Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the overall current draw of a fluid mixture dispensing device are disclosed. A disclosed system includes a mixing area, a set of ingredient reservoirs, and a set of electromechanical valves. The set of electromechanical valves are in a one-to-one correspondence with the set of ingredient reservoirs, and fluidly connect the set of ingredient reservoirs and the mixing area during a respective set of dispense times. The system further includes a controller programmed to actuate at least two valves from the set of electromechanical valves to dispense, to the mixing area, at least two ingredients from the ingredient reservoirs associated with the at least two valves. The controller is programmed to actuate the at least two valves in sequence with partially overlapping dispense times and without overlapping opening times.

Abstract: A ring for arranging around a valve body of a fluid dispenser valve mounted by a fastener capsule on a reservoir containing fluid to be dispensed. The ring includes a single piece including at least one inner portion that co-operates with the valve body, a radial flange that forms a neck gasket between the neck of the reservoir and the fastener capsule, and at least one axial recess that extends, at least in part, around the periphery of the ring, radially inwards from the radial flange, the single piece is made out of a first material that is substantially deformable; and at insert least one filler insert that fills the at least one axial recess at least in part, the at least one filler made out of a second material that is more rigid than the first material, the at least one filler insert being over-molded on the single piece.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a flow rate of a fluid line is disclosed that includes one or more acts of: capturing an image of a drip chamber using an image sensor; identifying a plurality of pixels of interest within the image; determining a subset of pixels within the plurality of pixels of interest, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels is determined to be within the subset of pixels when there is a path to a baseline corresponding to the drip chamber; performing a rotation operation on the subset of pixels; estimating a volume of the drop within the drip chamber by counting a number of pixels within the rotated subset of pixels; and/or adjusting a flow rate of fluid flowing through a fluid line.

Abstract: A system for regulating fluid flow having a processor configured to reduce image noise is provided. The system includes an image sensor to capture an image of the drip chamber and a valve to regulate the fluid flowing from the drip chamber to a patient. The processor captures the image of the drip chamber using the image sensor, performs an edge detection on the image to generate a first processed image, and performs an AND-operation on a pixel on a first side of an axis of the first processed image with a corresponding mirror pixel on a second side of the axis of the first processed image to generate a second processed image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing a product are provided. A plurality of product ingredients are associated with a product dispenser that is operable to form a plurality of selectable products from the plurality of products ingredients. Input for a selected product is received and a recipe that defines the ratio of product ingredients for forming the selected product is identified. The dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is commenced based at least in part on the identified recipe, and the dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is independently monitored during the dispense of the selected product.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a flow rate of a fluid line is disclosed that includes one or more acts of: capturing an image of a drip chamber using an image sensor; identifying a plurality of pixels of interest within the image; determining a subset of pixels within the plurality of pixels of interest, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels is determined to be within the subset of pixels when there is a path to a baseline corresponding to the drip chamber; performing a rotation operation on the subset of pixels; estimating a volume of the drop within the drip chamber by counting a number of pixels within the rotated subset of pixels; and/or adjusting a flow rate of fluid flowing through a fluid line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing powder, comprising at least one storage tank (1) provided with a cap (2) comprising a flow orifice (3) for the powder.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.

Abstract: A burning protection circuit of a display device includes a plurality of current measuring units and a control unit. The display device includes a plurality of pixel blocks. Each of the pixel blocks includes a plurality of pixels. The pixel blocks are respectively supplied with power through a plurality of power supply lines. The current measuring units are configured to respectively generate a plurality of measured current values by respectively measuring a plurality of currents respectively supplied to the pixel blocks through the power supply lines. The control unit is configured to respectively generate a plurality of block data for the pixel blocks based on pixel data for the pixels of corresponding ones of the pixel blocks, and determine whether an overcurrent occurs based on a plurality of ratios of the measured current values to corresponding ones of the block data.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting first and subsequent drops of follicle fluid falling into a test tube during an aspiration process. A pair of optical devices (emitter and detector) is positioned at opposite side of the test tube. The emitter emits a beam of light towards the detector. As soon as a drop of the follicle fluid falls into the test tube, a signal processing circuitry detects a change in intensity of the light received by the detector. Further, the intensity of beam is compared with a pre-defined intensity. Based on the comparison, if the difference between the pre-defined intensity and intensity is greater than a pre-defined threshold value, the signal processing circuitry generates an electrical signal indicating the detection of the first drop of the follicle fluid falling into the test tube.

Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set mount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber through a conduit for mixing with water to form a beverage. A sensor detects when the amount of the flavored concentrate in the conduit or in the container is low or out. The sensor includes two wings each including a recessed surface that together defines a circular space. A portion of the conduit is received in the circular space. Each of the wings includes an ultrasonic portion that emits ultrasonic waves that are non-intrusive. When the amount of flavored concentrate in the conduit is low, air bubbles are generated in the flow along the conduit and/or a vacuum is created in the conduit to draw the conduit away from the recessed surface. The ultrasonic waves detect either of these two features, indicating that the amount of the flavored concentrate is low.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a flow control device configured to regulate a first ingredient. A pump module is configured to be coupled to a supply of a second ingredient. A controller is configured to provide a first control signal to the flow control device for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the first ingredient based upon, at least in part, a predetermined recipe. The controller is further configured to provide a second control signal to the pump module for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the second ingredient based upon, at least in part, the predetermined recipe.

Abstract: A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A liquid supply system capable of being serviced and hygienically maintained easily. A beer storage barrel switching device (12) uninterruptedly supplies beer by switching between beer storage barrels (21-1, 21-2). A first connection tube (23-1) is provided with a fluid stopper device (31-1) including a loop section. The fluid stopper device (31-1) switches between a suppliable state in which it is possible to supply the beer to a dispenser (11) through the first connection tube (23-1) and a non-suppliable state in which it is not possible to supply the beer. Using the fluid stopper device (31-1) eliminates the need to provide a conventional valve in the middle of the first connection tube (23-1), the conventional valve having a structural element which comes in direct contact with the beer. Accordingly, the case that a cleaning member, such as a sponge, is caught by the valve does not occur, and this enables the inner wall of the first connection tube (23-1) to be cleaned using the cleaning member.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a flow control device configured to regulate a first ingredient. A pump module is configured to be coupled to a supply of a second ingredient. A controller is configured to provide a first control signal to the flow control device for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the first ingredient based upon, at least in part, a predetermined recipe. The controller is further configured to provide a second control signal to the pump module for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the second ingredient based upon, at least in part, the predetermined recipe.

Abstract: In the method of optimizing the dosage-dispensing process of a dosage-dispensing device, an examination takes place prior to a first dosage delivery, whether at least one flow parameter relating to the dosage-dispensing process is stored in the memory module of the dosage-dispensing unit. If a stored flow parameter is found to be present, said flow parameter is called up from the memory module. If no store flow parameter is present, a flow parameter is requested by the user by entering a request, a flow parameter is called up from a central database, or at least one flow parameter is determined by means of the first run of the dosage-dispensing process based on a default setting of the dosage-dispensing program. With the at least one flow parameter, the dosage-dispensing program is directly adapted, at least one run of the dosage-dispensing process is performed with the adapted dosage-dispensing program, and/or the at least one flow parameter is stored in the memory module.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The system has a fluid flow meter, a pulser operatively coupled to said fluid flow meter, and a control system in electrical communication with the pulser. The control system is configured to calculate a flow rate of fuel being dispensed from a gasoline dispenser during a single dispensing transaction. The flow rate is sampled at predetermined time intervals during the single dispensing transaction. The system then compares the sampled flow rates to a predetermined flow rate pattern indicative of potential fraud. A shutoff signal is then provided to the dispenser to stop fuel flow through the dispenser if the sampled flow rates are substantially similar to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying two fluids separately into a reaction chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a first distribution network that is formed on a plate having a distribution face and a dispensing face. The first distribution network is defined by a plurality of recessed channels on the distribution face. The plurality of recessed channels includes a plurality of thru-ports that extend from the plurality of recessed channels to the dispensing face. The apparatus further includes a second distribution network that has passages formed below the plurality of recessed channels and above the dispensing face. A first set of ports extends from the passages to the distribution face and a second set of ports extends from a top surface of the distribution face to the dispensing face.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The dispenser has a primary flow meter, an auxiliary flow detection device positioned at an entrance of a dispenser, and an auxiliary dispenser shutoff system. A rate of flow through the primary flow meter and a rate of flow through the auxiliary flow detection device are calculated. The primary flow meter rate of flow and the auxiliary flow detection device rate of flow are compared. If the difference exceeds a threshold, a shutoff signal is provided to the auxiliary dispenser shutoff system to stop fuel flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spill resistant container for dispensing liquid doses wherein the container includes a body of generally hollow form about a center vertical axis with open ends, comprising: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a liquid withdrawal chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a detachable base cap having a cavity in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user.

Abstract: A dosage system for feeding a fluid (A) to a static mixer (1), said system comprising a tank (2) containing said fluid (A) at a predetermined pressure, a fluid passage (3) connecting said container (1) and tank (2), a control valve (4) provided within said fluid passage (3) to control the flow of said fluid (A) from said tank into said container; and a controller (6) for receiving a target flow rate (SP_Q) of said fluid (A), and an actual flow rate (PV_Q) of said fluid (A), and for outputting a control signal (MV_L) to said control valve (4) indicating a valve position to adjust the flow rate. Further provided is a method for controlling said dosage system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.

Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.

Abstract: A dispenser and method for dispensing a liquid. The dispenser includes a barrel with an interior chamber for holding the liquid, a discharge outlet communicating with the interior chamber for discharging the liquid, and an air space for receiving pressurized air for forcing the liquid from the interior chamber through the discharge outlet. An air supply solenoid valve and an air exhaust solenoid valve are each operatively coupled with the barrel. The air supply solenoid valve controls the flow of pressurized air to the air space, and the air exhaust solenoid valve controls the flow of air from the air space to atmosphere. A control selectively activates the air supply solenoid valve and the air exhaust solenoid valve to respectively supply air to the air space and exhaust air from the air space in order to dispense desired amounts of the liquid from the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for delivering material to a washing device using a capacitance sensor configuration is disclosed. The capacitance sensor configuration allows a controller to monitor and determine a flow rate of fluid exiting a reservoir. The dispensing system uses the flow rate information, along with downstream conductivity information, to control the dispensing of material. Additionally, one or more error conditions are identified during the material delivery cycle based at least partially on the monitored conductivity and capacitance.

Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a supply line which carries liquid from a bottle to either one or more mixing vessels and/or one or more reactors in a combinatorial processing tool. A control device may monitor the pressure measured by the pressure gauge, and the control device may be configured to change the pressure supplied to the bottle based on a comparison of the measured pressure to a predetermined pressure value. The control device may adjust the pressure provided to the bottle using a pressure regulator coupled to the pressure source. By changing the pressure provided to the bottle, the control device may maintain a relatively constant flow rate of fluids from the liquid source into one or more mixing vessels and/or the one or more reactors.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles, comprising a fuel line having a fuel inlet, a gas exit and a fuel exit. A sensor is arranged to measure the amount of gas in the fuel flowing through the fuel line.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The dispenser has a primary flow meter, an auxiliary flow detection device positioned at an entrance of a dispenser, and an auxiliary dispenser shutoff system. A rate of flow through the primary flow meter and a rate of flow through the auxiliary flow detection device are calculated. The primary flow meter rate of flow and the auxiliary flow detection device rate of flow are compared. If the difference exceeds a threshold, a shutoff signal is provided to the auxiliary dispenser shutoff system to stop fuel flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: A water dispensing device that is so small it fits on a kitchen countertop that provides very accurate measurements of water by using a pressure regulator on water coming in from a typical kitchen water faucet and then using a timer in order to better control the amount of fluid dispensed. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is eliminated and replaced with a flowmeter. The water dispensing device has an interactive panel to allow a user to input how much water to dispense, or to pre-set the device to dispense a specific amount of water at a specific time of day. It is contemplated that this system would be a convenient way to accurately dispense the exact amount of water to fill a particular user's favorite coffee mug, or to assist a small volume baker in quickly and accurately getting just the right of water for a baking recipe, where accuracy is critical.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for selecting and blending conventional fuel components into fuel compositions using an input system and for supplying a selected fuel composition into a storage container. The methods and systems incorporate a mixer to mix at least one conventional petroleum-derived fuel component received from the conventional fuel component supply system with at least one second non-petroleum fuel component received from the second fuel component supply to form fuel compositions. The present invention provides for systems and methods of supplying selected blends of conventional petroleum fuel with a non-petroleum derived fuel to provide greater consumer accessibility for petroleum blended with alternative fuels.

Abstract: An ice supplier includes a case configured to store ice from an ice maker. The case includes an outlet and a transfer unit configured to transfer ice pieces in the case to the outlet. A sensor is configured to sense ice pieces passing through the outlet and a controller is configured to control the transfer unit according to input from the sensor.

Abstract: A semi-frozen beverage dispenser with an improved flow proportioning mechanism is provided. In a filling cycle, a first valve regulating the syrup flow opens first to deliver a predetermined volume before it closes and a second valve regulating the water flow opens to deliver a volume according to the desired water to syrup ratio. A common flow sensor measures the liquid flow volume for both the syrup and water and provides the information to the control system. If it takes too long to deliver the expected volume, the system gives out a liquid-low warning.

Abstract: A device includes a nozzle (14) for delivering a fluid flow into a container (12), a valve (16) having a movable valve member (27) for controlling the fluid flow, a member (54) for sending a position control signal to the movable valve member (27), such that the movable valve member (28) is expected to follow an expected displacement vs. time curve which adjusts the quantity of fluid delivered into the container (12) to the predetermined quantity. The device further includes a sensing element (56) for sensing a point of the actual displacement vs. time curve followed by the movable valve member (27) in response to the position control signal, and a comparing element (58) for comparing the sensed point to the corresponding point of the expected displacement vs. time curve.

Abstract: A dosing system to dispense a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium comprises a digital signal processor control having an interface to emit a start signal and a stop signal and an interface to measure a sensor signal. A dispenser is provided that is triggered by the start signal and the stop signal and, in the interval between the two signals, dispenses a specific quantity of fluid, as well as a sensor unit which, triggered by the start signal, continuously measures the flow rate of the fluid fed to the dispenser and emits a sensor signal as a function of this flow rate. The digital signal processor control measures the sensor signal, determines the quantity of fluid dispensed by the dispenser from this signal and sends a stop signal to the dispenser when the quantity of fluid dispensed by the dispenser corresponds to the predetermined quantity of fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser that dispenses fluid is controlled using a feedback control system. The control system uses a positional encoder to determine the precise position of a valve contained in an actuator in order to control the dispensing of the fluid. Various motion profiles may be used to control the position of the valve. The motion profiles of the valve enable controlled variation of the amount of fluid dispensed over time and enable several specific improvements to the dispensing of sealant in the manufacture of metal and composite cans.

Abstract: The method and the device for producing a multicomponent compound, in particular for dental purposes, is characterized in that the drives of the pistons of cartridges are initially moved with a higher speed until air pockets in the cartridges are eliminated and said cartridges are filled only with the component, and in that the feed speed is then reduced to constant values with which the components can be pressed out.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a vicious material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set mount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber through a conduit for mixing with water to form a beverage. A sensor detects when the amount of the flavored concentrate in the conduit or in the container is low or out. The sensor includes two wings each including a recessed surface that together defines a circular space. A portion of the conduit is received in the circular space. Each of the wings includes an ultrasonic portion that emits ultrasonic waves that are non-intrusive. When the amount of flavored concentrate in the conduit is low, air bubbles are generated in the flow along the conduit and/or a vacuum is created in the conduit to draw the conduit away from the recessed surface. The ultrasonic waves detect either of these two features, indicating that the amount of the flavored concentrate is low.

Abstract: An appliance controller is provided featuring one or more modules configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system, for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and for disconnecting the power to the appliance. The one or more modules may take the form of an appliance controller circuit having a first circuit part configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system; and a second circuit part configured for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and disconnecting the power to the appliance. The appliance controller may form part of an appliance controller system having appliances, appliance controllers and the fluid supply system.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a faucet with a spout, a fitting for connection to a beverage supply, and a lever operated valve. A servo motor, coupled to the lever, operates the faucet and proportionally controls the flow of the beverage. That proportional flow control manages the amount of beverage foaming. A flow sensor has a magnetic turbine within the faucet and a Hall effect element that magnetically senses turbine motion and produces a signal indicating an amount of beverage flow. A keypad enables service personnel to designate various portions of the beverage to automatically fill serving containers of different sizes. A control circuit responds to activation of the keypad and to the flow sensor by operating the servo motor to dispense the related quantity of the beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adding a powdery or granulated flocculation aid to a liquid. The device includes a container for receiving the flocculation aid to be added, the flocculation aid being mixed with a liquid by a controllable dosing element. The device is provided with scales for determining the weight of the flocculation aid to be supplied by the dosing element, and the quantity of flocculation aid is adapted to the quantity of liquid flowing through by a control system. A rotor-stator arrangement has a plurality of perforated disks arranged downstream from each other in the axial direction, used for the final reliable dissolution of the flocculation aid in the liquid.

Abstract: A reconstituting device including a control system reconstitutes product concentrates. The reconstituting device is further able to pre-wet a mixing device of the dispense circuit, dispense the reconstituted product, and rinse the mixing device during a dispense interval without affecting the mix ratio of the reconstituted dispense. Pre-wetting and rinsing of the mixing device of the dispense circuit is accomplished by moving a portion of a concentrate dispense from an earliest and a latest dispense interval to a mid-range dispense interval, thereby flowing reconstituting fluid alone during the earliest and latest dispense intervals. Pre-wetting allows the reconstituting fluid to form a boundary layer on contact surfaces of the mixing device. Rinsing is accomplished by flowing reconstituting fluid through the mixing device after the mixing sequence of the dispense is completed. The control system may conduct the pre-wet or the post-rinse sequence, or may conduct both within a same dispense.

Abstract: An automatic mist-sprayer system comprising a control unit having electronic circuitry adapted to activate the sprayer for a predetermined interval in response to a sensed ambient light condition of desired intensity and duration. The system desirably further includes an electrical power supply and a plurality of spaced-apart sprayer heads. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. Manual overrides and a remote receiving unit are also disclosed for use of the system at times other than dusk and dawn.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes separate valves for controlling the flow rate of a diluent and a concentrate. Various concentrates of different viscosities can be used and the selected concentrate is identified. The flow rate of the concentrate is determined based on temperature and pressure and on information related to the identified concentrate. The valves are controlled so that the concentrate and diluent reach target flow rates. The target flow rates satisfy a target ratio of diluent to concentrate. If the actual flow rates cannot reach the target flow rates, then the target flow rates are modified to satisfy the target ratio. The structure of the concentrate valve is designed to accommodate proportional metering of any one of the various concentrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3–5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device (24) for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (14), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel (16) containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle (20) located proximate the contained flammable fuel (14) and operably coupled with the vessel (16).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes separate valves for controlling the flow rate of a diluent and a concentrate. Various concentrates of different viscosities can be used and the selected concentrate is identified. The flow rate of the concentrate is determined based on temperature and pressure and on information related to the identified concentrate. The valves are controlled so that the concentrate and diluent reach target flow rates. The target flow rates satisfy a target ratio of diluent to concentrate. If the actual flow rates cannot reach the target flow rates, then the target flow rates are modified to satisfy the target ratio. The structure of the concentrate valve is designed to accommodate proportional metering of any one of the various concentrates.