Abstract: Apparatus for automatically filling fluid into containers includes an actuator for raising and lowering a fluid dispensing needle. The needle is supported for vertical sliding movement. A first end of a pivot arm is engaged with a cam rotated by a motor for rocking the pivot arm. The dispensing needle is also engaged with the pivot arm for being raised or lowered thereby as the pivot arm rocks. The cam, which may be circular and eccentric, may be surrounded by a circular bearing and slidingly received within a yoke at the first end of the pivot arm. The needle is coupled to a pump. A first sensor senses that the needle has been moved to its lowered position. A control circuit responsive to the first sensor prevents the pump from pumping fluid to the needle unless the needle is in its lowered position.

Abstract: A stabilizing upper tray for stabilizing cartridges during automated filling operations includes fill ports matching cartridge support locations in a lower support tray. Each fill port includes a bore, a circular recess to engage the upper rim of a cartridge, and an inwardly tapered needle-engaging surface adapted to be engaged by a fluid injection needle; a counterbore extends between the bore and the circular recess. As the upper tray is lowered over the cartridges, the enlarged recess of each fill port engages a corresponding cartridge and guides it into a vertical orientation within the counterbore. During filling operations, a mis-aligned fluid injection needle engages the inwardly tapered needle-engaging surface of the stabilizing upper tray and is guided through the fill port toward the cartridge. A method is also disclosed to form such a stabilizing upper tray through conversion of a conventional lower support tray.

Abstract: A machine for filling cannabis oil or other fluids into dispensing cartridges includes a fluid reservoir, a fluid pump, and an injection needle. The fluid pump may be disposed directly below the fluid reservoir, and the injection needle may be disposed directly below the fluid pump. A lift mechanism raises and lowers a movable cartridge holder to move a dispensing cartridge toward and away from the injection needle. A heater may be formed about the needle to heat fluid therein. Heaters may also be provided for heating the fluid reservoir and the fluid pump.

Abstract: A level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt includes a fluid reservoir disposed above the belt, a sensor lens assembly for sensing the slurry height within such reservoir, and a control valve for adding slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor amplifier for detecting the height of the slurry. A control circuit responsive to the light sensor regulates the flow rate of the slurry through the control valve.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve, for controlling fluid flow through a flexible tube, includes first and second jaws on opposing sides of the tube. An actuator drives one of such jaws for adjusting the separation distance therebetween. When the valve is open, the separation distance is small enough to partially deform the tube without significantly restricting fluid flow. When the valve is closed, the separation distance is just small enough to essentially block fluid flow. A control system controls the actuator to determine such separation distance. Such valve can be used within a level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt. A fluid reservoir is disposed above the belt, and the control valve adds slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor for detecting the height of the slurry.