Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a gas pump nozzle displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow using a vapor flow sensor on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles are calculated using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A method for operating a tank leakage diagnosis device, especially of a motor vehicle, volatile fuel (to be degassed) being temporarily stored using an adsorption filter of known absorption capacity or absorption characteristics, and the adsorption filter being regenerated from time to time by purging, using fresh air, to avoid faulty measurements in the tank leakage diagnosis, in particular at elevated fuel degassing. It is provided that the adsorption filter be purged, and, in this context, the volatile fuel removed from the adsorption filter over a predefined time span be integrated, and from that, the loading of the adsorption filter with the volatile fuel, changing during the time span, is ascertained, from the absorption capacity and the absorption characteristics of the adsorption filter, as well as the integrated fuel quantity or the changing loading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A method suitable for use in small trade stores or retail shops for assisting in providing the correct color or coating compositions mixed in the store or shop in which colorants (II) are added to a base paint (2), the base paint (2) being provided in a lidded container (I). The base paint (2) is pre dispensed in a lidded container (I), thereby avoiding the need to weigh it accurately in store thus saving time. Further time is saved by adding the colorants simultaneously to the base paint (2). The actual load (usually the combined weight of the can and the contents) is compared to the correct load stored in a database and the operator is alerted if the two fail to match.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a liquid delivery system is provided that includes a first liquid delivery module adapted to store and dispense a first chemical and a second liquid delivery module adapted to store and dispense a second chemical. The liquid delivery system further includes at least one connecting mechanism coupled to the first and second delivery modules and adapted to couple the first and second delivery modules to a substrate processing device. Each delivery module includes a vessel including a first chamber and a second chamber. The vessel is configured to receive a liquid from a bulk supply and to receive a pressurized flow of gas from a gas source. Each liquid delivery module also includes a valve assembly operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber during a non-refill state and to prevent fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber during a refill state.

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 improved method and apparatus for a liquid filling system is herein disclosed incorporating means for generating greater overall production rate efficiencies (i.e. number of filled containers per minute per filling station) for automatic systems utilizing diverter valve and/or walking beam (i.e. continuous-motion) filling technologies with, for example, non-traditional ratios between the number of filling stations and the number of filling nozzles. The methods/apparatus disclosed herein also incorporate means to more efficiently changeover and clean up, in either a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) configuration, the product contact parts that become “dirty” when used in a production environment. Finally, an improved method and apparatus designed to provide a means for priming and air purging the product contact path of liquid filling machinery, a fill volume calibration procedure, and a fill weight verification cycle is also herein described.

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 in a substantially horizontal direction through and out of 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 ice to a consumer are also included.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a booted nozzle for vapor recovery is modified to include check valves in a vapor return path. The check valves selectively allow atmospheric air into the vapor return path to alleviate nuisance shut offs at the nozzle when ORVR vehicle is being fueled. The check valves may be included anywhere in the vapor return path between the nozzle and the vapor recovery vacuum assist pump. The fuel dispenser may further include a pressure sensor in the vapor return line so that the fuel dispenser can determine if the vehicle is an ORVR vehicle or not. If the fuel dispenser determines that an ORVR vehicle is present, the fuel dispenser may modify the operation of the vapor recovery system.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to stably supply an ambient gas having a given composition to a production apparatus or storage apparatus for a compound necessitating strict ambient gas regulation during the production, storage, or handling thereof, such as (meth)acrylic acid or an ester thereof which are easily polymerizable and form an explosive composition at ordinary temperature, in a manner not influenced by fluctuations in the amount of the gas used. In the invention, the pressure of the gas-phase part in a tank (1) or mixing vessel (2) is detected with a manometer (P-1) or (P-2), and a dry air/nitrogen mixed gas is supplied to the tank (1) or mixing vessel (2) in an amount compensating for the gas consumption. The pressure in a mixed-gas supply piping (5) is detected with a manometer (P-5), and a dry air/nitrogen mixed gas is supplied to the piping (5) in an amount compensating for the gas consumption.

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: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. A preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated chambers. During dispensing operations, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated chambers, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing (and subsequent dispensing) tablets which are fed to and counted by the counter after the chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

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: A function liquid filling device includes: a feed unit for feeding a function liquid in a function liquid tank toward head caps coupled to function liquid droplet ejection heads through the function liquid droplet ejection heads; a detection unit for detecting that the fed function liquid reaches the head caps; and a control unit for stopping the drive of the feed unit based on a result of detection by the detection unit. The detection unit includes: a crystal oscillator disposed in the head cap and/or a waste liquid passage; and a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the function liquid based on a change in a resonance frequency of the crystal oscillator.

Abstract: For avoiding the evaporation of volatile components of a fill oil and for avoiding contamination of the fill oil with ambient air, a method for the filling of hydraulic pressure measurement mechanisms by means of a readied filling chamber. The method includes the following steps: (I) Evacuating the filling chamber by means of a vacuum pump over a first path of a first conductivity, extending between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump; (II) ending the evacuation of the filling chamber over the first path; (III) continued evacuating of the filling chamber by means of the pump over a second path of a second conductivity, extending between the filling chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the second conductivity is smaller than the first conductivity; (IV) feeding the fill oil into the evacuated fill chamber and (V) filling the measurement mechanisms.

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 vacuum packer for filling valve bags employs a load cell-based scale mechanism located within the vacuum chamber. An interior packer front plate is supported from the back, inner wall of the chamber on four flexure spring check straps. The front plate is supported from a single load cell mounted on the back, interior wall of the vacuum chamber. Side bag retention plates, end retention plates and the lower bag support saddle are mounted to the packer front plate. A flexible connection is furnished between the back of the filling spout and the interior back wall of the vacuum chamber. All other required piping is made directly to the back wall of the chamber, thus removing them from the scale mechanism entirely.

Abstract: A housing has a vertical separation wall. The vertical separation wall forms a filling chamber on one side. The housing has a horizontal separation wall on the other side. The horizontal separation wall forms a cooling chamber. A quantity of a liquid in the filling chamber has an apertured horizontal plate at about the middle elevation of the filling chamber. A smaller end-user tank is provided on the plate. The level of liquid is sufficient to immerse the lower portion of a smaller end-user tank. An air conditioning system includes a compressor unit located in the cooling chamber. The air conditioning system includes a refrigerant coil in the filling chamber beneath the plate. A large supply tank of gas is laterally displaced from the housing. A supply tube connects the large supply tank with the smaller end-user tank within the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A method and system for food preparation and processing that determines the bulk density of food particulate matter input into particulate packaging machinery and performs bulk density feedback of packaged food particulate matter. The feedback mechanism inputs bulk density values into a controller that are referred against acceptable values. Where the input values of bulk density are outside the acceptable range the controller automatically alters the food preparation and packaging process to obtain acceptable bulk density values. The method system are applicable to any food manufacturing process, although they are particularly well suited to the manufacture of food in flake, chip, puffed or extruded form.

Abstract: A plurality of vessel receptacles and load cells are mounted along the outer periphery of a revolving body at an equal circumferential spacing. A filling device is disposed above each of the vessel receptacles. In a first operational mode for filling the receptacles, the tare of each vessel which is supplied onto one of the vessel receptacles is measured and such data is fed to a controller which determines and stores a mean value of measured tares. Subsequently, the operation is switched to a second operational mode for a filling operation. In the second operational mode, no measurement of the tare is made, and the mean value is regarded as representing the tare of supplied vessels for purposes of a filling operation. After a given time interval or after a given number of vessels have been filled, the operation is again switched to the first operational mode where the mean value is again measured. If the new mean value is different from the previous mean value, the stored mean value is rewritten.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus includes a first container configured to contain a powder. A weighing tank is configured to receive the powder from the first container and discharge a predetermined amount of the powder to a second container, which includes an opening configured to discharge the powder into the second container and a regulator configured to open and close the opening to discharge the predetermined amount of the powder into the second container. A connector is configured to feed the powder from the first container into the weighing tank.

Abstract: An air sampler for use in analyzing biological or other analytes, comprizes an airflow chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet. An extract from an air mover draws ambient air in through the inlet, and then through the chamber, to discharge it back to atmosphere by way of an outlet. The airflow chamber houses a cyclone air/liquid separator through which the inflowing air is caused to pass. An injector introduces liquid into air flowing through the air inlet. The cyclone separator extracts this liquid and any entrained particles therein and discharges it from the airflow chamber, initially by way of a duct, where it is then conveyed to a collection vessel, by way of a three channel peristaltic pump, and a duct. The collection vessel is housed within a Peltier-cooled holder to maintain the contents of the vessel within the 2-8 degree Celsius range.

Abstract: A unit (6) for checking the dosing of pharmaceutical material (M) in a capsule filling machine (1) for the production of capsules (CF) of the type with a capsule lid (C) and a capsule body (F), the machine (1) comprising a fixed structure (15) fitted with a rotary drum (2) for supporting a plurality of capsules (CF) on its edge, opening each capsule (CF) by separating the capsule lid (C) from the capsule body (F), filling the capsule body (F) with a dose of material (M), then closing the capsule body (F) again with the relative capsule lid (C); the rotary drum (2) having a tank (5) containing the pharmaceutical material (M) and supporting a plurality of doser elements (3), each comprising at least one piston (8) sliding inside a hollow cylinder (4) to pick up and compress a dose (DS) of material (M) from the tank (5) and discharge it into a capsule body (F) of a capsule (CF).

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.

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 system for proportioning sample liquids, comprising

Abstract: A function liquid filling device includes: a feed unit for feeding a function liquid in a function liquid tank toward head caps coupled to function liquid droplet ejection heads through the function liquid droplet ejection heads; a detection unit for detecting that the fed function liquid reaches the head caps; and a control unit for stopping the drive of the feed unit based on a result of detection by the detection unit. The detection unit includes: a crystal oscillator disposed in the head cap and/or a waste liquid passage; and a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the function liquid based on a change in a resonance frequency of the crystal oscillator.

Abstract: A method suitable for use in small trade stores or retail shops for assisting in providing the correct color or coating compositions mixed in the store or shop in which colorants (II) are added to a base paint (2), the base paint (2) being provided in a lidded container (I). The base paint (2) is pre dispensed in a lidded container (I), thereby avoiding the need to weigh it accurately in store thus saving time. Further time is saved by adding the colorants simultaneously to the base paint (2). The actual load (usually the combined weight of the can and the contents) is compared to the correct load stored in a database and the operator is alerted if the two fail to match.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering installation for powder pigments, having an arrangement for supplying the powder pigments into a weighing container of a weighing arrangement. The weighing container may be emptied into a pneumatic conveying conduit which leads into a consuming unit, if appropriate, via an intermediate store. The conveying arrangement has a hopper-like pressure container which can be subjected to the action of compressed air. The pressure container has a closure at the base and a laterally curved outlet connector. An injector tube, which can be subjected to the action of compressed air and has lateral exit openings for the compressed air, extends axially into the outlet connector.

Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.

Abstract: Receptacles are precisely filled with particulate material by feeding the material from a supply source across a deflectable, curved weigh pan and discharging a continuous flow of material from the weigh pan along a pathway. Receptacles, which may be the final containers or intermediate receptacles, are continually fed by a conveyor into the pathway so that material flows into each receptacle opening. The amount of material flowing along the pathway is measured by deflection of the pan, and the speed of the receptacle conveyor is quickly adjusted responsive to the deflection of the pan, thereby controlling the time that a given receptacle is within the pathway and the precise amount of material placed into the receptacle. The amount of material flowing to the pan from the supply source can also be controlled responsive to the pan deflection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating gas loss in an incubator. A transducer can be used to monitor the gas pressure of various gases that flow into the incubator. By knowing the correct pressure that flows into the chamber, a faster and more accurate compensation can be done during enhancement or depletion of the gases in the incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gravimetric calibration of multi-channel pipettes contains a balance that has a load receiver configured to support receptacles containing a substance to be weighed. The apparatus has a holder device to support a certain number of the receptacles into which a test liquid is dispensed from the multi-channel pipette. The apparatus further has a transport device for advancing the holder device towards the load receiver. The receptacles are seated in the holder device at equally spaced positions and are one by one delivered to and subsequently removed from the measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.

Abstract: A distributor unit (D) includes a stepwise moving conveying line (L) for conveying containers (C) through one filling unit (G), where the containers (C) are filled with a predetermined filling liquid or powder substance. In a weighing station (15,16), associated to the conveying line (L), two weighing groups (11,12) are situated on opposite sides of the conveying line (L) and have one weighing area (14a,14b) for weighing a container (C). One transfer group (30) is associated to the weighing station (15,16) and moves crosswise to the conveying line (L). The transfer group (30) transfers containers (Ci) to be weighed from the conveying line (L) to the weighing area (14b) of one of the weighing groups (12), and transfers at the same time an already weighed containers (C*i−1) from the area (14a) of the other weighing group (11) to the conveying line (L).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for a liquid filling system is herein disclosed incorporating means for generating greater overall production rate efficiencies (i.e. number of filled containers per minute per filling station) for automatic systems utilizing diverter valve and/or walking beam (i.e. continuous-motion) filling technologies with, for example, non-traditional ratios between the number of filling stations and the number of filling nozzles. The methods/apparatus disclosed herein also incorporate means to more efficiently changeover and clean up, in either a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) configuration, the product contact parts that become “dirty” when used in a production environment. Finally, an improved method and apparatus designed to provide a means for priming and air purging the product contact path of liquid filling machinery, a fill volume calibration procedure, and a fill weight verification cycle is also herein described.

Abstract: Device for detecting a detached tire of a vehicle. This device includes an arrangement for detecting the rotational movements of the wheels and generating first quantities that are dependent on the rotational movements detected. A comparison arrangement is also provided in which at least one comparison involving at least one of the first quantities is carried out, as well as an evaluation arrangement in which a signal is output as a function of the output of the at least one comparison. The at least one comparison carried out in the comparison arrangement is preceded by a sorting operation in which at least two of the first quantities are sorted by value; and a detached tire is detected as a function of the signal output by the evaluation arrangement.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A machine (1) for filling containers (2) with liquid or particulate material (6), wherein a carousel conveyor (12), rotating continuously about an axis (9), supports a number of supporting and weighing heads (25), each independent of the other supporting and weight heads (25) and for supporting a respective container (2) beneath a respective feed device (20) for supplying the fill material (6); and wherein filling of the containers (2) is controlled by a control device (34) having a supervisor (35) connected to a number of control units (36), which are carried by the carousel conveyor (12), are connected to the supervisor (35) by a bus (38), and independently control a predetermined number of feed devices (20).

Abstract: A material collecting apparatus includes a frame with an upper supporting panel, weighing device sets hung on the panel, barrels hung on a respective weighing device set, dust collectors above a respective barrel, drawing devices connected with a respective one of the dust collectors for providing sucking force, feeding conduits connected with a respective one of the barrels, a material tank having separate compartments for containing different materials therein, and control valves each having a conduit; the feeding conduits are connected with first ends of respective plural ones of the control valve conduits while the control valve conduits are connected with a respective compartment at second ends; thus, different dry materials can be conveyed from the compartments into the barrels, and collected according to respective intended weights of the materials when the apparatus is in operation; the dust collectors prevent the materials from passing out of the barrels.

Abstract: A mobile bulk materials bagging machine equipped to convert compacted bulk materials into baggable material of uniform consistency. The bagging machine includes a feed hopper which may be loaded with compacted bulk materials with heavy duty loaders. The bagging machine conducts a series of processing steps for converting compacted bulk material into a restructured material of a more uniform and free-flowing consistency for bagging. The operation of the bagging machine includes partitioning compacted bulk materials into segmented portions, agitating and leveling systems which, in cooperative association with electronic sensors for intermittently terminating the flow of feed materials, prevents excessive product build up and recompaction of the processed material into an unbaggable material.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.

Abstract: A system for check weighing the content of a blister strip which includes a guide adapted to receive a blister strip comprised of at least one blister, a punch aligned with the guide for receiving the at least one blister, an actuator engaged with the punch for driving the punch toward the blister strip, whereby the blister is punched from the blister strip, and a balance adapted to receive the punched blister for weighing the punched blister and generating a weight signal after subtracting a predetermined value representing the weight of an empty blister. An alternative method of determining the content of a blister strip comprises reflecting a beam of energy off of a blister strip and determining the height of the blister from the reflected energy. The measured height is compared to a predetermined height to derive the amount of powder contained therein.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint.

Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.

Abstract: In an electronic balance for loading having a balance scale (3) weighing system, display (19), control keyboard (21 to 26) and a digital processing electronic circuitry in which circuitry at least one memory is present for the weighed value shown in the display (19). A first additional key (25) is present in the control keyboard (21 to 26) upon the actuation of the key the weighed value shown in the display (19) and stored in the digital signal processing electronics is decreased and upon the first actuation of the key the weighed value displayed immediately previously is taken in addition into a first additional memory. Furthermore, a second additional key (24) is present in the control keyboard (21 to 26) upon whose actuation the weighed value displayed in the display (19) is taken into a second additional memory. By means of the decreasing key the balance operator can decreased the display from the too large actual value step-by-step to the correct theoretical value.