Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel apparatus which assists in administering eye medication to a patient. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus which attaches to a vial containing eye medication, and detaches to assist in administering the eye medication to a patient, and accounts for a number of administrations in a day. The apparatus includes (a) a hollow truncated conical transparent shell; (b) a transparent circular plate attached to the truncated end of the conical shell wherein the plate has a circular opening in the central area of the plate; and (c) a hollow truncated conical transparent shell fitted over a portion of the exterior of the transparent shell (a).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a command signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus (1) has for the discharge actuating device (5) a self-engaging catch system (29) against further actuation at the end of each actuating cycle. For unlocking purposes an actuator (11, 23) must be manually rotated and simultaneously adjusting cams (33) of a discharge counter (20) are so transferred into an operating position, that they perform an indexing step during the next stroke.

Abstract: A self-contained electronic monitoring unit for attachment to a device, such as a water filter, designed to be used until the occurrence of a predetermined event such as a predetermined number of uses, includes transducer for providing distinct outputs such as different audio output signals. A programmed integrated circuit and use detecting means such as electrical contacts detect each use of the device and monitor when the device is operational, when the end of life event is imminent and has occurred. The integrated circuit is programmed to operate the transducer to produce output signals during each use of the device informing the user that the device is operational, that the predetermined event or end of useful life is imminent and that the useful life has expired. The unit includes a battery for supplying power to the transducer and integrated circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for serving beer at proper CO.sub.2 content and proper temperature for best taste, comprises a draft tower for distributing beer at the proper gas content and at the proper temperature. A plurality of beer barrels connected in series are in turn connected to the draft tower by a pipeline. A CO.sub.2 gas cylinder is connected to the barrels for supplying gas at an elevated pressure sufficient to move the beer from the barrels along the pipeline to the tower. A heater is provided for heating the barrel to an elevated temperature above the proper temperature for taste, so that the gas content in the barrel does not rise above the proper gas content under the influence of possibly elevated pressure needed to convey the beer. Near or at the draft tower, the beer is recooled to the proper temperature and thus served at a proper temperature and with the proper gas content.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus (1) having a storing and indicating device (20), which is operated by the discharge actuating means (5) and is also adjustable in a single direction by direct manual actuation of a further actuator (23). Thus, indicating symbols of different scales (40) can be rendered visible in such a way that an indication or display advantageous for numerous applications is provided.

Abstract: The acquisition device of a discharge apparatus is operated by a servodrive, which has at least one control cam constantly engaging in a cam path. The control cam is directly provided on the actuating cap for the discharge actuator, while the cam path is located on the circumference of a fastening cap for the discharge feeder, so that no additional component is required for forming the acquisition device.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing method and apparatus has a system with new individual dispensing heads connectible one each to a plurality of different liquid bottles, i.e. liquor, and a remote dispensing data receiver and computer that receives data from each head. Each head has structure for being secured to a bottle, a liquid bore and an air vent, and one or more of the following features and functions: an electronic dispensing timer, a stop pour annunciator, a magnetically latched dispensing control valve, an electronic bottle lock, a radio transmitter and antenna, an electronic fractional pour annunciator, programmable dispensing control, a microprocessor computer, a data storage, a data I/O structure, and structure and function for uniquely electrically identifying each head and liquid.

Abstract: A manually operable discharge apparatus (1) has a counting or determination device (20) to be mounted as a separate component on the discharge unit (2) and which is operated stepwise by the removal or fitting of a protective cap (23). Thus, existing discharge apparatuses (1) can be easily equipped with randomly operating determination devices (20).

Abstract: The device comprises a distributor provided with an operating member for a counting device of doses of fluid associated with a mouth of a container, a ring nut for fastening the distitributor onto the mouth and resilient element suitable for transforming the translatory motion of said operating member with respect to the ring nut in a rotatory and axially reciprocating motion of a rotating and axially translatable element to cause the appearance of a different numerical index provided on the rotating element at an observation position obtained in the control member.

Abstract: A device for weighing free-flowing or strewable solid material, in particular granular or powdered material, during throughflow, includes an enclosed housing a rotor which is essentially freely rotatable about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation and has at least two adjacent compartments viewed in the direction of rotation, an inlet in the housing for feeding material to be weighed to one of the compartments of the rotor an outlet in the housing for discharging weighed material from the compartments of the rotor, and retaining devices acting on the rotor. The retaining devices includes a magnetic system which is designed to exert on the rotor a retaining force of a predetermined maximum magnitude acting in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.

Abstract: A metering device for measuring bulk particulate material, such as feed, includes a hollow casing having a paddle gate positioned therein. Rotation of the paddle gate dispenses a predetermined weight of particulate material into the outlet port of the device. A monitoring mechanism monitors the back up of dispensed material in the outlet port stopping the flow of material into the metering device should the backed up material reach a predetermined level, thus avoiding jamming of the paddle gate.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a predetermined, measured quantity of liquid from an inverted bottle incorporates a delay mechanism whereby a plunger within the measuring chamber is held in an open condition for a predetermined period of time sufficient to ensure delivery of the entire contents of the measuring chamber. The delay mechanism is associated with a linkage system whereby an operating member disposed adjacent to the outlet of the measuring chamber is coupled to the plunger and comprises a piston which is driven in a cylinder by a spring at a rate determined by the rate at which a fluid flows through a restricting orifice.

Abstract: A system for activating a dosing apparatus to dispense predetermined amounts of a beverage from a bottle and comprising a lever arm containing an annular housing, through which a dosing apparatus is inserted. The lever arm annular housing has an annular electromagnet to control a valve in the dosing apparatus, and an optical reader to identify the type of liquid being dispensed. An electromagnetically operated slidable lock on the lever arm locks the dosing apparatus in position. The dosing apparatus is clamped to the bottle of liquid to be dispensed and has a code on its side such that the optical reader may identify to a controller device the liquid and therefor amount to be dispensed. The lever arm and dosing apparatus are arranged so that depression of the lever arm results in the dispensing of a predetermined liquid amount.

Abstract: A rotary drum metering feeder device which includes an outer casing defining a generally cylindrical chamber with opposed top and bottom end plates, a rotary drum means including a generally vertically disposed central shaft journably retained within the end plates and having a plurality of generally radially disposed blades secured at their inner ends to the central shaft and at their outer ends to an outer sleeve, and defining a plurality of metering chambers therebetween. An inlet port is formed within the top end plate, and an outlet port within the bottom end plate, and with each of the ports having edge surfaces, and with the edge surfaces of the inlet port being spaced from each of the edge surfaces of the outlet plate so as to provide for closed arcuate web zones in the end plates between the ports.

Abstract: A device is provided for supplying material with unit doses of particulate parasiticidal composition, comprising, in combination:(1) a supply of particulate parasiticidal composition;(2) a feeder for feeding unit doses in regular sequence from the supply to the material;(3) a capacitive approach switch for sensing each unit dose as fed to the material;(4) a timer for timing the interval between unit doses; and(5) a signalling device for giving a signal when the interval between doses exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: In a flow rate control apparatus, pressure of a primary, or controlled, liquid is reduced without application of shear forces thereto. Each of first and second piston and cylinder assemblies has a first port on one side of the piston and a second port on the other side. A secondary fluid path between the two second ports contains a controlling fluid directed through a pressure reducing valve. The rate of flow of the primary fluid from the discharge cylinder is controlled by the rate of flow of the secondary fluid through the pressure reducing valve. A four way valve couples the controlled liquid at relatively high pressure through the first port in a first cylinder, and the controlled liquid is discharged at relatively low pressure from the first port in the second cylinder. The first and second pistons are rigidly connected to assure synchronized motion and accurate metering of the controlled liquid and to provide for driving of both pistons in response to input pressure of the controlled liquid.

Abstract: A device is provided for recording the dispensing of a predetermined measure of a conductive fluid, e.g. water, alcoholic beverage, etc., from a container outlet. The device comprises an electrical signal generator for generating an electrical signal, e.g. a DC battery, and an electrical counting means disposed to receive this electrical signal. An electrical circuit is disposed to conduct the electrical signal from the generator to the counting means. The electrical circuit includes a switch means which is responsive to the contacting of the fluid from the outlet across a pair of electrical conductors within the outlet. When the fluid flows across the electrical conductors the electrical signal is transmitted to the counting means to record the dispensing of the predetermined measure of fluid.

Abstract: A beverage (wine) cooling and dispensing apparatus comprising a cabinet having an insulated internal compartment enclosing a number of different removable receptacles containing relatively large quantities of different beverages and a self-contained refrigeration system, a plurality of externally located dispensing heads projecting from the cabinet, one for each receptacle, and conduits providing pressurized flow of beverage between each receptacle and its associated dispensing head, with selectively operated controls being provided for each path including selectors at each head whereby any of a plurality of different relatively small quantities from each receptacle may be selectively dispensed.

Abstract: A processor is used to control a price display unit for a fluid-dispensing system. The amount of fluid dispensed by the system in measured and information responsive thereto is fed to the processor. The processor calculates the cost of the dispensed fluid and those costs are then displayed. The processor automatically cross-checks the validity of the displayed cost with the amount of fluid dispensed. A plurality of self-checking features insure proper system operation and also preserve signals stored in a memory if there is a power failure.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing control and quantity monitoring system includes a transponder to transmit a signal from a control cap placed on a liquor bottle to a receiver system and then to a data processing device. The cap fits on the bottle and contains an electronic package which will meter an exact amount of beverage when tilted, thus controlling the amount poured. The cap also transmits to the receiver such data as the operator or bartender pouring the beverage, the type of beverage, the amount of beverage, and any other necessary data such as when the cap is removed from the bottle, when the battery therein is low, etc. This is accomplished using a plurality of data bits preprogrammed into each bottle cap which are serialized using a shift register. The serialized data gates the output of an LF oscillator. A separator HF signal transmitted from the vicinity of the bottlecap is mixed in a nonlinear device with the gated LF oscillator output and radiated to a remote receiver and data processing device.

Abstract: A flow meter for use in monitoring unit and total quantities of a dispensed fluid, such as draft beer, includes a motion detection switch inside a housing and is coupled to a valve which controls the fluid flow. The switch provides an electrical indication during periods when the valve is open. A totalizer including microprocessor circuitry totalizes the amount of fluid passing through the valve based upon an adjustable, predetermined flow rate setting. An indicator is also coupled to the totalizing circuitry to provide an indication when a unit quantity has passed through the valve at the predetermined flow rate. The totalizer further totalizes the number of occurrences of the unit quantity or any other preselected quantity.

Abstract: A system for computing and displaying quantity and cost of a liquid flowing through a pipe, as gasoline delivered to a consumer. A detector responsive to the passing of a predetermined quantity of the liquid provides a pulse function to money and quantity set circuits. The money and quantity set circuits simultaneously provide signals representative of the units (i.e., gallons) and cost (i.e., dollars) each time a pulse function is received. The signals are accumulated in a memory and the totals are added to subsequently received signals to update the memory each time the predetermined quantity has passed. A nonvolatile totals memory provides a running total of cost and quantity and a sequentially operated display provides a visual display of cost, quantity and totals.

Abstract: A unit for weighing and dispensing portions of hot, fried, potato chips, comprises a casing in which are disposed a receptacle for receiving a supply of the chips, and a dispensing chamber opening into said receptacle and into which hot chips are fed by a vibrator unit coupled to a bottom wall of the receptacle, a heating element for maintaining chips hot while in the receptacle and in the dispensing chamber, the bottom wall of the receptacle being inclined upwardly in the direction of the dispensing chamber for allowing hot frying oil or fat to drain away in the opposite direction and into a collector, a weighing platform disposed inside the dispensing chamber and being hinged to a movable weighing support disposed outside the dispensing chamber and guided for vertical linear movement, the weighing platform being retained in a position to receive the hot chips and being released to permit it to hinge downwardly and discharge the hot chips therefrom in response to a predetermined amount of linear movement of

Abstract: In an apparatus for the metered feeding of poorly flowable materials by endless conveyor belt having an upper and lower run, the conveyor belt includes carrier plates which define pockets for conveying the material from an inlet through a compacting zone and a metering zone, to an outlet at which the metered compacted material is released from the pockets and allowed to pass out of the outlet. In the metering zone the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt are maintained in close adjacency such that the inward ends of the plates on the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt cooperate with each other to provide a known amount of material in the pockets on the lower run of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An impervious housing having a compartment for a pharmaceutical product and an independent compartment for containing circuitry that senses and records when a patient administers the pharmaceutical contained in the first compartment. The circuit includes a clock which produces a pulse each hour and an addressable memory coupled to the clock so that the address is changed each hour. Sensors for determining when the cap is removed from the first compartment and when the housing is inverted, the output of the sensors being coupled to a register at the input of the circuitry so that if a patient has administered the pharmaceutical since the last clock pulse, a binary signal indicative of that fact will be transferred from the register to the memory upon occurrence of a succeeding clock pulse.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system having seven separate fuel pumps for dispensing fuel, a pump activation system permitting each of eight hundred authorized users to individually activate a fuel pump the is authorized to use and having a keyboard for user selection of an inactive pump and user entry of an assigned unique nine-digit identification number, digit by digit in descending order sequence, for activating the selected pump. Entry controls and a RAM are provided for validating the identification number and for activating the selected pump if the identification number is correct and an authorized pump is selected and for totalizing the amount of fuel dispensed by each user, and a main console is provided for selectively setting and reading each user's identification number and pump authorization code and for selectively reading the total amount of fuel dispensed by each user and resetting the total to zero.

Abstract: An automatic gasoline dispenser receiving tokens from customers and paying out change to the nearest penny for gasoline purchased but not dispensed. A dispenser with an accuracy of one four hundredth of a gallon and indicating volume dispensed to one four hundredth of a gallon. An automatic dispenser deliverying gasoline to the last full cent when the total amount purchased is taken by the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and controlling circuitry for periodically operating an aerosol container in discrete dispensing intervals to disperse a discrete quantity of the contents thereof. The apparatus includes a powered mechanism for actuating the aerosol, with the circuitry controlling the powered mechanism for a predetermined number of actuations. An energizing means activates a warning mechanism when the actuation count reaches the predetermined number to thereby indicate the probable total evacuation of the aerosol container and the necessity for termination of the operation. The apparatus also includes means for setting the circuitry into a plurality of different operating modes, including a continuous intermittent operation, a controlled daytime operation, and a controlled night operation. The apparatus may be battery operated, and it then includes a second warning mechanism for indicating whether the battery power is sufficient to operate the powered mechanism.