Abstract: An apparatus comprises a hopper housing, a first auger, a second auger, a dividing panel, and a motor. The hopper housing holds a bulk material, with the hopper housing including a first end at which the bulk material is added to the hopper housing and a second end comprising a discharge opening at which the bulk material exits the hopper housing. The first auger is disposed proximate to the discharge opening. The second auger is disposed between the first end of the hopper housing and the first auger. The dividing panel is disposed between the first auger and the second auger and the dividing panel is coupled to the hopper housing at the first side thereof and forming a panel opening between the hopper housing and the second side thereof. The motor rotates the first auger and the second auger to move the bulk material into the discharge opening.

Abstract: A flow rate measurement device improves the flow rate measurement accuracy without increasing the size of the metering tank. The flow rate measurement device includes a metering tank having a supply port at its upper portion and a discharge port at its lower portion, an on-off valve that opens and closes a flow channel inside the metering tank, a weight measurement unit that measures a weight of the metering tank, and flow rate computing unit that supplies powders and/or grains continuously from the supply port to the metering tank, computes a flow rate of the powders and/or grains multiple times in a temporally-overlapped state on the basis of the weight of the metering tank measured by the weight measurement unit in a state where the on-off valve is closed, and computes an average flow rate of the powders and/or grains on the basis of the flow rate computed multiple times.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) of pods (2) for the production of brewed beverages; the dispenser (1) is equipped with a magazine (4) for holding pods (2) arranged in random order, a belt conveyor (9) designed to extract the pods (2) one by one from the storage compartment (4) to feed then to an outlet (16) in a feed direction (15), and an agitator device (10), which cooperates with the conveyor (9) to move pods (2) away from the conveyor (9) and is defined by a rotor having a hub (24), which is rotationally mounted about an axis (25) transversal to the feed direction (15) to rotate in the opposite direction to the belt conveyor (9), and blades (26), which, during rotation, define with the belt conveyor (9) and upstream of the outlet (16), a gap (28) designed to allow pods (2) lying flat on the belt (11) of the conveyor (9) to reach the outlet (16).

Abstract: Certain configurations of devices and systems which are configured to draw a selected volume of an air sample into a trap are described. In some examples, the devices and systems comprise a pump and a mass flow sensor to draw a selected volume of the air sample through a trap even where variable restriction occurs.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer (100) includes: a storage unit (21b) that stores various parameters of the automatic analyzer (100) in association with each of elevations used in the automatic analyzers (100), the parameters being optimized for each of the elevations; an input unit (21d) that acquires information of an elevation at which the automatic analyzer (100) is provided; and a controller (21a) that reads the parameters stored in the storage unit (21b) and sets the read parameters to the automatic analyzer (100) based on the elevation acquired by the input unit (21d). As a result, various parameters can be easily adjusted according to a usage environment of the device.

Abstract: The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may including a coffee concentrate fluid line which intersects with a water fluid line at a junction to allow mixing of coffee concentrate with water as the respective fluids flow through the coffee dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rock processing machine (10) having a feed hopper (40) and a process unit (20) downstream thereof, wherein a conveying device, in particular a hopper discharge belt (12), is assigned to the feed hopper (40), wherein the feed hopper (40) has a hopper side wall (42), and wherein a side-wall heightening (44) is assigned to the hopper side wall (42), which side wall heightening can be swiveled between a folded-down working position and a folded transport position. In such a rock processing machine, the requirements of occupational safety are effectively taken into account in a simple manner if provision is made that an operating unit (50) having a lever (51) for swiveling the side-wall heightening (44) is assigned to the side-wall heightening (44), wherein a transmission element (52) is used to couple the lever (51) to the side-wall heightening (44), and that the side-wall heightening (44) is secured in the folded-down working position using a movable locking element (60).

Abstract: A fluid application device includes an applicator head and a nozzle assembly fluidically coupled to the applicator head. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit having a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow-distributing channel downstream from, and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow-distributing channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction. The nozzle assembly further includes an application conduit having a first fluid receiving section configured to receive the first fluid from the flow-distributing channel, and an orifice fluidically connected to the application conduit, the orifice configured to discharge the first fluid for application onto a strand of material.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid and semi-liquid products includes a container for processing the products, a mixer operating inside the container, a heat exchanger, operatively associated with the container for exchanging heat with the product inside the container, a motor driving the mixer, and an inverter, connected to the motor for controlling operation of the motor. A control and operating unit, connected to the inverter sends command signals and receives control signals. A communication fieldbus, interposed between the inverter and the control unit allows transmission of the signals. The control unit is programmed to run a first algorithm of the state machine type configured to control the inverter, include the following states: transmission of a command to the inverter, standby for confirmation that the inverter received the command, transmission of a read request for an inverter operating parameter, standby for receiving the inverter parameter.

Abstract: An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may including a coffee concentrate fluid line which intersects with a water fluid line at a junction to allow mixing of coffee concentrate with water as the respective fluids flow through the coffee dispenser.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flowable edible product dispensing apparatus, comprising: a programmable controller; a touchscreen interface including an indicator of at least one edible item for selection, the operator interface in communication with the programmable controller a dispensing system in communication the operator interface; the programmable controller, being wirelessly connected to the internet, and being operable to associate the at least one edible item with the least one flowable edible and/or inedible product; and the dispensing system dispenses an amount of the at least one flowable edible and/or inedible product associated with the selected edible item when the at least one edible and/or inedible item is selected.

Abstract: A system includes a particulate material sample that contains a fluid medium and a plurality of particles dispersed in the fluid medium. The system further includes a particle analysis apparatus having a sample cell and sample delivery means for delivering the particulate material sample to the sample cell, wherein the particle analysis apparatus is adapted to obtain particle information on at least one particle in that particulate material sample while the at least one particle is in the sample cell. Furthermore, the system also includes fluid manipulation means for manipulating movement of the fluid medium while the particle analysis apparatus is obtaining the particle information on the at least one particle, and a data processing apparatus that is adapted to determine a specific gravity of the at least one particle based on the obtained particle information.

Abstract: The present technology may relate to a substantially real-time container monitoring system for monitoring the content of containers such as beverage bottles. The monitoring system may be automated to record the content of the containers according to a metric such as the container's weight. The monitoring system may capture variances in the container's content for reconciliation with data such as sales data to expose irregularities in the consumption of the container's contents and may provide inferences as to the cause of those irregularities. Various embodiments of the monitoring system may comprise a scale assembly for producing scale data, a processor module communicatively linked to the scale assembly, and a front end server application for processing the scale data and presenting it to a user.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for producing a glass body with high silicic-acid content by drawing a softened glass mass from an elongated, substantially cylindrical crucible in that SiO2 granules are supplied from above into the crucible, the SiO2 granules are heated to a softening temperature, so that the softened glass mass which comprises a melt surface is formed, the softened glass mass is drawn off via a bottom opening of the crucible so as to form a glass strand, and the glass strand is cut to length to obtain the glass body, wherein due to the supply of the SiO2 granules a bulk heap is formed that covers the melt surface in part while leaving a melt edge, and wherein the melt surface is optically detected.

Abstract: A system actively regulates the fluid pressure entering the pump of a fluid-dispensing system to provide a more uniform fluid flow exiting the pump. The pump is supplied with fluid from a pressurized reservoir (e.g., that is pressurized from an external air source, or by mechanical or electrically-driven pressurization). A pressure sensor monitors the fluid pressure in the fluid supply line between the reservoir and pump. A controller receives this fluid pressure reading as an input to regulate the pressurization of the reservoir. Optionally, a second pressure sensor can be used to monitor the fluid pressure at the pump exit to provide an additional input for the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for dosing bulk material, in particular plastic granulate, for machines processing plastic granulate, in particular for injection molding machines. Different amounts of different plastic granulates are filled in batches according to freely adjustable formulas and each individual type of a plastic granulate, such as for example virgin material, masterbatch, additives and/or material to be ground, is successively released into a weighing container from a material hopper (2) via a material valve. Weighing occurs in the weighing container (4) and the formula amount is subsequently blended into a mixer. The amount of plastic granulate, preferably the virgin material and/or material to be ground, disproportionately high for the formula is filled into the weighing container (4) from at least two material hoppers (2) by means of a parallel filling or multiple parallel filling.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during drilling of a wellbore. The apparatus includes a receiving device that receives cuttings from a separator and a sensor for providing information relating to weight of the cuttings received by the receiving device for determining the weight of the cuttings received. A method is provided for determining an amount of cuttings received in a fluid from a wellbore by separating the cuttings from the fluid, receiving the separated cuttings on a member, and determining weight of the cuttings received using a sensor associated with the receiving device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an air cart to deliver custom blends of fertilizer to a field is disclosed. A farmer purchases base nutrients which are mixed together during delivery to the field. An air cart having multiple compartments is selected according to the number of base nutrients and/or seed to be delivered. Metering units associated with each compartment control the rate at which product is delivered. An operator defines a desired blend of fertilizer and identifies each of the base nutrients loaded into the air cart. The controller generates control signals output to each metering unit to control the rate at which product is delivered according to the desired blend of fertilizer. Thus, a farmer may purchase and store base nutrients rather than various blends of fertilizer and create multiple customized blends as needed according to the area and the type of seed to be planted.

Abstract: The EMA may comprise an EMA housing, a strain gauge coupled to the EMA housing, the strain gauge comprising a Wheatstone bridge, the Wheatstone bridge comprising a first group of resistors coupled in parallel with a second group of resistors, a controller coupled to the strain gauge, a variable resistance resistor coupled to the Wheatstone bridge, the variable resistance resistor configured to derive a temperature of the EMA housing based upon a temperature of the variable resistance resistor and configured to provide feedback to the controller, the controller adjusting a force applied by the EMA based upon the temperature of the EMA housing.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes: a syringe; a first pump; a second pump; a first flowmeter; and a first control unit configured to correct a plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump by calculating a first ratio of, with respect to a driving voltage for the first pump associated in advance with a target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in a first fluid as the fluid, a driving voltage for the first pump when the first flowmeter measures a flow rate corresponding to the target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in the first fluid, and multiplying, by the first ratio, the plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump respectively associated in advance with a plurality of target flow rates in a case where the syringe draws in a second fluid as the fluid.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor is described and which includes a base frame; a reciprocally moveable conveyor bed which is resiliently supported on the base frame by a first multiplicity of elongated springs, and a conveyor bed driving assembly which includes a reciprocally moveable driver which is biasingly supported on the base frame and which further when energized, magnetically cooperates with the base frame so as to impart movement of the reciprocally moveable driver along a given path of travel, and which simultaneously generates a force which causes the reciprocally moveable conveyor bed to reciprocate in a predetermined manner so as to move product along the reciprocally moveable conveyor bed.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the temperature of the contents of an asphalt storage hopper mounted to a mobile pavement repair vehicle. The thermostatic control system directs a flow controller to direct exhaust gases from the engine of the vehicle either to the atmosphere or to a heat exchanger within the asphalt hopper in order to maintain the desired temperature. The thermostatic controller may allow an operator to select a desired temperature for the asphalt.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for assisting in controlling the discharge of material onto a conveyor from a material dispenser includes a carrier, first and second side restrictors extending downwardly from the carrier and at least one wiper extending downwardly from the carrier and transverse to the side restrictors. The side restrictors are configured to assist in preventing at least some material from overflowing off the sides of the conveyor, while the wiper is configured to level the top of at least some of the material dispensed on the conveyor.

Abstract: In a charging process of a shaft furnace, in particular of a blast furnace, batches of charge material are typically discharged in cyclical sequence into the furnace from a top hopper using a flow control valve. A method and system is proposed for adjusting the flow rate of charge material in such a process. Pre-determined valve characteristics for certain types of material are provided, each indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting for one type of material. According to the invention, a specific valve characteristic is stored for each batch of charge material, each specific valve characteristic being bijectively associated to one batch and indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting of the flow control valve specifically for the associated batch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feed system with a constant pressure. The feed system comprises a feed container which has a depressurize port mounted on its top, a intake port mounted at its side, and a feed port mounted on its bottom, contains a liquid material being a medicine or a liquid glue mixture; a intake structure which comprises a throttle pipeline and a throttle valve; a opening controller which connects to the throttle valve and the pressure sensor, for controlling the intake structure. The advantage of the feed system is to control the feed flow rate so as to maintain a constant during the feed process, particularly in the hybrid feed system. By steadily controlling the output flow rate, the mixed proportion is controlled to generate the product with the stable quality when two or more liquid materials must be mixed according to the specific proportion.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of samples on mass spectrometric sample supports with dispensing of liquids, and particularly to devices and methods to clean the dispenser. During dispensing of hundreds of samples, solved material may crystallize over time as deposit at the capillary tip of the dispenser, which impedes the vertical detachment of the drop in the medium and long run. Therefore, frequently cleaning the capillary tip is essential for a robust operation of the preparation device. The invention proposes to automatically clean the dispenser tip by creating a drop of washing fluid, such as pure solvent, fully enclosing the dispenser tip. The washing fluid is fed through a channel outside the central dispenser capillary to a location slightly above the capillary tip. The size of the hanging drop of washing fluid is photometrically regulated and monitored to prevent it from falling off prematurely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a dispensing device. Sensor data about fluid that is being dispensed through the dispensing device may be received. A pressure of the fluid may be identified using the sensor data. A tool configured to move the fluid from a fluid source to the dispensing device based on the pressure identified to control a rate at which the fluid flows from the fluid source to the dispensing device may be controlled.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus 1 comprises a feeder part 41 which is provided on a flow path of a discharge material from a supply part 10 to a nozzle 50 and feeds the discharge material in the flow path at a predetermined flow rate from the supply part 10 toward the nozzle 50 and a plurality of pressurizers 31, 32 provided in parallel to each other on the flow path and each having a function of temporarily storing the discharge material in a storage space and a function of pressurizing the discharge material stored in the storage space and feeding the discharge material under pressure to the feeder part 41. The plurality of pressurizers 31, 32 operate complementarily manner, thereby a constant pressure is applied to the discharge material fed to the feeder part 41.

Abstract: In a rapid load reduction mode for reducing a flow rate of powder to be supplied to the outside of a feed tank to a predetermined rate after a predetermined period of time, a controller sets an internal pressure control valve to an exhaust state and closes a powder discharge valve to a predetermined aperture, and as soon as the powder flow rate becomes smaller than a scheduled powder flow rate that is expected before elapse of the predetermined period of time, the controller controls at least one of the internal pressure control valve and the powder discharge valve so that the powder flow rate becomes the scheduled powder flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for insertion into a receptacle of a motor vehicle handling facility having an interior chamber (2) which receives a liquid or pasty medium, an outlet (7), that can be opened so that the cartridge (1) can be used, and a data carrier (8) set up for touch-free electromagnetic signal transmission and positioned at a distance (5) to the interior chamber (2) of the cartridge (1) that is greater than a wall-thickness of the cartridge (1). Conventional cartridges of this kind are not sufficiently secure against confusion and resistant to outside influences. The cartridge (1) cannot be confused, is reliable, space saving and resistant to outside influences, especially when in motor vehicle handling facilities.

Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a fluid container and a metering unit is disclosed. The container comprises a fluid level sensor and the dispenser comprises a control unit configured to determine a parameter value representative for an amount of fluid in the container after refill on basis of a signal from the sensor. The sensor can for example be configured to generate a signal at a predefined fluid level (B, C), while the control unit is configured to calculate a fluid level on basis of an input value indicative of the fluid level (A) after refill, and a dispense value indicative of amounts of fluid dispensed since the latest refill. The control unit can be configured to compare the signalled predefined fluid level (B, C) with the calculated fluid level to generate a correction factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling liquid flow to the liquid supply of a beverage forming apparatus. The liquid supply may include two valves positioned in series for controlling a flow of a liquid into the liquid supply. Pressures upstream, between and/or downstream of the valves may be detected and used to determine if one or both of the valves leak when closed.

Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a beverage supply circuit 7 which supplies a carbonated beverage to the outside a primary cooling device 13, a secondary cooling device 30, and a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling which allows these components to cool the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less. The heat exchanger 16 supplies the carbonated beverage in the supercooled state to release the supercooled state in the outside, and the carbonated beverage on standby for serving in a portion of the beverage supply circuit 7 cooled by at least the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling is maintained in an unsaturated state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a specific volumetric output (e.g., product feed and discharge) of a material. In some implementations, these systems and methods are particularly suited for use with strand-type materials, namely, materials having difficult handling characteristics. For some implementations, a specific pile depth and width of a material is created on a moving belt to provide a specific volumetric output based on the speed of the belt. One or more leveling drums can be used to make the pile depth consistent. Moreover, a weighing system can be provided that is used in combination with the metering mechanism and other components (e.g., a control system) to create a “weight-loss” type weigh feeder.

Abstract: A cartridge dispenser generally includes an actuator, cartridge carrier, a removable cartridge, a dispenser head, and a cartridge piston. A sensor is configured to sense data and provide feedback data for controlling the actuator. The dispenser head is a multi-piece assembly allowing removal of an outlet flow tube for maintenance purposes. The tube may be a resilient tube and pinch valves are provided for fluid flow control from the dispenser.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of pneumatic tools includes a controller for controlling the delivery of compressed air to the tool. The controller includes a first flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a first flow rate and a second flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a second flow rate. The controller is configured to automatically configure the system for operation of the pneumatic tool via a flow of air from one of the first flow path or the second flow path. In painting environments, such a system enhances control of the operation of the pump in accommodating a generally stable pump reciprocation rate as fluid viscosities change.

Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes: a syringe; a first pump; a second pump; a first flowmeter; and a first control unit configured to correct a plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump by calculating a first ratio of, with respect to a driving voltage for the first pump associated in advance with a target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in a first fluid as the fluid, a driving voltage for the first pump when the first flowmeter measures a flow rate corresponding to the target flow rate in a case where the syringe draws in the first fluid, and multiplying, by the first ratio, the plurality of initial driving voltages for the first pump respectively associated in advance with a plurality of target flow rates in a case where the syringe draws in a second fluid as the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for continually measuring and dispensing precise amounts of bulk chemical in a car wash application. A gravimetric dispensing assembly can include a load cell and a syringe dosing pump that is suspended below the load cell such that an entire mass of the syringe dosing pump is communicated to the load cell. In this manner, the load cell can measure the actual mass of chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump on a continuous basis without solely relying on the rated volumetric capacity of the syringe dosing pump. The syringe dosing pump can be driven by a stepper motor that can be pulsed as directed by a controller so as to maintain, increase or decrease an amount of bulk chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: The proportioner (10) has a variable speed controlled DC motor (12) having a gearbox (14) and crankshaft (16) at either end which are connected to reciprocating piston pumps (18). The outputs (18a) of the two pumps (18) are fed to a manifold (22) where the pressure of each output is measured. The user sets a setpoint pressure (e.g. 1000 psi) and the controller (26) then compares the pressures of the two components and controls the higher of the two relative to the setpoint. Ratio assurance is monitored by continuing to look at both output pressures. If one side falls below a predetermined percentage of the setpoint (50% in the preferred embodiment), an alarm may be raised or operation stopped.

Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.

Abstract: An integrated material transfer and dispensing system for storing, transferring and dispensing materials, such as fluids, and liquids, for example, liquid applied sound deadener (LASD). The system includes at least one vessel having a force transfer device. Each vessel may be removably enclosed in cabinet to form an automated station. Each vessel may be configured with a data logger, cleanout port, a sample valve at least one sight window and an access port for introducing a compound such as a biocide. Each vessel may be configured with instruments including sensors for measuring process variables, such as material volume, level, temperature, pressure and flow. The system may further include a metering device system and a robotic material dispenser system without a pump interface. The robotic system may further include a computer control system connected to flow and pressure sensors. The system may directly feed an applicator without an intervening pump.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.