Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent sub-function via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion pump filling system includes a filling syringe, a pressure control valve, a filling tube, and an implantable drug infusion pump. The pressure of the drug or agent loaded into the pump is prevented from exceeding a selected maximum pressure by the pressure control valve. The pressure control valve comprises a valve body that has an inlet passage coupled to the filling syringe, an internal chamber, and a discharge passage coupled to the pump. The inlet passage, the internal chamber, and the discharge passage form a flow passage for the flow of the drug. A mandrel is slidably disposed in the valve body. The mandrel is coupled to a flexible membrane, which is, in turn, coupled to a biasing member. When the pressure of the drug or agent acting on the flexible membrane exceeds the spring constant of the biasing member, the mandrel moves to a closed position, shutting off the flow passage.

Abstract: Two electrovalves (7A, 7B) are grouped in a same block (7) and disposed in parallel between a supply conduit (5) and a distribution conduit (6). Each electrovalve is provided with a micrometric adjustment screw (9A, 9B) which can be actuated from outside the block. When one of the electrovalves is in operation to deliver successive identical quantities of liquid, the other electrovalve is adjusted as a function of a new value and, during changeover, it suffices to switch the electrovalves. The same block (7) can contain a third electrovalve (7C) for blowing gas under pressure to expel the remaining drops within the distribution conduit. The liquid and the gas are two phases of the same fluid.

Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.

Abstract: A dust control system and method for controlling the dust emitted into the atmosphere while dumping grain at a pit at grain elevators. The system includes a plurality of sections, including metering sections with sensing device and dump sections with louvers in each section which are opened and closed in response to predetermined signals. The predetermined signals may be electrically generated or manually applied to ensure that the proper louvers are opened or closed so that the air and dust in the pit does not escape into the atmosphere during the unloading of grain.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent subfunction via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a liquid includes a holding tank for holding a quantity of liquid and a plurality of filler pipes connected to the holding tank. A plurality of filler valves are provided, each filler valve corresponding to one of the plurality of filler pipes. A flowmeter is provided, located between the holding tank and one of the filler valves in one of the plurality of filler pipes, for generating a signal after a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the filler pipe. A device, responsive to the signal generated by the flowmeter, is provided for closing the plurality of filler valves.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of:controlling the flow of substance by means of the filler member;measuring, over successive time intervals, the instantaneous flow rate of substance filled into the receptacle;calculating the total weight of substance filled into the receptacle on the basis of the instantaneous flow rate over each time interval; andcausing the flow of substance to stop when the calculated total weight reaches the reference net weight minus a tail-back weight for the substance.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: An improved vehicle transmission oil sump filling apparatus and method of using same, wherein the apparatus includes an integrally formed extension on the distal end of an otherwise conventional filler tube extending a predetermined distance into a transmission sump, and a sealed adapter assembly adaptable to being mounted in the entrance of the fill tube. The sealed adapter assembly includes a single short oil supply tube together with a pressurized air supply and sensing tube integrally formed therein. An air pump is operative for continually blowing air through the sensing tube while the transmission sump is being filled from a source of oil by a reversible oil pump. Once overfill of the sump is sensed, the overfill is drawn out under suction by the oil pump until reaching the point where air once again flows through the filler tube, indicating the appropriate sump oil level.

Abstract: The apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle includes a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly. A gross mechanical actuation mechanism provides gross positioning of the platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet. A micro-positioning mechanism provides micro-positioning of the fuel line assembly relative to the fuel tank inlet. A floating plate assembly securely connects the fuel line assembly to the fuel tank inlet. Leak detector detects any leaks in the connection between the fuel line assembly and the fuel tank. The present invention augments existing space program hardware thereby removing human involvement and increasing vehicle/environment safety.

Abstract: An apparatus for bulk dispensing of liquids from a reservoir includes a pump connected to the reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir, a dispensing structure connected to the pump for dispensing the pumped liquid and a measuring structure for measuring an amount of liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A system for control of automatic refueling of automotive vehicles parked alongside a fuel dispenser unit which allows for a customer to control a refueling procedure without having to exit the vehicle. The control system includes a processing unit, control operating units, operating units and a communications system which is located within the vehicle to be refueled. The communications system has the capability to start, monitor and finish the refueling procedure by transmitting and receiving data signals which concern the refueling procedure such as signals which start the refueling procedure and signals which interrupt the procedure. The data signals are received by the from the vehicle into the processing unit where the signals are processed. The processed data signals are directed to control operating units. The control operating units then direct operating units in carrying out operating functions which are necessary to automatically refuel the vehicle.

Abstract: A machine for filling fruit or other items into containers, and including a conveyor for feeding items to a location from which they are dropped into a container, with a member being provided near the discharge end of the conveyor for contacting the items as they fall downwardly from the conveyor and preventing or reducing damage thereto. The member may be actuable between an active position for contacting the falling items and a retracted position. The member may be inclined to deflect the falling items along an inclined path into the container, and is preferably cushioned. The mentioned conveyor fills the container up to a predetermined partially filled condition, with the final few items being delivered to the container by a second conveyor. The second conveyor is adjacent the first, and delivers items to the container at a second location along its path of movement, and is driven at two speeds to deliver items first at a relatively fast pace and then at a slower rate.

Abstract: A liquid spillage control apparatus is disclosed having a liquid holding chamber divided by a partition into a liquid transfer portion and a liquid retaining portion. A liquid spill transfer pipe connects the fuel holding chamber with a liquid tank. Overflow liquid passe through the liquid spill transfer pipe and the liquid transfer portion, over the partition and into the liquid retaining portion of the liquid holding chamber. An opening in the liquid holding chamber is connected by a line to an opening in a liquid fill nozzle. Liquid in the liquid holding chamber of a predetermined amount passes from the liquid holding chamber, through the line, and into the liquid fill nozzle to actuate the liquid sensor of the automatic liquid shut-off mechanism of the nozzle in order to terminate liquid flow from the nozzle into the liquid tank.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling and/ or distinguishing liquids used in the brewing industry. To distinguish water, rinse water, different kinds of beer, and various non-alcoholic drinks with the help of technical measuring devices, a measuring instrument for monitoring or distinguishing the conductivity of the liquid concerned by inductive measurement is used.

Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A plurality of capacitors of the type each including capacitor elements with a very small gap between adjacent electrodes are filled and impregnated with a capacitor oil with the aid of a capacitor oil filling/impregnating apparatus. The apparatus comprises an impregnating chamber including a capacitor oil supplying portion, a charging/discharging platform having a plurality of capacitors placed thereon, and distributing/supplying means arranged above the charging/discharging platform so as to allow the capacitor oil to be supplied to the respective capacitors from above by its free falling-down induced by a dead weight of the capacitor oil itself.

Abstract: A method and system for transfer of fluids, such as paint, using a fluid canister carried by a transfer device, such as a robot, instead of having paint lines connected to a delivery device, such as a spray gun, carried by the robot. A novel mechanism for initially docking and then filling the canister from a fluid outlet of a pressurized source of fluid without straining the robot is provided. Also, a novel mechanism for cleaning the canister between canister fillings is provided so that paint colors can be changed without loss of productive robot time. In one embodiment, the canister is integrated with the robot. Also, a novel, non-contact sensor is provided for providing a signal to allow the metering of the paint entering or/and discharged from the canister.

Abstract: A method and unit for filling electrochemical cells, especially lithium cells, with an electrolyte. The cells are first evacuated while simultaneously checking the same for short circuits. The further filling process is terminated for any cell determined to have a short circuit. After the final vacuum level has been achieved, the cells are subsequently filled with the electrolyte while simultaneously monitoring the electrical voltage at the cells. The filling process is terminated for any cell determined to have a deviation from a prescribed voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus which includes a detecting element for detecting the liquid from the vaporized gas surrounding the remaining liquid in a storage tank to be supplied, where the detecting element is disposed at the output end of a liquid supply line, and a discriminator for discriminating the signals and information obtained from such a detecting element. The discriminator generates a lock signal to be fed to a locking means for allowing suspension of the supply of liquid based on a signal generated in the discriminator and fed to the locking means. The detection element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a gas-sensing member connected to the first electrode and connected to the second electrode, which gas-sensing member is formed of a resin material including a conducting material which furnishes an impedance change upon contacting the vaporized gas of the liquid to be detected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filling arrangement for filling and emptying an anesthetic vaporizer with an anesthetic liquid from a supply vessel via a filling channel and a venting channel. The filling arrangement includes a connecting piece for connecting the arrangement to the anesthetic vaporizer and has a blocking device mounted in a conduit member which includes the filling channel and venting channel. The filling arrangement is improved so that it can be reliably handled with anesthetic liquids having a low boiling point. For this purpose, the blocking device includes a temperature-sensitive switching member which enables the filling channel to be opened below a preselected limit temperature and to be closed above this preselected temperature. The preselected temperature is below the boiling point of the anesthetic liquid.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off duel dispensing nozzle with a flow rate limiting mechanism. The nozzle includes a valve which controls the flow of fuel through a passage leading from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet which is normally connected to a spout. This valve is responsive to a manually operable lever and to a vacuum operated release mechanism which automatically shuts the flow of fuel through the nozzle off when the level of fuel in a tank reaches a preselected level or when the flow of fuel through the nozzle reaches a preselected threshold rate of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a pre-selectable quantity of liquid, in particular a quantity of water, comprises an input device, at which the respectively desired quantity of liquid to be delivered automatically can be fed in. Located in the path of the liquid is an electrically variable flow-control valve, whereof the position is varied automatically according to the pre-selected quantity of liquid, corresponding to a characteristic curve stored in a memory: the flow rate is chosen to be all the greater, the greater the pre-selected quantity of liquid. Due to this it is ensured that very different quantities of liquid can be drawn in times which are practical for use.

Abstract: A system for delivering liquid catalyst to a core-making machine includes a single fireproof cabinet in which is located a catalyst storage tank. The storage tank receives catalyst from catalyst supply drums that are positioned one at a time in a pumping station located in the cabinet beside the tank and emptied into the tank by a barrel pump. A flash-off station is located in the cabinet beside the pumping station for receiving emptied drums and an exhaust hose, that is coupled to a scrubber system exhaust duct, is positionable within the drum to carry away vapors produced in the drum as residual catalyst flashes off. A catalyst supply pump is coupled for pumping liquid catalyst from the storage tank to a gassing unit of a core-making machine.

Abstract: A monitoring system for the filling of containers from a tank station, which is secured with a shut-off device, with the cooperation of at least one connecting line possessing a preferably electrical measuring device which determines the maximum permissible level of the product.

Abstract: A valve and coacting control circuitry for filling variously sized and shaped receptacles to an exact settable level with a relatively high impedance fluid such as maple syrup. Errors caused by bubbles are avoided by controlling the flow rate through a shaped orifice for essentially laminar flow. Dripping is eliminated by shaping the exit orifice to prevent gravitational emptying of the faucet cavity when the valve is closed. Sensing of the fluid is accomplished with a flexible wire probe, not sensitive to the receptacle shape but may be adjusted to a desired height, connected to a sensitive electronic circuit with a very high input impedance which allows sensing a voltage through the high impedance fluid. Once started, the filling process need not be monitored by an operator who is then free to do other tasks.

Abstract: A control system controls an amount of liquid filled into a container such as a bottle, a can or the like to be a predetermined amount in a precise and reliable manner. Liquid to be filled into the container is fed through a filling nozzle approximately up to a level somewhat higher than a predetermined target level. Then surplus liquid exceeding the predetermined target level is controllably ejected through an ejection nozzle piping having one end inserted into the container and opened at the target level. The surplus filled liquid is ejected through the ejection nozzle piping by suction or by pressure. When the ejection of the surplus filled liquid through the ejection nozzle piping begins, the pressure in the ejection nozzle piping changes from an initial valve. The end of ejection of the surplus filled liquid is detected by a pressure sensor disposed in the ejection nozzle piping.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the remote control of transfer operations, in which a material to be transferred is taken from a supply tank into tanks to be filled, where a control signal with start and stop function is given by a hand station (1) to a control device at the delivery system for maintaining the transfer operation, while holding the filling valve open and in operation. The hand station (1) is equipped with a separate start and stop signal transmitter (14; 15) and a status indicator is also provided for assisting the operator.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the electro-thermal measurement of the filling level in the tank of a motor vehicle which includes a resistance sensor adapted to be heated during a heating time of a sampling period. In order to assure that the resistance sensor can cool off again within the sampling period even after several starting attempts of the engine, the sequence control of the circuit arrangement connected with the voltage supply is connected with a further voltage source from which, after turning off the voltage supply, the sequence control is continued to be supplied with voltage by a switching circuit over a time interval which corresponds to the termination of the sampling period.

Abstract: An air supply and control apparatus for an inflatable mattress 2 has several air compressors 1 which are operated in turn, during normal operation, to inflate the mattress 2. In the case of the pressure in the mattress 2 falling below an upper preset value the air supply is provided by having more than one air compressor 1 operate simultaneously. The apparatus has electronic circuitry for effecting this alteration of the mode of operation when pressure sensing means 4 detects a fall in mattress pressure. In the case of a more severe drop in mattress pressure a valve 16 in an air outlet of the mattress 2 is closed under control of the electronic circuitry. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use with a mattress 2 having a plurality of separately inflatable regions, air being supplied to the regions from the air compressors 1 via a distributor 3.

Abstract: In order to be able to simultaneously fill with a liquid, gaseous or solid flowable medium, without it being necessary to measure and monitor the filling volume or weight of each container, the filling plant has a pipeline system (10) for conveying the medium to be filled with a plurality of drawing-off lines (13, 113, 213) leading to the filling valves (20, 120, 220) and in which are arranged volume chambers (40, 140, 240) with rotors rotated by the medium flowing through the same, arranged jointly on a shaft (40) with a system pressure-dependent controlled brake (45). A balance (50) is only associated with a single filling valve (20) of the valves controlled by a control cylinder (25) and is used for controlling said cylinder (25). A feed pump (15) connected upstream of the filling valve (120) associated with balance (50) ensure a uniform exit velocity of the medium in the container when pressure fluctuations occur in the pipeline system (11, 13, 113, 213).

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a liquid to a predetermined weight which utilizes a scale which generates a control signal which is based on the weight of liquid within the container, a control valve such as a ball valve having a valve element which permits a selectively variable flow rate through the valve, an actuator which is operatively connected to the control valve to vary the position of the valve element and thereby vary the flow rate, a valve positioner to control the operation of the actuator/valve in response to a calculated positioning signal which is related to the control signal and which is generated by an interface arrangement operatively connected to the scale and the positioner.

Abstract: A method for loading particles, such as coal, into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established. Each of the railroad cars is weighed prior to loading particles into the railroad car from a weigh bin to determine an unfilled weight of each railroad car and the unfilled weight of each railroad car is compared with the control weight to determine an unfilled differential weight for each railroad car. The particles are loaded into the weigh bin from a surge bin and the surge bin is weighed as the particles are being loaded into the weigh bin from the surge bin so the loading of particles into the weigh bin can be terminated when a weight of particles has been loaded into the weigh bin about equal to and less than the unfilled differential weight associated with the railroad car to be loaded with the unfilled differential weight of particles.

Abstract: A liquid filling machine has a plurality of discharge nozzles for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers. Each nozzle is connected to a manifold and has a restriction. A discreet pressure sensor is connected to each nozzle upstream from its restriction, and a solenoid valve is provided for each nozzle. A programmable device is connected to each pressure sensor and each valve for calculating a number indicative of fill time and closing each valve when the number is reached.

Abstract: A method and system for tank overfill prevention comprising the steps of supplying fluid to the interior of the tank by means of a dispenser, measuring the dispenser pressure P.sub.d and flow rate Q, determining at equal time increments .delta.t a number of quantities representing tank pressures, another quantity representing the rate of increase of tank pressure with respect to time, comparing the quantity thus obtained with a present critical value, and shutting off the fluid supply, if this said quantity exceeds the said preset critical value and if the said flow rate Q is less than a preset critical value.

Abstract: In order to simultaneously fill several containers with a liquid, gaseous or solid flowable medium, without it being necessary to measure and monitor the filling volume or weight of each container, the filling apparatus has a pipe system (10) for carrying the medium to be filled. The pipe system includes a plurality of branch lines (13, 113, 213) leading to valves (20, 120, 220). In the branch lines there are arranged volume chambers (40, 140, 240) having impellers jointly placed on a shaft (41) with a system pressure-dependent braking device (45). The impellers are rotated by the medium flowing through the volume chambers. A balance (50) or a rotary piston meter (150) is associated with only one valve (20) of all the valves controlled by a control cylinder (25) and is used for controlling the latter.

Abstract: An automatic syringe filling system includes a pump for supplying liquid under pressure to a manifold that distributes the liquid to each of a plurality of syringes. Microswitches disposed at predetermined positions detect when the plunger of each syringe connected to the manifold has been extended a particular distance determined by the desired fill volume. When all of the plungers are extended this distance, the supply of liquid to the manifold is discontinued by closing a valve and deactuating the pump.

Abstract: A device for removing air from hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge drums and consisting of an air-removal valve atop a reservoir with a manometric switch and a level-sensitive switch and connected to controls. The controls open the valve when the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level and close it when the pressure drops below that level. The valve closes however, as soon as the level of the liquid in the reservoir reaches the level-sensitive switch. The device, which is preferably mounted in the product intake of a hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge, allows air to be removed automatically without allowing product to escape, foam to form, or oxygen to enter. The reservoir can be thoroughly cleaned automatically.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine having a lower part and an upper part rotatable relative thereto. The upper machine part includes a circular ring machine table having lift elements for the bottles to be filled, and has associated therewith filling elements connected to a liquid container, as well as a filling column having a central inflow fitting and a central rotary distributor. In the central section of the filling column is a receiving chamber for a control device, embodied as a digital computing system, for the control of the filling process; the receiving chamber is delimited by a protective cover capable of being placed in a maintenance or servicing position.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a viscid medium from a supply medium flow to a number of receptacles, with the system including a filling station and a distributor having an inlet for a pressurized supply medium flow and a number of outlets individually connected to a series of dispenser openings located in the filling station. A support is provided for sequentially moving consecutive groups of receptacles through the filling station to align a single receptacle of each group with the respective dispenser openings. An outlet valve arrangement is located in a path of the medium flow upstream of the dispenser openings. A valve control is operable to repeatingly open and close the outlet valve arrangement to allow concurrent medium outlet from the dispenser openings during an opening time interval corresponding to a predetermined medium volume being dispensed for a required filling of the receptacles of the respective consecutive groups.

Abstract: A device for equally filling a plurality of containers including a primary distributor disc having a top inlet and a plurality of bottom outlets equally spaced from the top inlet and equally spaced around the primary distributor disc, a plurality of secondary distributor discs, each having a top inlet and a plurality of bottom outlets equally spaced from the secondary distributor disc top inlets and equally around the secondary distributor discs, a plurality of equal fluid conducting pipes, one for connecting each of the outlets of the primary distributor discs to the inlet of one of the secondary distributor discs, and a filler hose connected to each of the outlets of the secondary distributor discs and extending downwardly to one of the containers of the plurality of containers.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with an accurately predetermined amount of a fluid product in which a flow meter for accurately measuring the flow rate of a fluid product fed to a filling nozzle is provided in the feed line leading to such nozzle which generates signals in its output indicative of the amount of flow; the signals are counted in a counter which causes the feed line to be shut off when a predetermined programmed number of pulses has been reached. The counter is reset automatically by an indexing device which indicates that the filled container has left the filling position and a new container has arrived in the filling position; resetting of the counter causes the vavle to reopen, thereby restarting the filling operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for the granulometric distribution of solid particles being loaded into a vessel of relatively large dimensions, such as a process reactor, blast furnace, silo, incinerator, dryer, etc., from equipment of small dimensions in relation to the vessel, includes a feed hopper which has an outlet opening that can be variably positioned within the mechanism to introduce the solid particles into a chamber located above the uppermost ends of a plurality of concentric, inclined, preferably conical or pyramidal surfaces. The latter define respective generally downwardly directed free flow paths for the particles to conduct them to a lower location where they enter the upper ends of a corresponding plurality of concentric sets of descending tubes. The discharge ends of the tubes where they feed into the vessel being charged are disposed in a symmetric array.

Abstract: In a foam dispensing head for discharging foam in a low pressure system there is provided at least first and second orifice rods rotatably insertable within receiving bores cooperative respectively with adjacent first and second mix component infeed ports, each rod having a plurality of predetermined sized orifices therein through which the mix components flow under pressure to a mixing chamber in impinging fashion to selectively permit the desired flow rate of mix components to be maintained into the mixing chamber so as to insure proper admixing of the foam at selected predetermined flow rates.

Abstract: A developer quality monitoring device for monitoring the mixed state of toners and carriers in the developer used for developing a latent image formed on a recording medium, wherein a developer circulating mechanism and a toner density detector are used in common, an electrical signal representative of a decrement of toner density and a magnitude of pulsations is produced, and by using this electrical signal, decay condition of the developer is monitored and decay condition limit is discriminated.

Abstract: A system for controlling the number of waste liquid disposal units in operation is disclosed in which the amount of waste liquid to be produced during a predetermined period of time is forecast, and the forecast result is used to calculate the required minimum number N of the waste liquid disposal units according to a predetermined formula, thereby to control the operation of the required minimum number N of the units among a plurality of waste liquid disposal units.

Abstract: A sizing control element on an automatic food casing stuffing apparatus is mounted to respond moveably to variations in casing internal stuffing pressure, and a pressure drop below a preselected pressure, such as will result from the occurrence of a casing break or a clip failure, is sensed and translated into an emulsion flow cut off control signal to shut down the apparatus.

Abstract: The spout of an ice dispenser has an anti-jamming rod. The auger motor causes the rod to move in the spout. A means is provided to stop the motor in response to interference with such movement of the rod.