the actuator lever is positioned proximate the lower portion of the operable paddle, wherein operation of the operable paddle to the inward position engages the lower portion of the operable paddle with the bottom portion of the actuator lever and operates the actuator lever from an idle state to a use state. Movement of the bottom portion of the actuator lever operates the switch from a deactivated state to an activated state, wherein the activated state of the switch activates the at least one of the ice dispenser and the water dispenser.

There is provided a sports hydration apparatus comprising: electric componentry housing; an annulus rotatably coupled to the housing, the annulus defining peripheral exterior threading for engaging a threaded opening of a bladder such that the annulus can rotate relative to the housing to screwably engage the threaded opening and wherein the housing and annulus cooperate to seal the threaded opening when the annulus is screwed in; hydration hosing transitioning through the housing in a fluidtight manner, the hosing comprising an interior inlet hose portion which reaches within the bladder for drawing fluid and an exterior outlet hose; a mouthpiece and wherein the outlet hose reaches the mouthpiece; an electric pump coupled to the hydration hosing to pump fluid through the hosing; wherein the housing houses electric componentry comprising: a wireless receiver coupled to the pump and configured for receiving wireless instructions from a dispensing controller device to operate the pump.

A water dispenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a housing having a front fascia with an actuator receiving area. An actuator is received in the actuator receiving area and includes inner and outer surfaces. The actuator is operable between at-rest and pressed positions. A hinge pin includes upper and lower ends with a body portion disposed therebetween. The upper and lower ends are pivotally coupled to upper and lower portions of the actuator receiving area to rotate the body portion of the hinge pin between extended and retracted positions. The body portion is further coupled to the inner surface of the actuator for movement therewith.

A water dispenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a housing having a front fascia with an actuator receiving area. An actuator is received in the actuator receiving area and includes inner and outer surfaces. The actuator is operable between at-rest and pressed positions. A hinge pin includes upper and lower ends with a body portion disposed therebetween. The upper and lower ends are pivotally coupled to upper and lower portions of the actuator receiving area to rotate the body portion of the hinge pin between extended and retracted positions. The body portion is further coupled to the inner surface of the actuator for movement therewith.

A novel fluid dispenser system is described. The system is comprised of a plurality of connectors that each connect to one a plurality of fluid supply containers and, once connected, hold a valve on the supply container in an opened position. The connectors are connected, using flexible tubing, to a valve manifold that selectively dispenses fluid from each of the supply containers. The system provides a means of selectively and safely delivering fluid from large and ungainly supply containers without the need for lifting or otherwise manipulating the supply container itself. The system is especially useful in delivering laundry detergent and other additives from supply containers to a washing machine in a home use application.

A novel fluid dispenser system is described. The system is comprised of a plurality of connectors that each connect to one a plurality of fluid supply containers and, once connected, hold a valve on the supply container in an opened position. The connectors are connected, using flexible tubing, to a valve manifold that selectively dispenses fluid from each of the supply containers. The system provides a means of selectively and safely delivering fluid from large and ungainly supply containers without the need for lifting or otherwise manipulating the supply container itself. The system is especially useful in delivering laundry detergent and other additives from supply containers to a washing machine in a home use application.

A novel fluid dispenser system is described. The system is comprised of a plurality of connectors that each connect to one a plurality of fluid supply containers and, once connected, hold a valve on the supply container in an opened position. The connectors are connected, using flexible tubing, to a valve manifold that selectively dispenses fluid from each of the supply containers. The system provides a means of selectively and safely delivering fluid from large and ungainly supply containers without the need for lifting or otherwise manipulating the supply container itself. The system is especially useful in delivering laundry detergent and other additives from supply containers to a washing machine in a home use application.