Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering highly viscous, paste-like material, in particular printing ink, e.g. offset printing ink, from a metering valve. The metering valve in dependence upon the determined quantity of material delivered into a container is closed and then the residual material left suspended at the outlet side of the metering valve is removed by a roller.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials includes a plurality of dispense valves arranged in two concentric circles. An actuator arm mounted for rotation about the center of the circles glides over the tops of the valves. A pair of channel-like passageways are formed in the arm, one for the valves arranged in the outer circle, the other for the valves arranged in the inner circle. The valves of the inner and outer circles are radially offset from one another, and accordingly a valve from only one of the two circles is engaged at any given time. The arm is mounted for lifting and lowering movements to accomplish a dispense operation.

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.