Abstract: A mechanically actuated sensor indicates the position of a piston within the cylinder of a piston and cylinder assembly. The sensor includes a cam that partially extends into the cylinder chamber for abutting contact with the piston, and a lever arm extending through the cylinder wall for transmitting movement of the cam to a signalling device mounted externally of the cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A compact sleeve pump is provided that is particularly adaptable to fluid dispensing systems having multiple pump groupings. The sleeve pump includes a generally cylindrical valving spool and generally cylindrical dispensing piston, shiftably received within opposite ends of a generally tubular pump sleeve. Sealing members shiftably carried between the valving spool and pump sleeve provide, in conjunction with the selective shifting of the valving spool within the pump sleeve, for the inflow and expulsion of fluid from the pump.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided especially designed to minimize the amount of fluid retained in the apparatus during a pumping cycle. The apparatus includes a pair of concentrically aligned inner and outer tubular sleeves shiftable relative to each other for alignment of their respective inlet ports. A piston is received within the inner sleeve, and a nozzle member is axially aligned with and receivable in the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, pneumatically actuated pumping system is provided that is especially designed for the precision dispensing of liquids. The system includes a positively actuated inlet valve, and a small-diameter, long-stroke pumping piston that is physically stopped at each end of its stroke. The unique inlet valve and piston enable the system to repetitively dispense metered volumes of fluid at better than one tenth of one percent accuracy. A unique calibration mechanism and detachable dispensing head allow for the rapid disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the system. An alternative embodiment of the pumping system incorporates a plurality of dispensing nozzles controlled by a single inlet valve and pumping piston combination. The dispensing unit may be shiftably mounted on a vertically oriented stand, and may be automatically shifted upwardly as fluid is dispensed to minimize splashing and atomizing of the dispensed fluid.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, pneumatically actuated pumping system is provided that is especially designed for the precision dispensing of liquids. The system includes a positively actuated inlet valve, and a small-diameter, long-stroke pumping piston that is physically stopped at each end of its stroke. The unique inlet valve and piston enable the system to repetitively dispense metered volumes of fluid at better than one tenth of one percent accuracy. A unique calibration mechanism and detachable dispensing head allow for the rapid disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the system. An alternative embodiment of the pumping system incorporates a plurality of dispensing nozzles controlled by a single inlet valve and pumping piston combination. The dispensing unit may be shiftably mounted on a vertically oriented stand, and may be automatically shifted upwardly as fluid is dispensed to minimize splashing and atomizing of the dispensed fluid.

Abstract: A dispensing valve assembly for accurate volumetric dispensation of delicate fluids is disclosed, suitable for use with a fluid dispensing system. The valve has a poppet that is movable within a chamber. A bias spring or external operator urges the poppet towards the top of the chamber, so that a circumferential elastomeric seal engages with the chamber wall. Pressure of fluid to be dispensed entering the top of the chamber forces the poppet towards the bottom of the chamber, disengaging the seal from the chamber wall and allowing fluid to pass around the seal and then out of the chamber through an outlet opening at the bottom of the chamber. Downward travel of the poppet is stopped when the bottom of the poppet contacts the bottom of the chamber. Release of fluid pressure allows the poppet to be forced towards the top of the chamber once again, engaging the seal with a chamber wall.