Abstract: An automatic machine for producing and dispensing semi-liquid foodstuffs, in particular ice creams, has a tank for containing a basic product to be processed to obtain the ice creams, a basic product feed and processing circuit, in communication with the tank to draw out the basic product, one or more dispenser taps positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and processing circuit, actuators for operating the dispenser taps, a check and control unit for the actuators and at least one sensor for detecting the quantity of ice cream dispensed, associated with the control unit and designed to detect at least part of the profile of the ice cream dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering desired counts of products to containers. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving discrete product portions along a path of travel. A force detecting device located along the path of travel measures force applied to the force detecting device. A counter adds one to a product count each time a force in a product identifying range is measured. A directing structure directs the product portions into a first container until the product count reaches a desired container count and directs the product portions into a second container after the product count reaches the desired container count.

Abstract: A gas recirculation system at a filling station is controlled during a refuelling process by generating a corrective control signal used for the next refuelling process, to actuate the gas recirculation system and control the gas volume flow, based on the fuel volume flow signal and the gas volume flow signal as well as optionally further signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dosing a pharmaceutical product in a packaging machine comprising at least one volumetric dosing unit with a dosing chamber. The method comprises metering a volume of a first component, weighing the first component, introducing the first component into a package and metering a volume of a second component, introduce g the second component into the package and weighing of the package into which the components have being introduced. The invention further relates to a system for dosing a pharmaceutical product in a packaging machine comprising at least one volumetric dosing unit with a dosing chamber. The system comprises at least one volumetric dosing unit for metering a volume of the components. Further, means for introducing the said components into a package and means for weighing the components and the package are comprised.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of testing a liquid crystal display device enabling a quick test by determining a test of a liquid crystal panel according to a liquid crystal filling state of the liquid crystal panel. The method includes: checking a liquid crystal filling state of a liquid crystal panel for a defective liquid crystal filling state; and executing a test of a liquid crystal panel having a defective liquid crystal filling state. The process for testing a liquid crystal filling state may include detecting a dispensed amount of liquid crystal dropped using a liquid crystal dispensing apparatus or may include measuring the weight of liquid crystal dropped. Other methods of identifying the filling state of the liquid crystal panel may be used.

Abstract: A method of proof testing glass containers is disclosed. The method involves applying pressure to a sealed container in two discrete stages as shown in FIG. 1. In the first stage, the pressure is increased to a peak over at a first rate. In the second stage, the pressure is reduced to zero at a much greater rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing an intravenous drug in a vial to a patient includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike and a chamber. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. A valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A method for testing a fuel nozzle assembly including blocking all but a selected number of the fuel nozzles with a flow impeding assembly and moving part of a rig to align the selected number of the fuel nozzles with at least one flow measurement apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bulk particulate material (M) includes a reservoir hopper (16) having a gas-permeable liner (42) and a gas inlet (44) connecting the reservoir hopper (16) to a pressurized flow of gas sufficient to fluidize the material (M). A transition and pipe assembly (18) receives a flow of material (M) from the reservoir hopper (16). The transition and pipe assembly (18) has an outer conduit (54), an inner conduit (52), and at least one gas inlet (64). The outer conduit (54) is substantially impervious to gas whereas the inner conduit (52) is permeable to gas. The inner conduit (52) is disposed within and surrounded by the outer conduit (54). The gas inlet (64) connects the outer conduit (54) to a pressurized flow of gas to fluidize the material (M) within the inner conduit (52). A variable orifice non-contact valve (24) controls the flow of material (M) from the transition and pipe assembly (18).

Abstract: A method for detecting the undesirable entry of oxygen into a transfer system that transfers liquid hydrogen from a liquid hydrogen source into a container. A nozzle for use in the transfer system for dispensing liquid hydrogen comprises a housing and an oxygen sensor positioned inside the nozzle for detecting the concentration of oxygen in the nozzle when the liquid hydrogen is not flowing. The sensor emits a signal indicative of the concentration of oxygen in the transfer system before the liquid hydrogen begins transferring. The signal is received by a controller and prevents transfer of liquid hydrogen until the oxygen is removed from the transfer system.

Abstract: A mobile fill station for filling propane cylinders by weight and volume. There can be up to three cabinets in the system wherein any one of the cabinets can have a beam scale with a hydraulic automatic stop device to stop filling automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set scale limit. Any one of the cabinets can also include a flow meter to stop filling when an operator monitors an amount on the meter and manually stops propane flow. The cabinets could also include an electronic scale with a digital indicator where filling stops automatically as the total weight of the cylinder reaches a pre-set computer limit.

Abstract: A method of filling a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas includes the steps of providing a coupling such that when a portable tank is connected with the coupling oxygen-enriched gas can flow through the coupling into the portable tank; directing oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator to a compressor; compressing the oxygen-enriched gas in the compressor; directing compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the compressor to a reservoir; storing the compressed oxygen-enriched gas in the reservoir; and thereafter directing stored oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to the coupling to enable filling of a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for performing temperature standardization of the volume of a liquid product from a distributor to a consumer. Using a volume measurement device and a temperature measurement device located at a rack, a storage tank, and a dispenser, a gross volume and temperature of the liquid product at, respectively, the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser can be measured. Volume data indicative of the gross volume and temperature data indicative of the temperature can be generated. A time-stamp system at each of the rack, the storage tank, and the dispenser allocates a time-stamp to each of the volume data and the temperature data so that a reconciliation process can use each of the time-stamps, the temperature data, and the volume data to reconcile gross to net volumes at a single point in time.

Abstract: An installation for filling receptacles by weight, the installation comprising a platform having secured thereto at least one filler spout and a weighing device which is vertically below the filler spout and which comprises a receptacle support member associated with a weighing member. The installation is distinguished in that the weighing device includes a link member between the support member and the weighing member, the link member enabling the support member to be moved relative to the weighing member between a high position in which the filler spout is engaged in the receptacle, and a low position in which the filler spout is disengaged from the receptacle, and in that the weighing device includes a locking member for locking the link member with the support member in its high position.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system including automated syringe preparation that involves reconstitution of the medication is provided. The system includes: an automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe by delivering the medication through the uncapped barrel. One exemplary automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to the syringe is in the form of an automated device having a fluid delivery device that is movable in at least one direction. The fluid delivery device is adapted to perform the following operations: (1) receiving and discharging diluent from a diluent supply in a prescribed amount to reconstitute the medication in a drug vial; and (2) aspirating and later discharging reconstituted medication from the drug vial into the syringe. The system further includes a sensor for detecting any foreign matter (e.g., undissolved drug, pieces of septum, etc.

Abstract: A device for verifying the amount of gasoline dispended by a gasoline pump is disclosed. The device comprises a housing containing a flow meter with said housing adapted to receive a gas pump nozzle and having an exit nozzle which is received by an intake gasoline channel of an automotive vehicle. In this manner, the housing and corresponding flow meter is integrated between the gas pump nozzle and gasoline-receiving channel of the vehicle. A display on the flow meter housing records the amount of gasoline dispensed therethrough. A user is then able to compare the recorded amount on the flow meter display with the amount recorded on a gas pump display. In an alternative version, a flow meter is incorporated within the gasoline-receiving channel of a vehicle. An automotive display then displays the volume of gasoline pumped into the vehicle for comparison with the volume displayed on the gas pump display.

Abstract: A system is disclosed allowing non-invasive, continuous local and remote sensing of the internal environmental characteristics of transportable containers. The system utilizes a variety of sensors inside the container to sense internal environmental conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids, such as diesel fuel, from a first tank, such as a railcar, to a second tank, such as on a transport truck. The system is self-contained and comprises a pump driven by an engine fueled by the liquid being transferred. A meter measures the amount of liquid being transferred. An inlet hose is used to connect the system to the railcar, and an outlet hose is used to connect the system to the transport truck. The inlet and outlet hoses may be stored in hose storage tubes. A throttle of the engine may be actuated from a rear portion of the system. A sample line is provided through which a sample may be taken of the liquid being transferred. Air from the truck may be used to blow any liquid out of the outlet hose after a transferring operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed gas to a receiving tank is provided where the initial density in the tank is determined, and the quantity of compressed gas to be transferred is calculated and delivered based on the initial density and a desired final density.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for metering a product into capsules has a number of conveying wheels for conveying the capsules; a metering station for metering the product; an empty-capsule weighing station; and a full-capsule weighing station. The empty-capsule weighing station has a fast-response scale; a first pickup arm for removing a capsule from an empty-capsule conveying wheel and feeding and reclaiming it to and from the fast-response scale; and a second release arm for removing a capsule from the pickup arm and releasing it to the conveying wheel.

Abstract: A receiving pit has a grid covering an uppermost opening through which grain or other material is deposited into the pit. The grid including a series of generally parallel and spaced bars and a dust control device according to this invention includes a number of flights each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid. The dust control device includes a number of generally vertically extending bulkheads each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid and juxtaposed to a free end of one of the flights to thereby inhibit the escape of dust from the receiving pit. Each flight includes a series of blades capable of independently deflecting in response to an amount of material deposited through the grid and onto the blade. The dust control device also includes a release mechanism coupled to each of the flights to manually deflect at least selected blades and allow material remaining atop the blade to fall into the receiving pit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical system, a hydrogen gas fueling system, a cascade system, and methods for using the same. The hydrogen gas fueling system comprises a multiple-stage compressor disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas source, the compressor configured to cool hydrogen gas received at a stage of the compressor, a cascade section comprising at least two hydrogen gas storage zones disposed in fluid communication with the compressor at the outlet of the compressor, and a hydrogen gas dispensing section disposed in fluid communication with the cascade section.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.

Abstract: To provide an automatic air supply mechanism for a pneumatic tire which can automatically supply air to a pneumatic tire by rotation of the pneumatic tire with respect to an axle when the air pressure in the pneumatic tire becomes a prescribed value or lower. There is provided an axle 101 and a wheel body rotatable with respect to the axle 101. An automatic air supply mechanism 1 is provided on the wheel body. The automatic air supply mechanism 1 has a constant pressure maintaining section 2 and a compression section 3. The constant pressure maintaining section 2 is configured to maintain the air pressure therein at a constant value and connected to the pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel body 110 in air flow communication. The compression section 3 compresses air when the wheel body 110 is rotated with respect to the axle 101 and feeds the compressed air into the constant pressure maintaining section 2.

Abstract: A device for measuring the filling level of a fuel tank, in particular for motor vehicles, having two openings for installation of a filling connection and a pump unit, and a film sensor provided with an electric connecting cable which can be connected to a display device through the pump unit. The film sensor is embedded in a protective tube which is provided with inlet openings for the fuel. The protective tube is mounted on the filling connection at the side and can be inserted jointly with it into the respective opening in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A vapor collection testing device is held in one hand and a fuel dispensing nozzle for a fuel dispensing system to be tested is held in the other hand of an operator. The device is slipped over the spout of the nozzle and pushed against the boot of the nozzle (if so equipped), or otherwise pushed sufficiently over the holes on a bootless nozzle so that the nozzle's flow interlock device is opened. Opening the interlock activates the nozzle's lever, to permit fuel dispensing. Without turning the gasoline dispenser on, the nozzle lever is depressed to open the integral vapor valve. At this point, no gasoline is dispensed, but air is ingested by the nozzle and sent into the gasoline storage tank. The air ingestion can be observed by the device's flow meter, in order to determine if there is a liquid flow blockage in the vapor recovery line of the fuel dispensing system.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces through and out of an aperture in the holding vessel, and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device, whereby the weighing device meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container. Methods of delivering containerized ice in situ are also included.

Abstract: The invention automates determination of the quantity of a index matching liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a supply container (10), a reserve hopper (18), a means for connecting said supply container (10) to said reserve hopper (18), a means for weighing said reserve hopper (18) and a means for regulating the weight of said material dispensed from said reserve hopper (18).

Abstract: Vessels 2 on a conveying rail 4 are supported by a back guide 8 and are intermittently conveyed by a transfer rake 6. A number of filling nozzles 28 which corresponds to a number of vessels 2 are installed at a filling station F, and the conveying rail has a portion 4A which is elevatable. Metering receptacles 12 connected to load cells 16 are disposed in a manner corresponding to respective filling nozzles 28. These metering receptacles 12 do not contact vessels 2 when the conveying rail portion 4A is raised, but support the vessels when the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered, allowing a mensuration of the weight of vessels 2 by the load cells 16. During a normal filling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is maintained in its raised position to convey the vessels 2 and performs a filling operation. During a sampling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered to place vessels 2 on the metering receptacles 12 to perform a mensuration while performing a filling operation.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a specific minimum amount of a liquid or pourable substance into a container to fill the container, in the course of which the amount of the dispensed substance is measured and a valve is close to terminate the filling process as soon as the amount of the dispensed substance has reached a defined final value in which the substance is dispensed into a first container in several dispensing steps. During an initial dispensing step, the filling process is interrupted by the closing of the valve so as to permit determination of the tailing of the substance that occurs during the closing of the valve, while for a subsequent dispensing step the valve is opened to resume the filling process, with the final value for terminating the subsequent dispensing step being established by factoring-in a tailing value of the substance that was determined in a preceding dispensing step during the closing of the valve.

Abstract: A method for quick filling a vehicle hydrogen storage vessel with hydrogen, the key component of which is an algorithm used to control the fill process, which interacts with the hydrogen dispensing apparatus to determine the vehicle hydrogen storage vessel capacity.

Abstract: A filler head (1) carried by the carousel of a rotary powder filling machine comprises a dispensing element (3) by which a predetermined quantity of powder material is directed into a container (2) positioned on a platform assembly (7, 5) carried by a hollow frame (13); the dispensing element (3) is interlocked to a dynamometer (15) housed in the cavity (14) of the frame (13) and controllable thus during the step of filling the container (2). The platform support (5) is associated with a first actuator (18) mounted at the bottom of the frame (13) and designed to separate the selfsame support (5) from the dynamometer (15), also with a second actuator (21) by which the container (2) is caused to shake in a direction (B) that causes the powder material to settle in the container (2) during the filling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for lifting a drum to enable the drum and its contents to be accurately weighed includes a drum weighing platform engageable with the drum, at least two guide rods. The guide rods are movable upwardly in unison to move the drum weighing platform vertically upwardly.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for blending butane with gasoline at petroleum tank farms, immediately before distribution to tanker trucks. The invention provides a method for blending gasoline and butane at a tank farm comprising: (a) drawing a gasoline stream from a tank of gasoline; (b) drawing a butane stream from a tank of butane; (c) blending the butane and gasoline streams to form a blend; and (d) dispensing the blend. The blending process can be controlled to ensure that the vapor pressure of the blended gasoline meets vapor pressure requirements of environmental regulations. Information generated by the blending process can be used to efficiently forecast butane purchasing requirements, and to generate regulatory reports.

Abstract: The air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio in vacuum assist vapor recovery dispensers of fueling systems is controlled by utilizing an in-station diagnostics (ISD) system interfaced with the dispenser or a dispenser diagnostics system. Diagnostics systems monitor the performance of the vapor recovery system according to a number of variables. In one embodiment, a diagnostics system is configured to monitor the A/L ratio of each dispensing event using a flow meter placed in the vapor line and a fluid meter placed in the fuel supply line.

Abstract: A method of rationalizing the functioning of a fuel vapor pressure management system. The fuel vapor pressure management system is in fluid communication with a headspace of a fuel system, and the fuel system supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The method includes providing a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus detecting an absence of leaks with respect to the headspace, counting a number of leak detection tests performed by the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus, counting a number of occurrences of the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus detecting an absence of a leak, and evaluating the number of occurrences within a selected number of tests.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are used to perform the verification of a pharmaceutical prescription after it is filled but prior to shipment. Due to the high volume of mail/internet orders, the analysis is to be performed on the whole prescription, not on each individual pill of the prescription. The apparatus automatically gathers information about the pills contained in a pill bottle, including image and weight information, and incorporates a decision-making engine to decide whether the content of the pill bottle matches the prescription order.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the concentration of hydrogen gas being transferred through a nozzle from a source container to a destination container and for providing an alert and/or taking action where hydrogen gas leaks may create an unsafe condition. The invention can accurately and reproducibly respond to and measure the absolute hydrogen gas concentration within the nozzle housing using hydrogen gas sensors that are selective only to hydrogen, which do not require the presence of oxygen to operate and which do not saturate when hydrogen safety levels are reached. These sensors are positioned inside the nozzle housing to allow for the direct and immediate knowledge of the presence of hydrogen gas that cannot be safely determined by other means. An apparatus and process for detecting leaks of liquid hydrogen through a nozzle during transfer of liquid hydrogen from a source container to a destination container are also discussed.

Abstract: A device for dispensing particulate matter may include a gravimetric sensor to measure the weight of particulate matter mixed with a fluid carrier. In an illustrative embodiment, a dry chemical inductor includes a bin for containing particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a valve for controllably releasing a particulate matter from the bin into the conduit. The device may further include a gravimetric sensor, such as an electronic scale or a load cell, for measuring the weight of particulate matter released from the bin. A controller may receive signals from the gravimetric sensor and actuate the valve to interrupt the flow of particulate matter when the desired amount of particulate matter has been released.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.

Abstract: An automatic portion control system, comprising: a dispensing mechanism adapted for dispensing a first substance into a container; a scale adapted for weighing said container; and control circuitry adapted for reading a container weight from said scale and controlling said dispensing mechanism accordingly. The invention further comprises a method for dispensing a product into a container, comprising the steps of: weighing a container; and dispensing the product into the container until reaching the estimated filled weight of the container.

Abstract: A bulk bag filler for filling bulk bags having bag hanging loops and a fill spout is provided. The filler includes a bag filling head having at least a moveable portion that can be moved from a filling position, in which the hanging loops are suspended from hanging loop supports in a position to allow the bulk bag to be filled, to a bag attaching position, in which at least some of the hanging loop supports for attachment of a bulk bag to be filled and a bag spout connection are positioned in proximity to a side of the bag filler. A method for loading a bulk bag is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing of a portion of a fueling and fuel vapor recovery system. The apparatus is adapted to pressure test a fuel delivery hoses, break-away, and nozzle combination. The fueling and fuel vapor recovery system can be tested in parts in order to determine whether a particular portion has failed.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of reactor tubes contained in a reactor vessel are filled with at least one catalyst by automatically measuring the catalyst by weight with equipment located at the site of the reactor vessel, and dispensing the measured catalyst into a plurality of reactor tubes.

Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.