Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flow from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.

Abstract: A trigger assembly can be used to activate a motor controller to cause a motorized device to respond in a certain manner. For example, when the motorized device is a power tool, based on a number of pulls of the trigger, the motor controller can run the power tool in a forward direction or a reverse direction. A power tool running in the forward direction can receive a tap of the trigger. A timer can be started upon detecting the pull of the trigger. Another tap of the trigger can be detected within a time period determined based on the timer. The power tool can be forced to perform a reverse operation when the other tap f the trigger is within the time period.

Abstract: A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion.

Abstract: A grease gun includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a pump assembly coupled to and driven by the motor, and a chamber supported by the housing in fluid communication with the pump assembly. The chamber is configured to store a liquid. The grease gun also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a measurement system operable to measure an amount of liquid being dispensed through the outlet. The measurement system monitors a change in current of the motor over a cycle of the pump assembly, compares the change in current to a predetermined value, and, if the change in current is greater than the predetermined value, increases a pump cycle counter to indicate that liquid was dispensed.

Abstract: A grease gun includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a pump assembly coupled to and driven by the motor, and a chamber supported by the housing in fluid communication with the pump assembly. The chamber is configured to store a liquid. The grease gun also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a measurement system operable to measure an amount of liquid being dispensed through the outlet. The measurement system monitors a change in current of the motor over a cycle of the pump assembly, compares the change in current to a predetermined value, and, if the change in current is greater than the predetermined value, increases a pump cycle counter to indicate that liquid was dispensed.

Abstract: A grease gun includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a pump assembly coupled to and driven by the motor, and a chamber supported by the housing in fluid communication with the pump assembly. The chamber is configured to store a liquid. The grease gun also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a measurement system operable to measure an amount of liquid being dispensed through the outlet. The measurement system monitors a change in current of the motor over a cycle of the pump assembly, compares the change in current to a predetermined value, and, if the change in current is greater than the predetermined value, increases a pump cycle counter to indicate that liquid was dispensed.

Abstract: A packaged product and a method for monitoring usage in a consumer test is reported herein. The packaged product includes a bottle having a container body with an open end and a closed end, the open end being formed with a neck and a mouth at a terminus of the neck. A flowable material is held within the container body. A monitoring unit immersed at least partially within the flowable material includes: (1) at least one support rod, the rod contacting the neck thereby inhibiting movement of the monitoring unit; (2) a logger device to sense and record motion of the bottle, the device including a circuit board fitted with at least one computer chip; (3) a retention unit arranged on the support rod inhibiting travel of the logger device relative to the support rod. According to the method of the invention, compliance to a test protocol can be certified through records extracted from the logger unit after evaluation is completed by the consumer.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A metering valve is provided for a pressurised container containing a pharmaceutical formulation. The valve has a stem with a central flange and a hollow open end with a side port. The stem slides in a body having larger and smaller diameter portions, and being closed off by a seal against which the flange rests in an inoperative position. A second seal is located around the stem on the opposite side of the flange and trapped by a spring which urges the stem into its inoperative position. When the stem is depressed, the inner seal forms a sliding seal with the smaller diameter portion of the body to define a metering chamber filled with the pharmaceutical formulation. Continued depression opens the side hole to allow the contents of the metering chamber to be dispensed.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

Abstract: A dose counter device for a fluid dispenser, said device comprising counting means (10, 11) actuated by actuating means (20) each time the dispenser is used, said device being characterized in that said counting means comprise at least one flexible rotary counting element (10) applied against and turning on a curved support surface (1, 2).

Abstract: An apparatus periodically dispenses an air freshening substance from a pressurized container into a room. A device is provided to sense when the room is occupied, such as by detecting the light level in the room. The air freshening substance is dispensed more frequently when the room is being used than at other times. However, the dispensing continues even when the room is unoccupied to treat odors arising from objects permanently located in the room.

Abstract: An oil supply station system of the present invention includes a plurality of oil supply apparatuses standing within an oil supply station, and each having at a body case thereof a self-service oil supply mechanism and a touch-activated operating panel and having a printer for recording any change on a slip for a cash transaction. The system further includes a change dispenser disposed in a vicinity of an office of the oil supply station, for reading the slip and discharging change. Also, a POS terminal is connected in a data communicable manner with the plurality of oil supply apparatuses and the change dispenser, for providing permission to the change dispenser to dispense change.

Abstract: Methods of pouring liquids from bottles have the steps of providing a pouring head with at least two functionally different modes of pouring, i.e. electronically timed pouring with automatic shut-off, and free pouring either with or without an annunciator signal, and the step of selecting one of the modes at the time of dispensing. Further, the steps of providing a normally open magnetically latched valve, and momentarily de-magnetizing to drop the valve and terminate pouring, and the steps of shaking the valve back on to magnetic and electrically sensing the presence of the valve and electrically starting a subsequent pour while the bottle remains inverted. A further step has free pouring with sensory annunciation of the completion of pouring, with the preferred annunciation being a blinking light signal.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser transponder identification system includes a pourer spout for insertion into a bottle containing a beverage, the pourer spout having an electromagnetically actuated stopper valve for dispensing the beverage, the pourer spout having an rf receive/transmit antenna connected to an identification transponder circuit. An actuator is provided by an activator ring for insertion around the pourer spout and has a driver coil for actuating the stopper valve, an rf transmit antenna connected to an oscillator, and an rf receive antenna connected to a decoder. The rf transmit antenna broadcasts an rf signal to the rf receive/transmit antenna which is conducted to the identification transponder circuit which sends an identification signal to the rf receive/transmit antenna which is broadcast to the rf receive antenna and received by the decoder to identify the pourer spout.

Abstract: A multi-head drinks-dispensing apparatus having a group of drinks-dispensing heads each arranged for supply with drink ingredients through fluid control valves. A keypad has a first group of keys for selecting the type of drink and the dispensing head to be used, and a second group of keys for selecting the quantity of drink to be dispensed. Signals from those groups of keys are processed in a micro-processor, which energizes the relevant pair of valves to commence delivery of the selected drink without any delay. Dispensing of the selected drink is initiated at the earliest moment, while other drinks are being selected, so that selected drinks can be dispensed from the dispensing heads in a serial, overlapping manner. This facilitates the dispensing of a customer's multi-drink order in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A method is presented for indicating the dispensing of a predetermined amount of a material in a dispenser having a dispenser device which dispenses the material during periods of operation and frequency or intensity which can be varied. The inventive method includes determining the amount of time the dispenser device is operational; calculating a dispensing score representative of the time of operation of the dispenser device multiplied by a factor representative of the frequency or intensity of dispensing; and producing a signal indicating the dispensing of the predetermined amount of the material to be dispensed when the dispensing score is at least equal to a predetermined total score required for dispensing a predetermined amount of material. A dispenser incorporating such method is also described.

Abstract: A separate spout is attached to each open bottle in a tavern with each spout having a magnetically operable valve to control the flow of liquor from the bottle. A transponder is provided in each spout transmits an unique identification code. To pour liquor from a bottle, an actuator is placed over the spout. An interrogator coupled to an interrogator coil in the actuator for sending an activation signal to the transponder and thereafter reads the identification code. A memory provides a group of storage locations for each of the plurality of spouts. The group of storage locations for a given spout contains the identification code for that spout and data regarding a total volume dispensed from a particular bottle to which the given spout is attached, a quantity present in the particular bottle when full, and a price per volume unit. A controller energizes a valve operating coil in the actuator to open a valve in response to the interrogator reading the identification code from a spout.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of counting dispensing events or washes in a fluid dispenser in which an activator is moved from a starting position to a dispensing position and back to dispense material includes a counter which is indexable to record a dispensing event only after dispensing pressure is totally relieved from the activator for a predetermined period of time. The counter is activated by a resilient member which is compressed by the activator but delays its full return to its starting state until compression is totally removed for the predetermined period of time. Only after elapse of this period of time is the counter activated.

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 dispensing system is provided for dispensing and monitoring output and consumption of fluids in the microgravity conditions of outer space. The dispensing system conveniently dispenses a plurality of fluid from distinct output ports into a corresponding suitable receptacle. Each consumer is identified at a point of delivery of the fluid and fluid dispensing and/or consumption is monitored and displayed according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A dispensing system for metering precise quantitites of liquid to a use site in droplet streams. The system includes a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid to be dispensed, a droplet generator for producing a stream of uniformly sized droplets of the liquid in the reservoir; and a device for controlling the droplet generator to produce a droplet stream containing a predetermined number of droplets. The control device can include an operator-settable counter for selectively varying the quantity of dispensed liquid by adjusting the number of produced droplets or by adjusting the size of droplets comprising the droplet stream.

Abstract: A data logger for a post-mix beverage dispensing system in a fast food restaurant includes a data logger control box and drink counting software for operating a microprocessor coupled to the logger control box. The microprocessor can determine the number and size of drinks sold in the restaurant for selected periods during a day or days.

Abstract: An automatic measured shot starting fluid assembly (10) injects a predetermined amount of starting fluid into a passageway (11) of a diesel engine. The assembly includes a power source (12) to supply electrical current and a starter motor (14) and solenoid (16) for engaging and rotating the crankshaft of the engine upon receiving electrical current from the power source (12). An ignition switch (18) interconnects the power source (12) and the starter motor solenoid (16) for allowing electrical current to flow upon closing the ignition switch (18). An atomizer (30) is disposed in the passageway (11) of the engine for atomizing the starting fluid into the passageway (11). A measured shot valve (26) is connected to a fluid cylinder (24) for measuring a predetermined amount of starting fluid from the fluid cylinder (24) and injecting the measured amount of starting fluid through a conduit (28) to the atomizer (30).

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: The invention is an improved liquid measuring device which can be used as a proportioner, dispenser or flow meter for a single fluid or for an unlimited number of fluids. The device embodies a free-floating piston sealed within a cylinder capped at both ends, a high-resolution detector system, either optical or electrical, to accurately determine the piston location within the cylinder, and a microprocessor which converts the lateral movement of the piston within the cylinder into volume measurements of the fluid in the cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pumps fluid in increments. The dispenser includes a computer which, on command, determines the volume of fluid dispensed per increment, the determined value constituting a calibration value which is stored in the memory of the computer. A controller which may include the computer as a component provides for dispensing a selected number of doses, each of a selected volume. The controller can also specify a time interval between the delivery of successive doses. The dispenser is particularly useful in combination with apparatus for charging petri dishes with agar.

Abstract: A portable liquid metering device for detachably securing to the opening of a liquid container and adapted to discharge a predetermined volume of liquid upon tipping and having a register for counting and displaying the number of times the bottle is tipped.

Abstract: In this fluid dispensing control system, the size of a container to be filled is established by a set of photosensors mounted on the dispenser housing. Discrimination circuitry distinguishes between ambient light level and light reflected from the container that is placed under the spout. Delay and lock-out circuitry is provided to insure that an erroneous size-indicating signal is not generated as the container is moved into position, and to insure that the size-indicating signal does not change once pouring has begun. Timer circuitry controls the pouring duration and insures complete, uniform filling of each size container. Counter and display circuitry tallies the number of containers, of each size that have been filled, and indicates the total volume of fluid that has been dispensed.

Abstract: A viscous products pumping machine meters the volume of product that it dispenses by simultaneously displacing a proportionate amount of fluid through a separate metering circuit. The fluid of the metering circuit also serves as the medium for driving the pumping pistons of the machine, and provision is made for obtaining an accurate measurement notwithstanding any product of fluid leakage that might occur between the pistons during operation. A pneumatic logic control system governs sequencing of the machine operations, including control of a shut-off valve in the product discharge line that can be used to portion the pumped product according to the amount of fluid that has been displaced in the metering circuit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing moisture by exposing water in a container to the atmosphere, sensing changes in the volume of the exposed water due to ambient weather conditions, controlling an electrical signal related to the sensed change and controlling the operation of an irrigation system, such as a plurality of solenoid-actuated pilot valves associated with sprinklers of the irrigation system, in response to the signal.

Abstract: A portable liquid metering device for detachably securing to the opening of a liquid container and adapted to discharge a predetermined volume of liquid upon tipping and having a register for counting and displaying the number of times the bottle is tipped.