Abstract: An automatic liquid dispensing apparatus including a container for holding a dispensable liquid, a flow regulator which permits liquid to flow out of the container at a controlled rate which is independent of the quantity of liquid within the container, and a timing and dispensing assembly. The timing and dispensing assembly accumulates a quantity of the liquid from the flow regulator, and periodically dispenses a constant volume of the liquid.

Abstract: An automatic microflow dispensing apparatus for dispensing small amounts of liquid at discrete time intervals, including a container for holding the liquid, and a dispensing element positioned on the container below the liquid level when the container is oriented to dispense the liquid. The dispensing element includes an air intake port and a liquid discharge port positioned below the air intake port when the container is oriented to dispense the liquid. These two ports are each in fluid communication with the container liquid. The vertical distance between the air intake port and the liquid discharge port defines a head which remains substantially constant during dispensing. The air intake port has a vertical height relative to the head sufficient to provide a predetermined microflow of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing a first liquid into a second reservoir liquid. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to hold the dispensable liquid, a dispensing nozzle and a sensing tube. The dispensing nozzle is positioned on the container below the dispensable liquid level within the container. The sensing tube has first and second open ends, the first open end positioned above the dispensable liquid level within the container and the second open end positioned outside the container and below the dispensing nozzle. The second open end of the sensing tube is immersible in the reservoir liquid, whereby the cyclic fall and rise of the reservoir liquid results in the controlled discharge of the dispensable liquid from the container through the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use between a water source and a livewell in a boat, capable of use with a boat in either moving or stationary states in the water source, and including means for operating the water distribution system in any one of three modes: a recirculate-only mode, a dual fill and recirculate mode, and a drain without refilling mode. Means are also provided, by utilization of an apparatus achieving tactile feedback, for apprising the operator of when the system is operating properly in a drip-tight, recirculation-only mode.

Abstract: A pinch valve is provided for controlling the flow in a flexible wall tube. The valve includes a slotted saddle with female threading to receive a male threaded stem which is actuated within the saddle by a knob integrally connected to the stem. The slotted saddle may be installed onto an existing tube run without requiring disconnection. The stem has a spherical tip which contacts the tube to collapse to decrease the area flow therethrough. The knob and saddle are closely fitted to prevent spreading of the saddle during high thread loads. Calibration is also provided so that a desired flow control can be repeated with accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus having a variety of applications is provided for indexing a rotary component. The apparatus of the present invention includes a housing, a resilient electrically conductive band contained within the housing and connected to the rotary component, at least two indexing electrical contacts located on the housing internal periphery and is slidable contact with the band, and a bridging electrical contact electrically connected to the band while the band rotates. The band exerts a biasing force on the housing, thereby mainaining band contact with the housing internal periphery, while also causing a point of separation of the band from the housing. Drive means is provided for rotating the band within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrically indexing a rotary component. It includes a housing, a resilient, electrically conductive band contained within the housing and connected to the rotary component, at least two indexing electrical contacts located on the housing internal periphery and in slidable contact with the band, and a bridging electrical contact in connection with the band. The band exerts a biasing force on the housing, thereby maintaining band contact with the housing internal periphery, while also causing a point of separation of the band from the housing. Electrical circuitry is also provided so that once an indexing contact has been selected, the band and the rotary component can be rotated until the band disengages from the selected indexing contact, thus halting further movement of the band and the rotary component.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling a container to a predetermined level with liquid provided from an external liquid supply means. The apparatus includes a main valve and a main valve seat for controlling the supply of liquid to the container. A lower valve housing is provided for supporting the main valve and main valve seat. An upper cap housing is also provided which is in fluid communication between the external liquid supply means and the main valve. Together, the lower and upper housings form a manually releasably connected valve assembly which is removably insertable into the container.

Abstract: An improved apparatus used in a system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes an improved main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container. This improved main valve means includes an improved main valve, an improved main valve seat, and a main valve support.

Abstract: A plastic spring loaded shut-off valve for drains in live wells of boats seals without the presence of fluid pressure. This effect is achieved by a biasing spring urging sealing flaps against the valve ports. The flaps are curved and have ribbed edges to accomplish such sealing and prevent jamming of the ports. The biasing spring is secured to a rotating member through slots while the flaps are secured to the member by buttons. The spring and flap are also secured by a bar across the flap, which has a bearing pad where it is contacted by the spring. The rotating member is rotatable on the underside of the valve top screwed to the valve body. Stops on the inside of the valve top limit its rotation.

Abstract: A novel and unique apparatus is disclosed for use in aerating water held in a container, such as a livewell in a fishing boat. The aeration apparatus receives fresh water through a conventional water distribution system, aspirates ambient air into the water, and discharges the mixture of fresh water and aspirated air within the livewell at a location substantially below its water level. Air is aspirated into the fresh water by means of a housing mounted above the water level in the livewell. The housing includes a main passageway through which the fresh water passes and an aspirating port in the housing wall which puts the main passageway in communication with ambient atmosphere above the livewell. A discharge tube receives the mixture of fresh water and aspirated air from the housing and directs it to a plurality of discharge ports positioned substantially below the livewell water level.

Abstract: A novel and unique apparatus is disclosed for use in aerating water held in a container, such as a livewell in a fishing boat. The aeration apparatus receives fresh water through a conventional water distribution system, aspirates ambient air into the water, and discharges the mixture of fresh water and aspirated air within the livewell at a location substantially below its water level. Air is aspirated into the fresh water by means of a housing mounted above the water level in the livewell. The housing includes a main passageway through which the fresh water passes and an aspirating port in the housing wall which puts the main passageway in communication with ambient atmosphere above the livewell. A discharge tube receives the mixture of fresh water and aspirated air from the housing and directs it to a plurality of discharge ports positioned substantially below the livewell water level.

Abstract: A distribution system for filling a baitwell in a boat includes a low pressure pump and a dual check valve. The fluid flow into the system is divided so that the pressure on the pump is reduced, thus enabling the use of an inexpensive pump. The check valve permits the influx of fresh water without the need for recirculating the existing water in the baitwell and also prevents backflow from the baitwell.

Abstract: An inexpensive fluid flow indicator capable of use in low flow conditions in a variety of environments, including but not limited to laboratory, industry, and medical applications. Flows are visually indicated by the rotation of balls loosely retained in a longitudinal passageway of the indicator's transparent housing by a flow guide and an outlet port. The flow guide imparts a circumferential or transverse direction to the axial flow of the fluid which causes the balls to revolve about the center line of the indicator.

Abstract: A water distribution system for directing water flow between a live well in a fishing boat and a water source, such as a lake. The water distribution system includes a flow directing valve which has two operating conditions. In the first operating condition a plurality of check valves automatically direct the water flow to selectively keep the live well empty or to empty water from the live well. In a second operating condition the valve enables the selective filling of the live well, the maintenance of the water level in the live well and the recirculation of the water along with the input of fresh water to the live well. In the second operating condition these functions are carried out automatically without operator intervention, regardless of whether the boat is stationary or moving.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of liquid between a reservoir and a liquid source. Passageways are provided between the reservoir and the source for the flow of liquid therebetween. Selectively operable valves, including automatic check valves, are disclosed in various forms of the invention for actuation between a first position for filling the reservoir with liquid from the source and a second position for emptying liquid from the reservoir to the source. The automatic valves prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the source when in the first, filling position and allow the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the source when in the second, emptying position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing a precise volume of liquid. An emitter dispenses a stream of liquid to an appropriate collector and includes an outlet restriction for generating a positive pressure in the emitter behind the outlet restriction. Liquid is fed to the emitter under pressure. A time delay loop is provided in communication with the emitter behind the outlet restriction for receiving liquid therefrom under the influence of the positive pressure. The exit end of the time delay loop directs liquid received thereby against the stream of liquid dispensed by the emitter and diverts the stream of liquid away from the collector when the time delay loop becomes filled with liquid under pressure from the emitter. A fluid amplifier is provided for generating a laminar liquid power stream to the emitter and for controlling the on-off cycle of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes a main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container; a fluid amplifier means for receiving at least a portion of the liquid from the main valve means and for generating a pressure signal until such time as the liquid within the container reaches the predetermined level; and pilot valve means for maintaining the main valve means open in the presence of the pressure signal from the fluid amplifier and for closing the main valve means in the absence of the pressure signal. The system includes the aforesaid apparatus together with liquid supply conduit and valve means.

Abstract: A liquid level control system for controlling the flow of liquid into a reservoir, storage tank or other container. A nozzle develops a liquid flow stream therethrough, and a valve effectively opens and closes the nozzle. A fluid amplifier is associated with the nozzle and includes a fluid power stream, a signal developing port for receiving a fluid pressure signal from the power stream, and a sensor for diverting the fluid power stream from the signal developing port in response to the static presence of the interface at a predetermined sensing level of liquid in the reservoir. A pressure responsive switch is coupled to the valve and is located below the signal developing port of the fluid amplifier.

Abstract: A fluid amplifier for sensing the level of a liquid in a reservoir, storage tank or other container and for generating a differential in pressure signal in response to the static presence of the liquid level at a predetermined level. An inlet develops a liquid flow stream. A first passage of major cross-sectional dimensions is provided for delivering a major portion of the flow stream to the reservoir or storage tank. A second passage of minor cross-sectional dimensions is spaced laterally of the first passage for developing a small signal fluid power stream substantially parallel to the major supply stream. A sensor is responsive to the static presence of the liquid level at the predetermined level for altering the smaller fluid power stream from its substantially parallel flow condition to a condition in which it diverts and attaches to the major supply stream.