Abstract: Systems and methods include self-service and automated components for paint tinting.

Abstract: Described is a unit for filling containing elements (2) of single-use capsules (3) with a dose (33) of product for extraction or infusion beverages, comprising: a line (4) for transporting containing elements (2); a station (SR) for filling the containing elements (2) with a dose (33) of product which comprises: at least a first containing seat (S1) designed to receive a dose (33) of product; a substation (ST1) for forming the dose (33) provided with a device (6) for releasing a predetermined quantity of product defining the dose (33) inside the first containing seat (S1), the release device (6) comprising a hopper (38) and at least one rotary element (40a) having a helical profile which extends between a first end and a second end, configured to rotate about a respective axis (X4) of rotation; a drive and control unit (15) configured to drive the rotary element (40a) according to a speed of rotation variable as a function of an angular position of the first end of the rotary unit (40a).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for preparing a formulation for parenteral nutrition. In more detail the invention relates to a mixing system for parenteral nutrition, comprising at least two containers, wherein the at least two containers form a modular system. The mixing system comprises a septum, which is pierceable by a spike or a needle and a hanger for attaching the mixing system to an infusion rack. A first container comprises a male connector and a second container comprises a female connector, which fit together. First and second container can be coupled together, thereby forming a channel, which enables the passage of liquid and the mixing of the ingredients of the containers.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a gas product including: a gas container; and a gas composition filled in the gas container, in which the gas composition includes nitrogen monoxide, hydrogen, and an inert gas, and a concentration of the nitrogen monoxide is 20% by volume or less based on a volume of the gas composition.

Abstract: A method automatically controls stores for a processing line for containers pre-dosed with fluid products. The identifying code for each container is determined and then checked whether the container is necessary for production orders received. The container is introduced into a first store and the quantity and identifying codes of the containers in the first store are recorded. Production orders are checked for products yet to be started. The containers are picked up and sent towards a first manipulation station and at least one production order of a product is processed and the containers are sent towards different stations. Quality control inspection is conducted and if the product is compliant, introduced into a second store. Containers with non-compliant product are introduced into a control line. The quantity of containers in the second store is recorded and the containers are sent towards a packaging station to fulfill production orders.

Abstract: Described herein is a modular production system for the production of formulations, the module production system including a first unit for the production of formulations and a second unit for the receipt and removal from storage of piece goods and loading units and for the provision of piece goods. Also described herein is a process for producing formulations using the modular production system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling a thermoplastic container (2), comprising a mouth (2a), with a gasified liquid having a pressure (P), said method using a filling unit (1) and comprising the steps of: —Positioning the container (2) under a filling head (3) of the filling unit (1), the filling head (3) comprising a product filling valve (8); —Establishing fluid tight connection between the filling head (3) and the mouth (2a) of the container (2); —Delivering a first volume of a first product (FL) in the container, said first volume being less than 10% of the maximum defined volume of the container; —Pressurizing the container (2) with a pressurized gas (G) at a pressure similar to the pressure (P) of the gasified liquid to be filled, using at least one pressurization valve (9a, 9b); —Filling the container (2) under pressurized condition until its maximum defined volume with the gasified liquid (PL), using the product filling valve (8); —Depressurizing the container (2) using a venting valve (10); —S

Abstract: The above object is solved by means of a method comprising the features as described herein as well as an extrusion device comprising the features as described herein. Further features and details of the invention follow from the depending claims, the description and the drawings. It goes without saying that features and details, which are described in connection with the method according to the invention, shall thereby also apply in connection with the extrusion device according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so that, with regard to the disclosure, reference is or can always be mutually made, respectively, to the individual invention aspects.

Abstract: Methods for in situ mixing of two or more different liquid compositions by employing a dynamic flow profile characterized by a ramping-up section and/or a ramping-down section.

Abstract: A device for co-metering liquid and/or pasty products includes: a first metering unit for metering a first product; a second metering unit for metering a second product; and a nozzle including a first duct supplied by the first metering unit and opening out into a first orifice, a second duct supplied by the second metering unit and opening out into a second orifice, and a third duct opening out into a third orifice. The device is configured such that the third duct is supplied by the first and second metering units such that a mixture of the first and second products is discharged by the third orifice.

Abstract: A method is for preparing a medical/chemical solution by mixing a medical/chemical substance housed in a sealed container with a solution housed in a bag. The method includes transferring, from the bag into a syringe, an amount of the solution that is to be injected into a plurality of the containers. With the container and the syringe being held, at least one of a robot and a syringe driver configured to drive a plunger of the syringe is controlled so as to inject the amount of the solution into the plurality of the containers from the syringe.

Abstract: Provided is a method of limiting exposure of a dispense chemical to air and meet dispense objectives in a dispense nozzle system, the method comprising: providing a sample requiring a dispense process of a dispense chemical using a dispense nozzle system; performing an opening cycle of dispense process steps to get the dispense nozzle system ready; dispensing a dispense chemical onto the sample; and performing a closing cycle of dispense process steps to prepare the nozzle system for non-use; repeating the operations of performing the opening cycle of dispense process steps, dispensing the chemical, and performing the closing cycle of dispense process steps a prescribed number of times depending on an application.

Abstract: Particle loading assembly and method for loading particles into a vessel to form a densely packed particle bed comprising an inner layer of particles and an outer layer of particles. The inner layer of particles is arranged radially and concentric with the outer layer of particles. The inner layer of particles contains at least a first type of particle of different granulometry or range of composition or both granulometry and range of composition from a second type of particles contained in the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of samples on mass spectrometric sample supports with dispensing of liquids, and particularly to devices and methods to clean the dispenser. During dispensing of hundreds of samples, solved material may crystallize over time as deposit at the capillary tip of the dispenser, which impedes the vertical detachment of the drop in the medium and long run. Therefore, frequently cleaning the capillary tip is essential for a robust operation of the preparation device. The invention proposes to automatically clean the dispenser tip by creating a drop of washing fluid, such as pure solvent, fully enclosing the dispenser tip. The washing fluid is fed through a channel outside the central dispenser capillary to a location slightly above the capillary tip. The size of the hanging drop of washing fluid is photometrically regulated and monitored to prevent it from falling off prematurely.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a nozzle assembly having a housing configured for attachment to the wall of the vessel. The housing has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion spaced from the proximal end portion along a length of the housing. The housing defines a passageway extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion, which is delineated by an inner surface of the housing. The nozzle assembly further includes a nozzle that has a base portion adapted for coupling to the housing, a shaft portion that extends from the base portion, and a tip portion coupled to the shaft portion of the nozzle. The tip portion defines a plurality of orifices. The nozzle also has an outer surface extending along a length of the nozzle that is spaced from the inner surface of the housing to create a gap when the nozzle is coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers comprises a nozzle for establishing fluid communication with a container, a filling line extending between the nozzle and a source of a product fluid, a filling valve in the filling line, an auxiliary line extending from the nozzle to a drain, and a drain isolation valve in the auxiliary line; further comprising at least one additive line which extends from a junction with the auxiliary line between the nozzle and the drain valve to an additive fluid source; and a dosing valve in the auxiliary line between the nozzle and the at least one additive line, which permits a predetermined volume of additive fluid to flow through the auxiliary line to the nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.

Abstract: A closure device for a container has a lid element for closing the container opening, a chamber which is arranged on the lid element for storing a medium, and an inner housing. The chamber and the inner housing have corresponding closure means and opening means. A discharge opening paired with the chamber can be released by moving the lid element relative to the inner housing such that a medium can exit the chamber into the container. The chamber and the inner housing each have a corresponding first thread which is formed relative to a winding rotational axis. The first thread which is located on the chamber is arranged so as to point radially outwards when seen from the thread rotational axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of air and/or sealant into a tire includes a container for the sealant which has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet can be connected to the inlet end of a hose whose outlet end can be connected to the tire to be filled and includes a pressure generation means which can be selectively connected to the inlet of the container or to the inlet end of a hose whose outlet end can be connected to the tire to be filled.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for filling a container with at least a first product which is viscous during the filling operation, the assembly comprising a reservoir for storing the first product, a mechanism for pumping the first product from the reservoir to a distribution chamber, ducts connecting the reservoir to the pumping mechanism and the pumping mechanism to the distribution chamber, and a filling device comprising at least two dispensing spouts, each spout being in the form of a tube which is fixed at the upstream end to the distribution chamber and has an inlet orifice that opens into the distribution chamber and an outlet orifice that opens out at the free end of the spout in order to fill a container. According to the invention, the at least two spouts are designed to deliver the first product at different flow rates from one another.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.

Abstract: A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs a dark-colored non-infrared-absorptive liquid base paint or stain and a point-of-sale array of concentrated liquid colorants which when dispensed into the base paint or stain provide custom-tinted non-infrared-absorptive paints or stains in lightened shades and a variety of tints. Dark custom-tinted paints or stains are tinted lighter from a dark-colored base, not darker from a white or light colored base as is done in conventional point-of-sale systems.

Abstract: A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs at least one light-colored non-infrared-absorptive base paint or stain packaged in a point-of-sale container and an array of colorants including an infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, a non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, and one or more additional liquid colorants made with non-infrared-absorptive pigments. The infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant or non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant may respectively be used to make custom-tinted interior or exterior paints and stains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the control of a filling machine (A) for the filling of containers (C) with liquid filling material, wherein the filling machine comprises at least two controllable filling elements (1, 2, 30, 31) each having at least one filling sensor, and wherein by way of the filling sensors the termination of filling of the respective filling element is controlled. According to the invention a first filling element (1) will, in case of failure of its filling sensor, be controlled synchronously to a following second filling element (2).

Abstract: In various embodiments, there is provided a different methods of right sizing. The method would provide for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. The stylist would then be capable of creating a more accurate batch based on the matrix outline. The right-sizing of the mixture formula can be done by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.

Abstract: A frozen beverage dispensing unit includes a first replaceable frozen beverage module, a second replaceable frozen beverage module, a plumbing module, and a dispensing module. The dispensing module includes a programmable dispensing manifold for preparing frozen beverages in accordance with dispensing profiles. In an embodiment, a rotating turn table turns a beverage container in accordance with a dispensing profile. The dispensing profile includes instructions for layering of contents of different frozen beverage modules being placed in a beverage container. Moreover, the contents of different food add-in modules may also be added to the beverage container based on the selected dispensing profile.

Abstract: A filling unit for contact or contactless filling an article is disclosed. The filling unit includes a tank comprising: a first valve, which may allow or prevent the fluidic connection between a first region of the tank and the article; a first fluidic line which extends from the tank to the article in case of contact filling; a second valve, which may allow or prevent the flow along the first fluidic line; and a control unit configured to set the first valve in a first closed configuration and the second valve in a second open configuration in case of contact filling. The filling unit further includes a second fluidic line distinct from the first fluidic line and extends from the inner volume of the article to a discharge area distinct from the tank; and a third valve, which may allow or prevent the flow along the second fluidic line.

Abstract: A device, system and/or method for dispensing a fuel additive to a fuel tank that employs a fuel additive delivery device secured to an opening of the fuel tank. The delivery device is fluidly coupled to a fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device includes a cap that automatically opens or closes fluid communication with the fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device also includes a bore defined through the delivery device configured to receive a fuel filler spout with a fuel passageway outlet positioned in the bore such that, as fuel passes through the bore and into the fuel tank, the bore is configured to create a suction at the fuel additive outlet to pull fuel additive from the reservoir, through the delivery device, and into the fuel tank with the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for filling multi-chamber containers with different loose bulk materials. The apparatus and method may be particularly well-suited to packaging at least one bulk material, which is susceptible to water, chemicals, or other contaminants, with at least one other bulk material. The apparatus is a machine that includes separate hoppers for handling the separate bulk materials, and directs the separate bulk materials into different chambers of a multi-chamber container, which is then transported away from the machine for storage or use. The machine may include one or more movable hoppers supported on tracks, for moving the bulk materials to the hoppers that direct the bulk materials into different chambers of the multi-chamber container. A controller and data logger may be provided to control the apparatus and record the quantity and/or weight of the contents of each multi-chamber container.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a liquid mixed product from at least one liquid base component and at least one liquid additive, which is added to the base component in a metered manner, wherein the at least one liquid additive is metered into the base component depending on the amount of the mixed product removed from the mixing chamber (2.3).

Abstract: Filling a container with a filling material having a first and second liquid components in a predetermined ratio includes supplying the first component from a tank to the container through a filling material line that defines opposite first and second directions, the line being closable by a valve. A flow-rate measuring unit determines an amount of first liquid component fed through the line in the second direction. The method also includes feeding the second component into the line, the line having been at least partially filled by the first component, and detecting an amount of the second component fed therein. Detecting the amount of the second component includes using a flow-rate measuring unit to detect motion of the first component caused by feeding the second component. The method then includes displacing at least a portion of the first component from the line along the first direction.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filling line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a two-component filling material includes separate liquid channels for the two components. Each channel has a controllable valve. A flow meter is configured for directly measuring an amount of the first component fed to the container and indirectly measuring an amount of the second component fed to said container. It does the indirect measurement by measuring a flow rate of the first component resulting from a flow rate of the second component. Each component has an associated variable-volume chamber configured so that a volume change in one leads to an inverse volume change in the other. This affects flow rate of the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a container treatment unit, a weighing unit, container carriers, weighing cells, a conveying element, filling positions, container receptacles, and a container-conveying section. As the conveying element, on which the filling positions are formed, rotates, it introduces filling material into the containers. The conveying element includes the container-conveying section, which moves the containers in a container-conveying direction. The weighing unit, which is made in the conveying element, weighs containers on the container-conveying section. Each container receptacle forms a weighing position with an associated container carrier and weighing cell.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with filling goods that comprise liquid that has a solids content includes using a magnetically inductive flow meter for controlling at least one of volume and quantity of said filling goods in a particular container.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously filling at least two foods of different compositions, predominantly in a thick fluid and/or pasty form, into a container, particularly a transparent plastic cup, having a valve head with a nozzle inlet opening and nozzle outlet openings for the food and fed by dosing devices, wherein the controller has a control disc (23) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (22) in the valve head (1) having control openings (25a, 25b, 25c) distributed about said longitudinal axis (22) on a first control circuit path (24), said control openings being alignable during an incremental rotation of the control disc (23) alternating in succession with auxiliary nozzle inlet openings (26a, 26b, 26c) of a stationary control surface (27) of the valve head (1) lying below in a planar manner, wherein auxiliary nozzle inlet openings (26a, 26b, 26c) are arranged on a second control circuit path (24?) congruent with the first control circuit path about the longitudinal axis (22) in the control surface (27) such t

Abstract: A dilute chemical solution may be prepared in response to a dispense request by combining multiple concentrated chemicals with a diluent. In one example, a target amount of diluent is dispensed into a container until a measured weight of the diluent reaches a target weight. A first concentrated chemical is also dispensed into the container until a measured weight of the first concentrated chemical reaches a target weight. The liquid solution containing the diluent and the first concentrated chemical is withdrawn from the container and applied on a second concentrated chemical that is a solid state product so as to cause the second concentrated chemical to at least partially dissolve and enter the container. In some applications, the first and second concentrated chemicals react with one another to generate an active molecule in the chemical solution that is not present in either of the two concentrated chemicals.

Abstract: A method for forming a diffuse visual pattern of two or more product components in a container. The method includes providing a filler/mixer having a mixing chamber with up to about 10 mixing elements. A container is positioned after the mixing chamber on a container support that is capable of rotating the container. The components are fed into the mixing chamber to form a mixture. The mixture is fed into the container while it is rotated and concurrently separated from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An automated syringe filler is disclosed comprising a housing and motor with a rotatable syringe holder plate that can be raised and lowered onto exposed syringe needles. The housing also has components for one or more syringes to be attached with the needles pointing upward and the syringe plungers moveably positioned at the bottom. The syringe plunger tool controls the movement of the syringe plunger and can be horizontally and vertically positionable. The syringe plunger tool is motorized and can be controlled by a CPU or similar device containing programmable media.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.

Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing device including a dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen having a user interface being coupled to said dispensing device, wireless communication electronics coupled to said beverage dispensing system and adapted to communicate with a wireless transponder and a controller functionally connected to said at least one dispensing valve, said display screen and said wireless communication electronics.

Abstract: A paint creation and dispensing system includes a variety of components for creating paint of a selected color and paint type and for processing payment for the paint. The system may be configured to receive a color selection in a variety of ways including through customer selection and via an electronic color reader (portable or stationary). The paint system may allow a customer to obtain an amount (e.g., a sample or a full gallon) of paint without help from a store employee or other personnel. In one or more arrangements, the paint system may be networked so that a customer may pre-order paint, upload color selections, make a payment, and or order additional supplies of paint or other products based on the color chosen for final painting.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with liquids and in particular with beverages may include a filling device, which fills the liquid into the container. The filling device has a valve device for controlling the liquid flow into the container including a first supply line for supplying a first liquid to the filling device and comprising a second supply line for supplying a second liquid to the filling device, wherein the first supply line and the second supply line are separate from one another at least in some sections. The apparatus may have a control device configured in such a way that, at the start and at the end of a filling process for a container, this container is filled only with the first liquid.

Abstract: A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs at least one light-colored non-infrared-absorptive base paint or stain packaged in a point-of-sale container and an array of colorants including an infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, a non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, and one or more additional liquid colorants made with non-infrared-absorptive pigments. The infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant or non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant may respectively be used to make custom-tinted interior or exterior paints and stains.