Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The pump control circuit includes a temperature sensor capable of producing a signal representative of a temperature of the pump and a microcontroller coupled to receive the signal from the temperature sensor and programmed to control a current provided to the pump. The pump control circuit also includes an output power stage coupled to receive a control signal from the microcontroller and capable of controlling the application of current to the pump in response to the control signal in order to stabilize the temperature of the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of controlling a pump. The method includes sensing a pressure in the pump and entering a low-flow mode when the sensed pressure in the pump is greater than a low pressure threshold. The method also includes reducing power to the pump when the sensed pressure is greater than a shut-off pressure during the low-flow mode and there is flow through the pump until the sensed pressure is less than the shut-off pressure. The method further includes turning the pump off when in the low-flow mode the sensed pressure is greater than the shut-off pressure and there is no flow through the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for a pump assembly and a fluid metering unit. The pump assembly can include a diaphragm with a portion of a body being molded over a portion of each one of a plurality of pistons. The pump assembly can include a wobble plate, a lower housing, and a spring positioned between the wobble plate and the lower housing. A valve housing can include pumping chambers with side walls that are angled. The fluid metering unit can include a bayonet locking mechanism and/or a seal between a housing and a flow meter. The controller can be calibrated according to the type and/or temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The circuit includes a pressure sensor capable of sensing a pressure in the pump and a microcontroller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the pump. The microcontroller switches operation of the pump between a high-flow mode and a low-flow mode. When in the high flow mode, the microcontroller limits a current provided to the pump to a high-flow current limit value that is not dependent on the sensed pressure. When in the low flow mode, the microcontroller limits the current provided to the pump to a low-flow current limit value that is less than the high-flow current limit value and that changes depending on the sensed pressure.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a spool valve having a spool axially movable within a sleeve of two or more stacked rings having projections extending therebetween. One or more seals on the spool can slide across surfaces of the stacked rings in movement of the spool to different positions corresponding to different states of the valve. In some embodiments, one or more of the stacked rings can have projections extending toward and contacting an adjacent ring of the sleeve, thereby maintaining desired axial positions of the rings relative to one another while providing apertures through which fluid can flow and supporting surfaces for each seal as it slides from one ring to another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes pistons integrally formed in a diaphragm and coupled to the diaphragm by convolutes. The convolutes have a bottom surface angled with respect to a top surface of the pistons. The apparatus also includes an outlet port positioned tangentially with respect to the perimeter of an outlet chamber. The apparatus further includes a non-mechanical pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump. The control signal is based on the pressure within the pump, the current being provided to the pump, the voltage level of the battery, and the temperature of the pump.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.

Abstract: A bilge pump having a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a vessel and a base movably engageable with the mounting member and positionable in at least two positions relative to the mounting member. A housing is releasably coupled to the base and defines a cavity for receiving a motor. A locking ring is engageable with the motor and the housing to secure the motor in the cavity while allowing the motor to be movable with respect to the housing. The cavity in the housing communicates with an outlet portion defining a socket. An outlet nozzle having an outlet end is movably received in the socket so that the outlet end can be moved relative to the housing. These features can be employed individually or in combination to make the bilge pump highly adaptable, thereby facilitating installation.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a support adapted to support a comestible fluid container on a comestible fluid container rack, and a container rack having such a support. The support can include a first portion extending from a stretcher of the comestible fluid container rack and a second portion extending substantially laterally from the first portion to support the comestible fluid container thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advertising adjacent to a beverage dispenser to reduce the cost of placing and maintaining a beverage dispenser in a retail outlet. A beverage dispenser, and most preferably a beverage dispenser that is specially equipped to display advertisements for at least one of the beverages being dispensed, is placed in a retail outlet. The advertisements are displayed over a period of time and preferably the amount of beverage dispensed during that time period is tracked and recorded. The amount of beverage dispensed can then be used to calculate an advertising fee to be paid by the beverage producer. The advertising fee is used to offset the purchase or lease price of the beverage dispenser, and is most preferably paid directly to the preferred provider of the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A pump including a pump housing, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a pumping chamber in fluid communication with both the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a motor for pumping a working fluid, and a plate that is at least partially constructed of a heat conductive material and that at least partially defines the pumping chamber. The plate can transfer heat from the motor to the working fluid in the pumping chamber.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an accumulator tank assembly and method in which a flexible bladder is received within an accumulator tank. The accumulator tank and the flexible bladder can each have an inlet aperture through which fluid is received within the accumulator tank assembly and an outlet aperture through which fluid exits the accumulator tank assembly. In some embodiments, inlet and outlet flanges positioned adjacent the inlet and outlet apertures of the accumulator tank are used to couple the flexible bladder to internal or external surfaces of the accumulator tank, thereby creating fluid tight seals between the flexible bladder and the accumulator tank.