Abstract: Fluid flow meters and methods for measuring different aspects of fluid flow with a non-contact sensor are provided. In some cases a fluid flow gear meter is provided with a fluid chamber that is sealed with a cover portion carrying the non-contact sensor. An optional separation member may be located between the cover portion and the chamber to seal the chamber. In some cases the cover portion and/or separation member are configured to transmit visible light to allow viewing of the fluid chamber, through material selection and/or the presence of viewing cavities within the material. The flow meter is optionally configured to prevent or reduce the transmission of ambient environmental radiation into the flow meter to lessen the likelihood that it may adversely affect an optical non-contact sensor used to detect movement of gears within the chamber.

Abstract: Fluid flow meters and methods for measuring different aspects of fluid flow with a non-contact sensor are provided. In some cases a fluid flow gear meter is provided with a fluid chamber that is sealed with a cover portion carrying the non-contact sensor. An optional separation member may be located between the cover portion and the chamber to seal the chamber. In some cases the cover portion and/or separation member are configured to transmit visible light to allow viewing of the fluid chamber, through material selection and/or the presence of viewing cavities within the material. The flow meter is optionally configured to prevent or reduce the transmission of ambient environmental radiation into the flow meter to lessen the likelihood that it may adversely affect an optical non-contact sensor used to detect movement of gears within the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for measuring fluid volume. Devices according to some embodiments include a chamber, having a pair of gears rotatably mounted therewithin. Fluid flow through the chamber causes rotation of the gears, such that each rotation and/or partial rotation results in a known volume of the fluid passing through the chamber. An optical sensor positioned outside of the chamber, can view the rotating gears through a substantially transparent chamber wall. The optical sensor can view an optical characteristic of one or both of the gears, and based upon this data, fluid volume, flow rate, and/or flow direction can be determined. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for improved precision in fluid flow meter measurement. In addition, the devices and methods used herein can be more durable and easier to fabricate than previously known positive displacement flow meters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for measuring fluid volume. Devices according to some embodiments include a chamber, having a pair of gears rotatably mounted therewithin. Fluid flow through the chamber causes rotation of the gears, such that each rotation and/or partial rotation results in a known volume of the fluid passing through the chamber. An optical sensor positioned outside of the chamber, can view the rotating gears through a substantially transparent chamber wall. The optical sensor can view an optical characteristic of one or both of the gears, and based upon this data, fluid volume, flow rate, and/or flow direction can be determined. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for improved precision in fluid flow meter measurement. In addition, the devices and methods used herein can be more durable and easier to fabricate than previously known positive displacement flow meters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).

Abstract: A method and apparatus dispenses first and second fragrances by utilizing a fog nozzle in a ductwork of a facility. The first fragrance is dispensed, at intervals, through the fog nozzle into the ductwork and the second fragrance is dispensed after the first fragrance is dispensed, wherein fragrance desensitivity is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for dispensing a liquid concentrate. The source pressure of a liquid diluent is changed by a boost pump (52) to bring the pressure of the diluent to an elevated pressure. The diluent then enters an aspirator assembly (10) wherein the concentrate and diluent are mixed to form a use solution. The dynamic pressure of the diluent entering the aspirator assembly (10) is sufficient so that the amount of concentrate delivered over time is more constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a surface by connecting a cleaning system to a faucet, which contains water from a water source. The cleaning system includes a hose member and a dispensing gun, and the hose member interconnects the faucet and the dispensing gun. The faucet is turned on so that water flows from the faucet, through the hose member, and into an inlet of the dispensing gun. A use solution is created within the dispensing gun. The use solution is then sprayed from the dispensing gun onto the surface. The faucet is turned off, and water is allowed to discharge from the hose member and the dispensing gun. The hose member is disconnected from the faucet.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate using a diluent to form a use solution. The dispenser (200) includes a housing (201) having a cavity. A product holder (210) is positioned to support the concentrate in the cavity of the housing (201). A load cell housing (207) is operatively supported by the housing. More than one load cell (240) is positioned in the load cell housing (207). The product holder (210) is supported on the more than one load cell (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is determined.

Abstract: A method and system for managing chemical usage by service representatives that request dispensing of a chemical product by a chemical dispense system is disclosed. The chemical dispense system prepares and/or dispenses chemical products for service representatives in response to requests by the service representatives. Each service representative that is authorized to use the chemical dispense system is assigned a user identifier (ID). In response receiving a user ID, the chemical dispense system presents on a graphical user interface one or more predetermined chemical products that the service representative is authorized to use. These products are determined based on the user ID. The chemical dispense system prepares and/or dispenses a chemical product in response to the service representative selection of that chemical product. The user ID, the name of the chemical product, and the volume of the chemical product are linked together and associated with a time reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid detergent solution using a timing fluid is disclosed. A preferred cleaning system (10) includes a fluid-operated solvent metering apparatus (38). The metering apparatus (38) preferably includes a normally-closed valve (16) and a timing device (40). The timing device (40) preferably includes a cylinder (52) and a piston (54), wherein the piston (54) forms a pair of subchambers (56, 58) which are interconnected by a flow control device (68). The flow control device (68) serves to restrict the flow of a timing fluid from one subchamber (56) to the other subchamber (58) so as to hold the valve (16) in its open position for a period of timing following its initial manual opening. A return spring (48) in the normally closed valve (16) urges the valve (16) toward its closed position, and the spring (48) also acts against the piston (54) to cause the timing fluid to flow from the first subchamber (56 ) to the second subchamber (58).