Abstract: An improved gear pump having members with different hardnesses includes a housing defining an internal bore with inlet and outlet passageways. A head member includes a wall between the inlet and outlet passageways and extends toward a toothed rotor. A toothed idler gear meshes with the rotor. The head member and idler gear are made of materials having a hardness greater than that of the rotor material. In one embodiment the idler gear is made of ceramic material whereas the head member and rotor are made of cast iron, with the head member treated to have a hardness greater than that of the rotor.

Abstract: A dispensing system utilizes a nozzle assembly including a nozzle block defining a series of recesses for receiving dispense nozzles. A resilient clamp is inserted between the nozzles and compressed so as to expand, clamping the nozzles in position. A fill control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning nozzle directs a spray of cleaning solution against a dispense valve or other object to be cleaned. The cleaning nozzle is evacuated to draw away cleaning solution, establishing a flow of cleaning solution through the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning nozzle is mounted on an "X-Y table" to follow similarly mounted dispense valves in order to reduce down time for valve cleaning.

Abstract: A pumping module is provided for use with an external dispensing machine, for dispensing pumped material. The pumping module has multiple motor driven pumps in modular cabinets which may be coupled together in various directions and three-dimensional space. Pumping modules located remote from the dispensing apparatus are directly coupled to the dispensing apparatus with continuous conduits which pass through intervening modules.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials such as liquids includes a pair of stationary plates, with a movable plate therebetween. Pumps are mounted between the movable plate and at least one of the stationary plates. A drive system moves the middle plate toward and away from the stationary plates to provide a pumping action. The pumps are mounted to a stationary plate with an adapter, which extends through the plate. A valve assembly is mounted on the reverse side of the stationary plate in registry with the pumps.

Abstract: A dispenser for liquid and pulverulent materials provides a cabinet with a pressurized chamber for electrical control equipment. Materials to be dispensed are controlled by a pilot valve and a dispense valve, for each different material to be dispensed. A dispense head is cantilevered from the cabinet, so as to overhang a container receiving the dispensed materials.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for liquid and pulverulent materials dispenses the materials into a container located below a dispense head. The container is supported by a shelf extending in front of the dispenser. The shelf is divided into sections, with the section located below the dispense head being mounted for raising and lowering toward and away from the dispense head. A scissors lift mechanism supports the center shelf portion, and a locking arrangement at the bottom of the scissors lift mechanism locks the lift mechanism at a desired height. A foot pedal releases the locking arrangement, permitting the shelf portion to be moved to a different height.

Abstract: A sealing valve arrangement for dispensing apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted on a support includes a valve with an outwardly protruding operator member with a free end remote from the valve, and a valve mount for mounting the valve to the turntable mount for travel with the turntable. A cam block mounted stationary on the turntable support defines a channel for receiving the free end of the operator member and, with rotation of the turntable, moves the operator member so that the valves move from one position to another.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided with motor driven pumps and their drive motors mounted on modular skids which are easily removed for servicing or upgrade. An improved dispense head arrangement is provided with dispense valves located close to a common dispense head. The dispensing apparatus may also be readily reconfigured for use with remotely located tanks in which materials to be dispensed are stored.

Abstract: A clamping fixture slides between a pair of guide rails and includes a pressure plate between the guide rails. Lock plates with internal openings for receiving the guide rails are held captive on the pressure plate. An operating bar with stepped ends, one adjacent each locking plate, is deflected by a cam mechanism to incline the lock plates relative to the guide rails, thus wedging the lock plates to prevent further sliding along the guide rails. Return springs are provided to urge the lock plates to an unlocked position when pressure on the operating bar is released. A mixing apparatus using the clamping fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for simultaneously dispensing metered quantities of a plurality of materials into a common receptacle. Pump modules each containing a plurality of individual pump members are arranged in a rectangular pattern, between a base plate and a drive plate. The drive plate is raised and lowered, toward and away from the base plate, by a pair of drive screws. The plurality of individual pump members are thus simultaneously operated to dispense different materials into a common receptacle, at the same time.

Abstract: An automated paint-batching system for producing paint cans of any size and color. The system includes a plurality of paint-batching cells, with each cell having a machine comprised of either one or two dispensing stations. When two dispensing stations are used, the two dispensing stations are: A first tint-station, where a small volumetric dispensing of the base, water-base or oil-base, of the paint is dispensed, in order to wet the bottom of the can, at which first station, thereafter, is dispensed all of the liquid colorants making up the formula of the paint can, at which the remainder of the base of the formula of the paint is dispensed, and a second base-dispensing station. Each of the first and second stations of the paint-batching machine of the invention has operatively associated therewith a weighing platform upon which rests the paint can during the dispensing at the respective station used in quality-control weighing of each dispensing.

Abstract: A control system for mixing materials in a container. A screw-driven pressure plate clamps the container during mixing. Current of the clamping motor driving the screws is monitored and control circuitry allows multiple speed, multiple current draw, automatic switch-over operation of the clamping motor. Circuit components are automatically checked, and control over a mixing or clamping operation is assumed if necessary.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for pulverulent materials includes guide rods carrying a pair of opposed pressure plates having centers aligned along a common axis of rotation. A tubular frame encloses a three-dimensional volume disposed about said guide rods and pressure plates to shield the guide rods and pressure plates from inadvertent contact, and to mount an electric motor. The pressure plates are locked in position by a transmission shaft which is geared to a lead screw which engages the pressure plates.

Abstract: A vehicular cart with a lifting collar is rolled over a plurality of containers located on a floor of a work site. The lifting collar is lowered onto the containers and is raised along with the containers to an operating position. Mixing and dispensing equipment carried on the cart are removably connected to each container. Computer control for the mixing and dispensing operations is provided, and interfaces with the mixing and dispensing apparatus coupled to each container.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for mixing ingredients stored in closed containers includes two or more mixing mechanisms. A diverter gate upstream of the mixing mechanisms guides containers to one or the other mechanism, as desired. Powered conveyors move the containers past the diverter gate and retractable pusher arm assemblies load the containers onto the mixing mechanisms. After a mixing operation is completed, the pusher arm assemblies discharge the containers onto an exit conveyor for transport to a remote packaging station. Sensors are disposed along the path of travel of the pusher arm assemblies to control operation thereof, providing a ready indication that a container is properly positioned on a mixing mechanism, and that the mixing operation can be initiated.