A filling system for an electronic cigarette (10) is disclosed in which a nozzle (38) of a liquid dispenser (80) contains a plunger (62) which is biased by a spring (60) into a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing through the nozzle (38). In use the nozzle (38) is inserted into an open end (42) of a liquid reservoir (34) for an electronic cigarette containing an air tube (32). The plunger (62) engages with the end of the air tube (32) blocking the air tube (32) and opening the liquid flow path through the nozzle (38). The arrangement of the plunger (62) and nozzle (38) is such that operation of the plunger (62) only occurs when the nozzle (38) engaged within a liquid reservoir (32). A membrane (96) can be provided to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir (34) when the nozzle (38) is disengaged.

The present disclosure provides a support system. In an embodiment, the support system includes a top plate and a base plate. The top plate and the base plate have a common outer perimeter. The support system includes a support structure. The support structure supports the top plate above the base plate. The support system includes a pair of parallel rails. The parallel rails extend from the top plate outer perimeter to a closed end at a center portion of the top plate. The pair of parallel rails defines a channel. The support system includes a protrusion on each respective rail. Each protrusion extends into the channel in mirror-image relation to each other. The protrusions are located a fitment width distance away from the closed end. The protrusions and the closed end together define a filling position. The support system includes a fitment for a flexible container in the channel.

The present disclosure provides a support system. In an embodiment, the support system includes a top plate and a base plate. The top plate and the base plate have a common outer perimeter. The support system includes a support structure. The support structure supports the top plate above the base plate. The support system includes a pair of parallel rails. The parallel rails extend from the top plate outer perimeter to a closed end at a center portion of the top plate. The pair of parallel rails defines a channel. The support system includes a protrusion on each respective rail. Each protrusion extends into the channel in mirror-image relation to each other. The protrusions are located a fitment width distance away from the closed end. The protrusions and the closed end together define a filling position. The support system includes a fitment for a flexible container in the channel.

A fluid distribution system is configured to distribute fluid from a first vessel to second vessels includes a hub assembly and a frame assembly. The hub assembly has an input cap, a distribution cap, a first clamp, and a second clamp. The input cap defines an inlet and the distribution cap is sealingly secured to the input cap with a plenum being defined between the input and distribution caps. The distribution cap includes conduit connectors that each defines an outlet in fluid communication with the plenum. The first clamp is disposed over the distribution cap and is engaged with the input cap to secure the input cap to the distribution cap and the second clamp is disposed over the input cap and engaged with the distribution cap to secure the distribution cap to the input cap. The frame assembly supports the hub assembly and is configured to secure each of the secondary vessels at a predetermined distance relative to the hub assembly.

In a method for filling a predefined cylindrical container, a closed filling valve is moved with its filling tip through the container opening into the container. A gas contained in the container is displaced or compressed in the container. The container opening is sealed about the filling valve; the point in time of sealing determines a pressure in the container. The container is filled by opening the filling valve to allow fluid flow. The end face of the filling valve is below a fluid level in a radial gap volume between container wall and filling valve. Upward movement of the filling valve is adjusted according to predefined control parameters; filling occurs below fluid level in that the fluid level is above the end face of the filling valve. The filing valve is closed upon reaching the predefined filling volume. The closed filling valve is removed from the container.

In a method for filling a predefined cylindrical container, a closed filling valve is moved with its filling tip through the container opening into the container. A gas contained in the container is displaced or compressed in the container. The container opening is sealed about the filling valve; the point in time of sealing determines a pressure in the container. The container is filled by opening the filling valve to allow fluid flow. The end face of the filling valve is below a fluid level in a radial gap volume between container wall and filling valve. Upward movement of the filling valve is adjusted according to predefined control parameters; filling occurs below fluid level in that the fluid level is above the end face of the filling valve. The filing valve is closed upon reaching the predefined filling volume. The closed filling valve is removed from the container.

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.

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.

The present invention relates to a system and assembly for refilling a reservoir with liquid dispensed from a dispenser, in particular, but not exclusively, to a system and assembly for the substantially leak-free refilling of the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with a liquid comprising nicotine from a refill dispenser. The assembly is configured to provide a gas communication pathway through the assembly and physically separate from the liquid communication pathway for venting gas from an end of the assembly proximal the first aperture to an exterior of the assembly responsive to the movement of the assembly to the secured and open configuration, the assembly configured to close the gas communication pathway in the unsecured and closed configuration

The present invention relates to a system and assembly for refilling a reservoir with liquid dispensed from a dispenser, in particular, but not exclusively, to a system and assembly for the substantially leak-free refilling of the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with a liquid comprising nicotine from a refill dispenser. The assembly is configured to provide a gas communication pathway through the assembly and physically separate from the liquid communication pathway for venting gas from an end of the assembly proximal the first aperture to an exterior of the assembly responsive to the movement of the assembly to the secured and open configuration, the assembly configured to close the gas communication pathway in the unsecured and closed configuration