Abstract: Assemblies and methods for automatically and electronically controlling and directing the input of solutions into solution receptacles are disclosed. An assembly may deliver an electronic, computer-generated signal having a specific address via hardwires or using wireless methods. One assembly includes a solution reservoir, a solution receptacle feeder and a computer to control the delivery of solution to a solution receptacle. The assembly may also include a number of transmitters, receivers, or transceivers for delivering the computer-generated signals. The assembly may also include any of variety of mechanisms for use in mobilizing the solution delivery assembly or the solution receptacles or both. Each of the solution receptacles for use of the assembly may have its own identifier.

Abstract: A tube-filling machine has a supply device for transporting a tube through different processing stations. The processing stations include a filling station in which a filling pipe is introduced from above into the substantially vertical tube. A filling medium is introduced through the filling pipe into the tube using a dosing device. To introduce the filling medium into the tube with high reliability and to prevent soiling of the tube-filling machine due to defective filling, a sensor device for detecting the relative position between the tube and the inserted filling pipe is disposed in the filling station and a control device is provided which receives a position signal from the sensor device in dependence on which the dosing means can be controlled by the control device.

Abstract: A fueling environment having a vent on an underground fuel storage tank may be improved by adding a mass flow meter in conjunction with a vapor recovery membrane in a tank vent. The mass flow meter measures an amount of vapor that passes through the vent and thus allows alarms to be generated if the vapors passing through the vent exceed a predetermined level or an efficiency of the membrane drops below a predetermined threshold. Measurements from the mass flow meter may be provided to a site controller or a remote location for further analysis.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle incorporating a double poppet valve assembly enables a user to more controllably and accurately dispense fuel through the nozzle. The double poppet valve assembly has a larger outer poppet and a smaller inner poppet, such that the user can open both poppets together or merely open the smaller inner poppet alone. The outer poppet enables a high rate of fuel to flow through the nozzle when the outer poppet is opened. The inner poppet, located within the body of the outer poppet, allows a reduced rate of fuel to flow through the nozzle when the inner poppet is opened but the outer poppet is closed, enabling the user to dispense more precise amounts of fuel.

Abstract: A cryogenic system that off-loads cryogenic liquid from a delivery vehicle and pumps the cryogenic liquid to a storage tank includes an interlock that enables the pneumatic valves which control the flow of the cryogen. The interlock includes a pneumatic relay, a pneumatic line and a pressure sensing line. The pneumatic line transfers pressurized air to the pneumatic relay while the pressure sensing line pressurizes the pneumatic relay when hoses from a delivery truck are connected to the system. The pneumatic relay includes a housing that defines a chamber with a piston having an arcuate passage located therein. When a hose from the delivery truck is connected to the system, the pressure sensing line detects a change in pressure and pressurizes the pneumatic relay. The pressure displaces the piston of the pneumatic relay which aligns the arcuate passage of the relay with the pneumatic valve to allow pressurized air to travel to the pneumatic valve thereby opening the pneumatic valve.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A vessel for use on land for the storage and distribution of material such as a dockside storage terminal, comprises a hull which is subdivided into a plurality of hoppers. Each hopper is provided with a discharge opening at a lower end thereof for the gravity discharge of material from the hopper. A passageway is provided in the hull below the discharge openings for the passage of transfer vehicles along the discharge openings for receiving material discharged from the discharge openings. The hull is floatable for transporting the vessel on water from a location of construction to a location of use.

Abstract: A bank section (112a, 112b) are formed between a plurality of electrodes (111) which are formed on the base body (2). A functional layer is formed on each electrode (111) by injecting a composition from a plurality of nozzles. A display device is manufactured which is provided bank sections (112a, 112b) between the functional layers formed on the electrode (111). A nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are disposed to be inclined in a main scanning direction scans on the base body (2). A liquid drop (110c1) of the composition which is injected initially for each functional layer is injected so as to contact at least a part of the bank sections (112a, 112b).

Abstract: A fueling-station information-processing network is disclosed for a fueling station that comprises one or more fuel-dispenser stations each of which comprises one or more fuel dispensers for controlling transfer of fuel purchased by a customer from a fuel vendor's fuel-storage tank to the customer's fuel reservoir. The fueling-station information-processing network comprises one or more fuel-dispenser information-processing device(s) that are mounted to one or more of the fuel-dispenser stations and that perform the functions of controlling operation of the fuel-dispenser station and/or displaying information upon display screens for viewing by the customer. One or more of the fuel-dispenser information-processing device(s) of the fueling-station information-processing network are communicatively linked to a proxy server, which is communicatively linked, in turn, to a host server.

Abstract: A system that detects cellular telephone and other electronic use within an unauthorized locations. The location can be detected by GPS or triangulation, and once detected can automatically produce certain operations.

Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while depositing an extruded dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving extruded dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough extruder such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, extruder, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system.

Abstract: An automatic filter shutoff device containing a filter, removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, the device monitors water dispensing and disables dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The monitoring and disabling mechanism has a shutoff moveable between dispensing and disabling locations. The disabling location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the device and the water container. The mechanism automatically moves into the disabling location after the predetermined amount of water usage has occurred without interrupting water dispensing from the then connected water container. This requires that the used filter shutoff device be replaced in order to reestablish connection to a successive water container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.

Abstract: To fill containers with fluid with good reproducibility in a short time. It has an exciting frequency setting unit 62 for setting an exciting frequency in each of electromagnetic flow meters at a desired frequency and synchronization units 7, 63 for synchronizing excitation timing in each of the electromagnetic flow meters.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage is conveyed from a source to a closed reservoir at a first pressure level. The pressure in the reservoir is controlled by selectively venting gas and adding pressurized gas to the reservoir to maintain the carbonated beverage at a second pressure level that is less than the first pressure level and substantially greater than atmospheric pressure. The carbonated beverage is dispensed from the reservoir into a serving container by reducing the pressure in the reservoir to substantially atmospheric pressure and then opening an outlet valve. During prolonged periods when dispensing is not occurring, the pressure in the reservoir may be increased to prevent degassing of the carbonated beverage. In that case, the reservoir pressure is reduced to the second pressure level before another dispensing operation.

Abstract: A tube-filling machine has a supply device for transporting a tube through different processing stations. The processing stations include a filling station in which a filling pipe is introduced from above into the substantially vertical tube. A filling medium is introduced through the filling pipe into the tube using a dosing device. To introduce the filling medium into the tube with high reliability and to prevent soiling of the tube-filling machine due to defective filling, a sensor device for detecting the relative position between the tube and the inserted filling pipe is disposed in the filling station and a control device is provided which receives a position signal from the sensor device in dependence on which the dosing means can be controlled by the control device.

Abstract: A gas/liquid transfer device for delivering a fixed quantity of pressurized gas/liquid to a dispensing device including a fixed volume chamber for receiving the pressurized gas/liquid, the chamber being in fluid connection with a system of controllable filling and emptying valves and a discharge connector. The discharge connector is disposed downstream of the emptying valve is arranged to be operatively coupled by an operator to a hand held dispensing device. The discharge connector is tamper-proof and configured to prevent a fixed quantity of pressurized gas to be discharged without the dispensing device being attached to the discharge connector. The timer is configured to impose a predetermined time interval between successive transfers of the pressurized gas/liquid.

Abstract: An electronic onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system including an electrically operated ORVR valve that selectively opens and closes a fuel vapor path between a fuel tank and a collection canister. An electronic control circuit generates control signals to selectively open and close the ORVR valve. The electronic control circuit receives one or more inputs from one or a plurality of sensors and evaluates the one or more inputs to determine whether to activate the ORVR valve. The sensor inputs include at least a sensor indicating fuel is being introduced into the filler neck and may also include at least a sensor indicating a fuel level within the tank.

Abstract: An electromechanical device having a size no larger than about 10 microns utilizing a working fluid in the high pressure liquid or supercritical fluid state. A process of preparing the electromechanical device involves the introduction of the liquid or supercritical fluid therein which permits the retention of the working fluid in the liquid or supercritical state after introduction.

Abstract: A fuel tank valve apparatus for use with a fuel tank. The fuel tank apparatus has an inlet neck defining a valve chamber, a valve housing positioned in the valve chamber, a valve positioned to move within the valve housing to regulate flow of liquid fuel into the fuel tank, and a retainer. The inlet neck is attachable to the fuel tank. The valve housing is retained in the inlet neck for communicating with the fuel tank. Connecting the inlet neck to the fuel tank maintains the integrity of the tank and inlet neck material.

Abstract: A gas cushion proportioning microsystem to proportion liquid volumes in the microliter and sub-microliter ranges, comprising a liquid reservoir including a storage space for the liquid being proportioned the boundary line of which is broken through by an outwardly leading liquid passage and a gas passage, a gas displacement system which has a micropump to pump a gas and a connection to the gas passage, and a proportioning control in an operative communication with the micropump to generate a negative pressure or positive pressure by actuating the micropump and to apply the negative pressure or positive pressure to the liquid reservoir in order to receive liquid in the storage space through the liquid passage or to deliver it from said space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.

Abstract: The device for filling the reservoir (2) of a fuel supply module (1) is arranged in the reservoir (2), which is connected on a low-pressure side with an interior of a fuel tank (11) and on a high-pressure side with an internal combustion engine. The reservoir (2) including a fuel feed unit (5) is arranged in a fuel tank and is provided with an opening (10) in a lower portion thereof for admission of the fuel from the fuel tank. The device for filling the reservoir (2) includes a pivotable lever arm (15) pivotally mounted in the reservoir (2), a movable closure element (8) arranged in the reservoir (2) and mounted on one end of the lever arm (15) and a float element (16) arranged in the reservoir on another end of the lever arm (15) so as to close the opening or to open the opening (10) according to a fuel level (20) of fuel contained in the reservoir (2).

Abstract: In a feed device with a filling-level sensor fastened to a wall of a baffle, the filling-level sensor has a lever wire for holding a float. A carrier for mounting the filling-level sensor to a wall of the baffle has a first carrier part connected to the baffle and a second carrier part having the mounting for the lever wire. The pivoting range of the float is set by the selected orientation of the second carrier part on the first carrier part. The feed device is consequently suitable for use in differently constructed fuel tanks.

Abstract: A vent module is adapted to be mounted in a top wall of a fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor recovery canister located outside the tank. An outer shell is positioned around the vent module to define a fuel vapor transfer passageway arranged to conduct liquid fuel droplets into a liquid fuel accumulation chamber. A fuel vapor transfer port is formed in the outer shell to admit fuel vapor into the fuel vapor transfer passageway. A fuel vapor inlet port is formed in the vent module to lie below the fuel vapor transfer port. Liquid fuel entrained in fuel vapor is shed as fuel vapor flows laterally from the fuel vapor transfer passageway into the vent module through the fuel vapor inlet port so that “demoisturized” fuel vapor flows into the vent module and liquid fuel droplets fall into the liquid fuel accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A valve assembly for filling containers with metered quantities of materials includes a valve body having a chamber therein, the valve body having open-top and bottom ends with substantially smooth interior sidewalls defining the chamber. A valve element for opening and closing the openable bottom end of the valve body is disposed in the chamber adjacent to the openable bottom end. An actuator device, including a pair of air cylinders, provides for relative movement between a lower portion of the valve body in which the openable bottom end is disposed and the valve element in order to open and close the openable bottom end. A concentric sleeve is telescopically connected to the bottom portion of the main valve body, and is reciprocably movable in response to actuation of the air cylinders to open and close the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A rice dispensing system used to store and dispense measured quantities of rice at a single pressing of a button comprised of a housing having an open upper end, an open lower end, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The housing has a tapered compartment disposed within the open upper end. The tapered compartment has an open lower end. The tapered compartment holds a quantity of rice therein. The housing has a dispensing funnel disposed within the open lower end thereof. The dispensing funnel has an open upper end and an open lower end. A conveyor system is disposed within the housing disposed below the tapered compartment. The conveyor system serves to deliver rice from the tapered compartment to the dispensing funnel. A timer system is in communication with the conveyor system. The timer system controls the activation of the conveyor system for predetermined lengths of time.

Abstract: In a feed device with a filling-level sensor fastened to a wall of a baffle, the filling-level sensor has a lever wire for holding a float. The lever wire is fastenable in different orientations on a pivotably mounted yoke. The pivoting range of the float is set by the selected orientation of the lever wire. The feed device is consequently suitable for use in differently constructed fuel tanks.

Abstract: A safety system for grounding an operator at a fueling station prior to removing a fuel fill nozzle from a fuel tank upon completion of a fuel filling operation is provided which includes a fuel tank port in communication with the fuel tank for receiving and retaining the nozzle during the fuel filling operation and a grounding device adjacent to the fuel tank port which includes a grounding switch having a contact member that receives physical contact by the operator and where physical contact of the contact member activates the grounding switch. A releasable interlock is included that provides a lock position wherein the nozzle is locked into the port upon insertion of the nozzle into the port and a release position wherein the nozzle is releasable from the port upon completion of the fuel filling operation and after physical contact of the contact member is accomplished.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing a liquid into packaging containers (10) has a dispenser device (22) with dispenser heads (23), which communicate via a distributor (30) with a supply container (35). A pressure sensor (32), which ascertains a pressure (P1) prevailing in the liquid, is disposed in the distributor (30). A temperature sensor (27) for detecting the temperature (T) of the liquid is also disposed in at least one line (26) that connects the distributor (30) to a metering valve (25). The sensors (27, 32), communicating with a control device (19), together with weighing devices (17,18) that also communicate with the control device (19), enable exact regulation of the weight of a set-point fill quantity (M) in packaging containers (10). By means of the special disposition of the sensors (27, 32), exact metering of the set-point fill quantity (M) and easy replacement of the supply container (35) are made possible.

Abstract: A beer pouring faucet 14 provided in front of the server main body 12 extends from the faucet main body 18 and includes the operating lever 20 which functions to change pouring of beer or the head by tilting the lever back and forth. The drive apparatus 26 which is capable of automatic operation of the operating lever 20 comprises a housing 32 provided movably vertically with respect to the server main body 12, a horizontally movable slider 34 in forward and backward directions housed in the housing 32 and a drive mechanism 36 which moves the slider 34 forward and backward, The drive apparatus 26 is positioned at an operating position where the operating lever 20 is inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 or at a non-operating position where the operating lever 20 is separated from the engagement hole 61 by moving the housing vertically.

Abstract: An automatic fueling system to be provided in a gas station for dispensing fuel to a vehicle contains a fueling machine containing a fueling pipe led to a fuel-storage tank provided in the gas station, and a fueling nozzle connected to the fueling pipe via a hose, a nozzle conveyance unit containing an arm mechanism, a mechanism control unit for controlling the movement of the arm mechanism, and a fuel-port sensor for sensing the position of a fueling port of the vehicle, the nozzle conveyance unit automatically conveying the fueling nozzle to the fueling port and automatically inserting the fueling nozzle thereto under the control of the mechanism control unit, and a data input/output apparatus for inputting fueling information therefrom and outputting the fueling information to the fueling machine and the nozzle conveyance unit, the fueling nozzle being conveyed by unit of the nozzle conveyance unit to the fueling port in either case where the fueling port faces the fueling machine or the fueling port does

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: An automatic filter shutoff device removably connected to a water container and in fluid communication with a water dispenser, which is adapted to monitor water dispensing and disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of water usage. The device includes a housing containing a water filter and removably connected to the water container; a monitoring and disabling mechanism having a shutoff apparatus moveable between first and second locations, the first location being one in which water dispensing is monitored by the mechanism, and the second location being one in which the mechanism is placed in an interfering position with the connection between the housing and the water container.

Abstract: A gas/liquid transfer device for delivering a fixed quantity of pressurized gas/liquid to a dispensing device including a fixed volume chamber for receiving the pressurized gas/liquid, the chamber being in fluid connection with a system of controllable filling and emptying valves and a discharge connector. The discharge connector is disposed downstream of the emptying valve is arranged to be operatively coupled by an operator to a hand held dispensing device. The discharge connector is tamper-proof and configured to prevent a fixed quantity of pressurized gas to be discharged without the dispensing device being attached to the discharge connector. The timer is configured to impose a predetermined time interval between successive transfers of the pressurized gas/liquid.

Abstract: To fill containers with fluid with good reproducibility in a short time. It has an exciting frequency setting unit 62 for setting an exciting frequency in each of electromagnetic flow meters at a desired frequency and synchronization units 7, 63 for synchronizing excitation timing in each of the electromagnetic flow meters.

Abstract: The method for dispensing dosed amounts of a liquid contained in a storage reservoir connected to a dispensing duct provided with a nozzle for delivering the liquid into a receptacle associated with an indicator, delivering in the form of a signal representative of the value of the amount of liquid present in the receptacle and said duct distant from the nozzle, being associated with a closing mechanism which, by command, closes or releases the passage of the liquid through the duct, including the following steps: a) releasing the passage of the liquid between the reservoir and the nozzle by operating the closing mechanism, so that the liquid can fill the portion of the duct between the closing element and the dispensing nozzle; b) closing the passage of the liquid by operating the closing mechanism to interrupt the liquid flow; c) applying on the liquid column between the closing mechanism and the dispensing nozzle, at least a mechanical pulse of calibrated amplitude and/or intensity, for expelling from the

Abstract: A filling device (100) for filling a container (1) with a liquid has a filling duct (15) which is connected to a storage tank. On a carrying means (10) there are arranged a deformable tube (20) which forms a throttle portion (22) in the duct (15), and a squeezing means (30) which is arranged along the tube and which is adapted to act on the sides of the tube (20) and which, when operated to close the duct, is adapted to move countercurrently to generate a subatmospheric pressure in the duct (15) downstream of the squeezing means (30). The filling device also has a meter for measuring a discharged amount of liquid.

Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank of an engine driven welder. The engine driven welder has a housing having a top portion, a side portion and a fueling cavity. The fueling cavity is formed in the top portion and the side portion of the engine welder housing. An engine and a fuel tank are located within the housing. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel gauge and a grommet to seal the filler tube and fuel gauge in the fueling cavity. The fuel gauge has a fuel level indicator and a fuel level sensor that extends through the filler tube and into the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator registers a plurality of fuel levels in the fuel tank. The grommet is a one piece structure having a lower intermediate section which includes an opening to provide access to the filler tube opening and the fuel level indicator. The side section of the grommet has flanges to connect the grommet to the engine welder housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel fill pipe shut-off device includes a fuel shut-off valve normally closed relative to a valve seat and disposed in a path of fuel flow through the fuel fill pipe of the motor vehicle to a fuel tank thereof.

Abstract: An electronic onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system including an electrically operated ORVR valve that selectively opens and closes a fuel vapor path between a fuel tank and a collection canister. An electronic control circuit generates control signals to selectively open and close the ORVR valve. The electronic control circuit receives one or more inputs from one or a plurality of sensors and evaluates the one or more inputs to determine whether to activate the ORVR valve. The sensor inputs include at least a sensor indicating fuel is being introduced into the filler neck and may also include at least a sensor indicating a fuel level within the tank.

Abstract: An automatic fueling system containing a fueling machine having a nozzle mechanism comprising an injection pipe with a nozzle insertion sensor thereon, and a plurality of fueling nozzles contained in the injection pipe, each for dispensing a predetermined sort of fuel, and a fuel port sensor; and a data input/output unit for performing a signal transmission to and from the fueling machine; wherein the insertion of one of the nozzles is carried out to an automobile to be fueled having a signal generator thereon by the movement of the fueling machine based on the signal transmission between the fuel port sensor and the signal generator, and the fueling is suspended by the detection of a required level of fueling.

Abstract: The transfer device of an agricultural harvester, in particular a self-propelled forage harvester, is controlled to avoid crop loss and improve operating efficiency. The harvested crop is transferred from the agricultural harvester to a transport receptacle via an upper discharge chute. Apparatus controls the pivoting and vertical movement of the transfer device while the crop stream is spewed in a manner to avoid crop loss and improve the filling capacity during the transfer. The angle between the pivotable transfer device and the longitudinal direction of the agricultural harvester is calculated from the quantity of the correcting value to predetermine the direction of travel of the agricultural harvester. During travel, the apparatus is effective even during a curved path of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A pressurized system for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. The carbonated beverage is maintained in a pressurized state within the nozzle and the remainder of the system, until immediately prior to opening a valve to dispense the carbonated beverage into the open container. Prior to opening valve, the pressure of the carbonated beverage nozzle is reduced to an appropriate dispensing pressure, preferably slightly above atmospheric pressure. The system also precisely controls the temperature of the carbonated beverage, preferably using an in-line zero&Dgr;T chiller. In addition, specialized valve configurations and operation techniques, as well as container positioning techniques, are implemented in order to achieve a desired presentation of the carbonated beverage in the open container.

Abstract: A brew funnel has a selector thereon which can be set to indicate a desired batch size and type of coffee. Sensors on an associated coffee grinder and on an associated coffee brewer are capable of sensing the structure to grind an appropriate amount of coffee and to brew an appropriate amount of coffee, respectively, when the brew funnel is mounted thereon.

Abstract: An automated open container holder automatically raises and lowers an open container in a carbonated beverage dispensing system. The holder is preferably a cantilevered horizontal platform which is driven vertically relative to an outlet port of a dispensing nozzle via an electronically controlled actuator during the dispensing cycle. The dispensing nozzle is designed to bottom fill the open container, and it is desirable that the outlet port of the nozzle be located proximate to a bottom of the open container at least until the outlet port is submerged. The container holder as well as the open container are selectively positioned in accordance with a preselected pouring profile such that for a given dispensing temperature, pressure and flow profile, the container holder selectively positions the open container. This allows the vendor or supplier to program a preferred or several preferred presentations for the beverage depending on the timing of preselected turbulence during the pour.