Abstract: Exemplary dispensers, pumps and refill units for dispensing a liquid soap and concentrate mixtures are disclosed herein. An exemplary foam dispenser system includes a foamable liquid container, a concentrate container, an air source for providing pressurized air and a mixing chamber. One or more liquid conduits place the contents of the foamable liquid container in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. One or more air passages place the air source in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. An outlet conduit out of the mixing chamber is also provided. One or more concentrate conduits place the contents of the concentrate container in fluid communication with one of the liquid conduits, the air conduits, the mixing chamber and the outlet conduit. Mix media located within the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is periodically cleaned; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a material that has a limited period of utility, a novel device comprises a first part containing the material and a second part, wherein the first and second parts have mutual engagement means and can be disengaged to allow the material to be dispensed, wherein the device includes, located within the device, control mechanisms that can be activated to initiate a time-controlled period of use and that, at the end of that period, causes the first and second parts to be permanently engaged.

Abstract: An ice supply system includes an ice transport system, a volumetric feeder coupled with the ice transport system and adapted to deliver a preset volume of ice to an ice output system, and an ice delivery controller coupled with the ice transport system, the volumetric feeder, and the ice output system. The ice delivery controller receives ice requests from the ice output system, controls the delivery of ice from the ice transport system to the volumetric feeder in response to ice requests, controls the volumetric feeder to receive the preset volume of ice therein, and controls the delivery of the preset volume of ice from the volumetric feeder to the ice output system.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a conduit having a volumetric capacity between an internal discharge orifice for receipt of a flow of pressurized fluid from a valving assembly and an external discharge orifice. The dispensing system further includes a volume of pressurized fluid and a sensor. The fluid has a volumetric flow rate of about 0.05 ml/ms to about 15 ml/ms when released into the conduit from the internal discharge orifice. The sensor detects a sound at the external discharge orifice.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a waste bin arranged to collect leaked or spilled liquid has a liquid level sensor and can be removed from the beverage forming machine, e.g., to allow disposal of the waste bin contents. One or more electrical contacts on the waste bin can be connected to the level sensor and electrically connect to control circuitry of the beverage forming machine when the waste bin is received by the machine. A liquid level detected by the level sensor may correspond to a fill level that is far less than the maximum volume of the waste bin, allowing beverage production to be prevented unless the waste bin can collect the full volume of a beverage dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid to large numbers of people are disclosed. One embodiment of a portable apparatus for treating and dispensing fluid includes a housing that is fluidly attached to a fluid source. Several fluid delivery components are disposed within the housing to dispense fluid to a user. The fluid delivery components may include a pressure regulator, a backflow preventer, filters, cooling misters and dispensing valves such that the such that the fluid source integrity is protected, the fluid purity is improved, and the air within the housing is cooled which in turn provides cooling to the fluid delivery components and the fluid itself. This embodiment also includes a mechanism for providing ballast in the lower portion of the housing in order to stabilize the device and keep it from moving when bumped into by people (accidentally or intentionally) or in windy conditions, and a mechanism to empty the ballast for removal of the system.

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: Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material.

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 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 computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for shredding objects. The apparatus has a number of components including a receptacle that is configured to receive objects. A shredding unit is connected to the receptacle, wherein the shredding unit selectively destroys the objects placed into the receptacle. An object detector is used to detect the presence of an object in the receptacle. An object identifier identifies objects placed into the receptacle. The apparatus also has a memory and a connector. The connector is used to establish a communications link with a data processing system. A controller in the apparatus stores identifications of objects identified by the object identifier in the memory and sends a signal to the shredding unit to control shredding of the objects.

Abstract: Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for object destruction. An object is detected in a receptacle and identified. Based on the type of object identified, the object may be destroyed in a shredder and a confirmation of the destruction of the object is recorded for reference. The object may also be directed to a secure bin where it will not be destroyed.

Abstract: A fiber blowing and filling machine comprising a hopper, a dispensing assembly located below the hopper, a drive assembly and a blower. The dispensing assembly comprises a housing having two longitudinally opposite apertures, namely, an air inlet aperture connected to the output of the blower and an exit aperture. The housing is equipped with a paddle mounted to a shaft that is above the apertures. The paddle is assembled from individual components, forming a plurality of vanes having flexible edges that contact the surfaces of the housing to create a pocket when the apertures are between a pair of the vanes. The fiber from the hopper flows into the housing and gets collected between a pair of the vanes, which rotate further to form the pocket. The fiber in the pocket is then blown out through the exit aperture by the air from the blower output.

Abstract: This invention is a material discharge apparatus for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper, the apparatus includes a hopper with an inlet at the top to receive flowable material and a discharge outlet at the base of the hopper, a valve configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve has a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet forming a gap between the hopper and the valve for material discharge, with the valve fixedly connected to a fixed support beam, the hopper elastically connected to the same fixed support beam such that as the more material is received by the inlet, the more the hopper sags, the larger the gap formed between the valve and the hopper grows, thereby increasing the rate of flow of material discharge.

Abstract: LEDs in an LED display part are arranged so as to have approximately the same placing form as containers. When a chemical solution in a container is exhausted, a corresponding LED of the LED display part lights up. Prior to an operation of replacing the container, an operator allows a bar code reader to read a bar code of an unused container. A bar code reader collator collates the bar code data of the unused container with the bar code data of a container corresponding to the lighting LED, which is already registered in a data base. When the bar code reader collator judges that the chemical solutions in the both containers are identical, the display of the LED is changed from a lighting-up display to a flashing display. This makes it easy to recognize the disposing position of the empty container to be replaced, thereby effectively preventing incorrect replacement of the container.

Abstract: A supply system and method for providing water from a bottled water cooler includes a pump which pumps water from an upright bottle of water into a water reservoir in the bottled water cooler. A control device using a microcontroller monitors upper and lower sensors which are disposed in the water reservoir, and controls the operation of the pump so that the water level in the reservoir goes no lower than the lower sensor, and goes no higher than the upper sensor. The control device also monitors a sensor disposed at the bottom of the bottle of water, and de-energizes the pump if the bottle of water is empty.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus of semiconductor coating equipment fills a supply pipe with new photoresist when a used photoresist bottle is replaced. The photoresist supply apparatus includes first and second photoresist bottles, first and second gas supply pipes connected to the bottles, first and second solenoid valves disposed along the gas supply pipes, first and second purge start buttons, first and second photoresist supply pipes, first and second trap tanks to which the supply pipes are connected, a third photoresist supply pipe connected to the trap tanks, a nozzle connected to the third photoresist supply pipe, first and second level sensors disposed at an upper level of the trap tanks, third and fourth level sensors disposed at a lower level of the trap tank, first and second discharge pipes connected to the trap tanks, third and fourth solenoid valves disposed along the discharge pipes, first and second drain sensors associated with the discharge pipes, and a controller.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus of semiconductor coating equipment fills a supply pipe with new photoresist when a used photoresist bottle is replaced. The photoresist supply apparatus includes first and second photoresist bottles, first and second gas supply pipes connected to the bottles, first and second solenoid valves disposed along the gas supply pipes, first and second purge start buttons, first and second photoresist supply pipes, first and second trap tanks to which the supply pipes are connected, a third photoresist supply pipe connected to the trap tanks, a nozzle connected to the third photoresist supply pipe, first and second level sensors disposed at an upper level of the trap tanks, third and fourth level sensors disposed at a lower level of the trap tank, first and second discharge pipes connected to the trap tanks, third and fourth solenoid valves disposed along the discharge pipes, first and second drain sensors associated with the discharge pipes, and a controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a providing device capable of using a solution within a tank effectively than ever as preventing an air bubble from mixing in the solution to be provided to an applying device. In providing devices and for leading a coloring sensitive matter from any one of a plurality of pressure tanks to an applying device via a predetermined flow path, middle tanks are provided every for each of pressure tanks on the way of a flow path connecting each of the plurality of pressure tanks and the applying device. A sensor detects whether an amount of a solution stored in respective middle tanks is not less than a predetermined lower limit value or not. Then, a signal in response to its result of the detection is outputted to a system controlling device. On the basis of this output signal, it is discriminated whether the amount of the solution in the middle tank is not less than the lower limit value or not.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus is provided. The photoresist supply apparatus includes a lower photoresist sensor and an upper photoresist sensor respectively installed near the bottom and the top of a trap tank to detect a photoresist in the trap tank. A drain line is connected to an upper side of the trap tank to release air. A photoresist-blocking valve is installed at the drain line, the photoresist-blocking valve structured to be opened to release air or closed to prevent photoresist loss according to signals detected by the lower photoresist sensor and the upper photoresist sensor. While the photoresist is supplied into the trap tank, the photoresist-blocking valve is opened to release air. After the photoresist supply into the trap tank is completed, the photoresist-blocking valve is closed to prevent the loss of a large amount of the photoresist through the drain line.

Abstract: An air supply apparatus includes a buffer tank for receiving and storing ultra-pure water from an ultra-pure source, a temperature/humidity controller (THC) for conditioning the air using the ultra-pure water from the buffer tank, an ultra-pure water pipe for delivering the ultra-pure water from the ultra-pure source to the buffer tank, and an air pipe for delivering the air from the THC to semiconductor device fabricating equipment. A control mechanism, including at least one valve disposed in the piping of the apparatus, allows the apparatus to be selectively operated in a normal mode in which the ultra-pure water is allowed to flow from the ultra-pure water source to the THC via the buffer tank, and a cleaning mode in which the THC runs using ultra-pure water stored in the buffer tank while the ultra-pure water pipe is being cleaned.

Abstract: A soap dispensing system includes a soap dispensing fixture and first and second sources of soap connected to the fixture. Each of the sources of soap includes a closed container and a collapsible soap container positioned within the closed container. Each of the collapsible soap containers is connected to the fixture. There is a source of fluid pressure and control elements connected between the source of fluid pressure and each of the first and second closed containers. The application of pressure, from the source, as controlled by the control elements, will apply fluid pressure to either the first or second collapsible soap container to cause it to dispense soap to the soap dispensing fixture.

Abstract: A soap dispensing system includes non-pressurized first and second soap containers connected to a soap manifold. The manifold has a first inlet connection to the first soap container and a second inlet connection to the second soap container. There is a soap outlet on the manifold. A soap conduit extends from a first dispensing opening on the manifold to a second dispensing opening on the manifold. A two direction peristaltic pump is associated with the soap conduit to move soap either from the first dispensing opening to the second dispensing opening or in the opposite direction. There are valves within the soap manifold for connecting the first inlet, first dispensing opening, second dispensing opening, second inlet opening, and the outlet to provide soap, upon operation of the pump, from one of said containers, through said soap conduit, to the manifold outlet.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting unit has an inlet arranged on its disinfectant solution tank through which a concentrated disinfectant solution is injected into the disinfectant solution tank. A diluting solution supply supplies a diluting solution for diluting the concentrated solution to the disinfectant solution tank and a plurality of level sensors detect the quantity of the disinfectant solution held in the disinfectant solution tank in stages. A control section controls the diluting solution supply based on the information detected by the level sensors to dilute the concentrated solution injected into the disinfectant solution tank through the inlet to a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the volumetric measuring and dispensing of ice from a holding bin. The ice is desirably in a crushed or cubed state and is agitated during storage to prevent its freezing into a solid block. When a volume of ice is desired, a user activates the machine to dispense the desired amount. As the ice is dispensed, it rotates a wheel that provides a volumetric measurement and closes a door to the holding bin when the proper amount is dispensed.

Abstract: A liquor dispensing apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a standard volume of a liquor, such as a spirit. The apparatus includes a metering reservoir having an air inlet, a liquor inlet and a liquor outlet. A plurality of level sensors are provided in a side wall of a reservoir for sensing the level of liquor remaining in a chamber of the reservoir. Compressed air, which enters chamber via air inlet, is used to discharge liquor from the reservoir through liquor outlet. A controller controls the discharge of liquor from the chamber and the refilling of the chamber in response to sensing signals from the level sensors. Solenoid valves control the flow of compressed air and liquor into/from the reservoir under the control of controller. Advantages include few moving parts, low maintenance and low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A hand-powered apparatus and method for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid. A predetermined volume of liquid is selected using a control knob on the apparatus and a valve is moved to a fill position. The handle on an attached hand pump is then moved alternately up and down causing fluid to be drawn into a measuring vessel. Further upward movement of the handle is prevented upon the fluid level in the vessel reaching the selected volume. Thereupon, the valve is moved to a dispense position whereby continued pumping of the handle is again possible. The handle is alternately pumped up and down causing the fluid to exit the vessel.

Abstract: Many types of processors of particulate materials operate more efficiently when they receive the particulate material in a steady stream. Most feeders tend to discharge in pulses. A hopper is interposed between the feeder and the processor. Surges in the feed rate are accumulated in the hopper, and lapses in the feed rate are compensated by the propensity of the hopper to discharge at a constant rate. Initiation of hopper flow is accomplished by use of a trap door. Mismatch between average feeder output rate and hopper discharge rate is corrected by use of an adaptive hopper having an outlet the size of which is slowly altered to maintain a constant amount of material in the hopper. A bypass hopper is used to control extremely variable input flow rates.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser with an out of syrup detector is described. The detector analyzes the electrical current drawn by a solenoid valve controlling the flow of syrup. Parameters of the current are compared to known parameters indicative of proper back pressure and known parameters indicative of an out of syrup condition.

Abstract: A venous reservoir bag subassembly which is adapted to cooperate with a mounting assembly having a bracket frame and a front plate reproducibly relatively movable to enable constant accurate blood volume readout, a cooperating mechanism between the subassembly and the mounting assembly to provide against unduly low blood volume, and an angled conduit cooperating with the bag and recesses in the subassembly and assembly to provide further failsafe against passage of the undesirable gas.

Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.

Abstract: A venous reservoir bag subassembly is provided which is adapted to cooperate with a mounting assembly having a bracket frame and a front plate reproducibly relatively movable to enable constant accurate blood volume readout, cooperating means between the subassembly and the mounting assembly to provide against unduly low blood volume, and angled conduit means cooperating with the bag and recesses in the subassembly and assembly to provide further failsafe against passage of the undesirable gas.

Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, closed, chemical transfer system is described. The system includes a support frame, a container, a vacuum pump, a leveling means for the container, a valved inlet line, and a valved outlet line. The leveling means allows for use of the portable, self-contained system on various surface levels. The vacuum pump can provide solely a vacuum to the container of the system or can be structured to also provide pressure to the container of the system to facilitate emptying of the container. When a pressure means is not provided, gravity is utilized to facilitate emptying of the container. The vacuum pump of the invention which provides alternatively for both vacuum and pressure includes a single operating lever operatively connected to two 3-way valves which are used in conjunction with a motor, air pump, and appropriate air lines. The system is operated through the use of a minimal number of valves which provides for simple construction and operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for dispensing a wash chemical solution which has been created by dissolving a solid wash chemical (65) in a diluent. The dispenser (10) has a sump (48) which is positioned beneath an outlet port (40) for the wash chemical solution, so that the sump (48) collects the dissolved wash chemical. The sump (48) is contained within a reservoir (17), and overflow from the sump (48) is collected within the reservoir (17). A pick-up tube (27) withdraws the wash chemical solution from the reservoir (17). The sump (48) is retained within the reservoir (17) by flexible tabs (72) and a support member (51) against which the sump (48) is positioned. A screen is provided above the sump (48) for filtering unwanted particulates.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for bulk fluids, and a method associated therewith, is disclosed in which a bulk storage tank operates in association with a second tank of a smaller size, and which retains a fluid to be dispensed in a self-serve operation. Preferably, separate pumps are employed for feeding liquid from the bulk tank to the smaller reservoir, and from the reservoir through a nozzle to a receptacle, on demand. The apparatus of the present invention provides a system for dispensing fluids such as windshield washer at e.g., service stations, which can be used by a customer when it is desired to re-fill a vehicle windshield washer, without the problems associated with filling using larger containers.

Abstract: A dental washer includes a heating vessel for heating a washing liquid by an electrical heater to generate superheated steam, so electromagnetic pump on a water supply pipe communicating with the heating vessel and a water source, an electromagnetic valve in a steam pipe having at its one end a nozzle for outputting steam and communicating with the nozzle and a superheated steam-filling region of the heating vessel and a level detector for detecting the level of the washing liquid in the heating vessel to turn the electrical heater on when the level reaches the preset upper limit and turn it off when the level reaches the preset lower limit.

Abstract: A system for controlling the feed rate from a vibrating feeder including a device for sensing the amount of materials being discharged from the feeder, an apparatus to change the slope angle of the feeder, and a controller operatively connected to the sensing device and the slope changing apparatus to actuate the apparatus in response to changes in the weight or volume of materials being discharged from the feeder. The sensing device can be connected to a take-away conveyor unit that receives the materials being discharged from the feeder. The slope changing apparatus raises or lowers one end of the feeder to change the slope angle of the feeder while it operates.

Abstract: An orange juice dispensing system including a pump driven by a d.c. motor for pumping concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a mixing chamber of a dispensing valve, a water line for feeding water to the mixing chamber and including a flow meter and a motorized control valve therein, sensors connected to the pump for sensing concentrate flow rate, and a microcontroller receiving signals from the pump sensors and the water flow meter for controlling the mixture ratio and flow rate by controlling the motorized control valve in the water line and the d.c. motor connected to the concentrate pump. The concentrate is preferably contained in a nonreturnable, plastic, semi-rigid container.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring toxic waste liquid directly into a 55 gallon waste drum includes a mobile drum cradle that lifts the drum so it can be moved to a container presently holding the toxic liquid. A vacuum is produced in a transfer reservoir, and an inlet valve of the tank is opened and a dump valve of the tank is closed. The vacuum draws waste liquid through a tube and the inlet valve into the transfer reservoir until a full condition is sensed. The vacuum then is released, the inlet valve is closed, and the dump valve is opened, dumping waste liquid from the transfer reservoir through the dump valve directly into the drum. This procedure is automatically repeated until all of the waste liquid is transferred or a drum full condition is sensed. The drum is then carried to a disposal site by the mobile drum cradle.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser capable of rapidly dispensing carbonated beverages with minimized foaming action. The syrup and soda are dispensed separate from each other and allowed to mix upon the ice in a cup placed beneath the dispensing head. The dispensing of the syrup and soda is staged to minimize foaming while achieving optimum beverage taste. Syrup is dispensed from individual pumps which communicate with a bulk supply. The syrup is consolidated in the pumps, preventing waste or the introduction of "slugs" into the dispensing line. The temperature of the syrup is monitored and compensation is made during the dispensing cycle to accommodate changes in viscosity. In generating soda, water is precooled and then introduced into an insulated tank where it is subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide. In the pour head, a cluster of soda orifices are peripherally encompassed by syrup orifices, certain of which are angled to cause the syrup to convolute the stream of soda.

Abstract: A cup type liquid dispensing machine in which the liquid-supplying system is a closed airtight circuit in the form of bag-in-box packages. The packages are connected to a dispensing pump which supplies the liquid to a dispensed and supported cup. Waste liquids from the machine are collected by various lines which are coupled to a flexible bag. A movable member engages the bag and activates a control switch to stop the machine as the bag becomes full.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system and method are disclosed for automatically preparing a batch mixture containing predetermined quantities of liquids such as spray dampening solutions or silicone emulsions used in the printing industry. The system comprises a holding tank having one or more liquid columns in liquid communication with the tank so that the level of liquid in the column, or columns, will be the same as the level of the liquid in the tank. Liquid level detection devices preferably in the form of static capacity-type proximity switches sense the level of the liquid in the column, or columns, and liquid charging devices responsive to the liquid level detection devices charges the liquids into the tank in seriatum each time raising the level of the liquid in the tank and in the columns to the next detected level.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus is disclosed having at least one liquid dispensing chamber and an associated prefill chamber with displacement mechanism for transferring liquid therefrom to the dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in communication with the prefill chamber over a weir so that liquid in the dispensing chamber in excess of a predetermined measure flows back over the weir to the prefill chamber. The dispensing chamber has an outlet openable and closable by a seal to dispense the measure held in the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying water to a carbonator tank in a liquid dispensing system includes a water supply delivery control circuit which generates a periodic supply enabling signal of a relatively short duration when the water level in the tank falls below a predetermined level and an enabling signal of a comparatively longer duration when an initial filling of the tank is desired or a system reset switch is manually activated. Both periods are selected so as to prevent damage to the delivery pump, for example, due to an overload condition caused by an interruption of the water supply.

Abstract: In connection with a beverage dispensing machine, an automatic self-fill control apparatus for the machine for controlling the filling of the liquid tank, which liquid tank is fed with a combination of water and a concentrate syrup adapted to be mixed with the water within the tank. A sensor member is disposed in the tank in a position so as to be responsive to the rise and fall of liquid in the tank. Pump means are provided adapted to pump the syrup to the tank. Control of water flow to the tank is also carried out. The sensor member has a low probe for detecting a low predetermined level of liquid in the tank and a high probe for detecting a high predetermined level of liquid in the tank and adapted to respectively generate low and high probe signals.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for carbonated beverage dispensing machines employs the low voltage AC supply for the solenoid dispensing valves as a source of clipped, balanced ac which is applied to one or more water-imersed sensors. One sensor senses ice mass size and the other senses carbonated water supply level. The balanced ac prevents electroplating by the sensors. Peak detector circuits associated with the sensors produce dc control signals whose levels increase and decrease respectively as the control shut-off point is reached. These dc control signals are applied to Schmitt circuits, the output of one of which is used to control the carbonated water supply pump and the other of which inversely controls the refrigerant compressor. In addition, the balanced ac signal is used to clock a counter which is held at full count.