A liquid dispenser for dispensing a consumable liquid from a container. The dispenser includes a cabinet configured to receive one or more containers in an inverted position such that liquid is induced by gravity to flow out of an open interior of the container though a dispensing opening. A positive pressure valve assembly is mounted to the dispensing opening of the container prior to insertion of the container into the cabinet. The valve assembly includes a cap connected to the dispensing opening and a discharge tube extending from the cap. A flow restrictor of the valve assembly is positioned to selectively open and close the discharge tube to control the flow of liquid from the container. A one-way valve is positioned between the open interior of the container and a supply of air. The one-way valve allows air flow into the container as the fluid is discharged to maintain a positive pressure within the container.

An adapter and a method of operation of the adapter. The adapter is configured for use with a faucet of a beverage dispenser to facilitate reduced touching of the dispenser or touchless use of the faucet. The adaptor includes a body having a faucet handle engaging portion, a fulcrum portion, at least one extending portion, and a cup engaging portion. A nozzle clearance area is defined generally between the cup engaging portion and the fulcrum portion. The method of operation provides attachment of the adaptor to the faucet without the need for tools, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The method of fabrication allows for the adaptor to be fabricated from a generally planar piece of material and manufactured to provide the structure as defined.

A fluid delivery system for an appliance includes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. A shelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. A shelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor is positioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensor is also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.

A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.

Systems and methods are provided for a valve shut-off system of a medical device. In one embodiment, the valve shut-off system of the medical device includes a first pin movable between a first position where a valve is opened and a second position where the valve is closed, the first pin including a slot, and a second pin having a mating geometry with the slot of the first pin, the second pin adjustable between a locked position that holds the first pin in the first position and an unlocked position that enables movement of the first pin between the first position and the second position.

A switch system for controlling dispensing from a dispensing system. A frame is coupleable to the dispensing system and has a front and back. A lever extends between a pivot and pressing ends and is pivotally coupled to the frame, being pivotable between dispensing and non-dispensing positions. A resilient member between the lever and the back of the frame extends between an anchor and a contact region. The anchor region is coupled to the frame and the contact region is closer than the anchor region to the lever. A roller is pivotally coupled to the contact region. The resilient member biases the lever towards the non-dispensing position via the roller. An electronic switch is between the lever and the back of the frame. The electronic switch is actuated to cause dispensing when the lever is pivoted into the dispensing position.

The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein, along with contemplated variants thereof, provide several advantages over known systems for actuating the faucet of a beverage server. In conventional designs, a faucet of a beverage server is provided in the lower portion of a reservoir, such that a beverage from the reservoir is distributed to the spigot through a gravity-driven process. In operation, many of these servers are utilized as service industry coffee servers for restaurants and banquet halls. Employees who are handling the brewing equipment will often place servers used with the brewing equipment directly in a sink for cleaning or filling, such that the base of that sink acts as a horizontal surface. Absent the ability of the lever assembly to fold into an up position, this operation would result in putting unnecessary force on the lever assembly. Accordingly, a multi-position, hands-free actuation system is disclosed herein.

A fluid delivery system for an appliance includes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. A shelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. A shelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor is positioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensor is also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.

Systems and methods are provided for a valve shut-off system of a medical device. In one embodiment, the valve shut-off system of the medical device includes a first pin movable between a first position where a valve is opened and a second position where the valve is closed, the first pin including a slot, and a second pin having a mating geometry with the slot of the first pin, the second pin adjustable between a locked position that holds the first pin in the first position and an unlocked position that enables movement of the first pin between the first position and the second position.

An adapter and a method of operation of the adapter. The adapter is configured for use with a faucet of a beverage dispenser to facilitate reduced touching of the dispenser or touchless use of the faucet. The adaptor includes a body having a faucet handle engaging portion, a fulcrum portion, at least one extending portion, and a cup engaging portion. A nozzle clearance area is defined generally between the cup engaging portion and the fulcrum portion. The method of operation provides attachment of the adaptor to the faucet without the need for tools, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The method of fabrication allows for the adaptor to be fabricated from a generally planar piece of material and manufactured to provide the structure as defined.