Abstract: An automatic container detection and fill control device includes a number of transmitter and receiver pairs arranged generally in parallel such that a transmission from a given transmitter is directed downwardly toward an interior of a container when present in a dispensing station. At least a portion of the transmission is capable of reflection toward a given receiver. A control circuit is connected to the transmitter and receiver pairs to periodically activate a given transmitter and monitor a corresponding receiver. Preferably, the control circuit includes a microprocessor programmed and capable of determining both container presence and a product Fill level by detecting and differentiating signal strengths of reflected transmissions, and activating and deactivating a dispenser in response thereto. The control is capable of detecting the size of a container and dispensing product until the container is considered full.

Abstract: A dosing dispenser for measuring and dispensing specific quantities, by weight, of a solid material, for example a powder or granular material, from bulk packaging to an application apparatus. The dosing dispenser includes a funnel for receiving the solid material, a valve mechanism for regulating the flow of solid material from the funnel, a balance beam, attached at one end to a resistance spring and at the other end to the application apparatus, and an indicator connected to the balance beam. As the solid material is introduced into the application apparatus, the weight of the material displaces the balance beam, which, in turn, displaces the indicator along a scale.

Abstract: A vapor system for a fuel dispenser having at least one vapor sensor placed along a vapor recovery line for determining the amount of captured vapor. The vapor amounts are determined by the sensor at a number of times during the fueling process. These are sent to a control system which compares the amounts and determines whether they are within a predetermined range. Consistent readings indicate that the vapor recovery system is operating correctly. Inconsistent results indicate either a leak within the vapor recovery line, or fuel is being drawn into the vapor recovery line. These problems within the vapor recovery system can be diagnosed and the necessary corrective steps may be implemented.

Abstract: The method for dispensing dosed amounts of a liquid contained in a storage reservoir connected to a dispensing duct provided with a nozzle for delivering the liquid into a receptacle associated with an indicator, delivering in the form of a signal representative of the value of the amount of liquid present in the receptacle and said duct distant from the nozzle, being associated with a closing mechanism which, by command, closes or releases the passage of the liquid through the duct, including the following steps: a) releasing the passage of the liquid between the reservoir and the nozzle by operating the closing mechanism, so that the liquid can fill the portion of the duct between the closing element and the dispensing nozzle; b) closing the passage of the liquid by operating the closing mechanism to interrupt the liquid flow; c) applying on the liquid column between the closing mechanism and the dispensing nozzle, at least a mechanical pulse of calibrated amplitude and/or intensity, for expelling from the

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing articles into a container or basket and for controlling the dispensing mechanism to more accurately, efficiently, and intelligently dispense the desired articles with less damages to the articles. The dispenser includes a primary storage location which can take the form of a bulk storage hopper, an accumulator storage location into which the dispensed articles are transferred during the dispensing of the articles. A reversing drum and a flexible, resilient diverter are configured and arranged to reduce article breakage and/or to transfer different types of articles. The drum is also designed to provide a self-alignment between the drum and a motor shaft when the drum is mounted onto the drum motor shaft. A load/weight sensing/measuring assembly accurately and intelligently weighs the articles in the accumulator by an adaptive weighing method.

Abstract: A device for feeding tablets in a blister packaging machine includes a vibrating container containing a mass of tablets. The vibrating container features a bottom wall, one portion of which includes tablet feeding channels, communicating with related slots made in the bottom wall. The slots communicate with the conveying means, which feed the tablets along a predetermined feeding path and release the tablets into respective blisters of a blister band. The blister band moves in a determined direction inside the packaging machine. The conveying means include a plate with a plurality of grooves, arranged one beside another and a covering element. The covering element is coupled with said plate, so as to move with respect thereto and includes transversal wings, each of which is situated inside a respective groove of the plate, so as to define a respective channel for conveying said tablets.

Abstract: A manual microarrayer apparatus is disclosed which includes an integral visual magnification system alphanumeric counter and LED display for tracking samples in a microtitre plate. The apparatus is preferably reversible so as to provide left and right handed user formats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing articles into a container or basket and for controlling the dispensing mechanism to more accurately, efficiently, and intelligently dispense the desired articles with less damages to the articles. The dispenser includes a primary storage location which can take the form of a bulk storage hopper, an accumulator storage location into which the dispensed articles are transferred during the dispensing of the articles. A reversing drum and a flexible, resilient diverter are configured and arranged to reduce article breakage and/or to transfer different types of articles. The drum is also designed to provide a self-alignment between the drum and a motor shaft when the drum is mounted onto the drum motor shaft. A load/weight sensing/measuring assembly accurately and intelligently weighs the articles in the accumulator by an adaptive weighing method.

Abstract: A filling device (100) for filling a container (1) with a liquid has a filling duct (15) which is connected to a storage tank. On a carrying means (10) there are arranged a deformable tube (20) which forms a throttle portion (22) in the duct (15), and a squeezing means (30) which is arranged along the tube and which is adapted to act on the sides of the tube (20) and which, when operated to close the duct, is adapted to move countercurrently to generate a subatmospheric pressure in the duct (15) downstream of the squeezing means (30). The filling device also has a meter for measuring a discharged amount of liquid.

Abstract: An automated precision liquid metering apparatus using injectors as metering devices is provided. The apparatus mainly includes a plurality of storage containers uniformly spaced on a plane in multiple rows. Each storage container is sealed with a cap and has a loadstone disposed therein. A stirring means is located below the storage containers to cause the loadstones rotate and thereby evenly stir liquid in the storage containers. The cap of each storage container has at least one injector extended therethrough. A liquid sucking-releasing means mounted on a traveling means could be shifted to locate above a selected storage container under control of a control means. When the liquid sucking-releasing means is descended, it grabs the injector on the selected storage container, and when the same means is ascended, it causes the injector to suck in an amount of liquid from the selected storage container while extracting the same injector from the selected storage container.

Abstract: A service station vapor management system including a plurality of vapor handling subsystems and a controller in electronic communication with the vapor handling subsystems for monitoring subsystem operation, determining an overall service station V/L ratio and controlling subsystem operation to maintain the V/L ratio or total site hydrocarbon emissions within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for granular or powdery bulk materials includes a balance (15) to weigh the doses of material being dispensed, a reservoir container (1), and a cover (2) to close the downward-facing opening of the storage container (1). Integrated in the cover (2) is a conveying and delivering device with a vertically movable, rotary conveyor body (5) designed so that it can substantially close off the dispensing outlet (14) for the bulk material. The conveyor body has a ring-shaped bottom (6) sweeping a ring-shaped conveyor channel (7) that is recessed in the cover (2). The outlet (14) is arranged in the ring-shaped channel (7) and is designed to deliver a directed and locally concentrated stream of bulk material.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a gasoline vapor/air mixture from a vehicle tank during the dispensing of a gasoline from a storage tank into the vehicle tank, according to which a flow line is established for the flow of the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank during the dispensing. A pump is activated during the dispensing to flow the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank, and the mixture flow is terminated in response to the termination of the dispensing. The pump is then activated to pressurize the flow line after which any reduction in the pressure of the mixture in the flow line is sensed.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to calculate the vapor-to-liquid (V/L) ratio of the fuel dispenser. If the V/L ratio is not as desired, an adjustment is made to attempt a correction of the V/L ratio. If such correction attempt is unsuccessful, and error is reported.

Abstract: A vehicle Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS). Specifically, the invention includes, but is not limited to, a quick-release fitting in fluid communication with the CTIS and attached to an air supply hose which terminates in another threadable or quick-release fitting for attachment to the wheel inflation stem. The device allows pressurized air to be supplied to the tires from the CTIS, but quickly disconnected from a tire in the event of a tire casualty or need to change wheel rims.

Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale.

Abstract: A forecourt fuel pump has a casing locating means for metering and delivering to a flexible hose liquid fuel to be dispensed, and a processing unit arranged to monitor and control the delivery of fuel and the display of information concerning that delivery. The pump is provided with at least one sensor for an environmental parameter associated with the pump, such as the sensing of hydrocarbon liquids in the casing. Further sensors external of the pump may be provided to sense other parameters such as the presence of hydrocarbon vapor or liquids. Each sensor provides an output which is supplied to the processing unit which is arranged to monitor the output and provide an indication if the sensed value falls outside a pre-set range.

Abstract: A high purity chemical storage and delivery system and process with secondary containment, comprising; a cabinet for containing a canister of high purity chemical, a manifold in the cabinet for fluid connection between the canister and the cabinet for controllably dispensing high purity chemical; a control unit for controlling the dispensing of high purity chemical from the canister and the cabinet for a downstream use, a closeable opening in the cabinet for allowing loading and unloading of the canister from the cabinet, at least one door for closing the opening, a liquid tight secondary containment door in the opening for closing off a portion of the opening such that the secondary containment door is sized so that the portion is sufficient to define a volume in conjunction with the cabinet to contain the entire high purity chemical liquid contents of the canister.

Abstract: A method of filling a measuring chamber of a transducer measuring a pressure or a pressure differential with a pressure transmission fluid through a filling channel is described. In this method, a filling pin having a longitudinal channel over part of its total length is inserted into the filling channel to the extent that there remains an open connection of the measuring chamber to the outside. After evacuating, the pressure transmission fluid which is under vacuum is introduced into the measuring chamber through the longitudinal channel under the influence of gravity, and then a supplementary amount of pressure transmission fluid is introduced into the measuring chamber by pushing the filling pin beyond the end of its longitudinal channel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reloading a plurality of shotmeters supplying fluid material to a plurality of robots from a bulk supply. The method is capable of alternating which of the shotmeters is being reloaded at any given time. This greatly reduces the capacity requirements of the bulk supply. The method includes the steps of activating one of the shotmeters to define a primary shotmeter. The material in the primary shotmeter is then dispensed. Once the primary shotmeter is emptied, the other of the two shotmeters associated with the robot is activated and becomes the primary shotmeter. This shotmeter then dispenses the material. A request is forwarded to the system programming logic controller to reload the emptied shotmeter. Once approval is received, the emptied shotmeter is reloaded. The system programming logic controller only allows the emptied shotmeter to reload when the emptied shotmeter is the only one of the plurality of shotmeters relying on the bulk supply at that time.

Abstract: An automatic fueling system containing a fueling machine having a nozzle mechanism comprising an injection pipe with a nozzle insertion sensor thereon, and a plurality of fueling nozzles contained in the injection pipe, each for dispensing a predetermined sort of fuel, and a fuel port sensor; and a data input/output unit for performing a signal transmission to and from the fueling machine; wherein the insertion of one of the nozzles is carried out to an automobile to be fueled having a signal generator thereon by the movement of the fueling machine based on the signal transmission between the fuel port sensor and the signal generator, and the fueling is suspended by the detection of a required level of fueling.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosed dispensing of a plurality of different liquid or pasty masses to a receiving container.

Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a gasoline vapor/air mixture from a vehicle tank during the dispensing of a gasoline from a storage tank into the vehicle tank, according to which a flow line is established for the flow of the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank during the dispensing. A pump is activated during the dispensing to flow the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank, and the mixture flow is terminated in response to the termination of the dispensing. The pump is then activated to pressurize the flow line after which any reduction in the pressure of the mixture in the flow line is sensed. According to another embodiment, the mixture flow is terminated in response to termination of the dispensing and ambient air is introduced into the flow line. The pump is activated to pump the ambient air at a desired flow rate, and the flow rate of the air through the flow line is sensed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and testing the operation of a vapor recovery system within a fuel dispensing device. The system utilizes strategically placed sensors within the fuel dispensing device to gather data pertaining to each pump and hose combination for that fuel dispensing device. The gathered data is forwarded to an internal digital controller processing device where calculations are performed and results are compared to baseline results stored in memory within the digital controller. Anomalous results are displayed and/or printed. The system operates in both automatic and manual diagnostic modes. The automatic diagnostic mode runs continuously without interfering with the normal operation of the fuel dispensing device.

Abstract: A sand bagging device comprises a portable support having a hopper mounted thereto to store sand for bagging. The device includes a bagging station mounted to the hopper having a chute extending therefrom. A cartridge of continuous bagging material is removably mounted to the chute. A scale is adjustably mounted below the chute which can selectably accommodate bags of different weights and heights. Sand flows into the chute from the hopper and is allowed to fill the bag material to a predetermined weight. A sealing member cuts and seals the bagging material into a discrete bag of sand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing liquid paint components from their original containers into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The dispensing system comprises a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the liquid paint component from its original container, and an apparatus for controlling the dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a mechanism for releasably receiving the original container of the liquid paint component, and a mechanism for dispensing the liquid paint component from its original container into the paint receptacle. The dispensing apparatus further includes a force applying mechanism for preventing leakage of the liquid paint component. The control apparatus includes a weigh cell and a control module coupled to the weigh cell and the dispensing mechanism. The weigh cell supports the paint receptacle to determine the weight of the liquid paint component dispensed into the paint receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a quantity of a sterile liquid to a processing system. The apparatus includes an additive reservoir constructed to retain a liquid therein and a first flow channel having a first end portion fluidly connected to the additive reservoir and having a second end portion constructed for fluid connection to a processing system. The apparatus further includes a container constructed to retain a liquid therein and a second flow channel having a first end portion fluidly connected to the container and having a second end portion in fluid communication with the additive reservoir. A filter constructed to sterilize a liquid flowing through the second flow channel is provided. A first valve constructed to control flow through said second flow channel also is included in the apparatus.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system employs a sensor apparatus for determining the actual content of hydrocarbon in the effluent vapor stream. The vapor flow of the hydrocarbon effluents is regulated by controlling an adjustable valve configured at the intake or outtake side of the vapor pump in accordance with the measured hydrocarbon content. The vapor flow rate is effectively varied without requiring any change in the pump operating speed. Sensor apparatus for performing the hydrocarbon measurements include a fiber-optic sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a crystal oscillation sensor. A solenoid assembly is provided to suitably activate the valve in response to the sensor measurement data.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus for dispensing, weighing and automatically filling a container with a predetermined weight of material. The container filling apparatus includes an optical load cell for measuring the weight of an object. A microprocessor controls the dispensing, weighing and automatic filling of the container.

Abstract: A method for detecting seal failures during manufacture of an insulated glass unit. In this method, a partially assembled glass unit is placed within an enclosure and the enclosure is sealed with the partially assembled glass unit therein. An insulating gas is flowed into and an insulating gas/air mixture is exhausted from the enclosure until the concentration of insulating gas within the enclosure reaches a predetermined value. The pressure within the interpane space is adjusted to a predetermined ambient gauge pressure which represents a predetermined offset from ambient atmospheric pressure. The panes are pressed against the spacer, sealing the interpane space to yield a sealed insulated glass article. Surface profiles of the first and second panes of the sealed insulated glass article are measured to determine a thickness profile. A fault indicator is generated if the thickness profile does not show at least a predetermined deviation of the thickness profile from a predetermined baseline profile.

Abstract: A fraud detection system within a fuel dispenser includes the ability to measure the amount of fuel dispensed through the fuel dispenser. The measurement is compared to a value independently created representing what the amount of fuel dispensed should approximate. If the values are not comparable, an alarm may be generated to indicate that the fuel dispenser has been modified to perpetrate fraud upon the customers. In particular, a reference used in the comparison is created bearing on a vapor recovery system associated with the fuel dispenser. The vapor recovery system, by its collection of vapor during the fueling transaction provides an independent number related to the amount of fuel actually dispensed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods, procedures and apparatus for controlling the portioning of flowable materials, particularly soft serve frozen confections, though also including other flowable products. Such other products may include soups, beverages such as milk shakes, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beers, and so forth. Typically a method for controlling the delivery of a portion of a flowable substance includes the steps of: i) Delivering the flowable substance in a stream; and ii) Noting the time for the delivery of a portion of a targeted amount; and iii) Determining the weight of the portion, and iv) Using this information to influence the delivery of further substance to meet a pre-determined target value. A preferred method is characterized by both the weight of the flowable substance being delivered and the time for the delivery of same being repeatedly or continuously assessed to achieve delivery of a pre-determined target weight or volume.

Abstract: A mixing assembly which transfers a number of nutritional fluids from individual source containers into a collection container while noninvasively sensing the type of fluid being transferred is provided. The mixing assembly utilizes a transfer set to establish fluid communication between the source containers and the collection container. A sensing assembly is configured to noninvasively sense a number of the types of fluid flowing through the transfer set to help to prevent improper mixing. For other fluids for which the sensing assembly alone may not be able to distinguish with the desired accuracy, the mixing device utilizes a method to approximate the flow rate of that fluid with the flow rate also providing an indication of that type of fluid. By combining the output of the sensing assembly with the flow rate determination, additional fluids can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and apparatus providing for the continuous stream blending, preferably on a mass ratio basis, of two or more liquids. Each individual liquid stream is synchronously dosed in precise mass ratio to a common mixing point. The flow of each stream is on-off or digital. Repeated mass ratio doses of defined and matching flow interval, referred to as synchronous digital flow, interspersed with a defined interval of no flow, constitutes digital flow at a net rate sufficient to meet or exceed some required take-away of the blended liquids. In one preferred embodiment, each dose stream flow is produced and measured by a four element apparatus preferably consisting of a servo motor and controller, a precision positive displacement pump, a Coriolis mass meter and a precision flow stream shut-off device. The servo motor and controller establish and control a periodic and intermittent flow rate necessary to displace a defined mass dose in a precisely defined flow interval.

Abstract: A process and a device for bagging a predetermined number of grains with heterogeneous granulometry per sack, particularly seed grains, having a structure for conveying grain by gravity toward means of filling sacks with grain that includes: a collection nozzle for grain arranged on a counter for counting the grain, the counter determining the number of grains n in a sample, a first weighing apparatus for weighing the grain counted, a calculator that takes data related to a number of grains and data related to the mass of that number of grains, and those data make it possible to find a theoretical mass of a predetermined number of grains in a sack, and a second weighing apparatus for weighing the sack, the index value of the second weighing apparatus being the theoretical mass found by the calculator, and when that theoretical mass is measured by the second weighing apparatus, the second weighing apparatus orders the bag filling to stop.

Abstract: A dispensing system using dual linear vibratory feeders, aligned along their longitudinal axes with their dispensing ends at substantially the same vertical location. The feeder trough of one feeder penetrates the structure of the other feeder, allowing them to be aligned and compactly located. Isolation mounts may be used to damp the vibration of the feeders. An optional metering pan serves as an intermediate stage which accepts supplied material and transfers it to the feeder without compaction or bridging. Resilient mounts and an adjustable mass on the pan allow the amount of vibrational energy transmitted to the pan to be adjusted independently of the energy supplied to the feeder by the vibratory motor. A counterweight may be used to shift the center of mass of the fixed portion of the feeder into alignment with that of the vibrating portion.

Abstract: An improved mixing scale, such as a paint mixing scale, includes a base which supports a scale pan in a substantially horizontal position. The scale pan supports a receiver container for holding the contents of that which is to be weighed. The mixing scale also includes a backing member which extends upwardly from the base and includes an output display near a top end of the member for presenting the measurement values produced by the scale. Proximate to the output display is a visual flow monitoring device, such as a reflector. Placement of the reflector proximate to the output display allows a user of the mixing scale to monitor the measurement value presentation and the flow of an additive being delivered into the receiver container simultaneously, or at the very least without requiring a physical shift in position by the user which might otherwise disrupt the delivery operation.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a fluid in a photolithography track is disclosed. The method includes dispensing the fluid in a photolithography track into a self-contained reservoir, and measuring the volume of the fluid using the self-contained reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir receives the fluid from the dispenser through a drain pipe. By measuring the volume of fluid in this manner, spillage of fluid is prevented because the volume measuring apparatus in accordance with the present invention is self-contained. This prevents corrosion and other damage to the parts of the photolithography track which come into contact with the spilled fluid. With no spillage, a more consistent volume measurement is obtained. The volume measurement is also much quicker to perform than conventional methods.

Abstract: The high speed depositor allows the manufacturing plant, e.g., a modern large bakery, to double the production of the batter, filling and icing lines. The depositor is comprised of a food quality positive displacement pump, a high torque stepping motor, a microprocessor based controller and a depositing manifold with individual valves. Other supporting apparatus, which are inputs and outputs of the controller, include a rotary encoder to measure the degrees of revolution of the pump, an air solenoid valve to apply air (motive force) to the stepping motor and an on/off switch to start and stop the depositing operation. Each nozzle on the depositing manifold has a flow control device to equalize the flow and therefore each cup weight of product deposited into the baking pan. A feed tank or hopper supplies a constant flow of product to the suction of the depositor pump. The manifold is typically mounted a few inches above a conveyor which carries baking pans underneath the manifold nozzles.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system includes an anemometer positioned in the vapor return line to calculate the volume of returning vapor in the vapor return line. The anemometer is connected to a control system which compares the volume of returning vapor to the volume of fuel being dispensed and adjusts the speed at which vapor is recovered so that the two volumes approximately equal one another. The anemometer may be a Wheatstone bridge arrangement or a pair of thermometers.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is disclosed that utilizes a crystal oscillator for sensing the presence of hydrocarbon in the vapor emissions emanating from a fuel tank during refueling. The crystal oscillator is coated with a layer of material having a sensitivity for hydrocarbon. In response to any interaction between the coating layer and hydrocarbon, the crystal oscillator experiences a shift in its oscillation frequency relative to the fundamental resonance frequency. The frequency shift is representative of the hydrocarbon concentration in the vapor emissions. A control signal based on the frequency shift is generated and then used to adjust the operating speed of the vapor pump.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum assist vapor recovery system used in conjunction with the fueling of ORVR and non-ORVR equipped vehicles including establishing an expected number of ORVR fueling operations for a fuel dispenser during a defined interval; counting the actual number of ORVR fueling operations during said defined interval; comparing the actual number of fueling operations to the expected number of fueling operations; and permitting fueling operations to continue if the actual number is substantially equal to the expected number.

Abstract: An improved watering device is provided for automatically watering one or more potted plants with a predetermined volume or quantity of water, in response to the weight of the potted plant which indicates the moisture content of the plant soil. The watering device comprises a plant carrier for movably suspending the potted plant from a hanger assembly, with a main spring reacting between the plant carrier and hanger assembly for controlling the vertical position of the plant carrier in response to the weight of the potted plant. Upon upward displacement of the carrier as the plant soil dries, an adjustably set and spring-loaded pin engages and operates a control member such as an electrical switch for opening a water flow valve to deliver water to the potted plant, whereupon the carrier translates downwardly as water is added to the plant soil ultimately to result in sufficient disengagement with the control member to close the water flow valve and halt water flow to the potted plant.

Abstract: A cylinder-filling system includes plural manifolds, for respectively coupling to groups of product containers to be filled, each manifold being connected through suitable valving and pumps to sources of different compressed gases. Respectively connected to the manifolds are reference cylinders which are in turn connected to load cells. A processor, coupled to a touch screen display, executes a program routine which enables user selection of the gas or gas mixture to be added through each manifold, including the identity and proportions of gases in each mixture and the order in which they are to be added, a number of operating parameters including vent and evacuation pressures, number of purge cycles, purge gas, alarm levels and pump and valve operating delay times. The processor controls automatic calculation of gas mixture fill weights from mixture proportions, and controls manual or automatic filling of the containers.

Abstract: A device and method for testing for the recovery of vapor in a system in which a fluid is dispensed into a tank through a nozzle, according to which a vacuum is created to induce the flow of the vapor into the nozzle. The vacuum is measured and a display is provided that indicates whether or not the vacuum attains a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A fluid filling system is disclosed wherein containers to be filled with fluid materials are supplied first to one or more time-metered filling stations, and then to a weight-metered filling station. At first, the time-metered filling station(s) is/are inactive, and only the weight-metered filling station is used to fill a first container to a desired final weight. A timer is used to monitor the filling time necessary to reach the desired final weight. When later containers are then supplied to the time-metered filling station(s), they are filled at each time-metered station for a filling time which is dependent on the previously measured filling time for the weight-metered filling station. These containers are then "topped off" by the weight-metered filling station to precisely fill them to the desired final weight, and the time required for such topping off is measured for use in subsequent modification of the filling times at the time-metered filling stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dispensing articles into a manually placed receiving basket and for controlling the dispensing mechanism to more accurately dispense the desired articles. The dispenser 20 includes a main storage area 39 which can take the form of a bulk storage hopper, an accumulator area 36 into which the dispensed articles are transferred during the "gravimetric" dispensing of the articles. The accumulator area 36 may be formed from the same externally formed walls of the primary storage area 39 and hopper 21. An assembly for controllably transferring articles from the primary area 39 to the accumulator area 36 is also provided. This controllable transfer assembly may include a drum 51 having a plurality (or series) of elevated areas 52 about the circumference 53 of the drum 51, a diverter shape 54 located in the primary storage area 39, and an incline slope shape 37 leading down to the drum 51. A drive assembly 159 is provided to rotate the drum 51 when transferring articles.

Abstract: A electric version of a dispenser unit and method of monitoring a request signal for filling empty baskets, movement of the empty baskets on a loading ramp via a stop gate, and movement of the filled basket between a loading station and a staging station via a basket lift. The stop gate is driven by an electric motor, and the basket lift is driven by another electric motor. Sensors are mounted in the stop gate and the basket lift to indicate positions of the stop gate and the basket lift, respectively.

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of: (a) making a first charge of material into the first bin; (b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car; (c) making a second charge of material into the first bin; (d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight; (e) making a charge of material into the second bin; (f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.