Abstract: An installation for packaging a gaseous NO/N2 mixture into at least one container from a source (1) of gaseous NO and a source (2) of gaseous nitrogen is disclosed. The installation uses at least one filling system (3) comprising one or more filling stations (24) for gas containers (25). A first gas line (11) is fluidically connected to the source (1) of gaseous NO and to the filling system (3), and a second gas line (12) is fluidically connected to the source (2) of gaseous nitrogen and to the filling system (3). The first gas line (11) and the second gas line (12) each has a mass flow meter (4, 5), each mass flow meter (4, 5) being connected (14, 15) to a control device (6) collaborating with each mass flow meter (4, 5).

Abstract: A method of injecting mortar into a container fastened to a first tank and to a second tank, the first tank communicating with the container via a first orifice and the second tank communicating with the container by a second orifice, the method comprising the following operations: a continuous circulation of a first stream of mortar is made to flow in a circulation loop; during the continuous circulation, a second stream of mortar is drawn off from the circulation loop, the second stream being smaller than the first stream of mortar; the second stream of mortar is injected into the container, ensuring that there is dynamic confinement of the gaseous effluents; and the appearance of mortar in the second tank is monitored and, when this appearance is detected, the removal of mortar from the circulation loop is brought to an end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recharging depleted tennis balls that uses pressurized gas. A recharge pressure vessel includes a cylindrical shell with a closed end and a spaced apart opening top with a connecting wall forming a charging chamber. The vessel may be pivotally secured to a base. A pressure port proximate the open end permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber may be filled with any number of discharged tennis balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure gas such as carbon dioxide. The balls will become sufficiently recharged and the pressure may be released and the recharged balls remove from the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup. The platform is reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup, the platform reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a stationary platform configured to support a blender cup. The blender cup is displaceable via a mechanically actuated movement arm between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform.

Abstract: An automatic or semiautomatic device for the controlled metering and mixing of a plurality of active liquid substances for plants, includes elements for selectively sampling the substances in corresponding containers and moreover includes a fluid transfer element and, elements for metering, mixing, and diluting the sampled or transferred amounts of the liquid substance(s). The device also includes a controlling and managing unit that controls the sampling and transferring element and is associated with measurement elements and an element for controlling the flow of fluids within the valve-type device. The measurement elements include an element, advantageous for sequential use, for measuring a basic volume of a sampled concentrated liquid substance, the volume needing to be mixed and/or diluted.

Abstract: The device for the quantitatively regulated delivery of bulk product includes a supply tank for the bulk product and a slider element, which forms the boundary of an outlet gap on one side. The slider element comprises on its front end an elastic, U-shaped loop, the upper part of which is fixed in position, whereas a rear portion of the lower part of the loop is connected to a linear drive. The linear drive can be used both to adjust the width of the outlet gap by translational movement of the lower section of the loop and to produce a small-amplitude back-and-forth movement of the lower section of the loop. In this way, it is possible to release bulk product of various shapes and sizes reliably and without damage in a quantitatively regulated manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the filling of a capsule with a medicament, to a corresponding filling method, to the associated apparatuses, and to a computer program for controlling the method and the apparatus. In the monitoring method, after at least part of the capsule has been filled with a predefined filling mass of a predefined closed contour of the medicament, at least the filling mass in the part of the capsule after the filling operation is recorded using digital imaging in a first step, the contour of the filling mass in the part of the capsule is determined from the digital imaging recording in a second step, and the contour is analysed in a third step in order to assess the filling operation in comparison with the predefined contour. The invention provides for external influences on the image properties to be compensated for by controlling the optical system.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.

Abstract: An ECU operates a charging unit such that a power storage device is charged by an electric power from a power supply. When a vehicle moves while charging the unit charges the power storage device, the ECU stops charging the unit to discontinue the charging of the power storage device. The ECU diagnoses a state of the charging unit after the charging of the power storage device is stopped. The ECU determines whether the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed based on the diagnostic result. When determining that the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed, the ECU resumes the charging of the power storage device by resuming the operation of the charging unit.

Abstract: A system for remotely indicating the level of grain being loaded into a grain trailer. Plural vertically oriented sensing strips are affixed to a trailer's hopper(s) sidewall of the trailer's hopper(s) at spaced locations. Signals from transducer elements on the strips are delivered to an electronics module on the trailer's forward wall. The electronics module includes a multiplexer for sampling the state of the strip transducers and a wireless transmitter for relaying the state data to a receiver and microprocessor in the cab of a towing vehicle. The microprocessor presents a visual display of height reached by the grain in a hopper as loading continues. Following system calibration where a pixel count of the load being displayed and a measured net weight of the load are determined using a scale, a calibration factor corresponding to the weight-per-pixel is stored for use in computing the weight and volume of subsequent loads.

Abstract: A gas charging apparatus includes a gas supply source; a fuel gas charging line L connected to the gas supply source, to charge a fuel gas into gas tanks, respectively; a temperature information acquiring section which acquires temperature information in the gas tanks; a pressure information acquiring section which acquires pressure information in the gas tanks; a relation data acquiring section which acquires correspondence relation data indicating a correspondence relation between a temperature and a pressure in the corresponding gas tank; a temperature difference calculating section which calculates a temperature difference between the gas tank having the highest internal temperature and the gas tank having the lowest internal temperature among the plurality of gas tanks; and a control section which performs control so as to stop the charging of the fuel gas.

Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a vessel into which a liquid chemical is to be dispensed. The volume of the vessel may be known and a control device may determine an initial pressure of the vessel using the pressure gauge. A volume of liquid chemical may be dispensed into the vessel which may cause the pressure within the vessel to increase to a second pressure. The control device may determine the second pressure using the pressure gauge may calculate the volume of liquid chemical dispensed into the vessel using the volume of the vessel, the initial pressure of the vessel, and the second pressure of the vessel.

Abstract: A gas filling device comprises a gas supplier configured to supply the gas to gas filler passages and a controller configured to separately open and close each of the valves provided in the respective gas filler passages, so as to control a gas flow supplied from the gas supplier, wherein the controller comprises a heat dissipation information acquirer configured to obtain heat dissipation information regarding heat dissipation capacity of each of the plurality of tanks and an in-tank information acquirer configured to obtain information regarding at least one of temperature and pressure in each of the plurality of tanks, and the controller is characterized to cause opening and closing the valves to allow communication between the separate gas filler passages, based on the heat dissipation information obtained by the heat dissipation information acquirer and the information in the tank obtained by the in-tank information acquirer.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for temporarily coupling a beverage purchase with an RFID tag or other media, then recovering the RFID tag or other media for reuse after the beverage has been dispensed. Media may be, for example, but are not limited to cards (including plastic, cardboard, or paper cards), keychains, or key fobs.

Abstract: A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.

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: A filling element includes a channel that forms a delivery opening for delivering filling into a container, a valve arranged in the channel for opening and closing the filling element, the valve being connected by a control valve device to sources for a main and additional component of the filling, and a filling-material section common to the components and forming a space. The element also includes flow meters for measuring volumetric flow of the filling and generating corresponding electrical measurement signals.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method which enable powder to be densely filled in a short period of time is to be provided. This is a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper wherein the pressure hopper has a discharger for discharging powder and a gas inlet positioned above at least the surface of a powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper; the powder layer is so formed as to blockade the discharger in the pressure hopper; in the powder filling apparatus, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized by leading in gas through the gas inlet in a state in which the discharger is closed, and the powder layer so formed as to blockade the discharger is discharged by opening the discharger after the pressurization thereby to utilize that pressure to load the powder into the filling container.

Abstract: A method for filling a gas tank at a pressure P2 from at least one gas source at a pressure Pi, P1 being higher than V2, said container and said at least one gas source being connected by a duct allowing the passage of gas from one to the other, the filing being carried out at a flow rate which is, at the end of the filling, lower than the initial flow rate, wherein said method comprises several successive filling steps 1 to i, each of the steps being carried out with a filling flow rate D1 to Di for a time t1 to ti, i being an integer higher than or equal to 2, the flow rate of a step i-1 being higher than the flow rate of the step i,; characterized in that the successive filling steps 1 to i are adapted for producing a controlled heating of the container that maximizes the heat dispersal in said container without increasing the temperature inside the container beyond the maximum accepted temperature for the container, and in that the sum of ti is between 1 and 7 minutes, preferably between 1 min 30 sec and

Abstract: A device for evacuating and filling a vehicle cooling system includes a housing having an interior chamber. A service port extends into the housing and connectable with the vehicle cooling system, a supply port extends into the housing and connectable with a source of coolant fluid, and an evacuation port extends into the housing. A valve is disposed at least partially within the housing chamber and is adjustable between a first configuration in which the service port is fluidly coupled with the evacuation port and a second configuration in which the service port is fluidly coupled with the supply port.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a dispenser that includes an outlet and that is configured to dispense content through the outlet and along an output flow path. The refrigerator also includes a detection unit configured to detect user activity that is indicative of a desire to fill a container with content using the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes an optical system that is configured to, in response to detecting the user activity, direct a beam of light along at least a portion of the output flow path of the dispenser to assist a user in positioning a container to receive content dispensed along the output flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for filling a container (5) with bulk material (3), comprising a filling device with an outflow opening (6) for the bulk material (3) and a container (5) with a filling opening, through which the bulk material (3) passes into the container (5). According to the invention, an arrangement of the abovementioned type is equipped with a measuring device (13) for the repeated detection of image data from the surface (7) of the bulk material (3) in the container (5) during filling and for the repeated determination of filling state values h which are equivalent to the level of the filled bulk material in predefined regions of the bulk material surface, and with a signal processing device for generating control commands from the filling state values h for positioning the outflow opening (6) and the filling opening relative to one another and/or for influencing the quantity of bulk material (3) which flows out of the outflow opening (6) per unit time.

Abstract: A reductant fill system is provided. A reductant tank is configured to store a reductant. A receiver is configured to receive a supply of the reductant from an off-board reservoir. A first valve is in communication with the reductant tank and is configured to control a reductant flow into the reductant tank. A reductant supply line is in fluid communication with the receiver. The reductant supply line is configured to provide the reductant flow to the first valve. The reductant level sensor is configured to generate a signal based on a level of reductant in the reductant tank. A controller is communicably coupled to the reductant level sensor. The controller is configured to purge a stranded reductant in the reductant supply line, based on the signal generated by the reductant level sensor.

Abstract: The device (1) according to the invention for metering and in particular compressing bulk material (2) comprises a conveyor for metering the bulk material. The device (1) further comprises a measuring device for measuring a measuring variable and a receiving device (20) for receiving a container, in particular a bag (22). The conveyor has an outlet (12) for the bulk material (2). The container has a filling opening (23). The receiving device (20) and the outlet (12) can be positioned relative to each other dependent on the measuring variable during the metering of the bulk material (2) into the filling opening (23). In particular, the outlet (12) and the receiving device (20) can be positioned in a manner that can be controlled and/or regulated.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A liquid dispenser is arranged on the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported on the door and configured to receive liquid from the liquid dispenser. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container, and a control is in communication with the sensor. The control is configured to regulate dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property of the container. In one example, the sensor is resiliently biased into contact with the container to sense a property of the container. In another example, the control indicates a stale liquid condition if a timer expires before the container has been removed from the door.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator with a dispenser assembly capable of sensing the height of a vessel and water level using a remote sensor by employing changes in electrostatic capacitance, in order to enable a user to automatically dispense water to a desired level regardless of the material or size of a vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.

Abstract: A fuel measuring device, for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, has a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank. A processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank and a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank, are provided. A connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle. A signal from a sender unit of a vehicle fuel tank may be used. A related method enables fuel usage to be tracked by, for example, the renter of a vehicle, and a further related method provides improved fuel gauges for use in fleets of rental cars.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products and implementing techniques for mixing liquid components. Quantities of two or more liquid components are transferred from pressurized source reservoirs to one or more destination locations by means of a fluid outlet that includes a dispense valve, and the two or more liquid components are mixed in the destination locations to create a plurality of fluid mixtures. Two or more dispensing technologies can be combined to provide for increased efficiency in the dispensing of high volume liquid components. The amounts of liquid components being dispensed can be monitored during the dispensing to provide feedback control of the dispensing.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided having a platform for receipt of a container such as a wine glass. The platform is connected to a transducer which is sensitive to weight on the platform and which produces an electrical signal dependant on the magnitude of that weight. Electrical outputs from the transducer are connected to a control unit over connections. The control unit includes a keypad and a display. Control signals from control unit are supplied over electrical connections to a solenoid valve. The control unit controls the flow of material by opening and closing solenoid valve.

Abstract: A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having an air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising: a pilot-operated fluid flow control valve fluidly connected with a fluid level sensor via a pressure line and a bleed line.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid controller coupled to an inflatable bladder and configured to add fluid to and remove fluid from the inflatable bladder, a control unit configured to provide information used by the fluid controller to adjust the pressurization of the inflatable bladder, the control unit including a user interface configured to constantly display a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of pressure levels in which the inflatable bladder is employed by a user, where each of the plurality of indicia is associated with a different level of pressure of the inflatable bladder, respectively. In one embodiment, the fluid controller is configured to adjust the pressurization, in response to a user input at the user interface, to a pressure level selected by the user based on a current pressure level of the inflatable bladder, the pressure level selected by the user and an operating time of the fluid controller.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hydrogen source, a detachable connecting port to which a hydrogen storage container is connected in order to store hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen source, a container cooling unit (an air blower) for cooling a hydrogen storage container connected to the connecting port, a container connection recognition unit (a limit switch, a controller) for recognizing connection of a hydrogen storage container to the connecting port, and a fill-up detection unit (a pressure transmitter, a hydrogen remaining sensor, a controller) for detecting that the hydrogen storage container connected to the connecting port is filled up with hydrogen. Consequently, it contributes to simple and safe hydrogen filling in the general public.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly refueling an aircraft includes an aircraft having a fuel tank, a control valve, a fuel sensor outputting a fuel signal indicative of the amount of fuel in the at least one fuel tank, and a controller controlling the control valve in response to the fuel signal, a refueling apparatus having a fuel supply, a pump and a controller in which is stored a fuel profile including fuel data indicative of the amount of fuel to be supplied to the at least one fuel tank, and wireless communication systems operably coupled to the controllers within the aircraft and refueling apparatus to control the operation of the control valve and the pump to fill the at least one fuel tank in accordance with the fuel profile and in response to the fuel signal.

Abstract: An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor treating system includes a single hydrocarbon filter apparatus interconnected to a fuel tank having a range of vapor pressures therein, said filter apparatus receiving hydrocarbon vapors from said tank for one vapor pressure in said fuel tank and said filter apparatus delivering air and hydrocarbon vapor to said tank from said filter responsive to another vapor pressure in said tank lower than said one vapor pressure, said filter operated serially between hydrocarbon loading and hydrocarbon unloading cycles without reference to any other hydrocarbon removal apparatus. A balance nozzle includes a mechanism to mechanically operate a vapor valve therein before the fuel valve is opened.

Abstract: A method of filling a hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas includes filling an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas at substantially constant temperature and pressure while transferring a liquid from the hydrogen gas storage tank to a reservoir tank, compressing a gas in the reservoir tank by the flow of liquid into the reservoir tank, and managing the heat produced by the compression of gas in the reservoir tank off board the vehicle. A hydrogen gas delivery system includes an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank, a hydrogen gas supply line, a reservoir tank, and a liquid that transfers the heat of filling the hydrogen gas storage tank to the reservoir by effecting a compression of gas in the reservoir.

Abstract: A containment and delivery device for liquid laundry detergent is provided. A dispensing nozzle is attached to a flexible bladder filled with a laundry detergent. The bladder is placed within an enclosure. The enclosure includes a perforated portion which is used to form an aperture for accessing the dispensing nozzle to dispense the laundry detergent. The enclosure is structurally strong enough to allow for the stacking of multiple containers.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with liquid, where a gas displaced by the liquid out of the container escapes via a return gas path, and the return gas path is cleaned. To make such a method more economic and to save cleaning agents, the return gas path is only cleaned in case of need.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a method for simply measuring the liquid quantity of liquid material in a receptacle.

Abstract: A method and device for the gravimetric and in-series distribution of a predetermined quantity of a solution. The device has a delivery mechanism for delivering a solution, a weighing mechanism and a mechanism for measuring an operating value to establish a setpoint value of the delivery mechanism during a calibration step during which the weighing mechanism is used for the delivery of a predetermined quantity of solution. The device also has an actuating mechanism to actuate the delivery mechanism with the setpoint value to carry out one or more distribution steps with the delivery of the predetermined quantity of solution without using the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel leakage detection system comprises: a communication part for acquiring data relating to fuel filling of an onboard fuel tank from the vehicle side when a fuel supply part is connected to a filler port; a fuel flow rate measurement part, provided on the upstream of the fuel supply part 18, for measuring the flow rate of fuel flowing to the fuel supply part; a fuel flow-out permission part for permitting/stopping the outflow of fuel to the fuel supply part; and a control unit for controlling the fuel flow-out permission part. The control unit further comprises a fuel leakage detection part for detecting fuel leakage when filling fuel to a vehicle based on the fuel flow rate acquired by the fuel flow rate measurement part and on data relating to fuel filling acquired from the vehicle side via the communication part, and the fuel flow out permission part stops outflow of fuel to the fuel supply part when occurrence of fuel leakage is detected by the fuel detection part.

Abstract: A system and method for short-range ultrasonic detecting of a target is proposed herein to be used for example in a liquid-dispensing system such as those provided in home refrigerators. The system comprises a sensor assembly including a transmitter and a receiver positioned side by side so as to yield respective transmitting and receiving beams which overlap to define an asymmetrical shaped detection area, a controller coupled to both the transmitter and receiver to activate the transmitter and for receiving echoes indicative of the target from the receiver and to the dispensing system for opening a valve of the dispensing system when a target is detected. Noises and false alarm rate minimization methods are implemented, including variable relevance zones and requiring a void of signal before excitation.

Abstract: A medical liquid filling system and associated methods are provided, the system comprising a disposable and a drive system. The disposable includes a tubular member and a piston slidably disposed within the tubular member for retraction and advancement within at least a first portion of the tubular member. The disposable may include a seal member for sealing the first portion of the tubular member and may be interconnected to the piston for co-movement therewith. The drive system may include a piston drive member selectively interconnectable to the piston for driven advancement and retraction of the piston within the tubular member. The drive system may be interconnected to a controller, which may be operable to automate or semi-automate various filling operations. A user interface may be interconnected to the controller for providing input of various system operation parameters, which may be communicated to the controller to facilitate automated or semi-automated operation of the filing system.

Abstract: A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.