Abstract: A sanitary coupling device and a method for its use are described. The sanitary coupling device taps a vessel, such as a brewery tank, without exposing the fluid to the atmosphere. The device can include a coupler that prevents the collected fluid from exposure to the atmosphere. The method for tapping a vessel can include engaging a nipple with a coupler. Then, collecting a sample and disengaging the coupler from the nipple is performed. The invention is desirable for a brewery tank sampling with a clean-in-place connection system.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder has a motor driven auger for supplying milk powder from a storage hopper to a mixing vessel. The mixing vessel has outlets for the continuous supply of liquid feed mixture to animal feeding locations. An electrical pump supplies water from a storage tank in the feeder to the mixing vessel. The auger and the pump are connected to an electrical control unit for delivering powder and water to the mixing vesel simultaneously in batches, the batches being automatically timed to provide a required powder to liquid ratio according to the setting of concentration selector switches on the front panel of the feeder. The batches of powder and water are supplied to the mixing vessel together in pairs when the liquid feed mixture is below a level determined by a sensor in the mixing vesel. Calibration of the powder supply is carried out by weighing a sample batch dispensed during a fixed calibration period and setting the measured weight on a calibration dial on the front panel.