Pressurized soap dispenser and method

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing a metered dose of foam or liquid from a reservoir, the dispenser including means for directly or indirectly applying gas pressure to a liquid contained in the reservoir for dispensing the liquid or foam through a nozzle. The dispenser does not use a direct pump, but rather uses gas pressure inside the dispenser to push the liquid out of the liquid reservoir without contact with the liquid reservoir. The dispenser can include a battery operated gas pressure pump and a sensor that senses the pressure within the dispenser. In one aspect, an actuator can open a valve for dispensing a metered dose of liquid or foam.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Various types of dispensers are known for dispensing liquid soap as a metered dose of liquid or foam from a container. These dispensers are commonly used in public restroom facilities, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, food service establishments, and so on. Many known dispensers utilize a housing mounted on a wall or other supporting surface, containing a replaceable liquid soap reservoir or container, such as a collapsible bag, bottle, or other type of disposable container. A pump mechanism is constructed with the housing and engages with the dispensing neck of the soap container once the container is properly positioned within the housing. The pump mechanism is a permanent fixture to the housing and is not considered a disposable item.

[0002] Dispensers that include a permanent pump mechanism have certain inherent drawbacks. For example, because the pump mechanism is not replaceable, any failure of the pump will render the entire dispenser inoperable. Pumps are susceptible to vandalism and misuse, especially in public restroom facilities, and any malfunction that renders the pump unusable by users creates unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, the pump mechanism must be designed to perform countless operating cycles throughout the dispenser's expected lifespan, resulting in relatively expensive pump components.

[0003] Recently, dispensers have been introduced into industry where the pump mechanism is a component of disposable soap containers. Economies of scale and improvements in the pump component have made this type of dispenser a viable alternative. Using this dispenser, a disposable liquid reservoir is filled with liquid soap, and the pump mechanism (with a dispensing nozzle) is then typically attached to the reservoir by screwing it onto a threaded neck portion of the reservoir. The reservoir with the attached pump mechanism can then be placed into a housing specifically designed to house the unit, which has an actuating member (i.e., a push plate or rod) that engages the pump mechanism.

[0004] However, integrating a soap pump into each refill cartridge of a soap dispenser increases cost and reduces efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a soap dispenser that includes a pump for soap that does not require replacement with each soap cartridge and can operate for extended periods without clogging or otherwise failing or degrading due to contact with soap material. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Generally, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for liquids and foams, particularly soap compositions, comprising a pump mechanism that can be fixed to the dispenser. For example, in one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for soap comprising a pneumatic pump that uses pneumatic pressure to dispense a controlled amount of soap. In this way, the pumping mechanism never comes into contact with the soap, thereby preventing degradation, corrosion, and / or clogging.

[0006] For example, in one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing a metered dose of foam or liquid from a reservoir. The dispenser optionally includes a housing defining an internal chamber for receiving a liquid reservoir (such as a replaceable liquid reservoir). A gas supply device, which may be an air pump, is in fluid communication with the internal chamber or the replaceable liquid reservoir. The gas supply device supplies gas to the dispenser to pressurize the liquid contained in the replaceable liquid reservoir. The replaceable liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with a nozzle. A flow control device is located between the replaceable liquid reservoir and the nozzle to control the flow rate of liquid through the nozzle. According to this disclosure, the pressure applied by the gas supply device to the liquid in the replaceable liquid reservoir allows for the dispensing of a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle.

[0007] In one aspect, the dispenser also includes a pressure indication device (such as a pressure sensor) that communicates with the controller. The controller, which may include one or more microprocessors, also communicates with the gas supply device. Based on information received from the pressure indication device, the controller may be configured to control the gas supplied from the gas supply device to maintain the pressure within the internal chamber or replaceable liquid reservoir within preset limits.

[0008] The dispenser may also include an actuator that can be user-activated, causing the dispenser to dispense a metered amount of liquid or foam. For example, the actuator may be a motion sensor (such as a hand sensor) or any suitable electronic device (such as a button) that is activated when pressed by the user. The actuator may be designed to control a flow control device, a gas supply device, or both a flow control device and a gas supply device for dispensing a metered dose of liquid or foam through a nozzle.

[0009] For example, in one embodiment, to dispense a dose of foam or liquid, once the actuator is actuated, it causes a flow control device (which may be a valve) to open and allow fluid to flow through a nozzle for a defined time period, thereby discharging the liquid or foam through the nozzle due to a preset pressure applied to the liquid in a replaceable liquid reservoir. After dispensing the liquid or foam through the nozzle, the controller may be configured to control a gas supply device to supply a greater amount of gas to the internal chamber or the replaceable liquid reservoir to maintain the liquid contained in the replaceable liquid reservoir at a pressure within a preset limit. This cycle may be repeated until all the liquid in the replaceable liquid reservoir is depleted. Furthermore, by maintaining the pressure within the preset limit, the amount of foam or liquid dispensed through the nozzle remains uniform.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the flow control device may be a pressure switch configured to allow fluid to flow through the nozzle once the fluid pressure applied to the flow control device exceeds a threshold pressure. In this embodiment, once actuated, the actuator causes a gas supply device to supply a greater amount of gas to the internal chamber or replaceable liquid reservoir to apply additional pressure to the liquid contained in the replaceable liquid reservoir, causing the fluid pressure to exceed the threshold pressure for a period of time, thereby allowing the dispensing of a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle.

[0011] As described above, the gas supply device may be in fluid communication with the internal chamber of a replaceable liquid reservoir or housing. When in fluid communication with the replaceable liquid reservoir, pressure is applied directly to the liquid within the reservoir. The replaceable liquid reservoir may be configured to be pressurized or may comprise a sealed container. A one-way valve may be positioned between the gas supply device and the replaceable liquid reservoir, allowing gas to flow into the replaceable liquid reservoir and preventing gas from flowing out of the replaceable liquid reservoir to maintain pressure on the liquid. In one aspect, the replaceable liquid reservoir may include a top and a bottom. The distributor may also include a liquid distribution tube in communication with a nozzle. The liquid distribution tube may include an open end located adjacent to the bottom of the replaceable liquid reservoir for dispensing a controlled amount of liquid from the replaceable liquid reservoir when pressure is applied by the gas supply device.

[0012] Alternatively, the gas supply device may be in fluid communication with an internal chamber of the housing. In this embodiment, the internal chamber is sealed and pressurizable. Pressurizing the internal chamber indirectly applies pressure to the liquid in a replaceable liquid reservoir. For example, the replaceable liquid reservoir may be made of a flexible container, such as a flexible polymer film. In this embodiment, the dispenser may include a one-way valve positioned between the gas supply device and the internal chamber of the housing, allowing gas to flow into the internal chamber of the housing and preventing gas from flowing out of the internal chamber of the housing, thereby maintaining the pressure within the internal chamber within a preset limit.

[0013] The distributor may also include a power source for supplying power to the gas supply device, controller, actuator, and any sensors contained within the distributor. The power source may include a battery.

[0014] In one aspect, the controller can also be configured to determine the liquid level within a replaceable liquid reservoir. Specifically, the controller can monitor the amount of gas supplied from the gas supply device to the internal chamber or the replaceable liquid reservoir. By monitoring the amount of gas supplied to the distributor, the controller can calculate the liquid level within the replaceable liquid reservoir. In fact, in one aspect, the distributor can also be configured to perform a "level check" by releasing a predetermined amount of pressure from the replaceable liquid reservoir or the internal chamber, and then applying gas from the gas supply device back to the replaceable liquid reservoir or the internal chamber. The liquid level within the replaceable liquid reservoir can then be calculated using the amount of gas required to reach a preset pressure level.

[0015] In one aspect, a preset limit for the pressure applied to the liquid within the replaceable liquid reservoir may be based on one or more physical properties of the liquid contained in the reservoir. In fact, the controller may be configured to determine the preset limit based on the properties of the liquid, such as viscosity. Alternatively, the replaceable liquid reservoir may include machine-readable code that can be read by the controller. The machine-readable code may instruct the controller of a preset pressure limit based on the physical properties of the liquid contained in the reservoir.

[0016] This disclosure also relates to a method for dispensing liquid or foam from a dispenser. The method includes maintaining liquid in a replaceable liquid reservoir at a pressure level within preset limits. The liquid is in fluid communication with a nozzle. A flow control device is positioned between the nozzle and the replaceable liquid reservoir. The method further includes the step of: opening the flow control device for a period of time, thereby dispensing a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle due to a preset pressure being applied to the liquid in the replaceable liquid reservoir. In one aspect, the method may further include the step of: after the metered dose of liquid or foam has been dispensed through the nozzle, supplying additional gas pressure to the liquid in the replaceable liquid reservoir to maintain the liquid in the replaceable liquid reservoir at a pressure within preset limits.

[0017] Other features and aspects of this disclosure are discussed in more detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The disclosure, which is comprehensive and enables the implementation of this disclosure, is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a side view of one embodiment of a dispenser manufactured according to this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an alternative implementation of the dispenser manufactured according to this disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the distributor.

[0023] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Those skilled in the art will understand that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Generally, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for containing and dispensing liquids or foams. While any viscous substance can be dispensed from the dispenser, it is particularly suitable for dispensing soap compositions. Soap can be dispensed as a liquid or mixed with air and dispensed as foam. However, in addition to soap, the dispenser can be used in many different applications, such as for dispensing edible products like condiments, industrial products like oils, and personal care compositions such as lotions and creams.

[0026] Generally, the dispenser of this disclosure does not use a direct pump, but rather uses the gas pressure inside the dispenser to dispense liquids and foams. In this way, the pump used to dispense the liquid does not come into contact with the liquid. For example, in the past, many liquids (such as soap) tended to corrode and degrade pumps. Alternatively, liquids such as soap tended to cause blockages, requiring frequent removal and replacement of the pump. However, the dispensing system of this disclosure is not only highly accurate, but also avoids the disadvantages and shortcomings of conventional soap dispensers.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This illustration shows one embodiment of a dispenser 10 manufactured according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the dispenser 10 is intended to be mounted to a work surface 12 for dispensing liquids or foams (such as soap). As shown, a liquid reservoir 14 is mounted below the work surface 12, while a nozzle head 16 is mounted on top of the work surface 12. The nozzle head 16 defines a nozzle 18 through which liquids or foams are dispensed.

[0028] Not shown, but the liquid reservoir 14 may also be included within the housing if desired. The liquid reservoir 14 is designed to be replaceable or refillable in order to maintain a continuous supply of liquid 20 (such as a soap composition) within the dispenser 10.

[0029] As shown, a liquid dispensing tube 22 extends from the top of a liquid reservoir 14 and terminates near the bottom of the liquid reservoir 14. The liquid dispensing tube 22 defines an opening 28 for receiving and dispensing liquid 20. The liquid dispensing tube 22 is connected to an outlet tube 24 via a first connecting device 26. The connecting device 26 is any suitable connecting device capable of connecting and disconnecting from the outlet tube 24 and / or the liquid dispensing tube 22. The outlet tube 24 is in fluid communication with a nozzle 18 for dispensing metered amounts of liquid or foam.

[0030] Figure 2 The distributor 10 shown also includes a gas supply device 30, which may be an air pump. The gas supply device 30 is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 14 via an air pipe 32. In one aspect, the liquid reservoir 14 may include a second connection device 34 for releasable connection to the air pipe 32. Additionally, a one-way valve 36 may be positioned between the gas supply device 30 and the liquid reservoir 14 to allow gas (such as air) to flow into the liquid reservoir 14 and to prevent gas (such as air) from flowing into the gas supply device 30.

[0031] The distributor 10 may also include a controller that communicates with the gas supply unit 30. The controller may be one or more microprocessors. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller is integrated into the gas supply device 30. However, in an alternative embodiment, the controller may be a separate component included within the dispenser 10. The controller included within the gas supply device 30 communicates with a pressure indicating device 38 (such as a pressure sensor). The controller is configured to receive information from the pressure indicating device 38 for monitoring the pressure within the liquid reservoir 14.

[0032] Dispenser 10 also includes a flow control device 42 for controlling the flow rate of liquid or foam through nozzle 18. Dispenser 10 also includes an actuator 44. For example, actuator 44 may be user-actuated for dispensing metered doses of liquid or foam through nozzle 18. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, actuator 44 includes a hand sensor. For example, the hand sensor can be any suitable motion or object sensing device. In one aspect, for example, actuator 44 can be an IR sensor that senses the presence of a hand, which then causes dispenser 10 to dispense a metered amount of soap composition.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the distributor 10 includes a power supply 40. The power supply 40 may be contained within the distributor or provided via a power connection to the power supply of the room or building where the distributor is located. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 40 is a battery. The battery 40 can be replaceable or rechargeable. For example, the battery 40 can be recharged in any suitable manner.

[0034] During operation, a liquid reservoir 14 containing liquid is connected to a nozzle 18 via a first connection 26 and to a gas supply device 30 via a second connection 34. The gas supply device is then activated to supply gas (such as air) to the liquid reservoir 14. A controller associated with the gas supply device 30 receives information from a pressure indicating device 38. The controller controls the operation of the gas supply device 30 until the liquid reservoir 14 reaches a pressure within a preset limit. For example, in one aspect, the pressure applied to the liquid in the liquid reservoir 14 is sufficient to eject the liquid from the liquid reservoir 14 through the nozzle 18. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the gas pressure established within the liquid reservoir 14 acts directly on the liquid 20. Due to the pressure, the liquid 20 enters the opening 28 of the liquid distribution pipe 22. The flow control device 42 then controls the flow rate of the liquid or foam through the nozzle 18. In this way, a metered dose of liquid or foam can be delivered to the user in a controlled manner. Particularly advantageously, the gas supply device 30 or pump never comes into contact with the liquid 20. Therefore, the gas supply device 30 is not subject to any degradation or clogging experienced in previous dispenser designs.

[0035] The amount of pressure applied to the liquid 20 can vary depending on various factors. In one aspect, the pressure can be adjusted depending on whether the dispenser is dispensing liquid or foam. For example, in one aspect, gas pressure causes gas to dissolve in the liquid. Upon pressure release, the dissolved gas may form bubbles and produce foam. When dispensing foam, the nozzle 18 may include a porous membrane (such as a mesh) that facilitates foam formation.

[0036] Dispenser 10 can operate in various ways to dispense controlled amounts of liquid or foam. For example, in one embodiment, actuator 44 communicates directly with flow control device 42, or via a controller. Once actuator 44 is actuated by a user, flow control device 42, normally in a closed position to prevent flow, opens for a predetermined amount of time. Once flow control device 42 is open, liquid or foam is dispensed through nozzle 18 due to the pressure applied to liquid 20 in liquid reservoir 14. The amount of liquid or foam dispensed through nozzle 18 can be controlled by controlling the amount of pressure applied to liquid 20 in liquid reservoir 14 and by controlling the amount of time flow control device 42 remains open. Controlling the pressure and flow control device 42 allows for precise control of the volume of liquid or foam dispensed through nozzle 18.

[0037] When liquid or foam is dispensed through nozzle 18, the pressure within liquid reservoir 14 will decrease due to the partial removal of liquid 20. According to this disclosure, pressure indicator 38 can monitor the pressure within liquid reservoir 14 and, once the pressure drops below a preset limit, can cause the controller to activate gas supply device 30. Gas supply device 30 can then supply an additional amount of gas to liquid reservoir 14 until the pressure is again within the preset limit. Once the setpoint pressure is reached within liquid reservoir 14, dispenser 10 remains in this state until actuator 44 is actuated and a further amount of liquid or foam is dispensed. In one aspect, the pressure within liquid reservoir 14 is regulated after each metered dose of liquid or foam is dispensed from dispenser 10. However, in other aspects, multiple doses of liquid or foam can be dispensed from the dispenser before any pressure regulation is required within liquid reservoir 14.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the flow control device 42 may be a pressure valve that releases liquid through nozzle 18 only when the fluid pressure is above a preset limit. In this embodiment, when actuator 44 is activated, the controller causes gas supply device 30 to pump a greater amount of gas into liquid reservoir 14 to increase the pressure on liquid 20. The pressure on liquid 20 increases until the fluid pressure in outlet pipe 24 is higher than the pressure required for flow control device 42 to open and dispense a metered dose of liquid or foam. In this embodiment, the amount of liquid or foam dispensed may depend on the duration for which flow control device 42 remains open, which may be set electronically or based on the amount of pressure applied to liquid 20 in liquid dispenser 14. In one aspect, flow control device 42 closes as the pressure decreases. In this embodiment, the gas supply device may maintain the pressure on liquid 20 just below the dispensing pressure, allowing for rapid dispensing of liquid or foam upon actuation.

[0039] In another embodiment, once the actuator 44 is actuated, the flow control device 42 and the gas supply device 30 can be operated in series or synchronously by the controller to dispense metered amounts of liquid or foam.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 may further include a controller, software, and / or hardware capable of monitoring the liquid level within the liquid reservoir 14. For example, in one embodiment, a controller associated with the gas supply device 30 may monitor the amount of gas supplied to the liquid reservoir 14. Based on the amount of gas supplied to the liquid reservoir 14 and an associated preset pressure, the controller may then determine or calculate the volume of liquid 20 contained in the liquid reservoir 14 for providing a level indicator. The level indicator may then be displayed graphically on the dispenser 10 and / or sent to a central control station for level monitoring. In this way, once the liquid level in the dispenser 10 reaches a low setpoint, maintenance personnel can replace the liquid reservoir or refill the liquid reservoir 14. In this way, the liquid level can be determined and monitored so that the dispenser 10 never becomes empty.

[0041] The distributor 10 of this disclosure can also be configured to perform a "level check" procedure to check and determine the liquid level in the liquid reservoir 14. For example, the pressure inside the liquid reservoir can be released. In particular, all pressure can be released, or only a portion of the pressure can be released. The controller can then supply gas to the liquid reservoir using the gas supply device 30 until a set pressure is reached. By monitoring how much gas is introduced into the liquid reservoir, the controller can determine or calculate the liquid level.

[0042] The amount of pressure applied to the liquid 20 in the liquid reservoir 14 during the operation of the distributor 10 can vary depending on a number of different factors, including the construction of the distributor 10, the volume and size of the distributor 10, and the physical properties of the liquid 20, including viscosity. In one aspect, one or more physical properties of the liquid 20 can be input into the controller to determine a preset pressure amount. This can be done manually. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir 14 can include machine-readable code that can be read by the controller. The machine-readable code can indicate to the controller the type of liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 14 so that a preset pressure amount can be subsequently set.

[0043] The operating pressure or pressure range of the dispenser can vary depending on many factors, including the size and configuration of the dispenser, the type of composition being dispensed, whether the composition is dispensed as a liquid or a foam, and the desired result. Without limitation, in one embodiment, the operating pressure of the dispenser 10 can be from about 3 psi to about 30 psi, including all increments of 1 psi therebetween.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another embodiment of the dispenser 100 manufactured according to this disclosure is shown. Similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. Figure 3 As shown, especially as Figure 4As shown, the dispenser 100 includes a liquid reservoir 14 containing liquid 20. In this embodiment, the liquid reservoir 14 is contained within a housing 15. The reservoir 14 can be any type of replaceable container or cylinder. In this embodiment, the liquid reservoir 14 is made of a flexible container. For example, the liquid reservoir 14 can be a collapsible bag made of a flexible polymer material. The housing 15 defines an internal chamber that is appropriately sized and configured to securely receive the liquid reservoir 14.

[0045] The liquid reservoir 14 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 18 via a liquid distribution pipe 22, which is releasably attached to the outlet pipe 24 using a first connection device 26. A flow control device 42, such as a valve, is positioned between the liquid distribution pipe 22 and the nozzle 18.

[0046] According to this disclosure, the distributor 100 also includes a gas supply device 30 (such as an air pump) in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the housing 15 via an air pipe 32. The distributor 100 may also include a pressure indicator 38 (such as a pressure sensor) in communication with a controller (such as a microprocessor). The controller also communicates with the gas supply device 30 to control the amount of gas supplied to the internal chamber of the housing 15. A one-way valve 36 is also positioned along the air pipe 32 to allow gas to flow into the internal chamber of the housing 15 only and to prevent gas from leaving the chamber.

[0047] like Figure 4 The distributor 100 shown can be used with, for example Figure 2 The distributor 10 shown operates in the same manner. However, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, gas pressure from the gas supply device 30 is indirectly applied to the liquid 20. More specifically, the internal chamber of the housing 15 is pressurized, which in turn applies pressure to the walls of the liquid reservoir 14 for pressurizing the liquid 20. Otherwise, as Figure 4 The dispenser 100 shown may have the same characteristics as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The distributor shown has the same function.

[0048] These and other modifications and variations of the invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as more specifically described in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention further described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing a metered dose of foam or liquid from a reservoir, the dispenser comprising: A liquid reservoir and an optional housing, the housing defining an internal chamber for receiving the liquid reservoir; A gas supply device, which is in fluid communication with the internal chamber or the liquid reservoir, supplies gas to pressurize the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir. A nozzle, which is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir; A flow control device located between the liquid reservoir and the nozzle for controlling the flow rate of the liquid through the nozzle; and The pressure of the liquid applied to the liquid reservoir by the gas supply device allows for the dispensing of metered doses of liquid or foam through the nozzle; The distributor also includes: Pressure indicating device; as well as A controller, which communicates with the pressure indicator and the gas supply device, wherein, based on information received from the pressure indicator, the controller controls the gas supplied from the gas supply device to maintain the pressure within the internal chamber or the liquid reservoir within a preset limit; and The controller is further configured to determine the liquid level in the liquid reservoir by monitoring the amount of gas supplied from the gas supply device to the internal chamber or the liquid reservoir.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an actuator that controls the flow control device, the gas supply device, or both the flow control device and the gas supply device for dispensing a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein, in order to dispense a dose of liquid or foam, once the actuator is actuated, the flow control device allows fluid to flow through the nozzle for a period of time, thereby discharging the liquid or foam through the nozzle due to a preset pressure applied to the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein after dispensing liquid or foam through the nozzle, the controller controls the gas supply device to supply gas to the internal chamber or the liquid reservoir to maintain the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir at a pressure within the preset limit.

5. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the flow control device includes a pressure switch configured to allow fluid to flow through the nozzle once the fluid pressure is above a threshold pressure, and wherein, in order to dispense a dose of liquid or foam, once the actuator is actuated, the gas supply device supplies gas to the internal chamber or the liquid reservoir to apply additional pressure to the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir, causing the fluid pressure to exceed the threshold pressure for a period of time, thereby allowing the dispensing of a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle.

6. The distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas supply device is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir being configured to be pressurized.

7. The dispenser of claim 6 further includes a one-way valve positioned between the gas supply device and the liquid reservoir, the one-way valve allowing gas to flow into the liquid reservoir and preventing gas from flowing out of the liquid reservoir.

8. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a top and a bottom, and wherein the dispenser further includes a liquid dispensing tube in communication with the nozzle, the liquid dispensing tube including an opening located adjacent to the bottom of the liquid reservoir for dispensing a controlled amount of liquid from the liquid reservoir when pressure is applied by the gas supply device.

9. The distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas supply device is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the housing, the internal chamber of the housing being configured to be pressurized.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a one-way valve positioned between the gas supply device and the internal chamber of the housing, the one-way valve allowing gas to flow into the internal chamber of the housing and preventing gas from flowing out of the internal chamber of the housing.

11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises a flexible container, and wherein pressurizing the internal chamber of the housing applies pressure to the liquid reservoir for dispensing a controlled amount of liquid or foam through the nozzle.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the liquid reservoir is formed of a flexible polymer film.

13. The distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas supply device comprises a gas pump.

14. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a hand sensor.

15. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a first connection means for releasable connection to the gas supply device and a second connection means for releasable connection to an outlet pipe leading to the nozzle.

16. The distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a power source for providing power to the gas supply device.

17. The distributor of claim 16, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

18. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pressure indicating device comprises a pressure sensor.

19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the preset limit of the pressure based on one or more physical properties of the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir.

20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir includes machine-readable code that can be read by the controller to determine a preset pressure level in the internal chamber of the housing or in the liquid reservoir.

21. The distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 18 to 20, wherein the controller comprises one or more microprocessors.

22. A method for dispensing liquid or foam from a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising: The liquid in the liquid reservoir is maintained at a pressure within a preset limit, the liquid is connected to the nozzle, and the flow control device is positioned between the nozzle and the liquid reservoir. as well as The flow control device is turned on for a period of time, thereby dispensing a metered dose of liquid or foam through the nozzle due to the preset pressure being applied to the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of: After a metered dose of liquid or foam has been dispensed through the nozzle, additional gas pressure is supplied to the liquid in the liquid reservoir to maintain the liquid in the liquid reservoir at a pressure within the preset limit.

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