Abstract: A system for dispensing mixed beverages has a processor to control the liquid dispensed at an outlet in dependence upon the demand of a user as input to a keypad. Carbonated water is fed to the outlet by way of tubing and a syrup concentrate is also fed therto by way of a tubing. The water and syrup is mixed in the correct quantities by way of respective proportional valves which adjust the quantity or flow rate of the two consituents fed through a mixing chamber in accordance with flow rate readings provided to the processor by respective flow transducers. The flow transducers measure the speed of flow ultrasonically and are able to provide flow rate readings at a rate of 50 per second. The proportional valves are able to adjust the quantities fed to the mixing chamber at a similar rate such that the mix can be reliably determined even if there are transitory pressure drops or viscosity changes in the system.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve that has a main valve member controlling communication between an inlet and an outlet and a pilot valve in communication with the fluid inlet. A spring biases the main valve member into its closed position against the pressure of the fluid at the inlet which is applied to the main valve member in a direction to open the valve. The fluid pressure within the pilot chamber opposes opening of the valve. A magnetic armature which can be positioned in a selected longitudinal position is provided to open the valve. As fluid pressure is applied to both sides of the main valve member, it is the longitudinal position of the armature which determines the longitudinal position of the main valve member. The main valve member has a converging portion extending with a tubular member, on one end of which the fluid outlet is defined.

Abstract: A probe element for probe apparatus such as a dental probe comprises a curved tubular sheath having a proximal end for connection to main body of the probe apparatus and on open distal end. A probe member slides within the sheath and has a proximal end for connection to position sensing components in the probe apparatus main body and a distal end that protrudes by a variable extent from the open distal end of the sheath. Within the sheath the probe member is made up of a series of relatively large diameter beads joined by smaller diameter bridges to provide improved mobility of the probe member in the sheath even after prolonged storage.

Abstract: A measuring instrument comprising a pair of probe elements moveable relative to one another to vary the spacing between sensing areas of each probe, means for producing a signal representing the spacing of said sensing areas, means for monitoring the rate of change of said signal, and means for recording and/or displaying a value representative of said signal upon the rate of change of said signal reaching a predetermined value. Preferably there is a probe including a probe element and a sheath, the probe element being slideable within the sheath and protruding therefrom by a variable amount, means for producing a depth signal representing the amount of protrusion of the probe element from the sheath, means for monitoring the rate of change of said depth signal, and means for recording and/or displaying a value representative of said depth signal upon the rate of change of said depth signal reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A mechanical handling apparatus for point to point movement has utilization grippers driven from point to point by an arm assembly comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement in which the piston is in force balance until activated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the energization of an electrical solenoid of each of a plurality of valves. The grippers are carried by a load beam, supported by bearings and a selectively energizable brake for resisting motion of the load beam is mounted on a lead screw. The lead screw is driven by a stepper motor but is connected with a microprocessor, and the position of the load beam and of the brake is determined by a transducer. In operation, the microprocessor permits energization of the piston to rapidly drive the load beam and hence the grippers toward a desired point within the capture range of the lead screw. The brake is applied to stop the load beam and final, accurate positioning of the grippers is performed by energizing the stepper motor.