Abstract: A flow meter for use with a fluid source includes a chamber of known volume, and level sensors for detecting fluid boundaries at either end of the known volume. A valve between the fluid source and chamber is opened at a defined time until fluid level within the chamber rises above the upper sensor, whereupon the valve is closed. As the fluid level falls past the upper sensor a second time level is measured, with both time intervals being terminated as the level falls to the lower level sensor. The average flow rate as the fluid falls between the two sensors is calculated by a computer, and the total volume is then calculated using the longer measured time interval. Flow rates over long time periods can be accurately measured.

Abstract: A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet. Additionally, there is an embodiment wherein the level to which the receptacle is to be filled can be selected by the user and the fill system automatically fills the receptacle to that level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a pipe system (3) in baths, preferably bath tubs, through which pipe system water and/or air is led into the bath-water (6) of the bath (1) to produce water currents and/or water/air currents (4) and/or air bubbles (5) therein. For effective cleaning, the pipe system (3) is flushed with pure water (31) after a bath has been taken before impurities in said pipe system have/had time to dry. A suitable apparatus for carrying out said method comprises a sensor (49) which is adapted to sense when bathing in the bath (1) has been concluded and to deliver when the bathing has been concluded a signal to a time lag relay (34) which is adapted to open a valve (33) for supply of flushing water (31) to a flushing device (30) for flushing of the pipe system (3) a certain time after the time lag relay (34) has received said signal from the sensor (49).

Abstract: A method for controlling a system parameter based on controlling a setpoint for a process control variable includes measuring the rate of input to and output from a vessel. The difference between the input and output rates is determined to provide an expected rate of accumulation in the vessel. The actual rate of accumulation in the vessel is measured. The difference between the expected rate of accumulation and the actual rate of accumulation is determined to provide a bias term. A value for the setpoint for the process control variable is calculated by solving one of a material or energy balance equation which includes the bias term and a term representative of a predetermined time period during which the controlled parameter is to reach a desired value. The setpoint for the process control variable is then controlled based on the calculated setpoint value. An apparatus is disclosed for carrying out the disclosed method.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system and method are disclosed for automatically preparing a batch mixture containing predetermined quantities of liquids such as spray dampening solutions or silicone emulsions used in the printing industry. The system comprises a holding tank having one or more liquid columns in liquid communication with the tank so that the level of liquid in the column, or columns, will be the same as the level of the liquid in the tank. Liquid level detection devices preferably in the form of static capacity-type proximity switches sense the level of the liquid in the column, or columns, and liquid charging devices responsive to the liquid level detection devices charges the liquids into the tank in seriatum each time raising the level of the liquid in the tank and in the columns to the next detected level.

Abstract: A sensing pump for discriminating between liquids and gases. The pump includes a plunger which is reciprocably moved by a succession of repetitive actuation of known force and time characteristics. The response of the plunger, acting against the fluid is indicative of the quality of the fluid (liquid, gas, or vapor). An orifice is provided in the system which in effect eliminates liquid viscosity as a determinant, and makes the system responsive instead to a mass-transfer regime. This increases the discriminatory capability of the system.

Abstract: In an expanded bed reactor, the expansion of the bed is automatically controlled by automatically changing the rate of speed of a recycle pump for the reactor. The bed is preferably provided with both high and low level bed detectors, and a further detector for determining abnormally high levels.

Abstract: A flushing system for rapidly delivering a given volume of water supplied to an accumulating chamber (5) from an automatically or manually operated valve (6) has a float-controlled discharge valve (19) which is arranged to be opened when said given volume of water has been delivered to the accumulating chamber (5) and the float is located at a corresponding level in said chamber. A supply pipe (13) extends downwardly in the accumulating chamber (5) towards the outlet (3), and a valve housing (19) is slidably arranged, together with the float, on the water supply pipe. In a closing position of the valve housing, the lower edge part of the valve encircles the outlet. In an opening position of the valve housing, with water in the accumulating chamber, the valve housing is lifted from the seating. The lower end of the supply pipe is formed with a valve body (17) arranged, together with the valve housing, to form a pressure chamber (24) having a leakage opening.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system is disclosed which provides a continuous and constant pressure flow rate during operation, having particular use in spray dampening operations for offset printing procedures. The mixing system includes a stacked arrangement of a batch mixer and feed tank fluidly communicating therebetween, and transfer means sequentially activated to transfer the liquids to the feed tank upon completion of mixing the liquids. The feed tank having means for discharging liquids therefrom at a constant flow and pressure. Control means sequentially operate the system for the admission and mixing of liquids in predetermined amounts to the batch mixer, for transferring the mixed liquids from the mixer to the feed tank, and for discharging the mixed liquids from the feed tank. The system is capable of repetitive mixing and transfer cycles while continuously discharging from the feed tank at a constant flow rate.

Abstract: A spray system is provided for distributing fluid over a selected area through a distribution header to spray units. A control unit uses a siphon loop to continuously cycle an internal water level between two elevations. A water level float provides an output for actuating a valve effective to vary fluid pressure in the distribution header and affect a sweeping of the spray produced by the spray units. The fill rate of the control unit may be varied to change the sweeping rate of the spray through the spray units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a humidifier and associated heater. The humidifier of the present invention is for humidifying breathable gas such as air or oxygen-supplemented air to be inhaled by a patient. The humidifier comprises a body defining a humidifying chamber, a fluid inlet conduit, and a fluid outlet conduit for directing a moving stream of breathable gas into and out of the body, and a liquid collection well. A sheet of wicking material is suspended within the body and absorbs liquid in the well, exposing the liquid to the moving stream of gas as it passes through the body. The body also includes a heat exchange sleeve which extends into the collection well, the interior of the sleeve being isolated from the humidifying chamber. The heater is selectively joined to the humidifier, extends into the heat exchange sleeve and heats the humidified stream of gas as it passes through the body.

Abstract: A fluid level control apparatus for a fluid reservoir and comprising a weatherproof housing having a plurality of micro switches mounted therein, the interior of the housing being in communication with the fluid reservoir, a reciprocal rod member extending between the interior of the housing and the fluid reservoir and operably connected with the micro switches for actuation thereof upon reciprocation of the rod, a diaphragm secured to the reciprocal rod and flexible thereby, a helical spring acting against the diaphragm for providing a preselected constant force thereagainst in one direction, a pair of in-line weight members suspended from the reciprocal rod outboard of the diaphragm and calibrated in relation to the physical characteristics of the fluid and force of the spring for counterbalancing of the spring to maintain the diaphragm in a neutral position during normal fluid level conditions within the fluid reservoir, the combined weights of the weight members being variable upon the fluctuation of the

Abstract: A basementless separator system for removing liquid from a liquid/gaseous mixture. The system includes a separator for separating the liquid and gas therein. A first conduit communicates the separator with the source of the liquid/gaseous mixture. A secnd conduit communicates the separator with a vacuum source to draw the liquid/gaseous mixture into the separator and to remove the separated gas from the separator. A first valve is on the separator in alignment with a liquid storage tank to open and close a discharge opening for separated liquid from the separator to be collected in the storage tank. A second valve is on the storage tank to open and close a drainage opening in the tank to control drainage of liquid therefrom. A level sensor is on the tank to indicate a predetermined level of collected liquids stored in the tank. Controls are responsive to the liquid condition in the tank to open and close the valves and periodically drain from the tank the liquid collected therein.

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically controlling the water level of swimming pools with a multi-level detecting sensor for directly sensing the pool water. A low voltage oscillator in the input portion of the circuitry detects the presence of water above or below each level sensing electrical contact of the sensor by a change in oscillator amplitude in response to impedance from the contact to ground. Signal threshold circuitry changes in output signal in response to the amplitude of the oscillator signal. Delay circuitry integrates the output of the threshold signal to avoid responding to spurious changes in water level, such as wave action in the pool. Monitor circuitry disposed between the delay circuitry and the water fill, water dump, and pump control circuitry monitors signals received from the sensor or generated by the input circuitry to detect any malfunctions in the sensor or the control circuitry, such as improper sequence of the water level signals, to disable further filling of the pool.

Abstract: A sensor utilizes the opposition of a fluid to physical displacement to provide information about the fluid itself, such as its quality as measured by its density or viscosity, or about the state of a fluid system which contains it, such as the fluid pressure existing at some point in the system. The sensor includes a fluid displacement device or element physically adapted to displace the fluid and repetitively urged into displacement by the application of a known impetus or urging force. The resulting motion of the element is then analyzed to obtain the information desired. The fluid displacement element may additionally perform a pumping function, or it may operate in a fluid stream externally powered. When employed as a pump, the sensor may provide information on the fluid pumped or on the state of the fluid system.

Abstract: A constant-flow regulator for use in gravity-assisted liquid-delivery systems, wherein the regulator comprises: upper and lower cylindrical elements secured together for movement to form a chamber, whereby the height of the chamber formed by the upper and lower sections may be varied; and a double conical float element positioned within the chamber, the float element moving between a closed and an open position, whereby one or the other end of the float element moves upwardly or downwardly to seal an inlet or an outlet, in order to maintain constant the liquid level within the closed container formed by the first and second cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A humidifier that will operate without being supplied with power from an outside source is provided. The humidifier must be placed directly in the stream of heated air coming from a heat source in order to properly operate. The humidifier is comprised of a housing, a hydrocell, and an evaporative element. The hydrocell and the evaporative element are both located within the housing, the evaporative element being directly below the hydrocell. The hydrocell is heat-responsive, and when it is heated, water will drip from the hydrocell onto the evaporative element. The heated air passing thru the humidifier will first contact the now-moist evaporative element and absorb some of the humidity therefrom. An optional feature of this invention is a valve located within the hydrocell that is connected to a water source and which will regulate the flow of water into the hydrocell without the need of human assistance.

Abstract: In a fluid circulation system of the type having a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to an apparatus requiring a supply of pressurized fluid, a sump containing a volume of fluid from which the pump draws its supply, and an overage fluid return line, a sump level maintenance system including a remote fluid reservoir disposed above the sump, a housing in communication with the fluid in the sump and defining a pair of ports in communication with respective ones of the reservoir and the overage return passage, a float structure operative to open both ports when the sump level is below a low level and to close the port to the reservoir to prevent replenishment when the sump level is between the low level and a high level and to close both ports when the sump level is above the high level to prevent overage fluid from returning to the sump, and a fluid conduit from the overage passage to the reservoir operative to divert overage to the reservoir when the second port is closed thereby depleting the fluid volume i

Abstract: An electrically operated device such as a duplicating machine has a recptacle for accommodating a fluid for the chemical treatment of sheet material and like objects. The receptacle may be in the form of a dip tank designed for passing sheet material therethrough. This dip tank is connected via a supply conduit to a storage tank and the supply conduit includes a pump controlled by an automatic charging and metering unit for supplying fluid to the dip tank. A drain conduit leading to the storage tank is connected to the dip tank. This drain conduit includes a solenoid valve for stopping or allowing the flow of fluid through the drain conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for submerged grinding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals comprising a work tank adapted to contain a liquid, and means for supporting a workpiece in the work tank. The level of liquid in the tank can be raised to cover the work for grinding or lowered to expose the work for inspection. Changing the liquid level is accomplished by a ballast tank connected to the work tank, and a liquid displacement member in the ballast tank. Raising the displacement member lowers the liquid level in both tanks, and lowering it raises the liquid level in both tanks.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of liquid through a liquid line communicating with a reservoir disposed thereabove comprises a housing defining a float chamber having inlet and outlet openings in the top and bottom walls thereof, respectively; a substantially egg-shaped float disposed in the chamber for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position; upper valve means connected to the float for closing the inlet opening when the float is in its upper position and lower valve means connected to the float for closing the outlet opening when the float is in its lower position, the valve means being in close spaced relation with the top and bottom walls of the chamber throughout the range of movement of the float; and means disposed beneath the chamber for regulating the flow of liquid through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically mixing a solution having a specified concentration is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a storage tank, means for automatically introducing water into the tank, means for slowly introducing salt into the tank, and means for terminating the introduction of salt into the tank when the specific gravity of the tank reaches a specified value. Means are provided for preventing withdrawal of solution during the mixing cycle.

Abstract: Chemical distribution system having a pressurized tank for causing flow of chemical to a plurality of appliances and having an apparatus for introducing a chemical into the tank from bulk storage and maintaining the pressure at a constant, predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for collecting and stabilizing pasty material such as for example the mucosa available from slaughterhouse operations, employing a collecting tank, a storage reservoir and a preservative reservoir, the collecting tank being equipped with upper and lower liquid level controls and means associated with the controls so that when the pasty material accumulates to the level of the upper level control the pasty material is discharged to the storage reservoir and when the pasty material level thereafter drops to the position of the lower liquid level control, discharge is halted and preservative is metered from the preservative reservoir into the collecting tank.For cleaning out the collecting tank discharge can be continued until the collecting tank has been emptied. For startup a sensing element is provided at the bottom of the collecting tank to cause metering of preservative into the collecting tank when pasty material first enters the collecting tank.

Abstract: A pair of pumps driven by a common motor draw in ambient seawater through e and expel it through the other to following electronic instrumentation. Coupled between the pumps, a rapidly rotating disk receives the flow of seawater and radially dissipates it in a multitude of separated droplets. The droplets are collected in a reservoir and the second pump expels it to the instrumentation. Where the flowing seawater is separated into droplets by the rapidly spinning disk, a break is created in the electrical conductivity continuity so that the following electronic instrumentation is not influenced by possible electrical potentials in the ambient seawater.

Abstract: A rate of flow regulator comprising upper and lower fluid chambers, the upper chamber having a double acting float valve to maintain a predetermined level of fluid therein, vent means venting each chamber to atmosphere, and metering means for regulating fluid flow to the lower chamber, the height of said upper chamber being adjustable relative to said metering means to change the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: The ORP of the initial etchant solution is utilized as a set point. A predetermined change in the ORP triggers the removal of a predetermined volume of spent etchant. Fresh etchant addition steps and oxidation of the working etchant (addition of chlorine) are sequenced by the initial fixed volume withdrawal. The oxidation and fresh etchant addition steps proceed to conclusion independently. The oxidation step is terminated by a return of the ORP to the initial level.

Abstract: An automatic, temperature-compensated liquid or fuel metering device comprises a measuring chamber having a pair of magnetically responsive vertically spaced reed switches therein which are selectively actuated by a magnetcarrying float to control valves associated with the chamber to supply a predetermined increment of liquid to the chamber and thereafter to drain that increment from the chamber into a reservoir. The volume of each increment is dependent upon the spacing between the reed switches, and that spacing is controlled by a bellows having a sample of the liquid being measured sealed therein, the bellows being disposed in the path of flow of liquid to the chamber and being operative to vary the volume of said increments with variations in the temperature of the liquid being measured.